Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo Essay: uWink Hollywood & Highland Media Party
The new 7,300-square-foot Hollywood & Highland location of uWink (its first location is in Woodland Hills) opens to the general public tonight at 5pm. But last night we were able to take a sneak peek of the high-tech interactive restaurant at the media party where we had free reign over the food menu and extensive cocktail list and could order directly through a touchscreen at our tables instead of going through a waiter. Dangerous for the wallet and the liver, considering how easy they make it to ask for another drink.
And yes, it was a bit overwhelming pouring over the cocktail list, the specialty cocktail list, the different liquor types, and the beer list. Our "entertainment director" (read: waiter) came over several times as we tried to decide what we wanted to drink. And once we picked our cocktail we considered the different ways to customize it. "Umm, Hollywood Nights Martini on the rocks with no maraschino cherry, please."
Even though we took forever coming to a decision, the drinks and food were served quickly. Most of our interaction was with the touchscreen but we had no shortage of attentive staff filling our orders, clearing our plates and answering our questions.
And yes, you can also play games via the touchscreen, either with the people at your table or with other tables on special nights. No word yet on where they are on developing technology so you can buy a drink for that cute guy or gal at the next table.
The 199-seat restaurant's soft opening to the public is tonight but the grand opening party will be on June 27 and 28 where diners can play games for prizes.
By the way, our friends in the Bay Area can look forward to a uWink opening up near them in Mountain View in summer of this year.
uWink Hollywood
Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Fourth Floor
Los Angeles, California 90028 (map)
(323) 466-1800
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
