“Peppermint schnapps, anyone?” echoes in your mind. That was the siren call of Jumbo’s Clown Room in its early days. It still stands here on Hollywood Boulevard. Jumbo’s is not just a bar. It is a landmark.
Originally, Jumbo’s Clown Room opened its doors on June 27, 1970. Jumbo wanted a place where he and his friends could have some fun. Back then, bottled beers were 45 cents. Cocktails cost 50 cents. Shots of peppermint schnapps were a dollar. A shot and a beer for $1.45 became a tradition.
Imagine the bar’s early vibe. It was like a cozy living room. Red barrel chairs surrounded a fireplace. Tables held candles and clown ashtrays. Red bar stools and booths lined the walls. Mrs. Jumbo made huge pots of food to share. No dancers existed yet just a fun place to hang out.
The Sylmar earthquake in 1971 brought more people to Jumbo’s. Celebrating life became a priority. Jumbo even started a monthly newsletter called “Clowning Around”. It featured party pictures and a “Clown of the Month”. Winners received a color television.
In 1972, Jumbo’s Drinking Team formed. A $10 card got members one free drink every day for a year. Pillow parties began in 1973. Tables disappeared. Pillows covered the floor. Guests sat on the floor next to Japanese tables. Free pizza came every Thursday.
Jumbo’s Halloween parties in 1975 welcomed everyone. Even hookers dressed as nuns joined the fun. A disco theme in 1976 brought a mirrored ball, a smoke machine, and a top-of-the-line sound system.
The big change came in 1982. The pizza oven went out. So did the fireplace. A stage appeared. Pole dancers arrived. Jumbo’s became a pole dancing club, fondly called “Cheers with Tits”. The pool table left because fights were bad. Girls were good.
Jumbo’s daughter took over in 1990. She kept the club going strong. She remembers the 70s as the “best of times and the wildest”. The venue changed decor from a living room to disco to country western and then pole dancers. Jumbo’s always welcomed everyone for a good time.
Over the years, Jumbo’s Clown Room has seen famous faces. Charles Bukowski drank here. David Lynch wrote “Blue Velvet” here. Courtney Love danced here. Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead considered it his second living room. Anthony Bourdain loved this bar.
Today, Jumbo’s Clown Room is a mix of rock n’ roll dive bar and burlesque. You can see live performances. They include contortion, pole acrobatics, and go-go dancing. Jumbo’s offers a full dive bar selection of drinks. There are no TVs to distract from the show. The clientele is colorful and eclectic. Tipping the dancers and bartenders is encouraged.
Jumbo’s has a family-owned feel. Even during the pandemic, the spirit lived on. The “Cyber Clown Girls” show kept the dancers performing online. They even donated to LGBTQ+ and reproductive justice causes.
So, step inside Jumbo’s Clown Room. Experience a piece of Hollywood history. Feel the energy and the unique charm. This place is more than just a bar. It’s a legendary destination.