The Rainbow Bar and Grill is a bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, adjacent to the border of Beverly Hills, California is located at 9015 Sunset. The bottom level of the Rainbow is the restaurant, The Rainbow Bar and Grill. Upstairs is an exclusive club called "Over the Rainbow". The Over the Rainbow consists of a full bar, dance floor, and a DJ booth. The club is usually reserved for musicians and others whom the bouncers allow access to. It is a very select crowd. It was originally owned by film director Vincente Minnelli, at the time married to Judy Garland. It quickly became known as a hangout for celebrities of all types. John Belushi ate his last meal (Lentil Soup) at table #16, and Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe had their first date at the Rainbow. In the 1970s, it became known as a hangout for rock musicians, especially those of the highest level of celebrity, and those who would follow them including groupies. Notable regulars at the Rainbow in this period include John Lennon, Keith Moon, Billy Dior, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Led Zeppelin, Lizzy Valentine and many others. Even Elvis Presley was known to have occasionally visited the Rainbow. The musical group Rainbow was named after this club. As musical trends on the Strip changed towards heavy metal in the 1980s, the Rainbow followed suit. Members of Mötley Crüe, D'Molls, and Guns N' Roses frequented the bar. It was mentioned in a number of songs, such as "Sunset and Babylon" by W.A.S.P. and "Peach Kelli Pop" by Redd Kross, and featured in the videos of "November Rain", "Estranged" and "Don't Cry" by Guns N' Roses. The Rainbow still attracts celebrities, but its clientèle is increasingly aging as fashions have passed it by. The Rainbow has never abandoned its rock 'n roll character. In staying true to its rock 'n roll character, the Rainbow's dance club, Over the Rainbow, still only plays rock music today. This music consists of today's and yesterday's hits and b-sides. In September 2004 Tom Bondhus celebrated his 40th Birthday with friends at the Rainbow. In June 2005 the Rainbow Las Vegas opened.
See also
- Gazzari's (Bill Gazzari)
- Sunset Strip
- The Roxy Theatre
- Troubadour
- Whisky A Go-Go
- Viper Room
- Motörhead
