The Onyx Sequel 1982-1998

Let me start by saying that I spent a lot of time at the cafe because it was quiet, comfortable and the owner, John Leech, had a knack for hiring the most beautiful and interesting women you could imagine.  All of them were different, some were artists, some were actors, some musicians, but they all had a certain self confidence that drove the place.  It was one of my favorite places not only to study, I was in college at the time in Los Angeles, but also just to get away from everyone I usually interacted with and be alone - in public.  The espresso and cappuccino drinks were fantastic.  I think I used to get an iced almond cappuccino there a lot. I certainly would get espresso often.  There was something else that this place had though, that made it my favorite cafe.


The Onyx was located on Vermont Ave. just off Hollywood Blvd. in the Los Feliz neighborhood.  It was the anchor for a hip little art/music scene and several little businesses cropped up in the same block in a short time.  I remember a place I used to call the Japanese Greasy Spoon that was not more than a doorway wide and had counter seating only.  They had the best Tempura and the noodles were fantastic.  Next to that was a book store that also sold underground magazines and maintained a huge stash of Bukowski, Burroughs and Thompson.  The movie theater next to that would show the type of arty films you would expect - Tie me up, Tie me down - Cinema Paradisso - etc.  I also remember a quirky store filled with Mexican religious knick knacks and T-shirts, and also I think there was a record store.  The message here was that this place was in the heart of a thriving, but quiet and cool neighborhood in close proximity to big bad Hollywood, but almost an island to its own.


The Onyx was not just a cafe, but also an art gallery.  Although this is not one of my main interests, I enjoyed the changing scenery and general atmosphere provided by some odd LA art.  It worked for me.  But there was also something else that worked at this place.  A calmness.  I can still remember sitting in the window or just outside at a sidewalk table and looking out across the street to the four story apartment building and thinking - I should live here someday.  I have everything I need (including two or three good restaurants nearby - not including Burrito King - which kicks ass).  That time of my life and that place will always be a sort of peaceful perfection that I never will really find again.


To the Onyx!