It's finally here, and the excitement is palpable as Star Wars: The Last Jedi enters the public consciousness. Not surprisingly, the Force seems especially strong in the Los Angeles area and the mothership of movie superfandom, Hollywood Boulevard.
Not far from TCL Chinese Theatre—where fans have been lining up for the premiere since last week—Star Wars, sci-fi, and just cosplay fans have been bellying up to two themed pop-up bars, where every night feels like Comic-Con. Darkside Bar, at the Hollywood & Highland mall (two other locations are in New York City and Washington, D.C.) features themed drinks like the Mind Trick and the Galaxy, with dry ice and LED ice cubes, and small plates of Tentacles on Sticks (BBQ octopus skewers).
Meanwhile, Scum & Villainy Cantina (on Hollywood Boulevard) was inspired by Mos Eisley, the iconic bar featured in the original Star Wars film (and whose scene was filmed in part in Death Valley). The bar—where “costumes are always highly encouraged”—recently announced that it is going permanent with its own themed drinks, food, and games (Wednesday is Trivia Night). It’s not just about Star Wars, either: Trekkies will appreciate the bar’s Illogical Cocktail, with chili-pepper-infused tequila and mango.
The Dark Side is slated to be open on select nights through January 14; you can walk in, but reservations are encouraged. Scum and Villainy is open every night but Mondays and Tuesdays; all ages are allowed before 9 p.m.
Would-be Jedis can find more sequel-themed attractions elsewhere. At Disneyland Resort, scenes from The Last Jedi now appear in the Star Tours ride, and you can often say hello to a strolling Kylo Ren, or buy stuffed porgs or porg pins, around the two theme parks. (For the uninitiated, porgs are poised to become the 21st century answer to Ewoks.)
Check out our tips on where else you can visit California locations from various Star Wars films, or take a mental trip with Star Wars characters on their ultimate California vacations.