Former Location –
This location has a long history as a club, for a while, it was home to Harry’s Open Pit Barbeque. Harry’s had a strong rock n roll connection due to all of the studios and related businesses nearby.
According to a 1990 profile, the club could hold around 235 people (including patio), though only 50–60 could actually see the band on the low stage. Because of its size, the club wasn’t meant to compete with the big glam venues; instead, it emphasized showcasing up-and-coming bands — often before they had record deals.
The location’s longest incarnation was as the Coconut Teaszer which caught a bit of scandal as Heidi Fleiss’ club of choice and employment agency for her prostitution ring.
The club ran a bi-weekly showcase called “L.A.’s Best Kept Secrets”, where unsigned bands played for audiences including record-label talent scouts.
Bands who’ve played here include legends like Bo Diddley, The Chambers Brothers, Wallflowers, Green Day, Moby Grape, Mick Taylor, Ian McLagan and Jackie Lomax, Weezer, Stray Cats, Social Distortion, Hole, and The Gin Blossoms.
Noteworthy Concerts Held At Coconut Teaszer
6/9/2000 – Linkin Park
9/9/1994 – Incubus
4/16/1993 – Weezer
12/17/1993 – Korn
3/20/1992 – Spin Doctors
6/27/1992 – Stray Cats
4/14/1991 – Green Day
12/23/1990 – The Dickies
6/8/1990 – Ohio Players
10/18/1989 – The Posies
12/28/1989 – Love
9/14/1989 – Dread Zeppelin
Coconut Teaszer
8117 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90046
Any photos of the interior?
The Coconut was one of the most awesome dance clubs back in the 80’s for late night after 2 am. into the early morning with DJ Alex. He was so totally kool, and played all of the latest new wave hits, and 12 ” dances mixes. This was in room # 1 near the front enters. And the bands in the back room # 2 was always great to listen to and watch as you waited for your drinks or water, and cool down from dancing your ass off. I remember that Bewitches” Elizabeth Montgoery ” son worked there as a bartander for a while back than, can remember his name. I also met Robert Blake daughter and would get a chance sometime to dance with her. See was a amazing dancer !!!!!!. Back than if you were into new wave it was a Most that you had to know how to Dance , and to be able to dance all night long ! It was like going to see one of the bands you love at the” Palace” on Vine St. and get to stay after the concert and dance your ass off, all nite long. Are going there after 2 AM clubs had closed, waiting in line for your chance to get in and dance the night away. Are burning up the dance floor at Club Seven Sea’s, and trying to out dance some Hollywood’s many totally awesome dancers, who came from everywhere to show off their dance stuff . While the Dj’s rocked all the hottest new wave sounds. And everyone wearing all the latest new wave, punk rock, & just sexy rocker style clothes they could get their hand on, to match the styles in the MTV videos we watched. life was just about music and dancing and it made everything else seem a-lot less weird. I miss all that fun. I loved Richard Blade, and any where he was the Dj. Or any of the KROQ guys were playing.And still now 80’s club nite is the place to party for me. I’ll love new wave music forever !!!
Thanks, Anonymous – Awesome trip down memory lane!
I came along a little later on thse timeline, but hair bands were still rocking the Sunset Strip & people were still dancing! We were just doing the Heshin drummer dance to GenR!
Thank you for sharing this, great memories!! I can remember getting tequila shots for .75 cents before 10 PM, after 10 the price went up.
Had a blast going here in 1980’s
Great Bands, DJ, Drinks!!
All the guys had English accents
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!
Mid 90’s…my boyfriends band, Dog Tooth Violet, played here a few times. I remember hanging out in the yard, smoking Sherman’s. The best days :-)
Played a couple gigs there and saw quite a few as well. They had quite the rockin scene going on, it really was an awesome and fun place to hang out. Great tacos outside in the patio and AMAZING fresh banana daquiris made from the bunches of fresh bananas hanging on the wall behind the bar…anyone know the recipe???
I played there twice with my band REX in the late eighties and early nineties. It was the first time I came over from Holland to do a clubtour in L.A. I loved the vibe and the atmosphere. It’s a shame places like that disappear!
I lived close by and was a regular customer from the time they opened. Most people don’t know that they opened as a fish restaurant! They served their signature cocktail, Coconut Teaszer out of a coconut resting in a large schooner of ice.