Three-Tier Restaurant on Sunset Strip to Combine Dining, Drinking—and Smoking

When Red Rock Bar & Café, the popular hangout on the Sunset Strip where locals have gone to kick back for the past 15 years, closed its doors in late December 2012, many wondered what kind of business would replace the staple of Weho nightlife.

An answer is finally here. In early May 2013, Red Rock will be replaced by State Social House, evidently a state-of-the-art space for dining, drinking and smoking that will offer three distinct social settings, according to Jane Summer, a publicist for the project.

The first setting will be a dining area on the ground floor designed to seat some 150 people. On the second floor will be a Piano Bar capable of seating 75 people. And finally, a smoker’s lounge, to be called The Backroom, will come up on the spot where Isla Cantina, a quaint little canteen, is currently located, Summer said. A selection of cigars will be available for purchase in The Backroom.

According to Summer, Isla will officially close its doors on Friday, March 29. On that day, a celebration will be held commemorating Isla's five years in business. More details about The Backroom will be provided as well.

State Social House will serve comfort food that will feature a number of small plates. As many as 20 beers will be available on tap, plus boutique wines and seasonal cocktails.

State Social House is the brainchild of Robert Silverberg, an attorney and entrepreneur who owns Isla Cantina, and Chef Vernon Cardenas, former corporate executive chef for such well-known restaurants as Boa, Katana, Sushi Roku and Pink Taco.

Except for the Piano Bar, which will open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., State Social House will be open throughout the week from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Construction on the project is currently underway in full swing.