Joseph's Cafe
1775 Ivar Ave.
Hollywood, CA
323-462-8697

Being seen Mondays at Joseph's.   Lawrence K. Ho / LAT

Until its recent renovations, Joseph's Cafe was a modest Greek restaurant, with cheap prices and little fanfare. Recently it upgraded its look by extending its outdoor patio, creating a dance area and giving the entire place an overhaul for a Monday scene that's become one of the hottest in town.

The patio area allows folks to dine, smoke and mingle, while the dance floor lures people with the sweet sounds coming off DJ Dave Orlando's turntables. Orlando plays fresh hip-hop all night long and dedicates the last hour to a bewitching blend of soul and funk. Mixing the sounds of War, Outkast and vintage Sly & the Family Stone, he's actually giving listeners a history lesson, and they eat it up. Needless to say, call in advance for dinner reservations or arrive early.