Unintended Icons: 3 Legendary Restaurants and Bars with Surprising Origins

Ambiance is the heartbeat of any restaurant or bar, turning good food and drinks into unforgettable experiences. The right blend of furniture, lighting, music, and decor can elevate a space—but nothing captures the imagination like a location steeped in history. These three iconic establishments show how unexpected beginnings can create unforgettable destinations.

The Edison: Power Plant Turned Steampunk Paradise

What was once Los Angeles’ first downtown power plant has been reimagined as a gothic, steampunk-inspired bar.

The Higgins Building, named for Irish-American immigrant Thomas Higgins, has worn many hats since its construction over a century ago on vtrahe. It’s served as office and retail spaces, a hub for LA’s roaring 1920s music scene, a headquarters for the Bureau of Engineering and General Petroleum, and even a rooftop café for the Women’s Progressive League. But beneath its bustling facade lay an often-overlooked basement, home to one of the city’s pioneering electric generation stations.

When Andrew Meieran purchased The Higgins in 1998, the basement was a waterlogged relic, submerged under eight feet of water. Nearly a decade later, in 2007, he and his partner transformed the space into a dazzling cocktail lounge, embracing its industrial roots. Decked out with Edison-era lightbulbs and a sound system playing music from an antique Edison cylinder player, The Edison bar offers a stunning blend of history and modern creativity. Meieran’s imaginative nod to the building’s past truly lit up the downtown nightlife scene.

Arlene’s Grocery: From Bodega to Rock ‘n’ Roll Mecca

Who would have guessed that a humble bodega and butcher shop in Manhattan’s Lower East Side would one day become a cornerstone of the music world? That’s exactly what happened when the two were purchased and transformed in 1995. Arlene’s Grocery retained its unassuming name and storefront, but inside, it became a gritty, intimate venue for emerging talent.

This transformation coincided with the neighborhood’s rise as a nightlife hotspot, making Arlene’s a must-visit for music lovers. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in the industry—Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, Jeff Buckley, and The Strokes before they skyrocketed to fame in 2000. Today, the venue continues to showcase rising stars seven nights a week. Though the exterior may still confuse the occasional shopper, Arlene’s Grocery remains a rock ‘n’ roll institution.

Forbes Island: The Floating Dream That Found New Purpose

In 1975, millionaire Forbes Kiddoo dreamed of creating a one-of-a-kind floating home in Sausalito, California. Weighing 700 tons and featuring 15 rooms, the ambitious project faced pushback from local residents, ultimately forcing Kiddoo to relocate in 1991.

Rather than abandon his dream, Kiddoo secured approval to dock Forbes Island in San Francisco, where it became a unique seaside restaurant at Pier 39. For two decades, this floating landmark delighted tourists with its underwater dining rooms and lighthouse views. However, after fires and extensive renovations, Kiddoo retired in 2017, closing the restaurant.

Today, under new ownership, Forbes Island has found a second life as an event venue in the Sacramento River Delta. What started as a personal project became a beloved local treasure, proving that even unconventional ideas can leave lasting impressions.

The Takeaway

These establishments began as something entirely different—an industrial basement, a modest neighborhood shop, and a floating residence—only to evolve into cultural icons. Their stories remind us that with creativity, determination, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, even the most unlikely spaces can become legendary destinations.