Los Angeles tourists are no strangers to the House of Blues. Since its opening, people from all over the world have been flocking to the Hollywood nightclub for some of the finest musical talents the world has to offer (the legendary Pat Benatar played the night we visited and she was awesome!). But the club is now gaining new popularity in a new venue, that of culinary arts --at least ever since the opening of their newly designed Porch Restaurant.

Decorated in a down-home, back woods southern style, you might almost forget that outside the restaurant's doors is not a Louisiana bayou, but the bustling traffic of Sunset Blvd. The traditional setting, with select porch style furniture located throughout the venue, gives each visitor the feeling of actually sitting under a warm Southern night sky, complete with bright flickering lights that give the essence of jovial fireflies in the night. The walls are adorned with the largest publicly displayed collection of Outsider Folk Art in the world.

From the service to the food, it's Southern hospitality all the way. Diners will feast on traditional favorites like ribs or fried chicken, updated with a bit of California flair. But the Porch Restaurant offers House of Blues visitors more than just a great meal.

The new "pass the line" privilege gives diners with concert tickets first access into the concert hall after dining. The venue also has initiated a new "greeters" program that provides guests with staff assistance from the moment they step out of their car, to the time they are seated, ready to answer and assist with any questions. Diners park in a prime, convenient location, with easy entrance access directly into the restaurant. The Porch at House of Blues can also offer guests a completely separate dining experience with the option of moving into the concert hall later that evening for the night's entertainment. The main dining room is now separated by a soundproof glass wall that allows for a more tranquil dining experience, for those that prefer to dine undisturbed by the entertainment in the concert hall below. A three-piece blues band keeps diners entertained in a more subtle fashion.

Nonetheless, the Porch Restaurant still knows how to rock. If you prefer your dinner with concert, there are tables along the rail of the upper mezzanine, probably the best seats in the house.

One last thing the House of Blues is famous for is their drinks, and the opening of the Porch brought with it some wonderful new libations. Those clever folks at the HOB had a wonderful drink presentation as well, serving super sized cocktails in Mason jars with a glow stick as a swizzle stick. The result was a room full of people sipping eerily glowing concoctions. It was most magical.

We were able to convince the folks at the HOB to share some of these special drink recipes with us. That way, you can make them at home, even if you can't make it to the club. But I warn you, the effect will be lacking. Unless of course, you know Pat Benatar and she's willing to do a show in your backyard.

The Porch at House of Blues, part of the world-renowned House of Blues on Sunset Strip, offers a full service, dining experience complete with new Southern cuisine and hospitality. Open 11:30am to 5:00pm for lunch Monday through Saturday (complimentary valet parking for lunch until 3:00 p.m.), and 5:00pm to midnight for dinner. Late night menu is offered until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Porch Restaurant at House of Blues is located at 8430 Sunset Boulevard. For dinner reservations, please call (323) 848-5123. You can also click here to visit the House of Blues website.