Prepare to step into a time capsule as Zero Lounge, Hollywood’s first Y2K-themed cocktail bar, gears up to transport patrons back to the year 2000. The bar is currently in the build-out phase and is expected to open this fall at 1710 N Hudson Ave.
The new lounge is the brainchild of Kevin De Nicolo, a musician-turned-entrepreneur with a passion for retro culture. De Nicolo, who spent much of his twenties composing music for indie films and video games, developed a love for the bar scene while DJing in Los Angeles. The sense of community he observed in well-run bars sparked his desire to create a space that fosters connections.
“Highly immersive theme bars were my favorite,” De Nicolo explains. “I saw how, as a business owner, you can foster community and really put out a certain energy that attracts certain kinds of people.” This idea, paired with his love for older music, media, and entertainment, formed the foundation for Zero Lounge.
Inspired by the early 2000s and the vaporwave aesthetic, Zero Lounge is a love letter to a bygone era, but with a modern twist. “It’s about celebrating an older media culture while also acknowledging the needs of today’s bar-going audience,” De Nicolo says. For him, Zero Lounge isn’t just a place to indulge in nostalgia; it’s an antidote to the doom-scrolling culture that permeates modern life. “People want a reason to go out. We want to give them that escape.”
The bar’s interior, designed by FTB.DESIGN, draws heavily from vaporwave and cyberpunk aesthetics. FTB, known for its work in film, TV, and hospitality, has created a space that feels both retro and futuristic, blending neon lights, nostalgic décor, and a modern atmosphere.
The cocktail menu was crafted by expert mixologist Katie DiMento, who has curated drinks like the Spice Girl Sour, Afterschool PB&J, and Tamagotchi Tea.
“We’re not just cashing in on the Y2K trend,” De Nicolo clarifies. “We’re creating something deeper—a space where people can relive those moments and feel understood.” The lounge will also host trivia nights, karaoke, DJ performances, and even themed events like Shrek and Twilight nights.
As De Nicolo looks forward to the bar’s opening, he’s confident that Zero Lounge will resonate with visitors both old and young. “The newer generations are already embracing the Y2K aesthetic, and we want to be a part of that conversation.”
Follow Zero Lounge on Instagram @zeroloungela for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
