Five Great Mixology Spots in Los Angeles

Jun 20, 2012 — Just in case you’ve been living under a (Rolling) rock for the last several years, cocktailing in LA has become serious business, so anyone looking to step up to a drinking world well-removed from basic beer doesn’t have to go far.

Every day it seems like some new mixology bar opens up promising avant-garde inebriants like refined elderflower infused with hand-pressed palm fruit rum and garnished in unicorn tears, all served in a thimble-sized cup you have to drink while strung upside down in an orchid-steamed hyperbaric chamber.

There are certainly plenty of instances where folks go overboard on their quest for unique drinks, but thankfully here at Party Earth we aren’t so big on gimmicks (nor are we very big in Japan…yet). We just want a good glass of quality booze served up by a person who takes their job seriously.

And probably didn’t get their bartending certification in their mom’s basement.

Are these the best mixology spots in LA? Maybe, maybe not. But we love them and we’re pretty sure everyone but that weeping unicorn will too.

1
The Varnish

Bar / Speakeasy
Why we love it: Some places call themselves speakeasies because they think it will attract more business, but it takes more than just a secret entrance and faux-vintage furnishings to give a place an authentic, old-school vibe. The Varnish is hardly a secret, but after a few drinks inside this tiny Prohibition-styled joint – hidden behind Cole’s restaurant – you’ll feel like you’re breaking the law just by being there. It’s a great feeling, too, bolstered by a festive crowd of artsy regulars and notoriously friendly bartenders. Friendly, that is, unless you tell them to hurry it up; these boys take their time with each drink, and it’s worth the wait.
- Review
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Downtown

118 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

213‑622‑9999
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2
The Roger Room

Bar / Speakeasy
Why we love it: Yeah, it’s pricey. Double yeah, it’s always packed. But despite its popularity, The Roger Room doesn’t take itself too seriously, with polka-dot-laden menus, circus-themed murals, and 60s soul bumpin’ in the background. There’s also a mirrored ceiling, so you can tell who’s going bald and secretly search for hotties as you enjoy one of the twenty-six ever-changing seasonal cocktails, all served up by vest-clad bartenders with old-fashioned charm. Did we mention the mirrored ceiling?
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Beverly Grove

370 North La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048

310‑854‑1300
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3
Copa d'Oro

Bar / Lounge
Why we love it: It’s never a raging party at Copa d’Oro, but that’s part of the charm, making it a great place to gather with friends and catch up while you sip inordinately fresh drinks. Our favorite is the “market cocktail” list, where you can choose your own core ingredients and then let the boys behind the bar work their magic, mixing in fruits from the local farmers’ market with delectable additions like buffalo trace bourbon and walnut liqueur. Add that to the $5 price tag on select cocktails during Happy Hour…and you had us at $5.
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Santa Monica / Westside

217 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401

310‑576‑3030
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4
Villains Tavern

Bar / Live Music Venue / Tavern
Why we love it: It’s in the middle of nowhere, at least in LA terms, perched a block from the river in the Industrial District and surrounded by a whole lot of jack diddily. But Villains Tavern manages to attract fun-loving drinkers from all over town with creative cocktails served up in Mason jars and dance-friendly live music most nights. The place looks like an old warehouse-meets-apothecary, with a little bit of spooky cathedral mixed in, but after a few deliciously dorky drinks like the Stan Lee or the Princess Bride and you’ll instantly feel at home.
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Downtown

1356 Palmetto Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

213‑613‑0766
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5
St. Felix (Hollywood)

Bar / Lounge / Restaurant
Why we love it: Alright, so cocktail snobs might be put off by the sugary sweet concoctions that dominate the menu, but we challenge you to only drink one of St. Felix’s chocolate martinis, raspberry mojitos, or pear Manhattans. And the Smores ice cream sandwich is ridiculous (though we suggest you actually eat that one). Located steps from the epicenter of the exclusive Hollywood club scene, this chic-industrial space avoids feeling pretentious, and the Happy Hour runs till 8pm every single saintly day.
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Hollywood

1602 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

323‑469‑5001
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Links: Bars in LA Cocktail Bars in LA Bars and Clubs in LA
Tags: Nightlife, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Mixology, Mixology Lovers, Food & Drink

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