Las Perlas Lounge / Tequila Bar

Downtown, Los Angeles –

A small bar specializing in the agave-powered greatness of mezcal, Las Perlas features a menu centered on this Oaxacan favorite, from rare “mezcaleros” meant to be sipped slowly, to intricate fruity cocktails meant to be guzzled by the gallon as well as a long list of tequila, which is actually a form of mezcal.

A hybrid of upscale Mexican drinking den and classic speakeasy, the décor consists of lime-hued lighting and low metal stools punctuated by earth-toned ceilings and long shelves of vintage bottles hung just high enough that groups of post-grads don’t get any ideas after downing too many jalapeño- and chili-based Spiced Daisy margaritas.

Well-dressed office types and mezcal purists take over the colorful plaid-topped tables to sample new varietals paired with draft beer, as younger party types sweeten their night with drinks with fancy ingredients – like muddled berries, bacon bitters, and ginger syrup – before hitting the Downtown clubs.

Except for the occasional rowdiness at the lone pool table, the venue tends to be a relaxed haunt, though couples looking to escape the noise of the jukebox or weekend DJs can always sneak out to the street-side patio to watch the traffic buzz by.

There’s a saying in Mexico – “For everything bad, mezcal; and for everything good, too” – and Las Perlas surely prompts a lot of Angelinos to say the same thing.