Mandrake Bar

Culver City, Los Angeles –

Breaking through the stereotypes of the usual dive bar, Mandrake offers a simple but oddly chic hangout for an eclectic crowd of artists, hipsters, and art lovers.

A plain “Bar” sign signals what’s to come as patrons step into a shoebox space decked out in retro 70s blonde-wood paneling and containing not much more than a shiny black backlit bar.

Tattooed sculptors in vintage shirts shoot the breeze with well-coifed gallery hoppers and young professionals, while indie rockers and goth girls settle in with their pretzels and cocktails on the lone wooden banquette and its line of tree-trunk tables.

A sign above the DJ says “No Dancing,” but that doesn't always stop the hipper-than-thou's twenty-somethings from shimmying where they stand as cult movies are projected against the black wall behind them.

A hidden alcove with tufted leather booths inevitably attracts newly formed couples sneaking off for some private time, while those looking for a breather or a smoke, elbow their way onto the cramped patio.

Laid-back and sociable, Mandrake offers a well-curated gallery of fun-loving artsy drinkers that will appeal to anyone interested in both the LA art scene and an upbeat evening out.