St. Felix (West Hollywood) Restaurant

West Hollywood, Los Angeles –

The Sunset Strip rocker set and West Hollywood’s LGBT crowd find a convergence point at St. Felix, a tiny bar and restaurant that makes an excellent pre-game spot before venturing off to rowdier prospects – or sticking around to lounge away the night.

People-watchers can sling pitchers of the popular house sangria and watch the eccentric chaos of Santa Monica flow by from the sidewalk patio, a space that usually fills up early thanks to a daily Happy Hour and LA’s persistent sunshine.

A mix of subtle kitsch and boudoir details give the narrow interior a subtly sultry vibe, with exposed brick and damask-covered walls setting off the black leather booths and low group tables. A rather bizarre collection of photos and paintings complete the décor, ranging from semi-erotic collages to Burt Reynolds butt-naked on a bearskin to a painting of Billy Dee Williams holding a Colt 45.

A small bites menu keeps guests satisfied with mac and cheese, Kobe sliders, and sweet potato fries, while the popular specialty cocktails get the most play off the drinks list, especially the watermelon martini, the house mojito, and the vodka and jalapeno-infused Firecracker.

Given the venue’s size, it doesn’t take much to get crowded, especially in the hours before local clubs and music venues get going, but anyone in need of an easy place to start the night or a cool respite from the surrounding party scene will find St. Felix quite the West Hollywood sanctuary.