THE POWER DRINK EDIT: THURSTQUEEN SHARES 5 HIDDEN GEM BARS IN LOS ANGELES FOR IMPRESSING "INDUSTRY PEOPLE"
LA’s an industry town, let’s face it. The City of Angels is run by the Entertainment Biz.
You’d be hard-pressed to not run into someone in Los Angeles who's not an actor/writer/director/producer/agent/manager/ executive/VFX artist/et cetera. Basically? It’s a town of show folk.
As for me, I’m a bit of an oddball who toes the line in both industries. I don’t really like to talk about much other than wine in this blog, but when I’m not writing about wine I write about whiskey and I write some screenplays as well.
My brief forrays in the Entertainment Industry have led me to make some friends who work in this field. These friends work at production companies, agencies, distribution companies or what have you. As soon as they find out how I pay my rent, they always end up asking me the same question:
“Where can I get a good drink in this town?”
You see, dear reader, drinks are a kind of Entertainment Industry ritual. A lot of the people I know who work in that industry absolutely love getting drinks. Personally, I think it’s because it’s fun. It’s also less intimate than getting dinner, cheaper, and the alcohol acts as a sort of social lubrication that facilitates business.
Drinks are a way for the folks who work in this high-pressure town to wind down, shoot the shit, talk shit, and get a good buzz on in the process.
But sometimes, drinks are also about impressing people. Whether you’re an agent with a client you’re trying to woo, or an executive trying to impress another executive, it’s always helpful to know a couple of good places in this town to have drinks, have a good time and maybe, just maybe make some shit happen.
Now, I’m sure there will be some industry folks reading this post with one very specific question:
BUT WHY ARE ALL THESE BARS ON THE EAST SIDE THOUGH?
Ummm….. because the East Side is where all the best bars in LA are? Hellooooooo?
But seriously, I get it, a lot of studios, production companies, and major agencies like to have drinks on the West Side. And the arguments for that usually are “convenience” or “traffic” but the truth is? If you live in LA, you’re going to have to deal with traffic regardless. And I’m sorry, as a former East Side who moved to the West Side - and is now thankfully moving back again - I gotta say it. West Side bars, well… they’re a bit… Erm…. Behind. At least for now.
If you want to get a good cocktail, you should consider making your way East of La Brea. Besides, these bars are worth the Uber money.
FOR WHISKEY FANS - TRY SEVEN GRAND
(Photo: Seven Grand LA)
Who doesn’t love a glass of whiskey? Seven Grand is quite possibly LA’s premiere institution for all things whiskey-related. This lodge-themed bar in the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles has a casual, pretense-free vibe and enough whiskeys to make any whiskey lover lose their friggin’ mind at the place. Seven Grand also has some premium offerings from Michters, Yamazaki, and Old Rip Van Winkle. For live music lovers, Seven Grand also has live jazz and soul music from 10PM - 1AM. If you’re looking for something a bit more private, make a reservation at Seven Grand’s speakeasy, Bar Jackalope.
FOR BEAUTIFUL AMBIANCE - TRY APOTHEKE
(Photo: Apotheke LA)
Apotheke is one of LA’s hidden gems. The flagship bar was based out of New York City, and LA’s location opened about five years ago. I know this because the kind folks running this spot were clients of yours truly. In short, Apotheke was my baby.
Though the cocktails have a bit of a higher price point, they are absolutely worth it. Apotheke does everything in-house, and I mean, everything. This place makes its own bitters, harvests herbs for garnishes in its own garden — you get the picture. With a stunning Art Deco ambiance, Apotheke is about as beautiful and sexy as a bar can get. The space is situated in an abandoned warehouse in Chinatown near East LA and is off the beaten path from the typical “sceney” spots in Hollywood and West Hollywood. For more of a private feel, grab a drink on the back patio. There’s usually a DJ spinning lowkey trip-hop or electronica.
FOR OENOPHILES WHO LISTEN TO NIRVANA - TRY BAR BANDINI
(Photo: Bar Bandini)
Before the natural wine movement took off in LA, there was Bar Bandini. This Echo Park institution looks relatively unassuming off the Sunset Strip, but inside is a moody sexy AF wine cave that channels major ‘90s grunge vibes. With natural wines that come in all the colors of the rainbow and super helpful staff, Bar Bandini is the perfect intimate spot to hit up in the East Side after work, grab a glass of wine, and chat all things business.
FOR A CLASSIC COCKTAIL AND AN INTIMATE VIBE - TRY THE VARNISH
(Photo: The Varnish)
Hidden behind Coles French Dip off 6th is a tiny little speakeasy and pre-prohibition cocktail nirvana. Are you a Sazerac fan? Do you fancy a Daiquiri done right? What about a Rob Roy? Well, The Varnish is a place that should definitely be on your radar. Though the bartenders over at The Varnish can make anything. This multi-award-winning cocktail bar is steeped in history and channels major 1920s vibes. The Varnish is small, so either arrive early or expect to wait prior to getting in.
FOR LOCAL CRAFT BEER - TRY XELAS
(Photo: Xelas)
This adorable beer bar in Boyle Heights has a great selection of local, affordable craft beers. Beer enthusiasts can find offerings from Norwalk Brew House, Brouerji West, and nearby Boomtown Brewing Company to name a few. Xelas has a pretense-free, neighborhood vibe and is a great spot to have casual drinks and incredible Mexican food. If beer is not your vibe, the Margaritas are rock solid.
There are honestly so many more bars where that list came from, but I hope you find it somewhat helpful the next time you’re trying to figure out a good spot in this city to do #powerdrinks.