Movie stars aren’t the only celebrities in Los Angeles. With the craft cocktail movement in full shake, Los Angeles is home to some of the nation’s most prolific mixologists who are pushing the boundaries of a traditional mixed drink. Here are five of my favorite Los Angeles bars to get royally spoiled at:
SLS Hotel’s Bar Centro – If you want a drink made more like science experiment with billowing liquid nitrogen, blow torches and infusions, pull up a bar stool and let the show begin. Ask for Rob Floyd, head bartender of Bar Centro, and he’ll take care of you with not the slight bit of snobbery.
Playa Rivera – Julian Cox, head bartender of Chef John Sedlar Rivera’s second award-winning restaurant in Los Angeles, is a truly a Picasso when it comes to drinks. Although the cuisine is modern Latin, tequila cocktails make up just a few on the menu.
Hotel Roosevelt’s Library Bar – If you appreciate Farmers Market ingredients in your food, you’re gonna love Matthew Biancaniello’s cocktails made with in-season produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Bizarre but tasty elements utilized include white truffles, arugula, finger limes and star fruits.
Montage Hotel’s Ten Pound – This secret-in-the-know bar is a shrine to top-shelf spirits, Lalique crystal glassware and tableside made cocktails. Barman Nick Vitulli has no names for his cocktails, so just tell him what you like. Don’t be shy to make outrageous or picky requests, and he’ll meet your liquid needs with lovely flying colors.
Petite Ermitage’s Butterfly Bar – Brian Stewart, smartly dressed in a bow tie and vest, specializes in Pre-Prohibition cocktails and throws in a few original ones for fun like the Mayan Priest. The rooftop bar affords a blissful night overlooking the Hollywood skyline, but it’s a private club, so best to stay there or have a friend that is.
For more about each celebrity mixologist and what to order, read my full report on The Traveler’s Way.
For more bar reviews from LA’s queen of cocktails, check out Caroline on Crack’s blog.