Sin Banderas was founded on a simple concept: a handful of friends from different places around the world that shared a passion for travel and the art of winemaking. The intention is to craft high quality, ultra-small batch wines that bring delight to both the nose and the palate. By keeping their quantity small, they are able to focus their energy on giving the maximum amount of care and attention to their craft, from hand-harvesting our grapes to using guaranteed TCA-free corks.
This Rose made by Jacki Evans was awarded ‘Best Rose by the Glass’ and the ‘Best Rose by the Bottle’. It’s a great wine to order on a night out.
This dry & fruity wine is made of syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, and grenache.
This delicately off-dry rose is both sly and playful. Delicate pink hues are complimented generously by aromas of strawberry and tropical fruits. The palate opens with a shy tartness that evolves into a fruity yet florally forward rich experience, followed by a crisp and clean finish.
Jacki was born and bred in Texas and studied Biology at the University of Texas in Austin. She has over 10 years of winemaking experience with 15 harvests around the world, including Napa Valley of California, Willamette Valley of Oregon, the Great Southern of Western Australia, Barossa Valley of South Australia, Burgenland, Austria, and Marlborough, New Zealand. During this time, she studied winemaking at Napa Valley College and whatever else she could get her hands on. She’s been in the Yakima Valley of Washington State making wine with Owen Roe Winery since the 2013 vintage. Jacki loves wine, traveling, and all the good things in life.
The team celebrated their win as best rose of the year from the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards. Image source facebook.
Sand Banders’ award-winning Rose is available from their online store and the various restaurants and boutiques that stock their wine. They are still growing and will be available more extensively as time goes forward, so stay tuned!
Recently crowned the city of champions with the Lakers and the Dodgers winning the NBA and World Series titles respectively, Los Angeles has been full of buzz and celebrations owing to a double championship celebration. While the usual bus parades have not been possible because of Covid restrictions, people have had their share of fun to celebrate a moment of victory for the city in a year full of uncertainty. While these two championships have brought Los Angeles new laurels, it has always been a champion at one particular aspect.
LA’s nightlife and bar scene have been at the top of the world for a long time now and its longevity and success is owed to a number of bars and restaurants that have put on a show of consistency and class for a number of years now. If you are on the lookout for a celebratory cocktail or a good time, here are a few bars you should not miss out on.
The NoMad: Colourful interior and furniture amp up the excitement at The NoMad almost as much as its drinks menu and its excellently trained team of experts ensure you have a gala time any time of the day. A wonderfully crafted 40-drinks menu and the chance to relish some of them once the sun sets in Downtown Los Angeles, The NoMad offers an experience of the Los Angeles drinking scene unlike any other.
Image Source: The NoMad Hotel, Los Angeles Facebook
Melody: Located in Virgil Village, Melody is dedicated to bringing low intervention wines from around the globe to Los Angeles. A natural wine bar, it gives great attention to wines from France, Italy and Spain. While it is one of the newcomers to the LA bar scene, their open-air standalone wine bar has captivated audiences from the city because of the great service, ambiance and drinks menu.
Image Source: Melody website
The Spare Room: Travelling back in time to Old Hollywood with high spirits and cocktails that keep you company, The Spare Room is a mix of modernized culture and a tinge of a throwback. Fresh fruits and orchids dominate a menu full of punch bowls that make you want to party all day long; The Spare Room is in itself an enthralling experience on a street full of experiences to savor for a lifetime.
Image Source: The Spare Room, Facebook
Post & Beam: To keep things simple and to the point, this is a bar where you will be beaming with unapologetic joy the whole time you are there. One of the most fascinating menus in the entire LA bar scene, Post & Beam has a great take on whiskey-based classic cocktails to go along with great food and also a chance to have a rum-based martini, The Slow Boat. They have expanded since bars reopened post the lockdown, and are back to serving the best drinks in a bigger space.
Image Source: Post & Beam Facebook
Las Palmas Pop Up: Imagine sitting down with your friends, chatting your hearts out with a 360-degree view of the LA skyline and bam come some of the finest drinks in the city right to your table. What more could you wish for right! The Las Palmas Pop Up at E.P and L.P is exactly that with all the drinks available by glass or pitcher, depending on your mood.
Image Source: E.P & L.P Facebook
Accomplice: From a cocktail and drinks menu that screams variety and a choice of cuisine from the lands of Japan, Taiwan and more, Accomplice has generated a great buzz in LA owing to their precision and a great staff that keeps the energy on every table equally high. A bar you should definitely not miss out on!
Image Source: Accomplice Bar, Facebook
Lanea: Santa Monica’s prime candidate for a must-visit bar list, Lanea has more than 400 spirits to offer with a wide variety of tequila and mezcal on their drinks menu. From a very intriguing happy hour prospect to a great outdoor patio to boast off, Lanea is taking all the right steps toward becoming an LA mainstay when it comes to the best bars in town.
Image Source: Lanea, Twitter handle
Big Bar: Why is Big Bar a cool spot to hang out at? It comes with a bar (obviously), and also has a bakery, cafe and great outdoor patios to go along with the bar to make you spoilt for choice. Of course, along with these they have got Cari Hah, one of the most prominent names in the LA Bartender circuit and that adds to its glamour big time.
Image Source: Big Bar, Facebook
The Backyard: Located in Chez Jay, The Backyard is one of the coolest bars to visit in LA. A place with great history, The Backyard is a creation of the dive bar to celebrate its 60 years of service. With a cozy backyard, a greatly cultured drinks menu and a great mix of breezy and chill vibes, The Backyard at Chez Jay is the place to be.
Image Source: Chez Jay & The Backyard, Facebook
Bar Covell: At first glance, Bar Covell might seem a traditional take on wine and dine (which is a great chance for sure), but it is more than just that. With over a hundred wines in their collection, Bar Covell owners have categorized them into fruity, clean and funky and give you great food to accompany it. Quite a unique take on how to do business and that makes them different and inviting.
Image Source: Bar Covell, Facebook
Pilot: From the rooftop of the Hoxton hotel in Downtown LA, we bring to you Pilot, a bar that offers you a great Mediterranean menu, house cocktails that contain a bit of everything, a pool deck by the bar and luscious views of the skyline. They also have happy hours with deals that will make you want to go there time and time again!
Image Source: Pilot DTLA, Facebook
Flying Embers Social Club and Brewery: One of the most compelling and bravest backstories behind their beginning, Flying Embers Social Club and Brewery is one of a kind bar in many ways. From donating proceeds to firefighters to having one of the coolest bar menus around LA, this is a must-try bar for anyone and everyone.
Image Source: Flying Embers Brew, Facebook
Thunderbolt: With a quirky take on some of the classic concoctions and a wide variety of spirits collections to go with an exciting food menu, Thunderbolt has it all to offer to the people of LA whether they decide to flock in on a gameday or after a long day at work. The music collection is bang on as well, adding to the bar’s exuberance and style.
Image Source: Thunderbolt Los Angeles, Facebook
Margot: One of Culver City’s poshest and most enticing bars, Margot sits on the rooftop of the Platform shopping center and boasts of an incredible 75 seat open-air patio. Debuted just about two years ago, Margot has a very Culver City dedicated atmosphere and also houses some of the most varied cocktail lists with a dedicated spot for floral and herbal infusions. Never a bad choice for a celebration!
Image Source: Margot Los Angeles, Facebook
Old Lightning: As the name would likely suggest, this one is a hidden bar in Venice, LA and is a weekday-only setting. With the seating narrowed down to just 25, you could guess the rush to get a reservation in order to enjoy some downtime here. What’s more, is the fact that it is home to more than 1000 spirits with great sets of modern and vintage classics available for the guests. Hurry and get your reservations!
Image Source: Old Lightning, Facebook
The Airliner Restaurant: If you are a sucker for history and tradition, revamped to give it a touch of modernized art, The Airliner Restaurant is just the place for you. From keeping in store a century of history to bringing to the table the good old classic concoctions with a touch of modern staples, this redesigned bar has got it all in store for LA’s people.
Image Source: The Airliner, Facebook
Genever: An all women-owned, very mildly marked bar in Filippino town, Genever is a gin dedicated cozy bar with an intense and minimalistic interior that soothes anyone who comes in. While it is gin that is all across the menu, rum and mezcal are available in a small portion of the menu, but this is one bar you have to try in order to get the love for gin flowing within you.
Image Source: Genever, Facebook
Botanica: Chances are when you visit Silverlake, the people around will lead you to this beautiful little bar and restaurant. A completely Silverlake devoted bar, Botanica gets all its food prepared from the local farm produce around the area. Their bar houses a great collection of natural wines and their cocktail collection is also a great choice for anyone who loves their drinks to be mildly sweet.
Gran Blanco: Sitting right under the Venice signboard, Gran Blanco is a quintessential Aussie hub lit with a great selection of Chardonnay, a breezy collection of cocktails to go with an uber-cool mood that reminds you of a sunny vacation day. From your martinis to the margaritas, you get all of it and more at this bar.
Oriel: Chinatown’s ambient French bistro, Oriel is home to a fine collection of French wines that deserve your attention. It is also a great place to take a breather with the interiors minimalist and apt for a great photo session. The food is also in combination with the wine selection which makes for a delectable time.
Bar Clacson: One of the flashier bars in Downtown LA, Bar Clacson is known for its menu, the happy hours and the bars very laid back attitude and atmosphere. An ode to the French and Italian cocktails, their food menu is also driven by the tastes of those two countries. A great place for anyone looking to enjoy their time sipping on cool cocktails and dining with some handmade pasta.
With LA’s near-perfect weather all year round, one would think the city would have beer gardens sprouting everywhere. Not so!
Although there are many outdoor drinking spaces scattered around the city, not all promise Instagram-worthy views facing the beach. To avoid driving into a parking lot that also plays as a drinking spot in its off-hours, here’s a round-up of the best beer gardens in LA where you should actually be drinking.
Der Wolfskopf: The man behind one of LA’s top beer gardens is the mastermind behind beer and whiskey bars like Surly Goat and The Blind Donkey, Ryan Sweeney. Situated in Old Town Pasadena, Der Wolfskopf has quickly risen to become a hotspot for beer enthusiasts. With a diverse range of beers from Germany and a great selection of American German beers to go with a food menu that includes staples like hamburgers, onion rings, and more, Der Wolfskopf is the place to be. The indoor-outdoor patio style is a great attraction alongside the main pull, its beer. The patio and kitchen are open Mondays to Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm with brunches available on weekends. The best spot in Pasadena! Keep a tab on the latest happenings at Der Wolfskopf by following their Facebook and Instagram.
Der Wolfskopf, Source Facebook
Idle Hour: Established way back in 1941 and restored by the 1933 group, Idle Hour in Vineland, Los Angeles is a premier spot for beer lovers. The patio dining will reopen on February 2nd and North Hollywood’s famous barrel will be back among the people. The minimalistic design and the classic decor might throw you off at first, but once you settle in, Idle Hour boasts some excellent beers and cocktails. The food menu is equally as good and, the overall impact of Idle Hour reminds you of the olden days when people would gather around every night with friends to have a great time. Open on weekdays from 5 to 10 pm (except Mondays) and on the weekends from 11 am to 10 pm. Their Facebook and Instagram will keep you posted about all the events taking place at Idle Hour.
Idle Hour, Source Website
Dog Haus Biergarten: A prominent name in the LA drinks and pubs circuit, the Dog Haus Biergarten is as upbeat as the brands that have showered praise on it. From BuzzFeed to Playboy and many more, Dog Haus Biergarten is a beer garden recommended by just about everyone. Whether you fancy hot dogs, burgers, sausages, or sides, everything on their menu pairs amazingly with their suds. The wordplay on hot dog and sausage names will bring a smile to your face that will not vanish until you get up and exit through the main door. What’s more, is that there are plant-based food options as well. A rotating selection of local craft beers and Happy Hours (Mondays to Fridays 3 pm to 6 pm and 3 to 11 pm on Sundays) round off just the perfect ensemble one can expect from a beer garden. If you want to be enticed with their lip-smacking food and drinks long after you leave make sure you follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Dog Haus Biergarten, Source Twitter
Ashland Hill: Located directly off the main street on the edge of Santa Monica and Venice, Ashland Hill is fondly called the local stomping ground by the folks running the show at the beer garden. The Verge family opened Ashland Hill in 2016 to bring Santa Monica its first-ever beer garden. From gin cocktails to a small but fine collection of wines and local craft-beers, Ashland Hill’s drinks menu is replete with variety. The food menu is a mix of everything and, does not burn a hole in your pocket either! From burgers, shawarmas, rice bowls to salads and great sides, you can enjoy a great meal with your beers and leave Ashland Hill with a happy tummy and an even joyous soul. Ashland Hill is open from Mondays to Thursdays between 11 am to 9 pm, Fridays between 11 am to 10 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm and, Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm. It is also pet friendly so bring your dog along. Follow their Facebook and Instagram for their latest updates.
Ashland Hill, Source Facebook
The Red Lion Tavern: Ted Mandekic and Edward Pagliano established The Red Lion Tavern in 1959 after Cole’s success with Pacific Electric Buffet. Darts and other pub games defined the atmosphere at The Red Lion Tavern which operated until 1980. The bar was purchased from Uwe Backen by Aidas Mattis and family in 2004. The Marris family continues to run the show at The Red Lion Tavern to this day. The tavern has resumed patio dining and is ready to serve the collection of beers and food that made them a popular neighborhood beer place for all these years. The food menu consists of specials, appetizers, and elaborate meals that go perfectly with their beer menu. Some beers feature as the monthly special and Happy Hours (Monday to Friday 12 to 6 pm, weekends 11 am to 3 pm) that you can enjoy. A landmark of the Los Angeles beer scene, The Red Lion Tavern is an experience for everyone to enjoy. The timings are 12 to 11 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, from 12 pm to 1 am on Fridays, and weekends from 11 am to 11 pm. To know more, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Wirtshaus: Capping off this list of Best Beer Gardens in Los Angeles is the Wirtshaus, a German restaurant, and Biergarten. It was opened in 2011 and has since brought the locals an authentic selection of German beers and food. Alongside the beers, Wirtshaus also has a selection of German and Austrian wines to drink. Whether it is their long wooden tables or their lush beer garden or the ‘Around the World’ ping pong table, everything at Wirtshaus exudes charm. The menu is a mix of pretzels, schnitzels, pancakes, and more that you can dive into as you watch your favorite soccer team score goals and win matches. Wirtshaus also has brunches on the weekends between 11 am to 2 pm, while the working hours are from 4 pm to 10 pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 12 pm to 11 pm on the weekends. A fun, laid back spot in N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to know the latest happenings at the beer garden.
Wirtshaus, Source Website
It can be a tough choice to choose from the best beer gardens Los Angeles has to offer. The solution is simple. Go to all of them whenever possible to get something unique from each and top it all of with exquisite beer, local or global!
In Los Angeles, weekend brunch is basically a leisure activity, and the Bloody Mary is without a doubt the drink of choice for most people. The drink was allegedly invented in Paris in 1921 at the renowned New York Bar. A Parisian bartender Fernand Petiot claims that he made the drink at the New York Bar and imported the recipe to Manhattan. And from there the news of this delicious tomato-based vodka cocktail started spreading worldwide. The cocktail makes reference to Mary, Queen of Scots, who in the 16th century burnt Protestants at the stake for refusing to become Catholics. Thankfully, this blood-red cocktail tastes delicious.
You will get many restaurants that have developed their own recipes for Bloody Mary over the years. They have their own mixes and garnishes for the drinks, treating them as works of art. Let’s learn about some of LA’s best Bloody Marys and where you can get them.
EASTERS WINE SHOP & BAR
Esters Wine Shop & Bar is a local favorite for drinking and light snacks that go well with a drink thanks to the gifted wine expert Kathryn Weil Coker, her husband Tug, and their RC Family associates. The Bloody Mary has become a favorite at their “boozy brunch” on the weekends. The Esters Bloody Mary has undergone significant changes according to general manager Christian Flaherty.
The most recent version is tasty but light on the palate, it includes vodka and a mixture of market tomato and lemon juices, cucumber, jalapenos, soy, sesame, and rice wine vinegar. The cocktail attains harmony on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass. Fragrant fennel pollen offers the finishing touch, along with a skewered lemon wedge and green olive.
Location: 1314 7th Street, Santa Monica 90401
Contact: 310-899-6900
CONNIE AND TED’S
Connie & Ted’s, this modern seafood restaurant is named after the chef Michael Cimarusti’s maternal grandparents. The restaurant is inspired by their love for family and the good times they have spent on the shores of New England. It is an amazing place to have brunch on the weekends.
Their Bloody Mary, which has a zesty base and vodka infused with celery-bay leaf, goes perfectly with their oceanic comfort food. A cocktail onion, a pimento-stuffed olive, a lemon slice, and a celery stalk the size of a small cactus are used for garnishing the icy glass.
Location: 8171 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90046
Contact: 323-848-2722
LUNETTA
Near Santa Monica College, Raphael Lunetta and his Divide + Conquer company partners Mike Garrett and Daniel Weinstock operate twin concepts. Lunetta becomes more casual during weekends while offering their customers brunch and House-Charred Bloody Marys.
A spicy combination of vodka, charred tomato and tomatillo, dill, white pepper, black pepper, horseradish cream, garlic powder, and Tapatio is served in each Collins glass. The glass of Bloody Mary has a fiery Tajin rim, pimento olives on skewers, lime slices, and roasted cherry peppers.
Location: 2424 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90405
Contact: 310-581-4201
REDBIRD
The former Vibiana Cathedral rectory was transformed into Redbird, a breathtaking culinary destination, by chef Neal Fraser and his wife and business partner Amy Knoll Fraser. They have a “traditional” Bloody Mary on the menu, but bartender Tobin Shea found clarity in making a Modern Mary that was more unique.
Clarified lemon juice, acidic white balsamic, fennel, basil, spicy pepper vodka, and fizzy soda water blend well with clarified tomato juice. The drink comes with a celery stalk garnish and is served in a Collins glass.
Location: 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles 90012
Contact: 213-788-1191
THE TASTING KITCHEN
Three different Bloody Marys were made by Justin Pike for the weekend brunch at The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney, and two of them are still available on the menu. Vodka, aged tomato juice that rests for a full week to enhance flavor, and horseradish are used in the House Bloody. A lemon wedge rests on the top of the rim filled with salt and pepper. The cocktail is then garnished with celery stalk, skewered olives, and caperberry.
The Petite Mary has vodka that is balanced with fresh celery juice, citrus, salt, pepper, and a tangy sumac-lined rim.
From marathons, NBA matches, auto shows, and early Christmas fairs, Los Angeles is pumped with some spectacular events lined up in November. As you roast the turkey and carve into the Thanksgiving mood, there are quite a few awe-inspiring things to do in the city this month.
Bond in Motion
(Throughout November)
Bond in Motion at Petersen Automotive Museum, Source: Instagram
Attention 007 fans, your presence is required at the Petersen Automotive Museum for Bond in Motion, the largest official James Bond vehicle exhibit in the United States. You might not come face to face with ‘Q’ at this exhibition, but you will certainly be within touching distance of the iconic vehicles used in the James Bond films from the last 60 years.
From submarines, boats, helicopters, motorcycles, aircraft, and cars, the eye-catching list includes the likes of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (used in Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die), 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (used in Die Another Day), and 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 ‘Wet Nellie’ (used in Spy Who Loved Me).
Ticket price: $17 for adults, $12 for children, and $15 for senior citizens.
Location – 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036.
Timings – 10 am to 5 pm
Book your tickets here.
The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey
(Friday, November 5 to Tuesday, November 30)
An early Christmas event in LA, Source: Instagram
The elves at The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey will impress you with a wide range of displays such as acrobatics and juggling. They have arrived with one objective in mind – to elevate the Christmas spirit.
As they dazzle you with outdoor winter activities, hop on the ice skating rink and explore the Christmas village filled with open-air trolleys, tightrope events, and special merchandise in the marketplace.
P.S, we’re still waiting for all the Elf on the Shelf memes this year.
Ticket price: starting at $25 per adult and $20 for kids.
Location – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Los Angeles 91768.
Timings – refer to ticket booking on the website for slot timings.
Book your tickets here.
Los Angeles Marathon
(Sunday, November 7)
Los Angeles Marathon finish line, Source: Website
The 36th Los Angeles Marathon arrives this year with a new route, starting from the Dodger Stadium, and finishing off in Central City on the Avenue of the Stars.
Supporting The McCourt Foundation’s mission of building a healthier world, the marathon will enter more than 20,000 participants. It’s time to put on your running shoes and sweat it out for a cause.
Location – various locations.
Timings – 6.30 am onwards.
LA Lakers v/s Miami Heat
(Wednesday, November 10)
LeBron James (center) for LA Lakers, Source: Instagram
Two heavyweights will go head to head at the Staples Center as the NBA action continues in full form this month. Both, the LA Lakers and Miami Heat are looking for a great start to the season with LeBron James leading the line for the Lakers. We are expecting some slam dunks, drama, and non-stop action as the 4 time MVP looks to get the better of his former team.
Ticket price: starts from $71 per person.
Location – 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Timings – 7 pm onwards.
Book your tickets here.
Will Smith: An Evening of Stories with Friends
(Thursday, November 11)
Will Smith: An Evening of Stories with Friends, Source: Website
Legendary Hollywood star, Will Smith, is going to narrate his life experiences in a story, from life-defining moments to unheard chronicles. For those Hollywood geeks looking to get an insight of Will Smith’s remarkable career, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Bonus: every ticket includes a copy of Will Smith’s memoir.
Ticket price: starts from $64.50 per person.
Location – Hollywood & Highland Shopping Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles .90028
Timings – starts at 7 pm
Book your tickets here.
Mixology Masters
(Saturday, November 13)
Meet the best bartenders and mixologists in Southern California as Porsche Irvine brings together a group of top liquid chefs in bid to arrange an elite competition. Collaborating with Barks for the Animal Rescue Foundation, the event will raise funds for a charitable cause.
If you want to learn a thing or two about how to craft a sumptuous drink, bring your cocktail recipe book to jot down a few pointers. As the bartenders dash it out for the title, guests will be treated with music, gourmet dishes, and freshly crafted concoctions.
You can show your love for your favorite drink by a casting vote at the competition.
Ticket price: starts at $55 per person.
Location – Porsche Irvine, 14500 Scientific Way Irvine, CA 92618.
Timings – 7 pm to 10 pm
Book your tickets here.
Los Angeles Brewsology
(Saturday, November 13)
Los Angeles Brewsology, Source: Website
Gulp on some fresh beer at the California Science Center as Los Angeles Brewsology invites beer lovers to a night of symposiums at the museum. With over 150 brews from 50 breweries, guests will have a hard time keeping up with the different samples that flow at the venue.
Ticket price: starts at $50 per person.
Location – California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Timings – 7 pm to 11 pm
Book your tickets here.
Los Angeles Auto Show
(Friday, November 19 to Sunday, November 28)
One of the biggest auto expos of the year, with over 1000 vehicles on display, Los Angeles Auto Show is the promised land every revhead dreams of. From interactive exhibits, free test drives, and an indoor EV track, this year’s show is hyped with all the latest tech the automobile industry has to offer.
Whether you are into sports cars, pick-up trucks, American muscle, concept models, or trending EV vehicles, the show will not disappoint with its assortment of customizable rides.
Ticket price: general admission starts at $20 per person.
Location – 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles 90015.
Timings – have a look at different timings for different dates.
Book your tickets here.
Pour & Paint Thanksgiving Turkey
(Tuesday, November 23)
Painted turkey, Source: Website
Try your hands on the canvas and paint a photograph to start Thanksgiving with a colorful tone. Follow the step-by-step instructions and take your piece of art back home as a token of remembrance.
For food and drinks, Bluewater Grill has made sure that you are served with all the Thanksgiving essentials, from roasted turkey to autumn cocktails.
Ticket price: $39 per person excluding food and drinks.
Location – Bluewater Grill, 630 Lido Park Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Timings – 6 pm to 8 pm
Book your tickets here.
Paséa’s Third Annual Food Coma
(Thursday, November 25)
Roasted turkey served on the table, Source: Website
Tuck in the buffet at Paséa Hotel & Spa’s Blue Room as the oceanfront views soothe your senses, adding to an array of fall dishes with a separate kids’ menu.
A display of artisanal bread, salads, seafood, and sides awaits you at Paséa’s Third Annual Food Coma, a Thanksgiving event of the highest order when it comes to celebrating with a feast.
Ticket price: starts at $110 for an adult and $40 for a child.
Location – 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
It’s no secret that the Covid-19 outbreak hit the hospitality industry with a storm. We’ve spent the past year grabbing cocktail cans off store shelves, or picked some up from restaurants and bars offering to-go cocktails. But we do miss sitting on a barstool and sipping a freshly mixed cocktail at some of our favorite watering holes.
As the LA County eases restrictions, vaccinations pick up and numbers go down, bars are set to open up once again, with both their indoor and outdoor dining facilities functioning. Over the last year, we’ve seen a lot of our favorite bars and restaurants close down, but the sunny city of Angels is never scarce of a drinking spot.
We’ve rounded up 20 of the best bars in the city that are now open for you to stop by and enjoy a drink.
The Roger Room
The Roger Room, source: Instagram
If you’re ever catching a show at The Largo on La Cienega Blvd, then make sure to stop by The Roger Room. The walls are graced with eclectic, vintage pictures adding to its speakeasy-like vibe. The drinks menu ranges from seasonal specials like a Winter Spiked Coffee to classics that we love, like G&T, Moscow Mule, and more. Did we mention they have an entire absinthe section on the menu? If you want to pay respects to the Green Fairy, try The Grifter, made with Mata Hari Absinthe, pressed mint, club soda, and crushed ice.
Location – 370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Timings –
6 pm to 2 am (Monday through Friday) 7 pm to 2 am (Saturday)
8 pm to 2 am (Sunday)
The Abbey Food & Bar
The Abbey WeHo, source: Instagram
Whether you’re a local or have never even stepped into the city of Angels, you’ve probably still heard of this world-famous gay bar. Located in West Hollywood, The Abbey is also a two-time winner of the ‘MTV Logo Best Gay Bar in the World’ award. The Abbey Old Fashioned Lemonade has a special place in our hearts, so we recommend that you do give it a shot.
Location – 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 99069
Timings –
11 am to 2 am (Monday to Friday)
10 am to 2 am (Saturday & Sunday)
Tower Bar
The Tower Bar, source: Instagram
Running with the early Hollywood theme, Tower Bar is THE spot to mingle with the créme de la créme of Hollywood. Dress in your best because the chances of seeing a celebrity sipping on a cocktail are very high. When asked about Tower Bar, Michael Kors said: “Who says chic doesn’t exist on our planet!”. But if you just want to relax in a sundress, then there’s also casual dress poolside dining for you to relax in. A great place for the chicest experience in the city.
Location – 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Timings –
7:30 am to 3 pm (Sunday & Monday) 7:30 am to 11 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
7:30 am to 10 pm (Tuesday & Wednesday)
The Bayou
The Bayou, source: Website
This New Orleans-themed gay dive bar in Boystown awaits to knock you off your feet with not one, but two happy hours every single day (Yes, you read that right). The Bayou was voted the #1 dive bar by Wehoville. There’s also an extended open outdoor patio to maintain social distancing.
Their Happy Hours are:
Monday: Happy Hour from opening to closing. Tuesday: Happy Hour 4pm-8pm & 10:30pm-12:30am. Wednesday: Happy Hour 4pm-8pm & 10:30pm-12:30am + 80’s night! D.J. Ray Rhodes spins your favorite 80’s tunes with giveaways. No Cover. Thursday: Happy Hour 4 pm-8 pm & 10:30 pm-12:30 am + Pint Night: You buy a pint, Bayou will buy you a pint. Plentiful pitcher specials, and beer bong bargains all night long. No Cover. Friday: Happy Hour 4pm-8pm & 10:30pm-12:30am. Saturday: Happy Hour 4pm-8pm & 10:30pm-12:30am.
Sunday: Happy Hour 4pm-8pm & 10:30pm-12:30am + Seltzer Sunday. Specials on ALL draft seltzers.
Location – 8939 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Timings –
4 pm to 2 am (Monday to Friday) 2 pm to 2 am (Saturday)
2 pm to 12 am (Sunday)
Bar Bandini
Bar Bandini, source: Facebook
With its dark lighting, heavy music, suede banquettes, and black slate surfaces, Bar Bandini has become a hotspot for both locals and tourists. Quench your thirst with the bar’s wide selection of natural wines and beers.
Location – 2150 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Timings –
3 pm to 10 pm (Thursday to Sunday)
Closed (Monday to Wednesday)
Broken Shaker
Cocktails at Broken Shaker, source: Instagram
Located in the heart of Downtown LA, this rooftop offers a diverse menu of handcrafted cocktails and small plates. We recommend the Hibiscus Bliss with the heat rising, made with Grey Goose peach and rosemary essence, martini Fiero, fennel syrup, lemon & grapefruit juice topped with June shine hibiscus kombucha. The Broken Shaker is also a James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award.
Location – 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Timings –
12 am to 10 pm (Everyday)
The Spare Room
Bowling Alley at The Spare Room, source: Website
Nuzzled in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, The Spare Room is an elegant bar and game parlor built to bring groups together with their drinks and games. Knock back a few drinks while aiming for a strike at the bar’s bowling lanes. We’ve been loving the Coral Fixation, an amalgamate of Skyy vodka, watermelon dill, Fino sherry, lemon, absinthe, and chamomile fizz. If you’re in for a boozy challenge, then ask for a Zoltar Vision and surrender the fate of your next drink to the bartenders for a surprise drink.
Location – 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Timings –
3 pm to 11 pm (Friday to Sunday) 5 pm to 11 pm (Wednesday and Thursday)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
The Red Lion Tavern
The Red Lion Tavern, source: LA Eater
For over 60 years, The Red Lion Tavern has been serving German food and a wide selection of German beer in a cozy, old-world atmosphere. Snack on a German pretzel or pair a serving of their famous potato pancakes with the many beers on tap. In light of Covid-19 restrictions, The Red Lion Tavern has converted its parking lot into an outdoor dining space for you to safely enjoy your pints.
Location – 2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Timings –
12 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Thursday) 11 am to 1 am (Saturday)
11 am to 11 pm (Sunday)
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt outdoor patio, source: Instagram
Looking for a quiet spot without all the pounding music? Then head on over Temple Street, the intersections of Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, and DTLA. Inspired by the American South, Thunderbolt is known for its beverage program that uses a ton of tech and innovation to make cocktails more sustainable, more efficient, more consistent, and most importantly, more delicious. Try the ‘Liquid Picnic’, a cocktail that reads like a salad and tastes like a martini, made with London Dry Gin, citron, tomato, rosemary, and black pepper.
Location – 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Timings –
9 am to 10 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Ye Rustic Inn
Bartender Amels at Ye Rustic Inn, source: Instagram
Ye Rustic Inn has been a landmark dive since 1971, famous for having the best buffalo wings on the west coast. This neighborhood tavern is the perfect place to enjoy the perks of a full bar while watching your favorite sports team do what they do best. Pick a cocktail from their $12 drink list. We recommend the Skinny Margarita, crafted with añejo patron, agave, fresh lime, and a splash of orange juice.
Location – 1831 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Timings –
4 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Wednesday)
12 pm to 10 pm (Thursday to Sunday)
Lowboy
Spritz weekend at Lowboy, source: Instagram
A relaxing spot on Sunset Blvd, Lowboy is one bar that will surely find a spot on your list of favorite bars in LA. No themes, theatrics, or gimmicks; just good times, good drinks, and good company. Along with delicious hamburgers to gorge on, Lowboy also serves many vegetarian snacks. Pair your Impossible Veggie Lowburger with the bar’s flagship Michelada, which will leave you coming back for more.
Location – 1540 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Timings –
4 pm to 12 am (Monday to Thursday) 4 pm to 2 am (Friday & Saturday)
12 pm to 12 am (Sunday)
Gracias Madre
Gracias Madre, source: Instagram
Born out of love for Mother Earth, Gracias Madre is a nod to Mexican cuisine and drinks. Everything at this bar is vegan and made from scratch using local, organic ingredients. Even the drinks are vegan. The bar highlights independent producers and small-batch distillers from Mexico. The bar serves over 50 different brands of tequila and mezcal for you to choose from. If you prefer something light, Gracias Madre has a list of vegan wines, beers, and classic cocktails for you to indulge in.
Location – 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Timings –
11 am to 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
11 am to 11 pm (Friday and Saturday)
The Roost
The Roost, source: Instagram
Atwater Village is known for its dive bars, and The Roost ranks high on our list of favorites. The no-frills, cash-only bar will have you pulling out your leather jacket even in the summer. Order their ‘Well Drinks’ (house spirits) for $7 only, munch on the sumptuous pork jerky during happy hour (12 pm to 7 pm daily), and don’t forget to pop a coin in their old-timey jukebox. And did we mention there’s free popcorn?
Location – 3100 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Timings –
12 pm to 2 am (Everyday)
The Escondite
The Escondite outdoor patio, source: Instagram
A one-stop-shop for tasty eats, live music, and drinks. The Escondite does a great job at bringing out the kid in us with their rotating flavors of ‘adult slushies’. A place where everyone can come, be welcomed, and where strangers become friends.
Location – 410 Boyd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Timings –
3 pm to 1 am (Monday to Friday)
1 pm to 1 am (Saturday & Sunday)
Las Perlas
Las Perlas, source: Instagram
Another Mexican hotspot on our list is a tribute to Mexico’s native spirit, mezcal, with the finest selection of over 450 premium agave spirits available in the United States. Las Perlas cocktails arrive garnished with everything from wild hibiscus flowers to the Oaxacan delicacy of spicy, roasted chapulinas, while also offering Mexican cervezas (beers) alongside local craft brews on tap and in bottles.
Location – 107 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Timings –
5 pm to 2 am (Monday to Friday)
1 pm to 2 am (Saturday & Sunday)
Here And Now
Superbowl Pack at Here and Now, source: Instagram
While the train-style booths have been the main attraction of this bar, the Here And Now outdoor patio is also a must-visit. This summer, sip on the refreshing Frozen Maestra, made with Bacardi, Apple brandy, green apple, and lemon.
Location – 300 S Santa Fe Ave Ste n, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Timings –
5 pm to 11 pm (Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday) 5 pm to 12 am (Friday & Saturday)
Closed on Mondays
The Den on Sunset
The Den, source: Instagram
A lively tavern serving a selection of sandwiches and flatbreads, along with a full bar. The Den also has a killer happy hour (Tuesday to Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm) offering well drinks for $7, and a one-on-one deal for wines, beers, and cocktails. If you’re a lover of all things hot, make sure to try the Spicy Paloma. We guarantee it will knock you off your feet.
Location – 8226 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Timings –
5 pm to 2 am (Tuesday to Saturday)
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Mignon
Mignon wine bar, source: Instagram
A cozy food & wine bar in the Historic Core of downtown LA that serves as an oasis for travelers and locals. Mignon specializes in small production, natural wines from all over the globe, emphasizing the Old World. Pair your wine with their seasonal, rustic French cuisine, and fine artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Location – 128 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Timings –
6 pm to 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
6 pm to 11 pm (Friday & Saturday)
Lolo wine bar & restaurant
Lolo’s, source: Instagram
Dress up in your favorite little black dress and head on over to Lolo’s for a glass of wine, globally inspired small plates, and a candle-lit ambiance. Perfect for a date night or a quiet night out with the girls. And it’s also a great spot for some Instagram pictures!
Location – 5140 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90027
Timings –
5 pm to 11 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Summer Social Club by Employees Only
Summer Social Club, source: Website
Famous both in LA and New York, Employees Only has created a new outdoor pop-up called the Summer Social Club. They have curated a list of pop-ups from local chefs offering a diverse menu that you will want to try everything from. To top it off, all craft cocktails are available in bottles. We are going to take a few of them home with us, and you should too.
Location – 7953 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Timings –
4 pm to 11 pm (Wednesday to Friday) 10 am to 11 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Spanish people know how to throw a party or two! From their creamy horchatas and cervezas to wines and rebujitos (sherry mixed with Sprite), Spain has been home to several noteworthy drinks that have made the land of salsa and bullfights a perennial drinking hotspot.
The European giant has always had a penchant for wine (it is among the largest wine-producing countries in the world) and beer (top brands like Mahou, Estrella Galicia and San Miguel were birthed in Spain) but now, Spanish distilleries are also making their mark around the world.
Mallorca Distillery, Source Website
Paving the way and carrying the mantle of Spanish spirits is Mallorca Distillery, a small craft distillery showcasing the endeavors of founders Amber and Byron through three quality spirits. Distilling spirits in the heart of Mallorca, in a bespoke 500-liter copper pot still, Mallorca Distillery’s inspiration comes from the taste and beauty its island is home to. To showcase the inspiration Amber and Byron have ensured that there’s an unparalleled focus on quality, with intricate care and attention given to every single detail.
These very qualities played a big role in Mallorca Distillery’s big win at the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards. Looking to identify the best spirits in the world, ones that will become standout additions to a bar’s inventory, the Bartender Spirits Awards brings together bartenders, bar managers and buyers from the US on-premise industry to award and celebrate excellence in the US drinks industry. To judge the global entrants, Bartender Spirits Awards uses the parameters of quality, mixability, versatility, value and packaging.
From Mallorca Distillery, Palma Vodka, Palma Oak Aged Spice, and Palma Gin were among the winners at the competition. The three spirits, all offering something unique to the drinker, bring the island’s heritage and flavors in a bottle.
Palma Vodka
Palma Vodka the golden spirit, Source Facebook
The beaches of Mallorca are home to fine sea salt. Home to sea salt for centuries, Amber and Byron decided to feature this very unique ingredient in the Palma Vodka. The peerless quality of Flor de Sal blends perfectly with the botanicals and ingredients of Palma Vodka, which made it a gold medal winner on the back of a 93 point score. A premium, organic vodka, Palma Vodka’s nose insinuates aromas of sea breeze, black pepper and menthol. Well-rounded and slightly sweet on the palate, Palma Vodka has a perfectly balanced, robust finish.
Between the nose and the finish, Palma Vodka has plenty of beautiful things to look forward to. The silky, warm mouthfeel of the vodka has hints of lemon peel, making Palma Vodka a distinctive and peppery spirit. Championing the ingredients of the island, Palma Vodka showcases the spirit of Mallorca in a unique manner. To enjoy Palma Vodka in a cocktail, opt for the Mallorcan Mule. To mix it up, here’s what you need.
Ingredients:
50 ml Palma Vodka
15 ml lime juice
A small bottle of ginger beer
A few drops of Angostura Bitters
Lime wedge & sprig of mint
Method:
Fill a golden mule mug with ice, pour over the Vodka Palma and lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with an Angostura Bitter soaked lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Palma Oak Aged Spiced
The Oak Aged Spiced gin, Source Website
A twist on the Palma Gin, Palma Oak Aged Spiced gin scored 92 points making it a gold medal winner at the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards. The gin has a unique flavor profile, arising from the use of Organic Mallorcan red wine barrels. The barrels are also where the Palma Oak Aged Spiced gin acquires its aromatic profile. Fragrant spices like cinnamon, vanilla and cloves headline the nose, which gives way to a complex and full flavored gin.
On the palate, the aforementioned spices are exemplified even more and sit alongside citrus tones, which help the gin push the boundaries of tradition. Contemporary, rich and warming, the Palma Oak Aged Spiced also gives out hints of oak and wine, making it a very rare expression. The gin’s fruitcake sweetness on the finish with vanilla notes intertwined to make it a great gin to use for a warm cocktail ideal for winter nights. The Hot Gin Punch heroes the Palma Oak Aged Spiced gin.
Ingredients:
50 ml Palma Oak Aged Spiced
Hot Cloudy Apple Juice
Slice of orange
Cinnamon stick
Method:
Fill a Mug with Palma Spiced Gin and add Hot Cloudy Apple Juice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.
Palma Gin
Mallorca Distillery’s Palma Gin, Source Facebook
Completing the trifecta of winners from Mallorca Distillery at the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards was Palma Gin, which was awarded a silver medal for its score of 85 points. Locally foraged wild flowers, fresh citrus fruit from rural Mallorcan orchards, and other organic botanicals make up the structure of the handcrafted Palma Gin.
On the nose, sticky orange, fresh pine and a lavender-like floral note make an appearance. The palate is bright, with notes of citrus, from woody to sweet, right at the front of the gin. The citrus flavor is complimented by honeyed floral touches, giving Palma Gin a complex and contemporary profile. The finish is prolonged and earthy with a delicate, refreshing spice undertone. The full and refreshing gin is a great excuse to put a spin on a classic negroni.
Ingredients:
25 ml Palma Gin
25 ml Campari
25 ml sweet vermouth
Method:
To mix the Palma Negroni, in a mixing glass, add all three ingredients and stir over very cold ice until blended. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Tour the Mallorca Distillery
Mallorca Distillery is also home to a set of amazing distillery tours where the knowledgeable team provides tons of amazing stories and share the art of making award-winning, top-quality spirits. The distillery’s tour begins with guests being greeted with a Gin Palma & Tonic. The tour begins with a brief history of gin and what has made it a popular spirit today. Post the history lesson, guests are taken on a tour of the facility where they are taken through the distillation process and given information about their handcrafted copper still.
Post the distillery tour, Mallorca Distillery has a tasting session lined up for all ticket holders. Apart from the distillery tour, Mallorca Distillery also has a Make Your Own Gin class in store for individuals and couples.
During the masterclass, you work with a gin smith for nearly 3 hours, learning about the botanicals, the process of making Palma Gin and more. For making your own gin, you get to pick your botanicals, blend them and make your unique Mallorcan gin. At the end of the tour, you also get to go home with your bottled gin as well as a bottle of Palma Gin.
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