craftcocktails Archives

Cocktails To Go: Your Favorite DTLA Bars Offer Take Out & Delivery

Now you can support your favorite LA bars while getting your buzz on, all from the comfort of home. Some of the best boîtes in town are offering specially-crafted, pre-batched cocktails for pickup and delivery. Pair your libations with delicious dishes, from burgers to tasty small plates and full menu choices. Some establishments even stock meal kits and pantry items. Check their websites for pick up and delivery details.

Broken Spanish 1050 S Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Mix it up. Broken Spanish is now offering their Mix Kit, which includes one bottle of Tequila or Mezcal, one quart of Broken Spanish’s signature margarita mix, and all of the fixings for $49. Broken Spanish presents a distinct culinary perspective expressed in bold yet refined flavors, demonstrating elements of long-established traditions, finished with modern appeal. The bar offers an aromatic selection of tequilas, mezcals, and intriguing craft cocktails.

Barcito 403 W 12th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Barcito is pouring batch cocktails, available for pickup and delivery daily from 3pm to 8pm. Order from their delicious snack-inspired menu and choose 16 ounce or 32 ounce batched cocktail options. Barcito is an entrepreneur-owned and operated Argentine-style cafe and cocktail bar turned bodega, selling natural wine, craft beer, deli sandwiches, coffee, provisions, and more. Barcito is currently open for takeout/delivery, offering full menu, pantry goods, natural wine, and craft beer.

Here and Now Cocktail Bar 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Suite N Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here and Now is offering food, cocktails, beer and wine pickup through their online shop, and delivery through their partners at Caviar and Postmates. Whiskey flights are also available to order online or pick up in person. Named one of America’s best bars by Esquire magazine in 2019, Here and Now is located at the south end of the Arts District’s One Santa Fe building.

Manuela 907 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Arts District icon Manuela is offering five pre-batched versions of their craft cocktails to enjoy at home. They’re available with delivery orders, which can be placed through Postmates, DoorDash, and Caviar. Try their Old Fashioned with Evan Williams bourbon and bitters, or get adventurous with the Nightshade, featuring Milagro Blanco tequila, yellow bell pepper, heat, and lemon.

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Order a wine or cocktail gift set from DTLA’s super cool cocktail shop, Flask & Field. A modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, Flask & Field also offers a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who was driven by her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design to create a new kind of shop that would address a range of lifestyle needs. Place your order online and pick-up safely or have it delivered. Walk-ups are welcome too!

Arts District Brewing Co. 828 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Arts District Brewing is open for Burgers & Booze To-Go. Choose from their curated craft beer list, which is updated on a regular basis. The hearty food menu offers a beer-appropriate selection of wings, burgers, fries, salads, fried calamari, fish tacos, and nachos. Order ahead before coming on down.

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen 1230 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Get your cocktails to go at First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, a unique tasting experience in South Park. They offer a huge variety of craft beer, wine, cider, and kombucha, and the taps are ever-rotating to bring you a wide selection of craft and small-batch libations from across the country. The kitchen serves delectable plates and shareable items that pair with the beverage offerings, such as popcorn cauliflower, crispy brussels sprouts, mac & cheese, burgers, sandwiches & panini, salads, sweets, and more.

Mignon 128 E. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon is offering wine and food for take out. True to its name (mignon roughly translates to “small and cute” in French), Mignon specializes in small production, offering natural wines from all over the globe with an emphasis on the Old World. They also serve seasonal, rustic French cuisine, including a three-course pre-fixe option, small plates, and fine artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The space is also a retail shop, so make sure you grab some bottles for your home cellar.

The Mermaid 428 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Mermaid is offering cocktail and food to go. The Mermaid is a cozy little bar in the hear of Little Tokyo, with mermaids! Swim in for refreshing tropical cocktails, savory bar snacks, and good times to enjoy in the comfort of your own home! To go menu HERE

Bar Amá 118 W 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Bar Amá offers no-contact pickup through their online Amá To Go & General Store. The store stocks your favorite dishes, meal kits, pantry items, wine, beer and cocktails. Merchandise by chef Josef Centeno’s Prospect Pine and the Baco and Amá cookbooks are available for purchase as well. Bar Amá will tickle your tummy with Tex Mex specialities like fideo and borracho beans with cilantro and pork belly. The bar offers a great selection of tequilas and mezcals, along with absinthe, whiskey, gin, beer, wine, and more. Food and drink items are available for pick up only. Delivery is available through Caviar and Grubhub.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: First Draft Taproom & Kitchen

Photo #2: Broken Spanish

Photo #3: Barcito

Photo #4: Here and Now Cocktail Bar

Photo #5: Manuela

Photo #6: Flask & Field

Photo #7: Arts District Brewing Co.

Photo #8: First Draft Taproom & Kitchen

Photo #9: The Mermaid

Photo #10: Bar Amá

DTLA’s Hottest Spots for the Art of the Craft Cocktail

Cocktails are going beyond the blender! Mixology – the refined and in-depth study of the art and craft of mixing drinks – is diving deeper into the chemistry behind our favorite adult beverages. Top bartenders are creating innovative libations, often using unique, housemade, or historical ingredients, and upping their game giving classic cocktails a new twist. Time to wet your whistle and explore DTLA’s hottest spots for the Art of the Craft Cocktail.

Apotheke 1746 North Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Backed up against the LA River and the underpass that leads into Lincoln Heights, Apotheke exudes an air of mystery where speakeasy meets Absinthe bar. Once you’ve found the unmarked entrance on Doyers Street, make your way to the back bar, which holds rows of tinted pharmacist’s vials with hand-lettered Latin labels. In keeping with the apothecary theme, the cocktail menu is described as a “prescription list,” and offers categories based on healing properties rather than alcohol selection. For those who take their cure seriously, the establishment offers Apotheke Academy, featuring interactive hands-on mixology and cocktail classes on-site. Upon completion, each guest may purchase Apotheke’s full service mixology kit to recreate cocktails at home. Courses are also available for off-site private events. For more information Reservations@ApothekeLA.com

The Wolves 519 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Situated in the historic Alexandria Hotel in the heart of DTLA, The Wolves is a breathtaking homage to the Parisian Art Nouveau salons of the early 1900s. Designed with period antiques from across America, the restaurant boasts the only balcony dining inside and outside on Spring Street. The vibe is an elegant yet approachable gathering place, with a live performance stage located in the back for guests to experience vaudevillian theater, performance art, and live music. Whiskey and cocktail enthusiast Kevin Lee makes all the vermouths, bitters, and liqueurs, using seasonal produce and local ingredients to emulate the European originals, but with a distinctive Southern California context.

Rudolph’s Bar & Tea The Freehand 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

Try a new take on tea! Located in the Freehand Hotel lobby, Rudolph’s Bar & Tea offers an intriguing bar menu built around tea-infused cocktails, alongside full tea service and light bites. The bar is a nod to Rudolph Rosenberg, once the owner and operator of the Commercial Exchange Building that now houses Freehand LA. Stop by for Happy Hour, happening every day from 4-6pm, offering tasty tidbits such as hummus & tahini, marinated olives, crab croquettes, and their signature Exchange Burger.

The Alameda Cocktail Club 757 Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

If you’re looking for some interesting libations, try The Alameda Cocktail Club, now open at The Alameda Supper Club. The 28-seat outdoor bar features signature cocktails such as the Celine Dijon with tequila reposado, pineapple mostarda and Lillet Blanc; The Giuseppe, made with grappa, italicus rosolio, verjus and prosecco; the Rhu Tang, made with clarified rhubarb, vodka, lime, zucca and rosé; and the Cel Me This Pen, made with celery kombucha, bourbon, falernum and lemon. The Alameda Supper Club is housed within The Manufactory LA, a collaborative project where good friends are creating amazing food and warm experiences.

Arts District Firehouse Hotel 710 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021

One of DTLA’s newest additions, Arts District Firehouse Hotel is an independent boutique hotel, restaurant, event space and coffee bar housed in a historic 1927 firehouse. An extensive covered patio running the length of the building contains the bulk of the bar and restaurant seating. A destination to drink, dine and dwell, The Firehouse Hotel promises a fresh take on the urban adventure.

Here and Now Cocktail Bar 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Suite N Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here and Now is a new bar and restaurant located at the south end of the Arts District’s One Santa Fe building. This hip hangout features train-style booths, swanky travel-inspired drinks, and a playful small plates menu. Cocktails range from high octane mezcal and tequila mixes to variations on Planter’s Punch, French 75, and even an Espresso Martini.

Redbird 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue which is also owned and operated by the Frasers. An extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics and has garnered him awards such as Time Out’s Best Restaurant Bar Program in 2017. Wine Director Josh Wibbenmeyer’s wine list is well rounded with great finds from both established and emerging wine regions throughout the world, and has received many awards including “Top 100 wine restaurants in the United States” by Wine Enthusiast and the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator.

Bar Clacson 351 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Neighboring Grand Central Market, Bar Clacson showcases a program of masterfully crafted classic cocktails, which received a James Beard nomination, accompanied by a menu of European fare including cheese & charcuterie boards and paninis. The space boasts an indoor petanque (bocce) court, allowing guests to sip their drinks while playing the quintessential European game.

Giannini Bar NoMad Hotel LA 649 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located on the corner of 7th and Olive Street, The NoMad Hotel resides in the historic building, Giannini Place. Originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for The Bank of Italy, the building’s gold and blue Italianate lobby ceiling has been fully restored and serves as inspiration throughout. Situated just off the main lobby, The Giannini Bar is named for Amadeo Giannini, founder of The Bank of Italy, who originally commissioned the building for his corporate headquarters. Handsome and well-appointed, the bar features a wide selection of classic and proprietary cocktails crafted by the NoMad’s award-winning Bar Director, Leo Robitschek, who along with his team, received the honor of “America’s Best Bar Team” at the 2017 Spirited Awards.

Fun & Frolics: Expect the Unexpected in LA!

Los Angeles is full of surprises…and this May is no exception! It’s time to branch out and discover some new neighborhoods, venues and experiences. Fun and frolics abound if you just know where to look! From molecular cocktail making classes to money-themed pop ups, wacky immersive installations, indoor miniature golf, and even a secret retro hi-fi lounge, you can always expect the unexpected in LA!

Stacks House LA 2018 East 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Come play with money! Stacks House is a ground-breaking experiential pop-up with a purpose, designed to promote financial independence. Like pop-up sensations Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory and 29 Rooms, Stacks House is a visual spectacle, sensory experience, and Instagram playground housed in 11,000 square feet of stunning interactive, money-themed rooms like a Debt Boxing Gym, Retirement Rodeo, Stacks Salon, Gold Bar and Money Moves Room. The goal is for attendees to walk away with more confidence, financial literacy and inspiration for their path forward. Stacks House has been featured in The New Yorker, Forbes, Refinery 29, The Cut and more.

Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party 1661 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90028

The Mad Hatter, Dormouse, and Hare are teaming up to unleash teatime mayhem with an immersive 1.5 hour-long molecular cocktail making experience! Prepare to go mad at one of their boozy tea parties, all taking place in a secret Wonderland garden! Begin your journey down the rabbit hole and let your mad hosts guide you through concocting a selection of tantalizing tea party cocktails made with the most curious ingredients. But do remember — if you don’t know where you are going, then it doesn’t much matter which way you go… Just be sure that you’re not late!

In Sheep’s Clothing 710 E 4th Pl. (within Lupetti Pizzeria) Los Angeles, CA 90013

Where can you find a cool cocktail bar and retro hi-fi lounge in DTLA? Why hidden behind a nondescript door at an Arts District pizzeria, of course! Just another unexpected surprise in our fair city. Inspired by Japan’s kissaten – audio-focused lounges and coffee shops – In Sheep’s Clothing is an eclectic listening lounge and drinking den where the Japanese whiskey pours to experimental jazz records that spin on vintage turntables and heard through a pair of 1973 Klipsch speakers. With roughly 1,500 records spinning, the concept rotates throughout the day, from morning Coffee Culture to the full-on bar and listening experience starting at dusk.

Upside Down House Museum of 3D Illusions 6751 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Coming soon to the Museum of 3D Illusions is a brand new exhibit, the Upside Down House! We know everyone has an idea of their perfect dream house, but you’ve never dreamed of anything like this. Featuring seven different interactive upside down rooms: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and more, you’ll finally find out what it’s like to walk on walls. Amaze your friends and family when they see you dancing on the ceiling. And you won’t be bored sitting on the couch when it’s hanging above you.

The Wonderworld 7080 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Down the rabbit hole we go! Originally located at the historic NYC studio of Andy Warhol, The Wonderworld is an immersive exhibition that invites you into a realm of fantasy. You will be wandering in six exquisitely well-designed installation spaces by New York based artists, and capturing and sharing your dreamy moments on Instagram. Explore a mushroom garden, steep in a giant teacup, splash in the bubble swimming pool, and soar to the moon. Share your experience on Instagram by tagging @WonderWorldSpace #MyWonder. Otherwise, was it just a dream?

I Like Scary Movies The Desmond 5514 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

I Like Scary Movies is the experience that all scary movie fans have been dreaming of – a groundbreaking immersive art installation that is a true celebration of some of the most beloved horror films. Here’s a unique opportunity for fans to interact and enjoy the films that they love in a completely new way, with amazing photo opportunities to share with their friends. Go back to The Shining, where you can “sink” into the infamous carpet from the Overlook hotel, before wandering through Beetlejuice’s graveyard on your way to the Netherworld Waiting Room. Feel the fear as you enter Freddy’s boiler room from A Nightmare on Elm St. and then revisit The Lost Boys on your way to Pennywise’s lair. You’ll never look at a scary movie the same way again.

Hole 19 Miniature Golf Pop-Up Bar 314 N Harper Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Hole 19 Miniature Golf Bar is a long forgotten 1900’s British Golf Club Pop-Up. This temporary, crowd-funded event features 9 holes for now, and will give you a taste of what the permanent location could be like. Located on the cusp of West Hollywood, you can step inside, quench your thirst with adult beverages, and enjoy all the charm that the Signature Golf Course and Clubhouse Bar and Signature Golf Course have to offer. The Signature Golf Course is covered in luscious greenery, rustic wood and overgrown vines, with fairy lights hanging from the rafters. You can even enjoy a tipple or two as you play!

Discover DTLA’s Secret Bars & Speakeasies

Every city has its secrets and Downtown LA is no exception. If you dare to veer off the beaten path, you’ll discover a hidden world lurking beneath historic buildings, down mysterious staircases, behind old wooden walls, and in the dark recesses of derelict parking lots. Once you figure out how to get into these arcane spaces, you’ll be greeted by intriguing offerings like exotic craft cocktails, sumptuous Art Deco interiors, cool retro decor, groovin’ entertainment, and even arcade games. It’s time to lift the veil and discover DTLA’s secret bars and speakeasies!

The Varnish 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

If you’re hankering for that authentic speakeasy vibe, then get ye to The Varnish. Housed inside a refurbished storage room in Los Angeles’ oldest public house – Cole’s, The Originators of the French Dip Sandwich restaurant in downtown L.A. – The Varnish pays tribute to both classic and updated cocktails with a focus on thoughtful service and hospitality. Groove to live jazz and discover an unexpected memorial to Charles Bukowski in the men’s bathroom.

The Slipper Clutch 1207, 351 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

To find this rock-themed speakeasy, you’ll first have to enter Bar Clacson at 351 S. Broadway. As you walk through Clacson, look for the sign that says “Highballs” with an arrow. Follow the arrow and you’ve made it to The Slipper Clutch, a fun and wacky hideaway featuring 80s-style neon lights, pinball machines, and Pac Man arcade games. Enjoy classic cocktails amidst the glowing graffiti while rocking out to a retro soundtrack.

Songbird Cafe 900 N Broadway #1050 at Blossom Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tucked behind Chinatown’s Blossom restaurant, Songbird is a coffee shop by day, morphing into a moody speakeasy by night. Brought to you by Scott Chen, who also operates Apt 503 in Koreatown, the cocktail program is equally exciting and ambitious. Unlike other craft cocktail programming that focuses on the more popular spirits, the Songbird bar program has a special section that focuses on bitters and amari, highlighting and featuring the depth and complexity of an often overlooked category in the cocktail kingdom. The space offers a slew of artistic driven live performances, showcasing music that canvases all genres.

Rhythm Room 206 W 6th St BSMT, Los Angeles, CA 90014

As you descend the marble staircase into this subterranean bar oozing with history, you’ll feel transported back in time to another era. The expansive space extends over multi levels, and twists and turns into secretive little nooks and crannies. The lure of reasonably priced craft cocktails, coupled with regular live jazz, billiards, and occasional dancing has established The Rhythm Room as a popular DTLA hangout, steeped in the classic speakeasy spirit.

El Dorado 416 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located in the basement of El Dorado Lofts in DTLA’s Historic Core, this formerly dreary space has been transformed into a chic speakeasy, replete with tufted leather booths, intimate small tables, deep mahogany-colored wallpaper with gold embellishments, and provocative paintings above the booths. Classy but not pretentious, the cocktail program features house-made bitters and syrups to create a menu that is both unusual and fun.

Birds & Bees B, Basement, 207 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This secluded, buzzy lounge is known for new twists on classic cocktails with a midcentury-modern flair. A word of warning before you get too excited – while Birds and Bees is located at 207 South Broadway, you have to enter from the parking lot at 215 South Broadway. After you find the door, get ready to descend into a concrete tunnel and emerge in a space that looks like a bomb shelter tricked out with mid-century modern furniture. The excellent cocktails and cool atmosphere will make it all worthwhile.

Crane’s Bar 810 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Crane’s Bar is an intimate saloon hidden away in an abandoned bank vault in the old National City Bank Building. Walk down the stairs and you’ll enter a massive door leading into the vault, to be greeted by twinkle lights, DJs, and a new cocktail menu featuring some original Crane’s favorites along with some fresh surprises. Sop by for the laughs at their monthly comedy showcase. No cover charge.

The BoardRoom 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Who knew! Tucked beneath the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and hidden inside swanky Kendall’s Brasserie lies a cool craft cocktail bar. The BoardRoom celebrates an era of post-war French artistry, invention, and imagination – a lounge reserved for those who love the art of libations and the flow of song. Parking is available adjacent to The BoardRoom at The Music Center garage. Discounted rates starting at 8PM for $5.

Bar Alta & Casbah Hotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled off the Hotel Figueroa lobby mezzanine, Bar Alta is a 26 seat bartender’s table cast in the warm glow of Art Deco-style and cut-glass chandeliers. Performance art meets mixology here – bartenders use tools like centrifuges and smokers to create some of DTLA’s most imaginative libations. Note that reservations are required. Ultimate discretion is the order of the day at Casbah, Bar Alta’s private room. Accessed by a sliding wooden bookcase that serves as a secret entrance from the Casablanca Suite, the space, which accommodates 50 people, is covered in mirrors and outfitted with leather, stone, natural wood, and luxe fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind, high-style hideaway.

Pacific Seas Clifton’s 648 S. Broadway Los Angeles CA 90014

Follow the secret staircase and you’ll find Pacific Seas, a tropical homage to the Golden Days of Travel. When Clifford Clinton opened the original Pacific Seas in 1932, he sought to nourish the public’s spirit, deeply demoralized by the effects of the Great Depression, believing that the intrigue of travel to far off places could give his guests a respite from their daily troubles. Today, Pacific Seas revives Clifton’s original vision. Through the Art Deco Map Room, guests find a celebration of the exotic, the mysterious, and the unknown; through a uniquely Californian take on the romance of South Seas Culture. The tiki-themed bar includes a full-sized boat, tiki-god totems, hanging lights, a rum-soaked cocktail menu, and live performances ranging from Polynesian dancers to 40s-style bands.