Mixology Tag

Auch wir sind gerne in großen Städten und Metropolen unterwegs. Dabei gibt es auch abseits davon so viel zu entdecken. Gute Bars gehören dazu. Und so hieß es zuletzt Bamberg statt Berlin für uns. Der Grund unseres kleinen Road Trips ist sicher kein Geheimnis. Endlich wollten wir einmal Sven Goller und Das schwarze Schaf besuchen. Nachdem andere Barleute uns immer wieder einen Ausflug dorthin ans Herz gelegt hatten, konnten wir uns nun endlich selbst ein Bild vom wunderschönen Bamberg und Svens Gastgeberqualitäten machen. Und soviel vorweg: Beides hat uns auf Anhieb begeistert.

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Es stimmt, was man sich so über Bamberg erzählt. Da große Teile der Stadt im Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht zerstört wurden, kann man hier tatsächlich viele alte Fachwerkhäuser und eine so nur noch selten anzutreffende Architektur bewundern. Die Stadt ist reich an Geschichte, besitzt eine starke christliche Prägung und eine lange Biertradition. Brauhäuser gibt es in Bamberg tatsächlich fast an jeder Ecke. Das dunkle Rauchbier ist eine besondere Spezialität der Stadt. Am besten bestellt man es zusammen mit einem deftigen fränkischen Essen im Traditionsbrauhaus „Schlenkerla“. Selbst uns als Bierverweigerer hat es dort nämlich ziemlich gut geschmeckt.

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Wir wollen uns aber nicht allzu lange bei Bier und Essen aufhalten. Denn so gut beides auch war, deshalb sind wir nicht nach Bamberg gefahren. Das Ziel unserer Reise liegt vielmehr hinter einer begrünten Fassade im Süden der Altstadt. Hier ist das Das schwarze Schaf zuhause. Die Cocktail-Bar sorgt seit inzwischen elf Jahren dafür, dass man die Stadt zumindest in der Barszene weit über Bayern und sogar Deutschland hinaus wahrnimmt. „Schuldiger“ an dieser Entwicklung ist Sven Goller, der hier nicht nur erstklassige Drinks mixt sondern auch echte Gastfreundschaft lebt.

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Als wir Sven am späten Nachmittag in seinem zweiten „Wohnzimmer“ treffen, ist er noch damit beschäftigt, den Abend an der Bar vorzubereiten. Dennoch spüren wir sofort, dass hier jemand nicht nur eine Leidenschaft für die Mixology-Kunst und gute Spirituosen aufbringt sondern darüber hinaus – und was vielleicht sogar noch wichtiger ist – in seiner Rolle als Gastgeber voll aufgeht. Ein ähnliches Gesamtpaket bieten nur wenige Bars. Wir denken da zum Beispiel an die Hildegard Bar und Thomas Pflanz, denen in unserem Berliner Bar Guide schon deshalb einen Ehrenplatz gebührt.

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Das Gefühl, eigentlich eher zu Gast bei einem Freund zu sein, wird durch die bunt zusammengewürfelte Inneneinrichtung noch verstärkt. Verschiedene Sofas und Sitzecken mit bunten Kissen und Vintage-Möbel prägen den Look der Bar. Fränkische Gemütlichkeit muss nicht immer auf Brauhaus oder Biergarten hinauslaufen, das zeigt Sven im Das schwarze Schaf. Der eigentliche Tresen mit der Barstation fällt dagegen eher klein aus. Vor einem Schaf-Logo im Comic-Stil nehmen wir Platz. Nachdem wir einen Blick in die Karte geworfen haben, geht der nächste Blick direkt auf die feine Spirituosenwahl, die Sven hier zusammengetragen hat. Seine große Leidenschaft gilt dem Mezcal, was ihn nochmal sympathischer macht. An sein Wissen über diese Spirituose, die leider immer noch auf das Attribut „rauchig“ reduziert wird (was so nicht stimmt), dürften hierzulande nur wenige Barkeeper rankommen.

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Zum Einstieg entscheiden wir uns dann auch gleich für einen Schaf-Klassiker mit Mezcal. Der „Frida“ ist eine fruchtige, nicht zu säuerliche Margarita-Variante, für den neben San Cosme Mezcal schwarze Johannisbeere, Hibiskus und ein Spritzer Peychaud’s Bitters miteinander ins Glas kommen. Auf den für einen Margarita typischen Salzrand verzichtet Sven ganz bewusst. Das Ergebnis ist ein wunderbarer Sommer-Drink, den man aber im Schaf das ganze Jahr über bestellen kann. Zu den Sommer-Cocktails kommen wir später noch.

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Erst einmal bleiben wir noch bei den Bamberger Klassikern. Ein weiterer ist der „Smoke upon the Hills“, für den Sven nicht nur geschmacklich alle Register zieht. Denn schon die Zubereitung ist ein absoluter Eyecatcher. Dazu wird das Glas zunächst mit Süssholzrauch „parfürmiert“. Darin findet sich später der Drink aus fränkischem Elch Whisky (ja richtig gelesen, Whisky aus Franken), Apfel und einem so wohl einzigartigen Rauchbier-Honig-Karamell-Sirup wieder. Leider können Bilder das besondere Raucharoma nicht transportieren. Also müsst ihr schon selbst nach Bamberg kommen und einen „Smoke upon the Hills“ bestellen. Optisch präsentiert sich der Drink als Zwilling eines fränkischen Rauchbieres.

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Zwischen den einzelnen Drinks erzählt uns Sven mehr über sich, seine Bar und wie sich Bamberg in den letzten Jahren gastronomisch weiterentwickelt hat. Inzwischen hat die Studentenstadt nicht nur eine echte Barszene, zu der auch Svens zweite Bar Eastend und die Tiki-Bar Kawenzmann gehören, sondern auch gastronomisch einiges zu bieten. Und Svens Gäste im Das schwarze Schaf, von denen viele regelmäßig auf einen oder mehrere Drinks vorbeikommen, schätzen seine Cocktail-Expertise. Durch die Teilnahme am Finale der renommierten „World Class“ und den nationalen Titel „World Class Bartender of the Year“ ist er auch international bekannt geworden. Dabei hat er sich sein Wissen über Spirituosen und Drinks größtenteils selbst angeeignet. Regelmäßig lädt er nun andere Bartender zu sich in Das schwarze Schaf auf eine Gastschicht ein.

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Aus einer solchen Gastschicht ist auch der nächste Cocktail hervorgegangen. Der „Go Tobann“ hebt die „Boulevardier“-typische Kombination aus Whiskey (in diesem Fall Woodford Bourbon) und Campari mittels Rhabarber- und Waldmeister-Noten geschmacklich auf ein neues Niveau. Selbst wer ansonsten nicht unbedingt boozy Shortdrinks bestellt, sollte bei diesem mit einem Rhabarber-Streifen garniertem Drink über seinen Schatten springen.

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Bei unserem Besuch stand im Das schwarze Schaf gerade der Wechsel von der Winter- auf die Sommerkarte an. Von dieser stammt der „Kinjo“, für den Sven und sein Barteam Erdbeeren pflücken waren. Aus dem daraus gekochten Sirup wird zusammen mit Yoshi Nama Gin, Kräutergeist vom Freimeisterkollektiv und Fino Sherry ein fruchtiger, sehr aromatischer Cocktail gemixt. So schmeckt der Sommer in Bamberg!

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Selbstverständlich kommen hier auch alle auf ihre Kosten, die einen gut gemachten Klassiker zu schätzen wissen. Egal ob Negroni, Whisky Sour – im Übrigen aktuell der meistverkaufte Drink im Das schwarze Schaf – oder Sazerac, hier werden sowohl Cocktail-Newbies als auch erfahrene Bargänger garantiert einen tollen Abend in entspannter Wohnzimmer-Atmosphäre verbringen. Und zu der tragen Svens Qualitäten als Gastgeber, Bartender und Gesprächspartner maßgeblich bei. Das schwarze Schaf ist der Ort, an dem sein ganzes Herz hängt. Und genau dieses Gefühl nehmen wir aus Bamberg mit.

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Eine Reise nach Stockholm lohnt sich nicht nur, weil es einfach eine wunderschöne Stadt mit vielen interessanten und spannenden Ecken ist. Auch das Essen und die Barszene Stockholms kann so einiges und muss sich nicht vor anderen europäischen Metropolen verstecken. Ganz im Gegenteil. Wir stellen Euch hier unsere Lieblinge vor, die von Soulfood bis Gourmet-Küche für jeden Geschmack etwas anzubieten haben. Und zum Ende nehmen wir Euch mit zu den besten Bars der Stadt. Seid Ihr bereit?

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

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Breakfast & Cafés

 

Café & Bageri Pascal (verschiedene Locations)

Nicht nur für uns beginnt der Tag erst nach einem guten Kaffee und vielleicht einem dazu passenden Snack. Beides bietet das Café Pascal, das in Stockholm gleich an mehreren Orten zu finden ist. Als Café mit hauseigener Bäckerei sind die süßen Backwaren, Brote und ordentlich belegten Sandwiches hier sehr zu empfehlen. Ganz typisch sind auch die schwedischen „Bulle“, hinter denen sich meist süße, unterschiedlich gefüllte Brötchen/Backwaren verbergen. Das Café ist sowohl bei den Einheimischen als auch bei Touristen sehr beliebt. Wir wissen auch warum. Wer seinen Kaffee gerne in Ruhe genießt, schaut am besten schon am frühen Morgen vorbei. Unter der Woche ist das Café Pascal sogar bereits ab 7 Uhr geöffnet.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Nytorget 6 (Nytorget 6)

Gegenüber des kleinen Nytorget-Parks lässt sich im Restaurant Nytorget 6 in der Woche gut frühstücken und am Wochenende ebenso gut brunchen (ab 11 Uhr). Natürlich bietet das Restaurant etwas später auch eine Mittagskarte und ein Dinner an, wovon wir Euch vor allem das Meatball-Gericht empfehlen können. So leckere und geschmacklich feine Fleischbällchen haben wir noch nirgendwo gegessen. Von den bekannten Meatballs einer schwedischen Baumarktkette sind diese jedenfalls gleich mehrere Lichtjahre entfernt. Doch zurück zum Frühstück, wo sowohl das Omelett mit seiner cremigen Pilzfüllung als auch das hausgemachte Granola absolute Bestnoten verdient haben. Das Nytorget 6 ist zugegeben nicht ganz billig, aber das haben wir auch nie behauptet (gilt übrigens für ganz Stockholm).

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Gast Café (Rådmansgatan 57)

Schon das Logo des Gast Café, ein kleiner Geist, bringt einen irgendwie zum Schmunzeln. In dem gemütlichen Café folgt dann die nächste positive Überraschung. Während so viele Cafés entweder viel zu laut und hektisch sind oder vor Lässigkeit einschlafen, trifft das Gast die genau richtige Mischung aus Instagram-tauglicher Optik und ziemlich leckerem Inhalt. Die Frühstückskarte bietet für jeden Geschmack etwas – von süß bis herzhaft. Man findet das allgegenwärtige Avocado-Toast hier ebenso wie klassisches Müsli mit frischen Früchten oder ein Rührei mit Parmesan und Chili. Die Wartezeiten sind ausgesprochen angenehm, der freundliche Service arbeitet unaufdringlich und flott. Im Gast Café lässt es sich bei einem Cappuccino oder Flat White wunderbar entspannen. Noch dazu gibt es freies Wlan.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Fikabaren (Södermannagatan 10)

Ganz egal ob Ihr nur mal eben einen guten Kaffee trinken möchtet oder Ihr Bock auf ein Frühstück bis in den frühen Nachmittag habt, in beiden Fällen wird Euch im Fikabaren garantiert geholfen. Wir waren hier gleich mehrfach zu Gast, was eigentlich als Empfehlung schon alles sagt. Während manche Cafés in der Gegend oft sehr überlaufen sind und man schon bei der Suche nach einem freien Platz Stress empfindet, so ist davon im Fikabaren nichts zu spüren. Das ist schwedische Gelassenheit so wie wir sie mögen! Und wenn es dazu noch einen exzellenten Cappuccino gibt, sind wir doppelt glücklich. Aber auch das Frühstück kann (man) sich im Fikabaren sehen bzw. schmecken lassen. Wie so viele Cafés und Restaurants in Stockholm akzeptiert das Fikabaren nur noch Kartenzahlungen.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Omayma (Skånegatan 92)

Auch wenn wir keine Vegetarier oder Veganer sind, so haben wir doch keine Berührungsängste mit gesunder Küche. Tofu-Witze sind ohnehin schon viel zu alt, um noch lustig zu sein. Dass sich Geschmack und gesundes Essen nicht ausschließen, zeigt das Omayma auf Södermalm. Das gemütliche Café bietet verschiedene, meist vegetarische Bowls zum Frühstück und Lunch. Außerdem gibt es Sandwiches, Salate sowie klassische Frühstücks-Gerichte von Granola bis Avocado-Toast (manche Gerichte werden nur bis 11 Uhr angeboten). Man setzt auf Bio-Produkte und frische Zubereitungen. Beides schmeckt man!

 Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

 

Lunch & Dinner

 

Bar Agrikultur (Skånegatan 79)

Noch recht neu und schon fest etabliert ist die Bar Agrikultur im Zentrum Södermalms. Das kleine, gemütliche Restaurant mit seiner skandinavischen Tapas-Bar-Atmosphäre serviert von der schwedischen Küche inspirierte Gerichte, die zum Teilen gedacht sind. „Sharing is caring“ lautet auch hier das Motto. Unbedingt probieren solltet Ihr die unverschämt leckeren Käsebällchen und die Spieße mit Hühnchen und Schwein. Typisch Schwedisch sind zudem die Flusskrebse, die aus ihrer Schale gelutscht werden. Hier darf man sich ruhig die Hände schmutzig machen. Auch die Weinkarte und die Drinks sind hier auf einem ziemlich hohen Niveau. Kein Wunder, versteht sich die Bar Agrikultur auch als Gin Bar. Wer in Stockholm übrigens auf ein Restaurant namens Agrikultur trifft, der steht vor dem großen „Bruder“ der Bar Agrikultur. Das mit einem Michelin-Stern ausgezeichnete Restaurant serviert ein wechselndes Tasting Menu in lockerer Atmosphäre vor einer offenen Küche. Wer hier essen möchte, sollte jedoch unbedingt frühzeitig reservieren.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Tjoget (Hornsbruksgatan 24)

Hornstull war vor einigen Jahren noch keine Gegend, in die man sich als Tourist nicht unbedingt verirrte. Inzwischen gibt es aber einen guten Grund, wieso man dort unbedingt einmal vorbeischauen sollte (was dank Bus & Bahn auch recht einfach geht). Tjoget heißt das kulinarische Aushängeschild von Hornstull. Es ist Restaurant, Weinbar und Cocktail-Destination in einem. Aber zu den Drinks kommen wir später noch, immerhin haben diese einen eigenen Eintrag verdient. Im Tjoget wird ein mediterranes Menü aus vielen kleinen Gerichten angeboten, das man so auch rund um das Mittelmeer kaum besser serviert bekommen dürfte. Es fällt uns jedenfalls schwer, nur ein Gericht herauszuheben. Angefangen bei der Charcuterie über den frischen Burrata bis zum butterweichen Oktopus war jeder Teller einfach unglaublich lecker. Wir empfehlen Euch einen Tisch im hinteren Teil des Restaurants zu reservieren, da es dort etwas entspannter zugeht. Auch der Service hat im Tjoget die volle Punktzahl verdient. Und dann gäbe es noch die Cocktails. Mehr dazu erfahrt Ihr etwas weiter unten.

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Schmaltz Bar & Deli (Nybrogatan 19)

Kein Bock auf ein 3-Gänge-Menü oder Fast Food? Irgendwas dazwischen vielleicht? Dann solltet Ihr unbedingt das Schmaltz auf Eure Stockholm-Liste setzen. Zentral gelegen bietet sich das Café/Deli auch als Zwischenstopp bei einer Shopping-Tour durch Stockholm an. Auf der Lunch-Karte gibt es Salate und Sandwiches sowie Deli-Spezialitäten wie Hühnchenleber-Parfait mit Toast oder die hausgemachte Pastete. Danach kann man im Schmaltz auch gleich noch einen Kaffee mit etwas süßem Gebäck genießen. Nach dieser kleinen Auszeit ist man dann wieder bereit für Stockholms Einkaufsstraßen.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Restaurang Volt (Kommendörsgatan 16)

Ein Menü, das sich mit den Jahreszeiten wandelt und das ausschließlich auf frische, unverarbeitete Lebensmittel aus der Region setzt. Gemäß dieser klaren Philosophie wird im Restaurang Volt gekocht, wobei „Kochen“ die Sache nicht ganz trifft: Denn im Volt wird Essen zelebriert und das ganz ohne falsche Feinschmecker-Attitüde oder Sterne-Gehabe. Die Atmosphäre ist locker und das Restaurant selber eher mit einem Esszimmer zu vergleichen. Als Gast hat man die Wahl zwischen einem 4- und einem 6-Gang-Menü mit oder ohne Weinbegleitung. Viele der Gänge sind entweder rein vegetarisch oder setzen auf frischen Fisch. Selbst wenn sich die Aufzählung der Zutaten in der Menüreihenfolge zunächst etwas seltsam liest, wir können Euch beruhigen: Das Ergebnis – und damit meinen wir im Volt jeden einzelnen Gang – bietet Küchenkunst auf höchstem Niveau. Außerdem solltet Ihr zum Abschluss unbedingt noch einen Kaffee bestellen, denn dazu serviert das Volt eine süße Überraschung.

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Pelikan (Blekingegatan 40)

Wenn man ein Kölner Brauhaus nach Stockholm versetzen würde, es sähe vermutlich so aus wie das Pelikan. In dem großen Saal mit seinen alten Wandgemälden wird deftiges schwedisches Essen serviert. Gute Portionen, ehrlich, fettig, lecker. Es gibt Rentier mit Schweinebauch (!), Kalbsleber, Eintopf und natürlich die weltberühmten Fleischbällchen mit Kartoffelpüree. Das bei Touristen wie Einheimischen gleichermaßen beliebte Pelikan ist immer gut besucht und eine Reservierung daher dringend zu empfehlen. Andernfalls muss man sich auf längere Wartezeiten einstellen.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

 Östermalm Saluhall (Östermalmstorg 114)

Die vor Jahren komplett modenisierte Markthalle im Herzen von Östermalm mit ihren zahllosen Verkaufsständen und Restaurants, welche die ganze Breite der skandinavischen/europäischen Küche präsentieren, ist ein beliebter Treffpunkt für Einheimsiche wie Touristen. Dabei ist die Markthalle nicht so überlaufen wie ihr Pendant in Barcelona. Auch hier gibt es alles, was das Herz des Feinschmeckers begehrt. Angefangen bei einer großen Auswahl an frischen Meerestieren über Fleisch (Wild, Rentier) und Gemüse/Obst bis hin zu süßen Snacks und Desserts. Die Restaurants sind ab 11 Uhr geöffnet, die einzelnen Marktstände bereits ab 9 Uhr morgens.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Bars & Drinks

 

Tjoget/Linje Tio (Hornsbruksgatan 24)

Wie versprochen kehren wir noch einmal ins Tjoget zurück. Der Grund dafür ist schnell erklärt: Hier gibt es die vielleicht besten Drinks und Cocktails der Stadt. Zumindest war die Bar im Tjoget (Linje Tjo) schon mehrfach unter den „World’s Best 50 Bars“ zu finden. Und selbst wenn man solchen Rankings eher misstrauisch gegenübersteht, sind alle Zweifel und Skepsis spätestens mit dem ersten Drink verschwunden. Neben der hochwertigen Spirituosenauswahl überzeugt das Linje Tio mit einer sehr kreativen Barkarte und vielen hauseigenen Cocktail-Kompositionen. Wie bei einer Bar auf diesem Niveau üblich, sind viele der Zutaten hausgemacht bzw. werden diese von der Barcrew noch zusätzlich verfeinert. Bereits die Gestaltung der Eiswürfel zeigt, wie viel Wert hier auf jedes Detail gelegt wird. Der White Negroni dürfte selbst erfahrenen Negroni-Trinkern noch höchstes Lob entlocken. Gleiches gilt für die anderen Drinks, die wir probiert haben. Die Präsentation jedes Drinks ist absolut stilvoll ohne falsche Show und Gimmicks. Teil der hochsympathischen Tjoget-Familie ist auch das Paradiso, in dem am Wochenende wechselnde DJs für die richtige Party-Stimmung sorgen. Dazu werden kreative Tiki-Drinks (meist auf Rum-Basis) gemixt.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Mikkeller Bar (Brahegatan 3-5)

Eigentlich muss man die Craft-Beer-Pioniere von Mikkeller keinem Bier-Liebhaber mehr vorstellen. Die Dänen haben ihren globalen Siegeszug längst vollendet. Heutzutage gibt es Mikkeller-Filialen von Kopenhagen bis Los Angeles. Das Erfolgsrezept einer coolen Bier-Bar, die sich ganz bewusst von den verrauchten Kneipen und Kaschemmen absetzt, funktioniert natürlich auch in Stockholm. Aus ihrer dänischen Heimat haben Mikkeller nicht nur über 20 Biersorten sondern auch das weltbekannte Smørrebrød mitgebracht. Weil Trinken bekanntlich auch hungrig macht!

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

Corner Club (Lilla Nygatan 16)

Manchmal haben wir Probleme, die Stimmung für einen Ort in die richtigen Worte zu verpacken. Das Gefühl, wenn man sich auf Anhieb wie zuhause fühlt, ist aber auch schwer auszudrücken. In dieser Cocktailbar in Stockholms Altstadt Gamla Stan fühlten wir uns sofort wie Zuhause oder – vielleicht besser ausgedrückt – wie bei guten Freunden. Das ist vor allem den großartigen Gastgeber-Qualitäten von Barchef James (gebürtig aus San Diego) und Aron zu verdanken. Im sehr touristischen Gamla Stan hätten wir ein solches Barjuwel zunächst kaum vermutet. Auf der Corner Club-Homepage ist zu lesen, dass man sich als „friendly neighborhood cocktail bar“ bezeichnet. Und das trifft es ziemlich gut. Die Cocktail-Karte bietet viele Eigenkreationen unterteilt in drei Rubriken (Stiff, Shaken und Long Drinks). Der Rum-basierte, mit Lavendel veredelte „Shook Ones Pt. II“ hat es bei der Frau auf die Liste ihrer absoluten Lieblingsdrinks geschafft. Im Rhythmus von einigen Wochen steht immer andere Zutat im Mittelpunkt der neuen Drinks. Bei unserem Besuch beschäftigten sich Aron und James gerade mit den Blättern der Pandan-Pflanze.

 

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

A Bar Called Gemma (Grev Turegatan 30)

Obwohl Barchef Johan Evers sein kleines Cocktail-Paradies A Bar Called Gemma erst vor wenigen Monaten eröffnet hat, hat sich deren Existenz schon weit über die Stadt hinaus herumgesprochen. Wir können uns auch genau denken wieso. Denn Johan und sein Kollege Oscar Drigoris haben hier eine echte Wohlfühl-Cocktailbar erschaffen, die auf fantasievolle Drinks wie den „Banks of Monkey Island“ (ein Tiki-Cocktail serviert in einem Affenkopf), eine feine Klassiker-Auswahl und sehr viel Gastfreundschaft setzt. Hier sind zwei Mixologen hinter der Bar, die ihren Job mit echter Leidenschaft ausfüllen und nicht bloß Drinks nach Schema F mixen. Wir hoffen, dass sich A Bar Called Gemma mit diesem Konzept langfristig in Stockholm etablieren kann.

Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks Sneaker City Guide Stockholm Food & Drinks

If you want to be recognized with a bar concept in London, we wish you the best of luck! You sure will need it! The bar landscape of UK’s capital is probably the toughest of them all. Not even a city like New York can compete with London’s tremendous density and plurality of world-class bars. Just take a look at the familiar rankings and you will notice that this city is the cocktail capital of the world – hands down. That said, old Frankie’s famous lineif you can make it there, you can make it anywhere“ may also apply to London. Ryan Chetiyawardana, better known as “Mr. Lyan“ (we’ll stick to his alias for obvious reasons), has definitely made it here. Since 2013, when he opened his first venue “White Lyan“ in Hoxton, he quickly gained reputation for his new approach to mixology, cocktails and hospitality.

Sneakerzimmer meets MrLyan Lyaness

His dedication and hard work got around within the industry. Only two years later he was awarded „International Bartender of the Year“ – in retrospect another milestone of his career as an entrepreneur and creative mastermind. At the time „Dandelyan“ was already making big waves. To those who aren’t that familiar with London’s cocktail scene, let us explain what Dandelyan was. At first glance it was obviously a hotel bar and on closer examination it was the best. Situated within the equally famous Sea Containers hotel (formerly Mondrian) with an unbeatable view of the Thames and Blackfriars Bridge, Mr. Lyan created a hotspot for mixologists and new bartending techniques, Thanks to his background in biology he never shied away from using uncommon natural ingredients or supposedly weird flavours.

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Besides all the creativity, Dandelyan raised the bar with regard to the overall bar experience by getting rid of outdated elements, implementing modern techniques and focusing on the individual guest. In 2018 Dandelyan finally came in at first (!) place at the much acclaimed „World’s 50 Best Bars Awards“. But instead of resting on his laurels Mr. Lyan announced on the same day the closing of Dandelyan. Not many saw that coming! Honestly, we were baffled too. His idea was to turn the World’s best bar Dandeylan into a new place called „Lyaness“, honouring its famous predecessor while simultaneously starting a new chapter in mixology. And that’s exactly where we are right now!

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During our last trip to London we booked a table for the „Fancy Tea“ at Lyaness. Of course, this place is more than a safe bet if you want to spend the evening with meticulously crafted cocktails in a truly elegant setting. At the weekends Lyaness’s house DJs take over, transforming the laid-back daytime vibes into a party scenery (we absolutely have to come back for this). In broad daylight Lyaness keeps the promise of a true beauty with its electric blue interior, the golden décor and the green marble bar that is a prominent leftover from Dandelyan. And while the bar could get very busy in the evening, we really loved the more relaxed atmosphere during tea time.

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The tea itself is a modern, playful update to a British tradition with different sweet and savoury treats like eclairs, little cakes, sausage rolls and devilled eggs. No English tea service would be complete without some tasty sandwiches. At Lyaness they make you poached salmon on dark rye bread and roast beef on focaccia. It’s delicious finger food that we enjoyed even more thanks to the sophisticated cocktail pairing (there’s also a boozeless tea service available). You will get more than a glimpse at Mr. Lyan’s award-winning, creative approach to bartending if you opt for the full Fancy Tea experience, which we highly recommend.

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The drink menu is based on different key ingredients, some quite uncommon for a cocktail bar (a similar approach can be found at Tayer+Elementary). Rather than building a drink around a spirit, Mr. Lyan and his team use house-made ingredients as a starting point for their often botanical creations. Motivated by a curiosity to find new flavours and to look beyond the obvious the results are truly unique and bold. Their „Jasmine Gimlet“ is an eye opener even for seasoned Gimlet connoisseurs. The jasmine treatment adds a softer, floral taste. It’s so good, you have to order at least one! Another drink from the Fancy Tea pairing is the rum based „Cold Brew Palmetto“ that plays with fruity and nutty flavours.

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While doing his research on different ingredients and new bartending techniques Mr. Lyan is also on the forefront of the sustainability movement in the industry (he should connect with chef Adam Handling). He is not only raising awareness for a more sustainable path, collaborations with acclaimed chefs and other bartenders are also very important to him. You can find another Mr. Lyan project in Shoreditch. The Cub restaurant is a partnership with zero-waste pioneer Doug McMaster. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Cub (another reason to come back to London). With Cub Mr. Lyan wants to „bring people together through great food and drink“. In a world like ours this might be the only solution to overcome prejudices and nationalism. People who share a good time will not hate each other. We get the point, Ryan! And we hope that you will succeed.

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Finally we like to share Ryan’s thoughts on different aspects of his job, the status quo of the bar industry and his favourite London bars:

You were awarded „World’s best bartender“ and you owned the „World’s best bar“ with Dandelyan. After being „the world’s best“ what happens next?

Ryan/Mr. Lyan: We were very thankful for all the awards and recognition, but our real goal is to try and affect positive change in the wider industry, so we have plenty of plans on the horizon to continue to push and see what we can challenge. Some of these are through the venues, and some are events, talks, collaborations, anything and everything we can do to expand the ‚boundaries‘ of what food, drink and hospitality can be about.

Do you sometimes think that other bars try to become copycats?

Ryan/Mr. Lyan: The food and drink world is a tight industry, and as a result, there is lots of sharing of ideas, and this helps elevate the offering, and communicate it more effectively to the public so everything grows. However, at the moment, there does seem a propensity to default to what is established, comfortable, or classical – or what has been successful – and this can lead to some homogeneity, which I think is a shame. Sharing of ideas is natural, and wonderful, but it should always also be honest, personal and with integrity. People jumping on a bandwagon is inevitable in any industry, but we as stewards of our profession should call this out and encourage others do make something their own.

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We came to Lyaness for your „Fancy Tea“ and we were blown away not only by the food and drinks but also by the overall atmosphere and hospitality. How important is the latter for a modern bar?

Ryan/Mr. Lyan: Great to hear! To us, what is in the drink, or on the plate is secondary. We try and help people have a better time out, or to have a better or more effective gathering with their friends and family. Are drinks and dishes are tools for this, but so is the decor, the music, the lighting – everything we can effect. We want to focus on hospitality and helping people gather, and we’re very proud of having a team that cares about this aspect, rather than just simply drinks.

We’re pretty sure that many could benefit from your experience. Do you have any advice for other bartenders or bar owners (what to do or to avoid)?

Ryan/Mr. Lyan: Don’t believe the hype, make it personal, keep learning, and find what you love and are interested in! And never be afraid to ask for help

London’s cocktail landscape is a one-of-kind. Which bars (besides your own) are your favourites?

Ryan/Mr. Lyan: I think London has the best food and drink in the world right now. From classical venues like The Connaught, The Savoy, Satan’s Whiskers, Happiness Forgets & Swift to eclectic modern venues like Three Sheets (and Bar Three), Tayer + Elementary, Coupette and Mint Gun Club, the scene is pretty unrivalled!

Thanks Ryan for your insights and of course for your time!

Everything we love comes in two parts. So here we go with the final installment of our Los Angeles bar guide. Some of LA’s best bars and bartenders will cross your path. Get to know their story, their take on LA and of course their favourite drinks. As we already stated in our first bar guide, there’s no need to use this text as a bucket list. Rather choose some bars that match your preferences. If you go there, you will probably find out about other interesting places. We just wanna push you a little bit into the right direction!

Above a bar called tokyo
We watched the coast where traffic flows
Selective of the drinks that we buy
We used to drink the river bed dry
You and I


– Maximo Park, Drinking Martinis

 

LA Landkarte

Map by Studio Egotrips.

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16. Bibo Ergo Sum (West Hollywood)

 

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„I drink, therefore I am“ is the correct translation of Bibo Ergo Sum, an extraordinary name for a modern cocktail spot (don’t confuse this bar with Hong Kong’s Bibo). Located in the Robertson Plaza in Beverly Grove a non-descript door with a mysterious symbol leads directly to one of LA’s most stylish cocktail bars. Inspired by the award-winning movie „The Prestige“ about two rival magicians (embodied by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman) Bibo Ergo Sum takes a rather original approach compared to the majority of LA’s cocktail destinations. As movie lovers in general and fans of Christopher Nolan in particular we wanted to explore this place since we stumbled upon the first pics. The elegant décor mixes Art Déco elements with an intriguing symmetry that you will probably only notice subconsciously. Fortunately, Bibo’s remarkable attention to details is not limited to a sleek surface. The initial cocktail program developed by the experienced team of The Walker Inn played with themes of Nolan’s Hollywood movie. That said the drinks were top-notch and visually pleasing at the same time. When we came back for the second time, the menu had changed. Divided into three sections, each representing a different era from pre-prohibition until today and even beyond, you can experience the immense diversifity of the modern craft cocktail movement at Bibo Ergo Sum. Refreshing, a little spicy and very colorful – with this attributes the gin-based „Cadillac Swizz“ became a crowd pleaser, as bartender Alex told us. The spirit selection is broad-based, so everyone should find his personal favorite. Of course you can always opt for the „Bartender’s choice“ and let Alex or his colleagues decide for you. While we were slowly sipping at our drinks, the unique atmosphere caught us once again. But in contrast to Nolan’s „The Prestige“ this bar doesn’t rely on special effects or cheap Hollywood tricks.

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17. Here & Now (Arts District)

 

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Los Angeles is always changing. The revitalized Arts District can be seen as a manifestation of such fundamental changes. The opening of new galleries, stores, restaurants (like Bavel) as well as the construction of whole apartment buildings contributed to the momentum of that area. Cocktail lovers will also find a real gem in the Arts District. We are talking about Here & Now in the One Santa Fe complex. Until 2018 a bar called Westbound that took some inspiration from the history of the site as a train depot operated in the same spot. Westbound’s owner later joined forces with one of LA’s most respected barteams. Damian Diaz, Aaron Melendrez and Othón Nolasco made places like Everson Royce Bar famous. Even though they also worked as industry consultants, they never lost their passion for bartending and the daily bar business. It’s probably in their DNA just as their qualities as hosts. Some things are hard to learn, because they are more part of a mindset or an attitude. For Here & Now Damian, Aaron and Orthón took the established Westbound setup and refined it with their own ideas. Backed by a highly passionate barcrew their take on a modern cocktail place is based upon premium drinks with a „less is more“ approach, a cozy environment and strong ties to the community. Despite the instagrammable interior Here & Now is not satisfied with its nice outward appearance. The drinks are at least as great as the Art Déco inspired design. Their cocktail menu titled „Los Angeles in three centuries“ starts with some aperitifo drinks and continues with real boozy ones like the Old Fashioned inspired „Holy Ghost“ or the equally elegant „Zanjero“ made of Ilegal Mezcal and Lustau vermouth. Chapters like „Newest city in the world“ and „Time of our lives“ feature Here & Now twists on beloved classics as well as some very sophisticated contenders. The „City Lights and Business Nights“ adds Fernet Branca and a dash of banana flavor to a Manhattan. If you somewhat like Manhattans, you will love this drink! Finally, we won’t keep quiet about their food. With a full kitchen open until 2 AM, this place has more to offer than usual bar snacks. We heard a lot of praise about their signature burger, so perhaps it was a bad decision to have dinner elsewhere. In any case, the roasted peppers with sea salt and aioli came close to the definition of food porn. Please guys, what about opening an outpost in Germany? Otherwise we would come back to LA just for you.

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18. Here’s Looking at You (Koreatown)

 

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In LA you don’t have to decide if you want to go to a good restaurant or a fine bar. That is to say both things can often be found in one place. Here’s Looking at You in K-Town (the name is a reference to a famous quote from the award-winning Hollywood movie „Casablanca“) lives up to that promise and to the buzz surrounding its streetwear loving chef Jonathan Withener, who was once the mind behind the great meat-centric dishes at Animal. Together with his „partner in crime“ Lien Ta, also from Animal, he opened HLAY in an area that was the old Hollywood a very long time ago. As this is a bar guide, we don’t want to go into details about HLAY’s flavorful food menu. We will get back to Jonathan’s outstanding culinary skills in our LA Food Guide. Just allow us to say that HLAY’s brunch is probably the best we had in LA. For most folks, common brunch choices are a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary. Although we have seen both drinks here, bar director Harry Chin clearly aims at more ambitious and exotic creations. For brunch he came up with some strong Tiki drinks. Did you know that Tiki drinks and Tiki culture were both invented in LA and not on an exotic Polynesian island? Harry’s last fall/winter menu showcased a dozen drinks that each on its own was inspired by a different piece of LA, using seasonal ingredients and a playful attitude that can also be found in HLAY’s interior design. The gin based „The Shape of Green“ is a wonderful homage to movies like „Carol“ and „The Shape of Water“, where the color green plays an important visual role in storytelling. Needless to say, that this idea caught our hearts just as the rich flavors did.

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19. Bar Henry (Echo Park)

 

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The most pleasant surprises are always the unexpected ones. We hope you don’t mind this linguistic failure, at least you might get an idea of what we wanted to express. When we strolled around Echo Park, we stumbled upon this cozy neighborhood joint called Bar Henry. With its green facade and small neon lighting it really made an impact on us. The interior is even more charming thanks to a wooden floor, the bar counter made of walnut, some plants and a very subtle use of warm colors and lights. In addition, the fine selection of spirits caught our eyes as soon as we entered the bar. Bar Henry’s signature cocktail menu with a focus on mezcal and tequila was created by Cari Hah, one of LA’s most famous and respected female bartenders. It’s therefore no surprise that the drinks – all based on a three ingredients concept – can keep up with the overall design. With most cocktails in the 13-14 Dollar range, the pricing seems quite fair for LA. As Bar Henry’s co-owner Brett Rubin explained to us, the goal was to establish a new neighborhood bar. Built up from scratch and opened in late 2018 Bar Henry quickly became a favorite among locals. It’s not hard to imagine why. The drinks are crafted and well-balanced (the mezcal based „Flattened Priest“ is a real crowd pleaser as Brett revealed to us), the vibe is cool but not too fancy and the bartenders are very knowledgeable. Despite zero PR activities so far and without any Happy Hour deals that usually attract many bar tourists, the spot on Sunset Boulevard has already found many patrons, who come around for a drink and a chat with friends at least once a week. The last one is probably the ultimate proof of concept for every good neighborhood bar. Bar Henry demonstrates without the slightest showy attitude how to create a pleasant bar experience. What might sound trivial, is actually a daily struggle for most other places.

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20. Block Party Highland Park (Highland Park)

 

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Only some years ago Highland Park was one of LA’s neglected and overlooked neighborhoods. The area wasn’t associated with great bars or restaurants. Apparently, things have changed. To some extent this change can be traced back to people like Jason Eisner, who made Highland Park a very hip and famous place. Especially on the weekends York Boulevard and North Figueroa Street convert into a lively outdoor party with food trucks and lots of entertainment. In 2015, Eisner, who had already been distinguished as „LA’s Bartender of the Year“ in the same year, opened Block Party in Highland Park. The main idea was to establish a neighborhood spot, where people could come together and just have a good time. Besides the craft beer and Mexican focused bar menu, Block Party offers a big back yard patio with a shuffleboard field and wooden benches. Eisner evidently wants everyone to feel welcome already upon entering the bar. An important part of Block Party’s concept are the mostly vegan food pop ups on York Boulevard. People can bring food to Block Party, which is a really nice touch. Jason introduced us to Evanice Holz, who is already famed in LA for her vegan Cuban and Brazilian dishes (she also has German roots as you may suspect given her family name). Even if you’re usually not into vegan food, you should try Evanice’s „Arroz sin pollo“, or her equally tasty sandwiches. But don’t blame us afterwards for getting you addicted to vegan food! Honoring Mexican influences and culture, Eisner’s bar crew created an excellent Michelada, a beer-based drink with home-made Habanero bitters and a salt crust. Or how about the Highland Punch snowcone? We’ve been to many great bars, but only a few can compete with Block Party’s hospitality – a true neighborhood gem.

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Nice to meet you! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hi! My name is Jason Eisner and I am the owner and founder of Block Party Highland Park and Party Beer Co (opening in June 2019).

What makes your bar unique?

Block Party Highland Park is a Modern Beer Garden and Bottle Shop, which means you can taste our craft beers and small production wines on sight, or even take them to go! We have some of the most beautiful beer and wine cocktails in LA. My favorite is the Michelada con Paleta, which comes with a salted heirloom tomato and watermelon popsicle.

Please tell us about your favorite spirit and drink!

I’m really a Pilsner drinker, but my favorite spirit is Mezcal Tobalá and my favorite cocktail is a classic Negroni.

What bartender should we meet next?

You have to meet Chris Amirault, Karen Grill or Gabe Huerta.

Any recommendations what to do in LA?

Yes! Get some Plant Based donuts at Donut Friend in Downtown Los Angeles and then go play at Two Bit Circus Micro Amusement Park or drive out to Malibu and go to Leo Carillo Beach.

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21. Seymour’s (Palm Springs)

 

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From a European perspective it makes sense to feature some bars from Palm Springs in an LA bar guide. We guess people from Palm Springs may disagree. It’s a two-hour drive after all and a completely different vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of LA. Palm Springs is famous for its many senior citizens, a big gay community and its mid-century architecture — we consciously skip the part involving bachelor/bachelorette parties. But perhaps the city should be on a bar map. One good reason for this is Seymour’s, the backroom bar of Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse. While we highly recommend dinner at this elegant restaurant and trying their 16oz NY strip steak (you better be hungry), we would really like to praise the indisputable qualities of Seymour’s as a classic speakeasy venue hidden behind a black curtain. The bar itself is quite small, equipped with many details worth mentioning, such as the hand-crafted tables partly made of conches and a television showing movies or TV series exclusively in black-and-white. The latter adds much to the bar’s unique atmosphere that won over our hearts. Seymour’s is also emitting some Tiki vibes although it’s very far away from your usual Tiki bar expectations. Seymour’s owner Steen is a Kiwi with a Danish father, a rather uncommon combination. His recommendation to order ”The Owl“ – Seymour’s signature drink named after their logo – was the right decision. We can hardly say no to an Old Fashioned and therefore this Old Fashioned inspired drink made with Rittenhouse Rye whiskey and walnut liqueur was superb and truly to our taste. ”The Owl“ is also the perfect after-dinner cocktail. Besides all the beloved classics bartender Felix also knows how to please the more open-minded imbiber with a gin-avocado-drink called ”Wait…what? Avocado?“. It’s totally up to you!

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22. Bootlegger Tiki (Palm Springs)

 

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While this is not the first Tiki entry in our bar guide, we’d like to dip into Tiki history at this point. As mentioned earlier the first Tiki bar opened in Hollywood. Don the Beachcomber and its owner Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt became legends. In the early 1950s a Tiki outpost was established in Palm Springs. Many celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope, who both had homes in the desert, were regular guests at Don the Beachcomber. On that historic ground, Bootlegger Tiki and its associated café Ernest Coffee opened 2014 with a straight-forward Tiki concept. As soon as you walk into the small bar you feel totally Tiki thanks to the dimmed red light and many Tiki props. You can spot an old Don the Beachcomber poster, pufferfish lanterns hanging from the ceiling, holiday postcards, Polynesian/Chinese artwork and of course lots of bamboo. Starting with the bar chairs and also covering large part of the walls, bamboo is all over this place that recreates the setting of a small hut on an island somewhere in the Polynesian sea. In this regard Bootlegger’s entrance works as a wormhole. At least we felt teleported into another dimension. Carlos and Tony –the bar managers – are really passionate guys. They don’t treat the whole Tiki approach just as a gimmick or an ad tool. Instead they feel obligated to the history of this special place. That is why Frank Sinatra’s favorite drink („Navy Grog“) is part of the menu. Many Tiki drinks lean towards rum, but there are also some nice mezcal and bourbon choices. Despite its name the smoky „Luck be a Lady“ is a drink equally popular with both men and women. The „Dealer’s choice“ gives the bartenders some room for creativity. You choose the spirit, they’ll do the rest. We’re pretty sure that you will like the outcome. In the end forget about Hawaii, just come to Palm Springs!

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23. Truss & Twine (Palm Springs)

 

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Even though we are still in Palm Springs, this modern and sleek venue feels like a whole different planet. Truss & Twine shares the space with a well-known restaurant called Workshop Kitchen that is recognized by gourmets from all over California. Located in the historic El Paseo Building, the bar looks like a minimalistic fantasy. Concrete-lined walls, high ceilings and exposed trusses (hence the name) create a very modern but not clinical atmosphere. The lighting is warm and the music adds a relaxed vibe to the overall very minimalistic bar décor. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, you will experience the exact opposite. The highly entertaining bar crew makes sure that every guest is treated with incredible hospitality, listening and responsiveness to their individual preferences when it comes to spirits. So, if you don’t find your favorite drink on the classics-inspired menu, just tell Nathaniel and his colleagues what kind of flavors you like. In our case they created a Gimlet/Brooklyn combo. Both drinks managed to exceed our already high expectations. Now we know why Truss & Twine earned a reputation as a first-class destination for classic drinks since opening two years ago. We should also mention their original cocktails. Truss & Twine’s recipes sometimes leave the familiar route, exploring new directions and flavors. As Michael Beckmann, Truss & Twine’s owner and initiator, is also the owner of Workshop Kitchen, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they focus on both food and drinks. Shame on us that we already had dinner and couldn’t taste their probably delicious chacuterie or cheese boards. Truss & Twine’s attention to craft cocktails made of high-quality ingredients would succeed not only in the desert. This is a bar that keeps up with the big names in New York, London or Tokyo in all aspects.

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24. Break Room 86 (Koreatown)

 

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Some people need no introduction. If you are working in the hospitality industry in LA a name will sooner or later cross your path: The Houston Brothers. They built a bar empire from scratch. Places like Cuban nightclub La Descarga, the Hollywood hotspots Dirty Laundry and No Vacancy as well as the 70’s-inspired Good Times at Davey Wayne’s are all part of their company. For the perhaps most interesting Houston Brothers establishment, partygoers have to do their homework. The first hurdle is to find the hidden entrance of Break Room 86 – it’s on Ardmore next to The Line Hotel –, the second is their door policy. On the weekends, people queue up around the block, so we suggest to come around on a Wednesday or Thursday night when they play classic 80s/90s songs and have cover bands for live performances. But even during the week this wonderfully weird place gets crowded after 11/11.30 PM. Like we said it’s a Houston Brothers venue and therefore very popular by default. As you enter Break Room 86 through a loading dock you travel back in time. Every amazing detail of this place reminded us of our youth. There were so many awesome ideas incorporated in the design of the bar, it’s impossible to name them all (and it would spoil the party). From the secret karaoke rooms and the arcade games to the adjustable bar that can be turned into a stage, guests of Break Room 86 can expect an almost endless series of surprises. What could have become a Disneyland kind of bar with a kitschy retro décor is fortunately a real bar with authentic 80’s (party) vibes. After taking us on a private tour, bar manager Avery introduced their cocktail program to us. Named after various 80’s references the drinks spark the same fun vibes. The „Jack Burton“ is a little spicy Old Fashioned iteration, the „Run-DMC“ equals a creamy temptation. Our favourites were however the mezcal-based „Locals Only“ and the very refreshing „Mr. Miyagi“ made of Japanese whisky and watermelon shrub. Break Room 86 may be first of all a great party bar, but these guys are also quite serious about their drinks.

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25. The Varnish (Downtown)

 

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When you talk with bar chefs or bartenders about their favorite places, chances are high that you will hear one name sooner or later: The Varnish. Now in business for over 10 years this downtown staple does serious drinks without any false gimmicks. Bar chef Bryan and his crew earn their reputation night after night. The Varnish, tucked away in the backroom of Downtown’s infamous Cole’s French Dip restaurant (just look up who met here back in the days), is open 7 days a week from 7 PM until 2 AM. With only some tables and quite a small bar front you have to be somehow patient to get a seat. Or perhaps it’s your lucky day? As the house rules point out, it also takes some time to make a proper drink. Instead of bartending by the numbers every cocktail deserves the same intention, whether you choose one of the Varnish’s signature drinks – their cocktail menu is pleasantly straightforward – or if you ask for a classic like the Manhattan. Another way to experience this low-lit bar with its speakeasy vibes is to let the bartenders decide what they can get for you. In the second round we just went along with one of Bryan’s favorite drinks, the Martini-based „Poet’s Dream“ – a wise decision. Both The Varnish and Cole’s are prototypes of old-fashioned places, where time stands still and you can dip (pun intended) into the good old times for a night. The total package simply works. It’s the combination of knowledgeable bartenders, a classic speakeasy atmosphere, live jazz music playing and the rich history of this place that makes this little backroom bar a pleasant destination for all cocktail lovers in LA. And even some Tinder dates seem to have fun at The Varnish.

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26. NoMad (Downtown)

 

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Some names don’t need an introduction. For a luxurious stay the five-stars-rated NoMad hotels are always a safe bet. While the elegant rooms require a solid budget, having a drink at one of NoMad’s award-winning bars is obviously more affordable. The historic building in Downtown LA – once commissioned by Italian banker Amadeo Giannini for his corporate headquarters and now home to NoMad’s LA branch – is impressive from the outside and even more impressive from the inside. Next to the main lobby the Giannini Bar awaits cocktail lovers in an elegant, yet not too formal setting. There is also a rooftop bar offering a nice view over Downtown and a more casual daytime coffee bar with limited cocktail options. Although you are aware of NoMad’s history and decadence when taking a seat, the bar team does a great job in making you feel comfortable. We had an appointment with Iluggy Recinos, a passionate bartender with a serious addiction to kicks. When we asked him for his favorite drink, he was struggling to come up with an answer. There are way too many, he told us smiling. We know how he feels. It’s like someone would ask us: „What’s your favorite pair of sneakers?“. Since we weren’t in a mood for heavy drinking at 3.00 PM – call us amateurs – we followed Iluggy’s advice for a more refreshing option. The „Foxtrot“ is a whiskey drink with a fruity twist thanks to a trio of orgeat, lime and passionfruit. Even people who usually avoid whiskey cocktails, will love this creation by NoMad’s famous bar director Leo Robitschek. He and his team won the award for „America’s Best Bar Team“ in 2017, while NoMad’s New York bar was rated as “Best Bar in North America”. The Giannini bar proves anybody wrong, who believes the sequel can never be as good as the original. Sometimes the best can be found at two places at the same time.

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27. Melrose Umbrella (Melrose)

 

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A bar that feels like home, perhaps like your living room or just like a hangout with many good friends. To us, this idea comes pretty close to the perfect neighborhood bar. It’s no coincidence that the people who run Melrose Umbrella in Los Angeles’ famous Melrose shopping district wanted to establish a social cocktail experience in a laid-back environment. Everybody is welcome here (as long as you follow the „House Rules“ printed on the last page of their menu) and everybody can truly enjoy the best drinks without the slightest pretentious attitude. Neither do you have to be somebody else, nor do you need to impress anybody. Melrose Umbrella that also operates as a café serving breakfast, bagels and lunch specials attracts a mixed crowd of all ages, many locals and regular guests. You will meet people who simply enjoy a good beer as well as the „serious“ cocktail guy. Despite being German we would reckon ourselves among the second group. The latest edition of their cocktail menu features new drinks by co-owner and award-winning bartender Zach Patterson and of course some beloved Umbrella classics from previous menus. As beverage director Scott Eton told us, the smoky „Mezcali Me Banana“ is still their top-seller. Every lover of a good Old Fashioned should try the „White Old Fashioned“ made with mezcal, yellow chartreuse and crème de cacao. The quality of the drinks is top-notch. They only use premium spirits, homemade syrups and tonics as Zach pointed out. These guys are really ambitious, taking care to dot all their Is and cross all their ts. The carefully arranged interior with the old wooden apothecary cabinet now serving as the back bar adds much to the warm atmosphere. Live music and alternating events confirm Melrose Umbrella’s standing among LA’s best neighborhood bars.

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28. The Friend (Silver Lake)

 

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Neither should you judge a book by its cover, nor a bar only by its design. In the end it’s all about the drinks, the atmosphere and having a good time. If those three things come together, you have a winner. But of course, by definition there can’t be a second attempt for a first impression. The Friend knows about that crucial moment, trying to attract you with its colorful neon signs, pink candy packaging and eye-catching street art. Once inside, your senses are stimulated by a bright 50’s diner-theme, more street art and many subversive details. It doesn’t come as a surprise that graffiti artist Andre Saraiva is behind The Friend’s visual concept. He is also one of the three owners (Mickey Madden and Jared Meisler being the other two). Some of Saraiva’s best friends like famous painter Kenny Scharf contributed colorful artwork to The Friend’s valuable memorabilia. After your eyes have adjusted to this exceptional design dream it’s time for some serious drinking. William Cutting is The Friend’s bar manager – yes, it’s his real name – and also responsible for the imaginative cocktail menu named after different personas like „The Dancer“ or „The Hustler“. The former is the most „instagrammable“ drink and it’s obvious why. But getting back to the beginning the creamy yet refreshing Dancer made of two sorts of gin and filled up with bubbling Champagne is fortunately no show-off. „The Hustler“ gets more and more spicy over time as the Habanero flavor slowly infiltrates the mezcal base of this very LA-like cocktail. We hope that mezcal will get more attention in Europe besides the usual tequila shots. The Friend finishes as a strong and at the same time quite different entry to this bar guide. With its nontypical décor and vibrant DJ sets it is geared towards a younger more party-oriented audience. So, if you are in a mood for a dance and a drink, don’t look any further!

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29. Sonny’s Hideaway (Highland Park)

 

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Let’s get things straight: This is our favorite bar in LA! It’s not located in the trendy Arts District or in hipster-paradise Silver Lake, not in Hollywood or in Beverly Hills. Sonny’s Hideaway found a home in thriving Highland Park. When the bar opened its doors for the first time in 2013 that area was one of LA’s most notorious neighborhoods that people avoided. But things have changed considerably. Today, Highland Park is an immensely popular destination for bar people, cocktail lovers and everyone who wants to have a good time. To some extent this is the merit of the great guys from Sonny’s. Owner Derek Lyons and his bar manager Jon Navasartian run a new American restaurant with an ambitious bar program. Besides the usual suspects – they make all the classic cocktails for you – and a special menu for „Tiki Tuesday“ Jon and his crew are constantly working on their own signature drinks. Some of them were inspired by other guests (like the pictured „Four Mary“, a Bourbon drink with delicious Pear Brandy and Amaro), some by stories around the bar. We ordered several drinks and all of them were first class. The „Curbside“ may not be a typical LA cocktail, but we don’t care. The mix of calvados, gin and génépi (a traditional herbal liqueur) creates a drink to remember. Served up it is intense, well-balanced and very flavorful. It’s also possible that you will spot a drink called „Extended Stay“ on the menu pretty soon. While we praise Jon’s cocktail program, we’d like to mention the overall atmosphere at Sonny’s. With its charming retro interior, the oversized leather booths, dark lighting and terrific music selection (Arcade Fire, The Black Keys and Arcade Fire again) this place does everything right. It’s a hidden gem that everyone should discover with an open heart. It will stay with you for a very long time.

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Nice to meet you Jon! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m an L.A. native that’s been in the hospitality industry for 20 years, bartending 15 of those years. I first wanted to become a chef, influenced by my grandmother, but happened to work front of the house. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

What makes your bar unique?

I wouldn’t say that Sonny’s Hideaway is unique, but rather special in multiple ways. I was a patron before I got a job with Sonny’s because I fell in love with the bar s30.taff and the quality of cocktails. I could wax poetic about this subject for a while, but to keep it short I’ll give you the short answer. The back bar is very thoughtful, relatively extensive and reasonably priced. Our drinks are creative, seasonal, and approachable and always consistent. I can’t stress this more, but the best part of the bar is our hospitality team. Everyone that works behind the bar or taking tables are all consummate professionals that are knowledgeable, inviting and talented. I feel very fortunate to work with such a great crew.

Please tell us about ur favorite spirit and drink!

Spirit forward I’d say a Brooklyn is one of my favorite cocktails and citrus, a Daiquiri made with rhum agricole is up there. If I’m sipping on a spirit I’d have to say bourbon is my favorite category, Larue Weller to be specific.

What bartender or bar owner should we meet next?

You definitely have to meet Max at Gracias Madre. He personifies hospitality with his knowledge and warmth of personality.

Any recommendations what to do in LA?

This is easy! Come to Sonny’s when in LA!

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30. The Streamliner (Downtown)

 

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LA’s Union Station in Downtown – almost at the edge of Chinatown – is a stunning piece of architecture with an eventful past. You can feel history here. To the right of the main entrance in the former Harvey House space a renovation worth mentioning occurred during the last year. Overseen by the experts of the AvroKO design company a huge space – The Imperial Western Beer Company – with two bars and different food stands was established. While it seems impossible to miss that gigantic hall, one could easily overlook the small attached venue called The Streamliner (Bar). Both concepts were developed by LA’s 213 Hospitality Group that operates more than 30 venues in the Southwest. 213 Hospitality is one of the big players in this space. We know what you might think now! We don’t like soulless franchises either, but The Streamliner is not a copycat or just another copy-and-paste-project. It’s rather unique for a number of reasons. First of all, the Art Déco inspired design stands out thanks to a host of thoughtful details and an intriguing color scheme. Despite the narrowness of the space there’s nothing claustrophobic to it. You just take a seat in one of the booths and enjoy your drink. Even before we could say anything good or bad about the drinks, we had a crush on this space. The atmosphere and a superb music selection (from 90’s synth-pop to modern electro dance tracks) add up to a perfect match. As bar manager Max explained to us, the biggest challenge at the beginning was to achieve a consistent quality. In addition, they charge you only $8 to $9 for a drink all night, every day. If you now expect diluted or mediocre drinks, you’re completely wrong. Instead they try to achieve a zero-waste policy, focusing on efficiency and only a couple of classics. So, their selection may be limited compared to other bars like The Varnish, but when they do a Gimlet or an Old Fashioned this is nevertheless serious drinking.

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Check out Part One.

You can explore Los Angeles by visiting the usual hotspots and more or less well-known tourist attractions or by neighborhoods. Or you eat and drink yourself through this highly diverse city that has so much more to offer than merely awful Hollywood. That’s exactly what we did! Leaving food recommendations aside for now all the great bars, bartenders and drinks that crossed our path during the last weeks take center stage. As we were based in Silver Lake this bar guide tends to be biased towards east LA. We are fully aware of that. Also, LA’s bar scene is constantly evolving. Every week sees new openings and closings. What’s hot today could be “dead” by tomorrow. So please don’t use this guide as a bucket list – instead, pick some bars that match your preferences, go there, talk to the bartenders, ask them about their favorites and gather your own experiences. We hope you’ll enjoy our bar guide and our exclusive interviews with barchefs and beverage directors like Maxwell Reis and Cari Hah. Cheers!

Down on the West Coast they got a sayin‘
„If you’re not drinkin‘ then you’re not playin'“

– Lana Del Rey, West Coast

 

LA Landkarte

Map by Studio Egotrips.

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1. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)

 

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While most places simply follow already popular trends because their owners don’t like to take risks, only a handful of visionaries are creating them. Jason Eisner, who nowadays runs Block Party in Highland Park, became a crucial figure for the vegan movement in Los Angeles thanks to his 100% plant-based beverage menu. Back then he was one of first beverage directors who explored the possibilities of vegan craft cocktails. Eisner’s efforts paid off, putting vegan Mexican restaurant Gracias Madre in West Hollywood on LA’s bar map. While the food is highly popular also among non-vegans, Gracias Madre’s reputation as an outstanding bar comes pretty close. Since Eisner left Gracias Madre the bar program is overseen by Maxwell Reis who not only refines Eisner’s techniques but who is also exploring new ways. As he told us, the possibilities of creating vegan/organic craft cocktails are limitless. By focusing on high quality spirits from small producers and ingredients made in-house he is able to introduce new flavors to Gracias Madre’s discerning and sometimes quiet famous guests (if you want to know more, use Google). Some creations have already become his own signature drinks. To be honest we are not sure if we would order a drink made of arugula. Thankfully Max made that decision for us and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The „Rocket Man“ is an incredibly well-balanced drink, it’s refreshing and doesn’t try to hide the arugula flavor. Even the „The Usual Suspects“ section holds some surprises like a „Negroni Verde“ made of mezcal and green chili. Besides being all vegan Gracias Madre’s cocktails are also all made of mezcal or tequila provided by small independent producers from Mexico and Central America. Initially you might come around for the food, but you will certainly stay for the drinks and a chat with Maxwell who gave us some very interesting answers (especially the last one). Now we love you even more!

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Nice to meet you Maxwell! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Maxwell Reis, and I’m the beverage director at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. I’m originally from Napa, California. I moved to Los Angeles after high school to play music and fell in love with cocktail culture shortly after.

What makes your bar unique?

We’re an all agave bar attached to a vegan Mexican restaurant, which is pretty unique in itself! As far as my program, it’s really an effort to combine the vibrant and unique flavors that Mexico has to offer with what I feel are the cocktail roots here in LA. Tiki, which was born here, and American Classics/Neo Classics. I want our guests to trust us, so we can take them to new and exciting places.

Please tell us about your favorite spirit and drink!

Mezcal, hands down! It’s the purest and more expansive representation of terroir, variatle, and historical culture you can find in a bottle outside of wine. Mezcal neat is my go-to drink, but if I had to pick a favorite cocktail, I would probably pick the Sherry Cobbler. It’s so beautiful, simple, and easy to mess up, like most things in life. Plus, you can drink a million of them.

What bartender should we meet next?

Shawn Lickliter, from République. I think he runs the most overlooked cocktail program in the city. The restaurant itself is known for the incredible food and amazing wine program, so I feel people don’t often stop to really take in how amazing the bar is. He not only boasts one of the better curated selections of spirits in the city but has a daily rotating cocktail menu that depends entirely on the chef’s farmers market trip that morning. Cocktails never overdone and always done right.

Any recommendations what to do in LA?

Avoid Hollywood like the plague! There are some awesome places to eat and drink but get in and get out. Go where locals go, and that doesn’t just mean to the beach. Drive around the east side of LA, eat some tacos on the corner, go to Echo Park lake, walk around Downtown, just explore!

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2. Lono (Hollywood)

 

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Hollywood is probably one of the most idealized places in the entire world. It’s a place of endless hopes and dreams, but also one of fading glory days. The old Hollywood era was replaced by a not so glamorous age, at least in our opinion. Therefore, we usually try to avoid the touristy Hollywood Boulevard with its legendary Walk of Fame. One of the better – or the best – reasons for a trip to Hollywood however is called Lono. We admit that the description of a classic Tiki bar always consists of the same words: kitsch, palmtrees and Mai Tai. We get it. But in case of Lono all of these well-known ingredients are executed in a flawless manner, creating a true Polynesian oasis in the middle of Hollywood. The team behind Lono already operates a great café/bar outpost on Melrose called Melrose Umbrella. We come back later to that place. For their trip into the Tiki universe they teamed up with award winning chef David Lespron of Katsuya, who created an equally tasty food menu with Asian influences. Even if we could easily get addicted to that salty coconut popcorn, we’re here for the Tiki drinks. Bartender Justin might not be a Hawaiian native, but his cocktails like the refreshing Suffering Bastard (a hangover cure if you believe their menu) or the Bacardi based Nui Nui teleport you directly to a sandy Polynesian beach. You also can’t go wrong with a classic Mai Tai or Pina Colada. Lono teaches everyone – and every average Tiki place – how to create retro Tiki vibes in style. In the end it’s all about fun and meticulously crafted drinks. Just come to Lono and forget about the rest of Hollywood!

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3. Duello (Arts District)

 

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To experience how a city can evolve and change, you need to go see LA’s resurging Arts District. The atmosphere is vibrant, the people who work and live here are creative, very open-minded and of course into all kinds of art. Besides a host of galleries and small art studios an exciting culinary scene has evolved in this area. The recently opened bar Duello is a place we instantly fell in love with. It’s the brainchild of Iain McPherson, a Scottish entrepreneur and bartender, whose Edinburgh home base Panda & Sons was ranked among the world’s Top 100 bars. For his LA outpost, Iain took inspiration from the Arts District’s diversified past, which still can be found in this rapidly changing neighborhood. The menu is divided into different sections, each representing an era. The wine and sherry-based drinks are a reference to the late 19th century, when the area was influenced by wineries. Other chapters include Tiki and citrus-heavy drinks from the 1920s and artist inspired cocktails from the 1970s onwards like the ”New Order“ (inspired by Scottish sculptor Karla Black). We were in the capable hands of bar director Kaiko Tulloch, who traded her Scottish home for LA. Not a bad deal, right? (no offense to Scotland) We caught Kaiko while she was setting up the bar for the evening service, preparing some of the ingredients and punches. Take for example the ”New Order“. This drink might look simple and pure, but its rich flavors of mezcal, pandan and smoke will surely take you by surprise. And it takes some time to make the clarified milk punch that is the base of this cocktail. To smoke the drink isn’t just a gimmick, it’s essential. Trust the professionals, trust Kaiko and her bar team. She will guide you through a century of flavors, drinks and barlife.

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4. The Normandie Club (Koreatown)

 

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One of LA’s most vivid neighborhoods must be Koreatown or K-Town as the locals say. Situated inside the legendary Hotel Normandie that first opened its doors back in the roaring 1920s, the Normandie Club awaits barflies, cocktail enthusiats or just everyone with a thing for good drinks. As some hotel bars can easily feel a little bit generic, clinical or interchangeable, this is not the case here. We would rather compare the Normandie Club with a classic American bar, equipped with comfortable leather armchairs, wood panellings, dim lightning, white brick walls and – most importantly – a huge selection of fine spirits. If you are more in the mood for a beer, cider or a fine wine, Jamal and his bar crew won’t disappoint either. As we were told, the place really gets crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, so they decided to remodel/enlarge the space (that’s the good news) and close the famous The Walker Inn (that’s the not so good part). The secret back room bar became an instutition building up a reputation way beyond LA thanks to superior drink menus. Let’s hope that The Walker Inn will pop up somewhere else in the future. Putting a certain melancholy aside we experienced and enjoyed the quality of Normandie Club’s cocktail menu. In addition to all the beloved classics like a great Brooklyn (highly recommended) or Martini, an Old Fashioned or a Collins, the bar also offers its own take on those timeless drinks along seven categories. When it comes to the ultimate bar experience, the drinks are only one (important) part of the puzzle. Add to the mix atmosphere, hospitality and a pleasant crowd for a night to remember. The Normandie Club is a safe bet and a bartender’s favorite.

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5. Bar Caló (Echo Park)

 

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Mexican influences are all over the place in California and particularly in LA. This is true for culture, food and also for drinks. Mezcal is probably one of Mexico’s most successful export goods. Made from different kinds of agave, the distilled beverage can be used as the base for many drinks and cocktails. The most popular mezcal is Tequila, made from blue agave. The recently opened Bar Caló in hip Echo Park pays tribute to mezcal and tequila with a sophisticated cocktail menu by mixologist Jeremy Simpson, whose creations already put places like Good Housekeeping and award-winning Bestia on LA’s culinary map. Most drinks are mezcal-based, redefining classics like an Old Fashioned (with smoky mezcal instead of whisky) or a Negroni (which is called Don Negroni here). Jeremy uses seasonal ingredients and sometimes he goes completely new ways. In either case you shouldn’t leave this place without a mezcal tasting, showcasing distillates from different Mexican regions like Oaxaca. Instead of promoting the big American mezcal producers Bar Caló relies on small regional mezcal brands. This was Jeremy’s very conscious decision as he seeks to support bio diversity and at the same time push back monoculture. The intimate, very charming interior of Bar Caló is another pleasant surprise, contrasting with the rather unimpressive strip mall setting from the outside. And thanks to Brooke Fruchtman and Jaime Turrey, who are not only the owners of Bar Caló but also behind the food menu of Echo Park’s first-class restaurant Ostrich Farm, the drinks are accompanied by authentic Mexican dishes. But be warned: Some of the dips can be spicy as hell! But if you like mezcal, you could certainly handle Mexican cuisine. This is no kindergarten, right Jeremy? If you pop down on a Monday, you can enjoy Bar Caló’s Happy Hour all night.

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6. Tenants of the Trees (Silver Lake)

 

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Sometimes it only needs a certain trigger for a déjà vu. In case of Tenants of the Trees in Silver Lake we felt as if we had been there once before (which is not the case). Opened in 2015, the owners wanted to establish a new multifunctional, intriguing venue for party people, music lovers and cocktail connoisseurs all at the same time. Rather unimpressive from the street level – there is only a small neon sign which says „cocktails“ – you are teleported into another dimension of midcentury modernism and sophisticated design upon entering the first of three different sections. The small Out of Order space features a bar and a music/performance venue. It has an intimate club-like feeling and can be turned into a party space, where you will probably find the cool kids. After that you enter a bigger room with the main bar. Finally, an open patio with a portable bar station and an elegant midcentury sunroom round off this multifunctional, truly impressive venue. The rest of the evening we found ourselves – unsurprisingly – at the main bar. Steven, who also created some of the drinks from Tenants’ bar menu like the incredibly smooth wine-vodka-drink called „Only Lovers left alive“, took good care of us. Not only with regard to the drinks but also thanks to his anecdotes about LA’s bar life. If you need some insider tips (where to eat, drink or simply have a good time), this is your man! However, our lips are sealed, so we can’t tell you which celebrities like to hang out at Tenants of the Trees. Before getting lost in gossip we definitely need to praise the overall experience at this popular Silver Lake destination. In a certain way its playful yet stylish vibe is comparable to some venues owned by the famous Houston brothers (especially to the more casual Good Times at Davey Wayne’s). At Tenants of the Trees you come around early for the drinks and you stay for the fun.

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7. Gold Line (Highland Park)

 

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Amid the rapid changing neighborhood of Highland Park, a new destination for barflies and connoisseurs of fine music opened its doors in late 2018. Gold Line Bar on Figueroa Street has quickly become a favorite not only among locals. More and more cocktail lovers from all over the city discover this little gem as it gets very busy not only on the weekends (there’s usually a line on Friday and Saturday nights). Even on a supposedly quiet Monday night Gold Line’s experienced bartenders have more than enough to do. Gold Line is the latest project by Hip-Hop DJ and producer Peanut Butter Wolf alias Chris Manak of Stones Throw Records. With Gold Line he and his business partners – Tyler Bell of Silver Lake’s famous El Condor restaurant among them – established a new venue for good (vinyl) music and even better drinks. The more than impressive vinyl collection covers almost 8,000 different records, mostly hip-hop, funk and soul tracks from Wolf’s private collection. While other places are well-known for inviting bartenders to a guest shift, the alternate DJs at Gold Line play a similarly important role. It’s hard to imagine this bar without the music, given the superb quality of the built-in sound/hi-fi system. At Gold Line drinks and tunes complete each other. As for the drinks the menu follows a straight-forward „three ingredients“ approach. Mezcal and whisky take the center stage, but of course you can also order a glass of wine or a beer. Bar manager Edwin Diaz seved us his interpretation of a Negroni called „The 56“ (named after the street nearby), using Amaro Montenegro made of 40 botanicals. We highly recommend this drink. It’s so well-balanced, you will probably want more than one. „Orbit“ (named after the owner’s dog), the second cocktail, is really refreshing and more on the sweeter side thanks to Lejay – a French crème de cassis liqueur. Both drinks can be enjoyed at the beautiful bar made of walnut or at Gold Line’s cozy lounge in the back.

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Nice to meet you Edwin! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, working in the industry for the last 7 years. I play music and video games in my spare time. I forget that I have to work out on multiple occasion. I live and work in Highland Park, which is advantageous given my position with Gold Line, but it is also an easy way to spend way too much time at work. I am hopeful that I get to travel the world someday.

What makes your bar unique?

Gold Line is unique to this city because we offer a curated listening experience like no other. We have DJ’s come in and select records from the 8000+ collection, but the best part is that they can only choose from the collection available. No records come in and no records come out. As far as the cocktail program goes, it’s pretty simple. Nothing overly complicated so that is really easy and approachable, but also weird enough so that your seasoned drinker would be curious to try it.

Please tell us about your favorite spirit and drink!

At the moment my favorite is Gin. I know that’s not very typical especially given the agave craze that is happening, but it is my favorite to play around with. We also are in the midst of a push for gin that is stemming away super dry and more towards citrus forward which is quite nice. My favorite cocktail is a Negroni.

What bartender or bar owner should we meet next?

I think you should meet my buddy Raul Pool. He’s about to open up a bar in Echo Park next month and he’s been in the industry for a long time. I have also known him for half of my life.

Any recommendations what to do in LA?

My favorite things to do in the city are simple pleasures. I like listening to as much new music as possible and the best part about Gold Line is that it allows me to do just that every day at work. With that said, I do like the live music scene and try to go to as many shows as possible. I also like to go to Dodger games whenever they are in town.

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8. Le Néant (Downtown)

 

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As Le Néant’s french name (“the nothing”) would suggest, this hidden bar inside the historic Alexandria Hotel in Downtown LA actually doesn’t exist. Or it should be a treasured secret aiming at sophisticated cocktail lovers. Located in the back room of the equally charming The Wolves bar, Le Néant clearly stands out for a number of reasons. First of all, there’s host Kevin Lee who is also responsible for the bar program at The Wolves. Lee’s philosophy is straight-forward, leaning on seasonal ingredients for the drinks that he finds on LA’s farmers markets. Instead of buying all the syrups, vermouths, bitters and liqueurs, he makes all of it in house. Patrons simply choose the desired ingredients from the ambitious Omakase-style menu. The ingredients themselves can be very unusual – at least for a cocktail bar. Or have you ever heard of hen of the woods mushrooms and winter truffles as flavoring parts in a drink? Of course, you might tell Lee and his bar team your favorite spirit if you have one. Another „USP“ if you wish to use this phrase is Le Néant’s first-class approach to service. There are only 8 seats at the bar and a small intimate lounge, keeping the number of guests to a very manageable amount. To start a conversation with Kevin or the other guests is remarkably easy. We found ourselves talking not only about drinks until 1 AM. In any case you need to buy a ticket in advance with your reservation, so the drinks – usually three tailor-made cocktails plus an aperitif and a digestif – are pre-paid. Getting a seat at Le Néant is probably the hardest part as the intimate bar is only open on Thursday nights so far. Keep an eye on their Instagram account when they announce new dates and watch the seats sell out fast. All things considered, Kevin Lee has created an outstanding experience with Le Néant, raising the bar to new heights in today’s thriving bar landscape.

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9. Old Man Bar (Culver City)

 

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The times when dimly lit bars and strong drinks belonged to old men are long gone. So, don’t be fooled when you come across this place in Culver City. Even if the name above the entrance states „Old Man Bar“, you will probably meet more young or middle-aged people here. The bar is actually the smaller part of a way bigger venue called Hatchet Hall. The restaurant by chef Brian Dunsmoor focuses on old American cooking techniques and recipes with a modern twist. All plates are meant to be shared and we highly recommend doing so. Lovers of meat and venison cooked over wood fires will enter culinary heaven at Hatchet Hall, but even the vegetables are excellent and more than just side dishes. While the restaurant is also home to a large bar with a fine cocktail selection, it’s the Old Man Bar we would like to introduce in this guide. You can either enter the small bar directly from the street or through Hatchet Hall. In both cases you will find yourself in a very dark intimate hunting lodge ambience with lots of wood, stuffed animals, a real fireplace and a huge selection of spirits. And when it comes to spirits the bartenders at Old Man Bar take things very seriously. Instead of garnishing a drink with fancy stuff they concentrate on the booze, mainly whisky. Lovers of strong boozy drinks can choose between a curated list of signature cocktails, many Old Fashioned variations like the pictured „American Trilogy“ and classics like a Sazerac, Manhattan or Brooklyn. Ordering a beer and a shot seems quite popular as well. When the bartenders don’t make you a drink, they take care of the music, playing rock and soul tracks from the 60s/70s/80s. Forget about Spotify, at Old Man Bar vinyl is still king! As with the spritis they know the what they are doing.

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10. Chez Jay (Santa Monica)

 

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Sometimes all that matters is a great and friendly atmosphere. Sometimes we just need a place that feels right. Chez Jay in Santa Monica which has become an institution over the last six decades (it’s open since 1959) is one of those friendly places. Certainly, more a kitschy restaurant than a classic bar the great staff takes care of every guest with tremendous hospitality. Famous for the generous portions, the seafood and steaks Chez Jay became famous themselves thanks to its charming dive bar vibes and nautical interior. In addition, it made history as a celebrity hang-out and popular location for many Hollywood movies and TV series. Billy Bob Thornton’s alter ego in „Goliath“ got drunk at Chez Jay almost every night. Only one day before we came around Lady Gaga was there. Bad timing, we guess? Every story or anecdote adds up to Chez Jay’s already big legacy. To our surprise most guests seem to be locals, enjoying their food and the simple but strong drinks. You shouldn’t expect fancy craft cocktails. To cut a long story short: At Chez Jay you take a seat at the bar and order a beer or a classic drink. While doing so you will probably get into a conversation with the other guests. That’s another thing we love about this old-fashioned but not outdated spot. In today’s era of social media and end-less self-staging Chez Jay is the effective antidote. Instead of looking at your cell phone you talk to real people. The world would be a better place if we all would exchange opinions in a bar like this.

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11. Broken Shaker (Downtown)

 

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We would probably say that a bunch of factors make a good bar. Besides the drinks, the bartenders and the vibe, some bars have another ace up their sleeves. At Broken Shaker, the ace is quite obvious. Situated on the rooftop of Downtown’s popular Freehand Hotel the view from there is breathtaking and one of the main reasons to go there. Hanging out on a rooftop with a nice drink and some friends may not be unique to LA. But thanks to the Californian weather it’s a great idea almost any time. Originally from Miami, Broken Shaker established itself as one of best and most famous bars in the country. When they came to LA back in 2017, going for a rooftop concept, the success was almost guaranteed. Even on a cloudy weekday the bar is a popular spot among hotel guests, other tourists and also locals. It’s mostly a younger crowd who enjoys the laid-back joyful atmosphere of Broken Shaker’s Tiki and LA inspired cocktail menu (overseen by LA’s famous bartender Christine Wiseman). Some might compare Broken Shaker’s colorful rooftop bar with a Polynesian oasis in the middle of buzzing Downtown. Sitting right next to the pool which is unfortunately only open to hotel guests and surrounded by lots of greenery gets you immediately in a holiday mood. And in our opinion this place is worth the long wait especially at sunset or at the weekends. While the drinks do justice to Broken Shaker’s reputation, the magic of this bar is more or less all about the views and atmosphere. As a more casual option to NoMad’s popular rooftop you will have a good time at Broken Shaker.

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12. Genever (Filipinotown)

 

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Gin is on the rise, no doubt. The spirit attracts sophisticated cocktail lovers and newbies alike. It’s not as strong as Rye for example and can form basis for many different cocktails. The growing popularity of gin is reflected in the opening of many new gin-centric bars. While most of these places are interchangeable, some hidden gems can be found among them. Genever in LA’s historic Filipinotown neighborhood is such a pleasant exception. Opened in March 2018 and run by three female owners it has quickly established itself as the new place to go for all gin lovers. Gin and genever based drinks are the foundation of an ambitious menu. Of course, classics like a Gimlet are also part of their daily bar business. As Tinette Sumiller, one of the owners told us, it took over five years to turn the idea of a female-and-filipina-led bar into reality. With a background in finance and IT Genever’s owners turned to a Kickstarter campaign to fund their dream of opening a bar in their neighborhood. Today some of Genever’s signature drinks were named after sponsors just as the seats at the bar and the golden tables. Genever offers an elegant but at the same time cozy lounge setting, which may explain their success within the community. Organizing guest shifts at Genever with female industry experts, brand managers and bartenders Tinette and her combatants try to support other women and female specific issues. Roger Ebert would have given two thumbs up and so do we. If you come around, which we highly recommend, you may be in for some more surprises. Look out for the recycled bicycle chains!

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Nice to meet you! Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m Roselma Samala, one of the three owners of Genever.

What makes your bar unique?

Several things – we are one of the few gin focused cocktail lounges in Los Angeles. And we are one of the few women-owned bars. Located in Historic Filipinotown we also offer drinks highlighting Filipino flavors. Most of all, though is our hospitality and the sense of specialness one feels upon entering.

Please tell us your favorite spirit and drink!

So that would be gin – my go-to drink is an Aviation. My favorite Genever drink is the Phone Call from Istanbul and Hello Suckers.

Any recommendations what to do in LA?

Visit the Broad and Getty Museums, sample all the ethnic foods – Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Ethiopian, Mexican, El Salvadoran, Indian, and more that I can’t remember!

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13. Otium (Downtown)

 

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The striking transformation of Downtown LA during the last years can also be experienced through fine dining and many great new bars. At Otium attached to The Broad museum both things – food and drinks – come together in an elegant modern environment. While the contemporary kitchen is overseen by famous chef Timothy Hollingsworth – once Chef de Cuisine at The French Laundry until he moved to LA in 2012 – the bar menu is the playing field of Chris Amirault. For inspirations he doesn’t need to look far. Instead Chris, who was born and raised in Boston, takes ideas for new recipes from all the different cultures and places that this great city has to offer. His latest cocktail menu is an homage to legendary food critic Jonathan Gold and to some of Gold’s favorite restaurants. Take for example the salty-spicy (yes real spicy) „Rivera“. Made of Mal Bien mezcal, chili, bell pepper agave and ginger this cocktail takes some risks. It’s not for everyone, but to us that’s certainly a good thing. If you want to cool down in a second round, the damn good „Chengdu Taste“ will be for you. It’s a beauty of a drink with a very refreshing taste and some unusual ingredients like Beijing yogurt. Gold, who sadly passed away last summer, would have loved both of Chris’ creations. For the sake of completeness, we just want to point out that Otium also offers very tasty brunch and dinner options. But as this is a bar guide, we like to give all the praise to charming Chris and his dedicated co-workers for now.

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14. République (La Brea)

 

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Coming to the amazing restaurant/bistro République by Walter and Margarita Manzke we were introduced to beverage director Shawn Lickliter, who runs République’s ambitious hyper-seaosnal bar menu. Loved equally by Los Angelinos as well as by foodies from all over the country, République is one of the front-runners of a modern french-inspired cuisine based on the chef’s visits to farmer markets all around the city. While this approach was copied by many restaurants – think of the whole „farm-to-table“ movement – it’s still quite unique with regard to its cocktail menu. Shawn creates drinks based on fresh ingredients that République’s guests will also find on the food menu. His recipes change almost daily. For sure there are also some classics like République’s House Gin&Tonic or the Oaxacan Old Fashioned using mezcal from small Mexican producers. But for the most part Shawn is looking beyond seasonality, making almost daily adjustments. At the time of our visit, his drinks changed discretely from winter to more spring inspired flavors. Hence most of the cocktails are named after the main ingredient so you know exactly whet you get. The „Celery“ is a very popular choice, but due to our profound aversion to celery we pass. No offense Shawn! If you get into a conversation with him, you feel how passionate he is about sustainability, the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the spirits. Together with his friend Max Reiss, who is now the bar manager of WeHo’s Gracias Madre, he is also looking beyond the border for mezcal distilleries and upcoming producers. Another interesting aspect of République is the combination of a great restaurant with an ambitious bar program. That’s something you will find over and over in LA. Shawn points to the characteristics of the city. As most people take the car, they don’t want to drive to a bar after dinner. This might also explain why cocktail pairings are so popular. In either case – food and drinks – République won’t disappoint.

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15. Big Bar (Los Feliz)

 

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The first time we met Cari Hah was through her drinks. She created the cocktail menu for Echo Park’s Bar Henry based on a three-ingredients-concept. The second time we met her in person at her work place in Los Feliz. Big Bar on Hillhurst Avenue is one half of a highly popular neighborhood joint. The other half is called Alcove, a café-restaurant hybrid with a beautiful patio and excellent breakfast/brunch options that can also be ordered from Big Bar. Despite its name this airy Californian bar is actually quite small, as Cari admits with a smile. Since many years she has been one of LA’s most influential female bartenders, leading a very successful bar team. She worked Downtown at Cole’s/The Varnish – an LA landmark – and did guest shifts at many other well-known bars around LA. It’s not hard to see how passionate she is about her job. When asked about her personal favorite from Big Bar’s menu, she politely declines an answer. „They are all my babies“ Cari explains, proud like a mother of her kids. The „6:27 AM Los Feliz“ blends Cari’s preference for tequila with fresh, fruity flavors thanks to a balanced mix of blueberries, mint and chareau aloe liqueur. If you ever needed an excuse to start drinking at 1 PM, this is it! We recommend ordering some tasty food from Alcove while sipping this beauty of a drink. Big Bar is a place without pretense or bartender gimmicks. Instead, Cari takes care of everything. She is the heart and soul of a dedicated bar team with real craftmanship in mixology. Who cares that she claims to have bad bowling skills? While she is quite picky about drinking cocktails at other bars, she loves The Spare Room in Hollywood. That one has two bowling alleys. Just to let you know.

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More in Part II

In our latest issue of „Sneakerzimmer meets“, we packed our bags and traveled to London. It’s a place where we immediately realize how small and sometimes boring Cologne could be (no offense, as we’ve lived nearly all our lives in Cologne, so we can appoint ourselves as judges). London, like New York or Tokyo, simply plays in the Champions League of all good things in life: fashion, music, style, bar culture and of course, fine dining. That’s one of the reasons why the city never gets boring. Every time we discover something new, unexpected or completely freaky and we meet people that stand their ground successfully in this intensely competitive environment. So may we introduce Adam Handling?

If you live outside of the UK or if you’re not familiar with London’s culinary scene, you might have some questions now. Adam is one of the most ambitious and successful young chefs of the whole UK. At the age of 30, he already operates two restaurants, two bars and one café. In a few months, he will open his third restaurant in the Chelsea area (the hotel/restaurant will be partially located in Oscar Wilde’s old residence). Adam’s background is nothing short of impressive. He became the youngest head chef ever at the famous Fairmont St. Andrews luxury hotel in Scotland. You better don’t google the hotel rates for this venue. Adam has been awarded „Scottish Chef of the Year“ and won the „Food and Travel Reader Awards“ for its first own restaurant. The success of Adam’s Frog E1 restaurant in Shoreditch opened simultaneously new doors. After finding investors for an ambitious business plan, Adam’s main workplace was relocated to Covent Garden, where he operates the flagship restaurant Frog by Adam Handling on Southampton Street.

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We will come back later to that place close to culinary heaven but in the meantime we meet Adam at its second venue near Hoxton square in Shoreditch. Since this summer, Frog Hoxton offers Adam’s refined cooking techniques in a casual and yet very stylish environment. The latter is attributed to the graffiti-covered walls and provocative street art. Despite a very tight schedule and numerous duties, we meet a chef that seems relaxed and stress-relieved. Just the same impression we got the other night, when we watched Adam directing the kitchen crew of his Covent Garden restaurant. Adam already knows that we can’t say no to a good drink so he invites us to his bar next door. Iron Stag is a whisky bar with a modern twist. Especially women are sometimes afraid of whisky or whisky-based drinks, as told by Adam. So he and his bar team wanted to make the spirit more approachable, resulting in various creative whisky cocktails and a cozy bar interior appealing to both sexes.

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We completely understand this philosophy, which is implemented in every detail of Iron Stag’s speakeasy vibes. Hence, the dimly lit bar already owns our hearts. Live jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights is another plus. If Iron Stag would be a movie, it’s definitely a feel good movie for adults. Being a fan of designer and director Tom Ford, Adam has created a place for „Nocturnal Animals“. „I love good food, drinks and expensive shoes.“, he admits. Wearing sublime leather shoes by Ermenegildo Zegna might be a proof for his statementthe latter. „I have more shoes than my misses“ Adam adds with a big grin. He doesn’t know how many pairs are in his closet, but neither do we. His bias for bold art might also reflect his easy going and creative personality. Influenced by Japanese cuisine, he established a modern cooking style that blends the world of fine dining with a more casual setting. You don’t dress to impress at an Adam joint, but of course you feel free to do so as we noticed ourselves.

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It’s the eclectic mix of fine food, great drinks, modern design and art that distinguishes Adam’s restaurants from its peers. Also the word „sustainability“, which sadly becomes an empty phrase nowadays, is filled with substance thanks to Adam’s progressive understanding of entrepreneurship. Bean & Wheat is a zero-waste café on the back side of his Hoxton restaurant. The aim was to use all of The Frog’s food waste for their baked goods. Other than that, Adam wanted to establish a new coffee spot, where you can sip your coffee in a nice atmosphere. We can confirm that this aspiring concept works. Take their cappuccino for example – nothing short of perfect indeed. In addition, Bean & Wheat offers a wide selection of beers (officially there are more than 200 different beers). The ones on tap are made inhouse by the chefs Stephen and Johnny. Kudos to those guys!

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After having dinner at Frog Hoxton, where you should order the bread with the chicken butter, the fried brussel sprouts, the pork belly and the deliciously cooked venison (not to forget all the desserts), Adam invited us to Covent Garden the next evening. His flagship restaurant is a place for a special occasion or just a great dinner perhaps once or twice a year. As most of the tables are fully booked many months in advance, it’s quite a challenge to see Adam and his team preparing delicious courses one after another in the open kitchen. We recommend the seats at the counter. The restaurant’s elaborate design is another winner, especially the idea to group all tables towards the kitchen, so every guest can experience the dedicated work of the highly engaged Frog crew. Besides ordering some dishes from the Á la carte menu, you can choose from a 5-course tasting menu or simply go with Adam’s personal favourites. Either way you won’t be disappointed! When doing a Lamb Wellington wrapped in Haggis, Adam pays homage to his Scottish roots. Despite combining culinary influences from all over the world, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

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The same warmth and hospitality applies to Adam’s last project. The Eve Bar is a sexy and also a little mysterious cocktail bar next to the Frog restaurant. Situated in a dark basement with multi-coloured church windows (what a nice design feature), it’s pretty close to the perfect date spot. And of course the skilled bartenders make you a drink that matches those of London’s other top bars. If you’re into fruity cocktails, just order an „Adam’s Apple“ and be happy. We can’t wait to see what idea/project Adam will tackle next. When you’re in London, make sure to check at least of one his restaurants or bars. We’re pretty sure: This frog is aiming for its next big leap!

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