On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown7G Sessions serves a double shot of jazz with a blues chaser. Late night every Mon/Tues/Wed, 10pm
Mon-Fri. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat-Sun. 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Loading...
Wednesday nights after 10pm in downtown Los Angeles is dead. It's a pretty clean, serene place except for a few hobos sleeping on the sidewalk and bus stop benches every other block.
There are a few wannabe-trendy clubs with no patrons except a 50-year-old drunk couple who think they're "with-it" Facebook members and all.
Than there's Seven Grand, a no cover-live Chicago blues-pool-lounge-incredible whiskey bar.
Did I say incredible? I SAID INCREDIDIBLE. AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE. A person goes to the vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and France to polish up their wine palate. A person visits Seven Grand to refine their whiskey, scotch and hard liquor tongue.
You walk up a few flights of stairs and your immediate impression is that your going into some sort of hunting lodge filled with NRA taxidermists, but when you finally enter the place you're in a very luxurious speakeasy jazz/blues bar.
It's jammed on a Wednesday night. Tourists and locals alike, dancing, yelling, playing pool, smoking cigars, relaxing and having a good time. A band with a good horn and rhythm section and an incredible female singer taken right out of a Tyler Perry movie is playing in the background.
Truth be told, I'm not one to come to about whiskeys, scotches, bourbons, and cognacs, but I do enjoy a Mint Julep with a fine bourbon and this is the place that does them right.
One look at this bar and I can tell it's crossed off my list of Friday/Saturday night options because it definitely is the type of place with a long line. That said, I meandered over on a Sunday and fell in love. First of all, as a bourbon fan, a whiskey bar is heaven. And bottom shelf is Makers! Fist pump! They have a huge selection, and the bartenders were incredibly nice. It was shockingly cheap, too, about five-six bucks and I got a free drink. Everyone I was with loved it. The vibe was very low-key and we played a game of pool.
Atmosphere: it's like being in a hunting lodge. I like it. Reminds me of the bar in The Shining. It looks elegant without the 'dress up' atmosphere of The Edison or other swankier downtown bars.
Plus my friend said his Manhattan was absolutely amazing.
Nice, but small bar. You may want to pass on the beer though. The Guinness was great, but something was wrong with the hefe.
Couple of pool tables and a live jazz band in a laid back unpretentious crowd.
What a cool bar, one of my favorite in DTLA. This street is becoming a great spot for the night, especially with restaurants within walking distance. The other night I was at a charity event less than a block away at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and walked here after the event. What a great way to end the night.
A very classy fun bar, elegant but not stuffy. Good downtown vibe. Great place to enjoy good drinks. You can tell the bartenders really care about the cocktails they are mixing up and the drinks are top notch.
This is my favorite bar in downtown. Why? It is a whiskey and scotch bar! WOO HOO!
This bar is great just for a chill night on the town....but don't get me wrong. It's definitely ok to get smashed and be merry. But, it has a home-y feel to it, but at the same time, is big enough to fit a good group of people. They have pool tables, and best of all, a large smoking patio with booths to sit at. My favorite spot in the bar is the booths in the front of the bar where they have mooseheads hung up on the wall. Geeah.
Cool spot in downtown!
I am NOT a fan of Whiskey or Scotch BUT this place is actually pretty cool.
My brother took me here after a Laker game to grab a drink and cigar. He ordered an Old Fashioned while I decided to be brave and order some sort of Whiskey drink since I was at a Whiskey bar. When in Rome, right? So I ordered a Mint Julep. To my surprise, it wasn't that bad! I actually liked it!
The bar is upstairs hidden on 7th Street. They have pool tables and also a dark outside patio for smoking cigars.
Cool place to just chill, have a drink and smoke. I'll be back here again one day.....
An amazing menu of whiskeys and scotch, and a very good menu of cocktails make this one of the best places to drink in LA.
The space is gorgeous, but it can get sceney if you go on a prime time night.
Great bartenders, some of which work at other big time cocktail bars in downtown.
The Blind Lemon Jefferson was amazing.
When a friend asks about my choice of hard liquor, I usually reply, "Whiskey." Almost always will they cringe at that reply. Well, I feel the same in regards to vodka, but I always put on a good face if ever the encounter. With this in mind, my friends brought me to Seven Grand a few weeks ago (we were checking out venues to host my 24th bday).
There was a good amount of heads over at Seven Grand on that warm Friday night. An eclectic mix of individuals all seeking to relax over a couple (or so) of drinks. There's not too much seating available indoors, considering that there are a few pool tables by the bar. However, step outside, and there's a good handful of tables and seats open.
One cool thing that I remember about Seven Grand was that they served Stella's straight from the Stella Artois chalice. (I'm sure that there are other bars that do so, but none that I've come across with as of late.) This minor detail gives me the impression that an establishment like so wants to cater and give their customers the best experience possible.
We were only there for a short period of time to check out the scene before hopping on over to another venue, so I unfortunately didn't have much of a bonding momentum with the place. But with its chill environment and the fact that it's a whiskey bar, I'm looking forward to coming here again sometime soon!
Mase (The Chill Bouncer) allowing me in despite slight complications.
Eastside and LilyBlossom Cocktails for the ladies (Jenn-Jenn and the birthday girl Erica C.)
Suntory Whisky aged 12 and 18 years respectively: Smooth to Syrupy Smokiness of flavor with a touch of special dice ice cubes.
With 2 hours of reflection and conversation. Despite premium prices (but well made drinks; spent about $70.00 plus tax and tip) the experience itself was worth more than Seven Grand. It would be much more generous if they had a bit more seating, that's all.
I finally got the chance to be here, and it was all by a stroke of luck. Originally for Kristine R's… Read more »
I had a great time last Friday night. Usually I detest coming to Seven Grand on a party night (Thursday-Saturday) but since we got in early, we didn't have to wait in line and it only took 15 or so minutes to get the bartender's attention.
The people next to me though were really huffy about it. One girl was proclaiming how slow they were. Well, they are mixologists! They take their time to make you a great drink. They eventually left when they realized they were at the wrong bar.
Last Friday was the first time I'd seen the private room with pool table open but the cover was on the table so no one was shooting pool.
I need to get out of my three-way menage a trois with my drinks at Seven Grand. I usually order a Whiskey sour, an old fashioned or a Manhattan. Perhaps next time I'll take a menu tour. I hear this new Eastside cocktail is the thing to get!
I acknowledge Seven Grand is my favorite bar in DTLA. Unfortunately, I think half the city does as… Read more »
Next on the DTLA pub crawl as Seven Grand. I wasn't sure what to expect, we walked up the flight of stairs and the place felt really old, then when we got to the top, there was a display case of some preserved animals in a wilderness setting. Then we walked through the main room. It was about 10A on a Friday and the place was packed. I can see why. This place was very cool. It is very masculine in its decor. I love that. There were several pool tables. Yes! And it looked like there was a balcony area where you can chill outside for a bit. We didn't stick around since some of the girls in our group wanted to dance. I wouldn't have minded staying behind, but it there wasn't any seats available, so we left. I later discovered that the specialty of this place is whiskey. I will come back to check out there drinks. I will just come early.
Let me get this straight:
-A line to get in what they call a "Whiskey Bar"
-Front doorsman being real douches
-People bribing the bouncer to get in
Hmm... Pretty LAME if you ask me.. Don't even waste your time here
O kay, not my cup of tea. 7-grand is an eerie place for me, I think it's the dead animals on the wall.
*** a real swanky dntn tavern indeed ... ***
1st the chilled doorman on sofa in foliage
then you guide up the carpeted staircase
to reach the bar, pool tables and a patio.
the bartenders are very knowledgeable
(perhaps even more personable in fact)
and patrons that i spoke to were mellow.
all top-shelf liquor from all over the world.
half their menu is scotch, cognac and etc.
other half is good old American whiskies ...
*** -2 stars b/c American whiskey sucks! ***
Visit - 10/16/09
Wiggity wiggity WACK!
The doorman is CORRUPT and UGLY!
First and last time coming here...
That's all I gotta say.
What can I say that 400+ reviews haven't said already?
HUGE Whiskey selection!
Decent prices!
I'm more of a "neat" or "on the rocks" whiskey drinker, but their mixed drinks are definitely something everyone must try at least once.
Bartenders are outstanding.
$1 pool tables.
Great crowd.
The end.
"Now show me the way to the next whiskey bar. Oh, don't ask why."
Let's back up here. I'll show you instead.
Seven Grand has got to be one of my favorite bars in DTLA. Its hip bartenders and cool interior attracts a good looking crowd, at least that's what I've noticed.
There can be a line but it's somewhat expected of an "it" bar, I suppose. But once you've crossed the velvet ropes, be ready for a serious whiskey bar. This is the real deal, folks.
My first few trips consisted of what I call "girly whiskey drinks," because let's face it, that shit is strong. The taste, the smell...it's a little overpowering for someone who has not been acquainted to whiskey....yet.
Recently, I've learned to be open-minded with my innocent drinking adventures and embrace the world of whiskey. I must admit, when I first imbibed this wonderful concoction, I HAD to pinch my nose to avoid the smell. But, I say wonderful, because whiskey gives me a nice buzz. It's quite a different feeling than wine, beer, champagne, or other hard alcohol. It's a buzz where I wanna just chill out, have good conversation and continue the nose plugging fest. Seven Grand is where I like to start these ever so memorable nights.
The knowledgeable and friendly bartenders will explain the different types of drinks offered, if you ask. I ordered a single malt scotch whiskey (or two) for $16. Sometimes I put a droplet of water to get a nice scent going. At least that's what I've heard to do with the magical potion. The whiskey sour ($10) is quite tasty, in fact, that's my favorite drink at Seven Grand. The frothy-ness reminds me of a latte, a much stronger latte that won't give you jitters, but a head rush here and there. The Big Mac (NO, I don't want fries with that) is a great way to start drinking whiskey for beginners. Yes, the last two I mentioned are "girly drinks" but I'm trying.
The crowd has always been really chill; some play pool in the dimly lit rooms, others sip away on an oasis of nicely made glasses of liquid dreams or take a smoke break on the deck. The last time I was here, my date and I sat at the end of the bar. Many people would stand next to us to get the bartenders attention. We decided to converse with the passerby's and enjoyed some great talks about random topics. Two guys liked us and decided to buy us drinks. Any drink! Score!
Though I've mentioned fantastic pros about the bar and my experiences, I still think there are two not-so-hot cons. One being the bar location itself. You have to walk upstairs to get to it. This is not fun for girls in heels or drunkards in general. Not fun at all. Secondly, the dead animals all over the place. It kills me (pun intended). I love you Seven Grand, but why? No bueno.
However, I will continue coming back, learning more about the wonderful world of whiskey, introducing friends to this unpretentious DTLA bar, while I relax in the corner and whisk away to a tune from The Doors.
http://www.youtube.com...
The End.
I went there last friday and i have to say i love it! a lot of people was wearing costumes and so did i! ifelt a good vibe the people was very friendly and crazy fun they had a juke box which is good because people play what they like it was so funny when an irish folk music song start playing and an asian guy started to dance his ass off so funny!! the bartenders are all right no attitude and they have a pool table thats awesome i will definitely go back there!! this is one of the bars in DT guys have to try specially if you are into wisky they have a great lot of them!!
My friend Josh took me here last night for a pre-dinner cocktail. Josh, who is probably reading this, is a complete bourbon junkie/nerd. He seeks out new brands and flavors, so Seven Grand is the place for him. It's a bourbon drinkers dream. They serve other alcohol as well, but bourbon is their specialty.
The decor is awesome too. Les Toilles wallpaper fills the space, with deer heads, and tasteful taxidermy (yes, there is such thing).
Cute crowd too - mix of business meets stylish meets indie people.
Only reason I'm not giving this spot 5 stars is because of the 3 enormous pool tables that take up literally half the bar.
7 Grand is by far my favorite bar in downtown LA. I love the hunting lodge decor and the toile wall paper, not to mention the $1 pool games. I'm not much of a whiskey drinker, but all of the drinks I have had here have been amazing. The Big Mac (blackberries and whiskey) is AMAZING. George makes a killer whiskey sour as well. Although, I have gone a few times and just told George that I wanted "something sweet, but I don't like mint and cucumber" and he always creates something wonderful for me.
It's best to go to 7Grand with your own friends as the crowd that goes here has become ridiculously eclectic over the past year.
Example: So, I'm half asian, and you can definitely tell that I'm asian... and yet this ASIAN man tried to hit on me one time by asking, "Do you know kung fu?" I reply, "No..." He says "oh well you look like you could be a warrior." Seriously, you try to hit on me by shooting a stereotype at me?? Weirdo. My friends and I proceeded to shuffle further down the bar, away from the drunk asian man... Seriously, I would not go to this place to meet people, but it is great to go with your own friends, have some great drinks, and a good time.
If your in DT doing the pub crawl this is a must have stop.
Just be aware there is a dress code so no flips or short pants
in this flat.
Consistently pleased with my experiences here. I love the dark wood, Scottish countryside decor. For the most part, the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable of their main staple- whiskey. I especially love the outdoor patio where I can sip on a whiskey sour and puff away on my Dunhill. Something about the abandoned building next door and its broken windows make this joint so much more appealing. It's a special treat when jazz/blue bands perform in the back of the room.
Occasionally you'll get a rambunctious frat boy/ Bunker Hill- Wall St wannabe gang, otherwise the crowd doesn't pose an issue.
On our way in last night the bouncer mentioned to us their dress code: no sandals, no ball caps, and no jerseys. I asked him, "What if you're actually on the team? I mean, what if Kobe shows up in a Laker jersey?" He said he would let him in. Then the bouncer said something I didn't like and I was forced to humble that poor 7 foot, 300 pound dude in front of his girlfriend using Karate moves I learned through a mail order course. Okay, the last part didn't happen, but at least Kobe can get in wearing his jersey.
I'm not a whiskey person but these guys make me like it. They make their Mint Julep (served in stainless steel Julep cups!) with simple syrup, but I had them replace it with brown sugar which makes it much better. The bartender told me using maple syrup is also good, which made me want to try Mrs. Butterworth, or the Butterworth Julep as I now call it. That would also make a stellar name for a child.
Their Rye Fix is really good, too. Whiskey, lemon, sugar, crushed ice, muddled with your choice of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The mounted animal heads everywhere are gross and pointless, but Seven Grand makes a damn good drink.
Stepping into this place is like stepping back into time, to the days of . Although semi-pretentious, as a lot of good things are, Seven Grand has a real unique ambiance and crowd. They keep it classy.
Only negative is that It does get pretty crowded in there, and when it does, oh boy, it feels like there's NO ventilation or A/C. But I suppose on a cold winter night, some whiskey and friends, it wouldn't be so bad.
Awesome old school playlist with old school mo-town, Rolling Stones, etc.; it was a nice change from the blaring KIIS FM at the bar down the street.
More of a lounge type feel, with good tunes and people sipping fine whiskeys. There's also pool tables and an outdoor patio.
Perfect place to bring someone who is a whiskey connoisseur.
A cool, classy whiskey bar. You don't need to drink or like whiskey to come here, but that certainly helps. They have a modest beer selection, but it's mostly there to compliment their liquor.
If you do like whiskey, then you are in luck! There is a double sided menu featuring close to 100 different whiskeys (if not more). Choose your poison, separated by type and each with a price tag so that you don't accidentally order a $140 shot.
If you are in over your head, the bar staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will certainly point you in the right direction about what type of whiskey to get and how to drink it. Have a favorite whiskey but want to try something similar but new? They will provide ample choices.
Now, while sipping your drink, take in an old B movie playing on the two small TV screens above the bar, or challenge someone to a round of pool. Or simply settle into an over sized chair
So I spent part of a long weekend barhopping in L.A. This was one of two places I hadn't been previously... but the one that I'd recommend if my friends and enemies alike were they headed to the angel's city of superficiality. And while that's not entirely fair because I did meet some very genuine and cool people, it's hard to miss Image's influence on the collective psyche of Angelinos...
That said, you know what you're getting into right away with the respective jackalope skull and a Makers Mark walls before you even enter the bar.
The drinks are INCREDIBLY labor intensive for the bartenders, who are clearly very skilled. But they take forever, and when we there the bar was two or three deep. There should have been ten bartenders, not three. Fucking recession.
There's a pool table and some combination of douche bags and whatevers playing winner-stays.
All and all, very cool place. Will definitely be back next year for my annual pilgramage.
Seven Grand and its awesome bartenders continuously amaze me with their cocktails. The quality and careful attention to detail when making each one are astounding. I tasted a new favorite over the weekend: The East Side Cocktail. The refreshing cucumber spa water taste of this drink was the perfect cold drink on a very warm October night. The friendliness of these guys making the drinks will also keep me coming back. It's definitely one of my favorite bars!
During these warm summer months, if you happen to be at Seven Grand, have yourself a Lily Blossom.… Read more »
I've been to this place twice now and I would have to say it's been a pleasant experience both times. The first time was on Wednesday for a friend's bday party (drinks were like half price too). The second time was on a Friday for another friend's bday. It was obviously quite crowded on the Friday so getting a drink could be a bit of a challenge but it wasn't horrible. If you have a group I would suggest that you get there before 10pm so you can grab the couches in the corner.
I have to say even thought I'm not too fond of Whiskey I enjoyed the Whiskey Sour. It's something different to try. I do appreciate the fact that the bartenders approach making the drink as if it was an art so it's quite fun to watch them in action. :)
Also, I really love the ambiance inside. You have to walk up a flight of stairs to actually get to the bar which is very dimly lit with an elk head on the wall. It feels like an old Scottish pub.
Aside from the fact that every guy in this joint wants to be Don Draper (but fail miserably), I quite enjoyed myself. I went for the first time on Saturday night, and thought it was pretty sweet.. so much whiskey, although I think I was the only loser drinking vodka.
Luckily, we got there before the line formed outside. Lots of collared shirts going on in this bar. Good music - there's a jukebox.
I didn't have to use the bathroom, or else I would totally review its decor and cleanliness.
The only con I can really think of: It was near IMPOSSIBLE getting the bartender's attention. Overall, a good experience.. I'll be heading back here again fo sho.
I'm not much of a drinker, but I like to taste. I can appreciate the subtleties of flavor. I really enjoy wine tasting most, but have come to realize that whiskey offers just as rewarding an experience if you know what to taste for. Seven Grand is like being in a sommeliers living room... with pool tables. The bartenders are very attentive and knowledgeable and they're more than willing to share their education (when it's not crazy busy). Their selection is exhausting. 271 whiskey, scotch & bourbons on hand at varying prices. I'm enjoying trying two or three different brands per visit. Go early for a seat at the bar and an earful about what you're drinking.
This place is cool to hang out. But the music really sucks. It's almost unbearable. It's the old juke box with even older music.
Be prepared to stand in a long line if you go there after 11 on a Saturday. This place gets packed. Last time we went on a Saturday night, there were over 230 people crammed in there and there was a long line of people waiting to get in.
Best whiskey sour I've had!
The secret? Egg-white to give it a little body. Sounds off-putting, but believe me, it's so smooth. Also, they put some bitters in there which adds a little kick. Very, very good.
And if whiskey isn't your thing, they make a pretty good lemon drop as well. (Or maybe it's because they used Chopin vodka....?)
I always like a bar with pool tables, but, whenever I go, the level of play is pretty high, so you'd need to be shark-status to challenge someone for the table.
Outside area has some nice booths and a balcony to get away from the noise or for those writer-types to have a smoke or two. Overall, great bar.
Oh hell yes.
It's Monday night in Downtown and I have already hit my two local faves. Time to try something new.
A quick drive and there is the bar I've been hearing about, Seven Grand.
This place not only lived up to the hype, it surpassed it.
The bartenders are ridiculously knowledgeable. The selection is stellar, and the crowd is classy but not pretentious.
Add in the pool tables and the 60's artsy flicks on the TVs, and ladies and gentleman, we have found the weekday hangout for this girl.
And all of this on a Monday? I'm in. All the way.
Our bartender, the lovely rye peddling Dave, let me know that Thursday through Saturday are a bit crazy, but on a weekday, can't beat this place.
Good drinks, great bartenders and pleasantly chilled-out place. This joint looks like an old-school whiskey bar where you might find some crusty stuffed-shirt bankers and lawyers, but it is entirely different. The clientele is a mix of downtown business-people, residents and college students. Interesting. The mint julep is excellent - like a sugary whiskey snow-cone in a steel cup. Jazzy live music, and two pool tables to boot!
Recommended.
I'm not a whiskey drinker. But if you are, this is the place for you. They have tons of different types of whiskey. They also have a few other types of alcohol,
I kept seeing people ordering this pretty purpley-red drink. I asked the bartender what it was and he said it was a Big Mack. A Big Mack has whiskey, muddled berries, lemon juice, simple syrup and who knows what else. But it was good!
Ambiance was cool. I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself even though I'm not a whiskey drinker. Definitely a must try if you like to hang out in DTLA.
this was our last stop of the night and my second time here. I'd have to say i liked it a lot better than Seven next door. it was a little crowded but not overcrowded, which was nice. i'm not even a big whiskey fan, but this place has charm. there's a couple pool tables and sometimes, there's live music. there's also a sort of outdoor area as well. the crowd was ok...we met some douche-y guys which was meh. i'd come back to get a drink and chill at the bar, or there's this other area with a couple tables which i liked too.
I feel like I belong in someone's cigar bar when I'm drinking at Seven Grand. A bourgeois-trash society composed only of ridiculous twenty-somethings stumbling all over each other. Rad.
I mean, in previous reviews I've expressed my deep appreciation for taxidermy as decor, but this place takes it to the next level. And the exposed brick and wood and fringed lamps?? Um, sold. Another exercise in design on steroids, but I dig a place with dramatic flair.
Also, I don't think I've ever been offered a glass of whiskey served neat as a pick-up line drink anywhere else. In a martini bar, that would be forward and extreme. Here, it's par: "Hello, madam, may I get you fucked up with this delicious booze?" "Why yes, I would enjoy that." Rad.
My one beef with Seven Grand is the high volume of SC students frolicking around. And being mistaken for one of them. No mames, guey. That is NOT cool. But sometimes life is hard, I guess I'll take it.
I highly recommend you hit it up. I also highly recommend you flirt with the bouncers, they're hysterical.
If you're drink is whiskey, this is the place to go to... A man's hangout with choice selection of fine whiskey. I was impressed to see they have Yamazaki 18 y.o. whiskey, a hard to find gem. They also had different Hudon whiskeys as well..
Chill crowd with an old school feel like most of the downtown bars.
there are very few things to know about me. i don't eat meat. i love colorado. i hate cilantro. and i love, love, love martin miller gin.
with that in mind, i headed to seven grand tonight for a tour de force of my favorite liquor. giving the bartenders the credit that they deserve, i asked each one of them to make me something delightful featuring the love of my life. each of them stepped up to the plate in remarkably different ways, making my night divine. since i don't know the names of the drinks (pretty sure they were made on the fly), they will be named after their maker.
the dave: a delicious cucumber marvel. an excellent pairing with the MM with the interesting twist of a drizzle of sea salt over the top. i was cautioned not to drink it through a straw, so i fought my instinct and sipped from the glass. so delicious and so worth the ice cubes banging into my lip.
the leo: tart, sweet, balanced, strong. the first time around, he felt it was too sweet, and when i said i didn't like sweet, he said that he didn't either. with that, it was into the trash and he began again. after extracting the oil from the lime rind, some honey simple, a couple raspberries, and the key MM, i had a great martini on my hands.
the andrew: after checking in with leo, he threw me a total curve ball. did something brilliant with chartreuse, which is a totally underappreciated liqueur. its herbiness provided such a unique flavor that threw my palate in such a pleasant direction. he finished it by dropping in some black cherry syrup. warned me that it was stiff, but hey, i'm a gin drinker.
the matt: the coup d'etat. i don't even know what he did. he mulled it over for a couple minutes in the heat of the rush, and all i saw was the end of the MM bottle, a dash of some bitters, and a few jiggers of some other liquors. he strained it to a mere neat finger, and then finished with an orange zest heated by flame to release all its flavor. the ideal nightcap. such a great sipper.
so pretty much tonight was my idea of heaven. the perfect progression. proof that these guys handle the clears as well as they handle the browns. if i die tomorrow, i would like to take dave, leo, andrew and matt to heaven with me, and have all four of them fashion creatively crafted MM cocktails to tickle my palette and warm my tummy. they better watch out because i will be back to seven grand, DYING for more.
i despise the thought of egg whites in my drink ever since my visit to santiago chile and a… Read more »
After a heavy dinner in westwood a good scotch really sounded like the perfect panacea to settle a full stomach. (Hey don't judge me! I don't question your excuses to drink!)
Anyway, friends and I arrived and one of them was wearing sandals. A real no-no for downtown LA bars (who really cares!). Anyway, we weren't going to let this little barrier of entry stymie a good night so we did what any smart thinking quick on their toes fellas would do.... we walked across the street to rite aid and my friend bought a pair of $5 moccasins. shit was classy!
We Walked back to the bar, showed our ID's and my friends new kicks. "Have a good time Pocahontas" the bouncer chuckled. I'm not going to lie, it was pretty funny :) Of course the second thing we noticed (first being heads of elk on the walls) were the plethora of open toe sandal wearing girls. Oooh please!
Finally we made it upstairs and the place was packed! It took almost 15 minutes to get a drink. Finally i just yelled my order "Talisker 19yr! NEAT!"... a vest wearing bartender yelled back "no yelling!" but she then came right to us and said just kidding and "I love Talisker too". The scotch was sooooo gooood and smooth (and expensive): Smokey, peaty, toffee-ee, clean.... I think seven grand had more scotch and whisky on their shelves than anyplace I've ever frequented (except Last Hurrah in Boston).
There was a thick cloying nostalgia in the air that made me think of my grandfather and that this was the sort of place he might have visited back in the day with his hipster buds. A real classy man's sort of place to unwind after work with a scotch and a cigar.
I loved my drink and I think we all had fun. Would love to go back!
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Pubs
When the sun goes down, you'll find me here --…
Some spots worth checking out (or not, depending…
All these places are within walking distance of…
If you YELP it, I will come. These are the places…
You can catch me here with a drink in my hand...or…
My liver should've signed the prenup. I don't…
Yes, occasionally I enjoy an adult beverage. And…
Whether you wish they all could be California…
