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First off... if you're planning to get smashed or act like a bunch of college party animals, this place won't be for you. Second, if you're into fast-food style quick refill drink delivery don't count on that either.
Here's my scoop:
Truly amazing! Be prepared to come here and enjoy the chill ambiance of the dimly lit hidden gem and the company of your friends, the lovely keepers of The Varnish, (and/or your date). If you're in a rush or into pounding your drinks... once again, this not the place.
The drinks here are made with such pride, that it's an art form. It was a remarkable experience and should be shared with like-enthusiasts.
The Jace.
First of all you have to understand that my first experience at the Varnish was maybe a 2 a star experience. It was summer and the AC was not working. I looked at the thermostat when I was leaving and it was 87 degrees, which would explain why I was going into a heat coma. Well, with my last visit I understood what all the buzz is about. I would always rather be somewhere like this to enjoy a good cocktail and catch up with friends. The Varnish is perfect for that.
The bartenders, (oh wait I mean mixologists) will give you a hairy eyeball if you order a cosmo or a midori sour. There is a reason. They know how to make some amazing cocktails that actually require some work. Personally I am a fan of the gin gin mule. Yes, if you are a frat boy looking to play beer pong, then this is not the place for you. If you can appreciate a quality drink then pass through that door with the martini glass on it.
Still a favorite!
My friend and I stopped by The Varnish during the Downtown Art Walk and there was a line to get in! That sucked. It was about a 20 minute wait, so by the time I got a table, I had already lost my buzz from happy hour. Time for some spirits!
Of course, we ordered Bartender's Choice. I was curious what the bartenders would make us. While my friend ordered a concoction of bourbon, I went for something dry with absinthe. I don't remember the names of the drinks we got, but my friend's bourbon drink was way better than my absinthe drink.
All in all, The Varnish still served a good time and fueled our liquid diet.
Hidden, seductive, and old fashioned, this place sends you back in time to a 1920's speakeasy… Read more »
Great spot. Hidden but not in a silly way like the Roger Room. Chris Ojeda, the bartender, made some excellent drinks. He knows his stuff and mentioned that he had previously worked at Mozza and the Edison. He made me a Blinker, which included Rye and grapefruit juice. The old fashioned I had was strong but good.
It can get crowded so get there on the early side if you don't want to wait. Only drawbacks are no seats at the bar (I like to watch my drink being made) and too few drinks on the cocktail menu which results in most people ordering a dealer's choice (bartender picks you something good). I am all for tailoring a drink to your preferences but its nice to be inspired by more than 5 suggestions.
This bar was totally impossible to find, yet oh-so-worth it.
I am embarrassed to admit that I had gone to the Association thinking it was the Varnish. Well, after that confusion was cleared up on my latest trip, I will confuse them no longer.
The Varnish is a sweet, intimate little room hidden away from the cares of the world. Our waitress left something to be desired. But the cocktails are fabulous. I asked my handsome Asian bartender to make me something with gin, whereupon he pondered for a minute and whipped up a frothy egg white-based concoction containing gin and applejack. Smooth, frothy, and apple-y - tasted just like the holidays. And for only $12, this painstakingly hand-crafted cocktail was a veritable bargain considering how much I get charged for a vodka & cran in some places these days.
I can't wait for my next trip to the Varnish!
I'm not mature enough for this bar.
...We'll glaze over the fact that I'm 30, still making under $30k a year, and have zero in savings... and the only thing still going for me are impossible good-looks, which I'm sure will fade only too soon, what with the pollution and UV's attacking my sweet, sweet face...
Don't get me wrong, this place is great... I just think there's a little too much frat-boy left-over in me, which is both sad and pathetic, but hey, it is what it is.
...it's not the fact that all non-beer beverages are $12 and over; Hell, any loser Hollywood "it" club will charge at least that for well-vodka and soda water.... and I DO appreciate all the skill, time, and effort that the Varnish *bartenders* put into each individual drink...
...it's just what with my beer-bong chugging abilities ingrained into my very being, I cannot have a drink set in front of me and "savor" it. Down the hatch it goes... no time for love, Dr. Jones! And when I spend $50 on just 3 drinks for myself, and 20 minutes later I am literally flushing that $50 down the toilet... I just can't abide, nor can I give Varnish my patronage on a regular basis.
As others have pointed out, this place is a great spot for first-dates; it's small, intimate, and you can impress your date by flaunting your massive wealth by buying many rounds.
Just get there at 9:30pm or before (Fri/Sat). Small venue means capacity is very limited and the line forms fast.
(*they prefer the moniker, 'Mixologists'; which still sounds fey to me)...
FINALLY had a chance to make my way downtown to The Varnish this past saturday night with a couple friends. I've been excited about heading to this bar ever since my trip to New York last year where I got a chance to really take in and enjoy the epic cocktail scene they have out there with bars like Please Don't Tell (PDT), Milk & Honey, Little Branch, Pegu Club and others.
The Varnish definitely doesn't disappoint. It makes a fantastic effort to live up to the dark wood, classic early 20th century feel that it's New York brothers create. It's a low-laying, cool spot to go to when you have some extra jingle in your jeans to spend on a fine, handcrafted cocktail. You're looking at a minimum of 12 dollars for a drink, but the people behind the bar are no less than magicians and wizards of cocktailery. Masters of their craft. It's worth every penny. This isn't some watery cran/vodka at a club in Hollywood. It's the good shit, people.
When you walk in through the infamous "cocktail glass" adorned backdoor, speak to the hostess on the left and find out if there is a spot at the bar. You want to get to talking with the bartenders about cocktails and ask them questions. This can be as as much of a learning experience as it is a drinking experience. We arrived and were greeted with a 15 minute wait for a table of 4 on a Saturday night - not shabby. This feels infinitely like it'd be better as an intimate, weekday bar.
Ordering a vodka drink in a bar like this is a little taboo. I recommend taking a risk and trying a spirit you've never properly been introduced to. I recommend gin, since most people have a severely skewed perception of it usually akin to a bad drinking experience with some flat tonic and warm gin in a plastic cup at a college party years ago.
They have an extensive menu of their ingredients at The Varnish, so I suggest finding an ingredient or two you like and asking the bartender make you something of his own creation. If you're not comfortable with that, there is also a small menu of pre-designed cocktails to choose from. All of them are absolutely delicious. If it wasn't for the price point, I would be here more often... But that's life when you have champagne tastes and a beer wallet.
Live a little. Spend the money. Try a drink you've never tried before. You only live once. The Varnish is worth it.
Pass through an unsuspecting door at the back of Cole's restaurant and you will find one of, if not THE best cocktail bar in LA.
The dueling Chris's work magic behind the bar with great attention to detail. My only complaint is that there are no bar stool seats, only tables, but that's nitpicking.
Last Friday, I organized a bar crawl through DTLA. Specifically we were on a hunt for hot bartenders. The Varnish was stop #3 but we encountered a problem. Even though at this point we had fewer people, there were still 7 of us. And the Varnish was only taking groups of 6 at a time.
We decided to skip and go next door to Association where we whiled some time away. Last call came around and we thought okay, maybe the Varnish will let us in now.
The hostess let us in, then ushered us out while she conferred with someone. Then she let us again stating we could congregate at the bar which they NEVER do but since it's last call, they let us.
I explained to the bartender what we're doing and took his picture. I asked for the Bartender's Choice ($12) which he took some time to ask me what I liked. He came up with a bourbon drink called "Fancy Free." I liked it. It came garnished with an orange peel which he didn't light on fire but it was still quite aromatic. I do have to note he didn't give me change from the $15 I gave him. I would have tipped him quite well considering the service I got but still, give me my change first!
Katrina S encountered an entirely different problem. More people had left by this point as they didn't want to stand around the bar so they were saying goodbye. The bartender wanted Katrina to pay up front and then she asked for a hot buttered rum. It was awful. Having had hot drinks before, I felt this drink needed to taste like brown sugar and not like melted buttery water.
It was astonishing to me how we could have two entirely different experiences from the same bartender. But he did fix her drink for her and it was much better with more rum in it.
We were allowed to sit at a table when it was just the three of us left but asked to leave when it hit 2 a.m. I understand they were closing but poor Katrina couldn't slam down a hot drink so she left most of it.
I'd come back but only with 6 or less people!
Finally found this place a few months ago and is one of the better bars I have found in LA. Great vibe and luv the music.
Im still waiting to get down there again to get into the specialty drinks menu.
Great place to take a date!
Remember when you were 21 and you thought ordering an Adios was cool and cost effective? If you still think this way DON'T go to the Varnish. This place is for those who can appreciate alcohol on another level. The bartenders here really have worked on their craft. I love that they specialize in drinks that aren't in most people's vocabulary.
Its a small area, not for a party of 50 but the piano man and the atmosphere is best for 2-4 friends relaxing over a few drinks and some good conversation.
Someone asked me "how would you describe The Varnish"
I'll try to make this as easy to read as possible.
Let's say you're on a date in the Downtown LA area and everything is going well. You're thinking "where should we go now." You want to pick a place that's intimate and somewhat trendy so you can seem like you know one of the unique spots DTLA has to offer.
So you suggest The Varnish.
Don't come here if you're in a hurry because they take their time making their signature cocktails. If you've never been here before, I'm almost positive you won't find it unless you ask so don't try to come here for the first time acting like you know where it is.
If you're a guy and you can't seal the deal here, you might as well chop your penis off and donate that shit for scientific purposes. If you're a girl and the guy you're with won't make the move, then you know you have that new shopping partner you've always wanted.
Don't even think about coming here with a group on the weekend because they won't have enough seating to accommodate your party.
You can thank me later ....
I went to The Varnish at 1:20am on a Saturday night, just to check it out before they closed. My husband had read that it was a cool "secret" speakeasy. I will say that it has a nice dark ambiance, but that is the only positive thing I have to say about the place. The treatment we got from the staff ranged from unfriendly to downright rude.
When my party of 3 arrived, an extremely high-strung door girl was lecturing another party. My husband walked by her to the bar, but she stopped the other two of us and asked us to wait outside, despite the fact that the place was not crowded and there were several empty tables. After waiting outside the door (where, by the way, there is a list of rules posted) for a few minutes, we decided to go in and join our friend at the bar.
Door Girl came over and told us there was a table ready for us, and we needed to order at the table. By this time my husband had already ordered a drink at the bar, so he waited there while my friend and I were seated.
Door Girl explained there are two bartenders, one takes orders at the bar and the other makes drinks for the tables. She said, "If everyone ordered at the bar, it would take forever." I immediately pictured one overwhelmed bartender, and the other one saying, "Sorry, can't help you. Not my job."
A waitress came over and asked for our order. We asked to see a cocktail list, and instead of bringing us one, she said "What are you in the mood for?" My friend ordered a $7 beer. I was the DD, so I ordered water. The waitress rudely said, "Why did you come in here if you're not even getting cocktails?"
By this time Door Girl had told my husband to sit down and his drink would be brought to him. That never happened. My friend's beer came quickly, but it was 1:45am by the time my husband was able to extract his whiskey cocktail from the bartender.
The first rule on the list of rules on the door is to be patient because "good drinks take time," but 25 minutes is a little too long to wait for a drink, especially when the place is closing momentarily. By the time my husband got his $12 drink, there was not enough time to enjoy it, as we were unceremoniously shown the door at precisely 1:59am.
My questions: If there is in fact a rule that people can't order drinks at the bar, then why does the bartender take orders? Shouldn't he back up Door Girl and tell people to order at a table? Why is there mass confusion when customers enter?
In ironic news, the definition of "common sense" is posted on the inside of the door.
This is the best bar in Downtown. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy other bars in the area (Must Bar, 7grand, Library, etc.) but this place is perfect. Yes drinks are cheap, but they are really worth it. This is the perfect place to take a date or hang out with a few friends. So much fun! Love it!
PS Bar at Cole's is really cool too :) Try the Ginger Rogers!
There is no signage anywhere on the exterior. This is a hidden bar in the back of Cole's restaurant. It reminds me of NY or Tokyo were it's secretive. I came here with a couple of friends on a Tuesday night.
First off, how do you find the entrance. *Light bulb* moment, you'll see a doorman. Lol. Btw, there's no cover.
We had to wait 10 minutes for a table. The vibe is old school, quaint and chill. The interior is warm, wooden, and dimly lit. There's live piano music.
They really take their time to make it. My friend's drink wasn't sweet and she wanted to add sugar. We thought they'll just give us some sugar. But they made the drink from scratch and sweet.
The service was not bad. Our server was friendly and polite. We ordered: a gin fizz, warm pineapple rum, new castle and more. All cocktails were $12. Overall, cool place. No snobby Hollywood facade.
One word brand equity for this establishment : Perfection.
Only drawback, you can't smoke their, because I'm pretty sure people could smoke at bars back in the good ole days.
Drinks are crafted there as if it was a form of art and not like noveau BS art. I mean REAL art.
It's like you have to be an insider to get to this place. I tried to come here last month after the Art Walk but my friend and I couldn't find it to save our lives. Even after reading the Yelp reviews we still didn't get it! Ha. We decided to give it another try last night and as we were looking around I overhead a guy telling some people about the bars in the area and he mentioned this place. I quickly asked him how to get in... go inside Cole's and head straight to the back.. go inside the door and there is the gem.
Great spot to hang out and conversate. The background music is nice and relaxing as well. And talk about ultra VIP--you have to get seated by the hostess to snag a table! They don't let this place get too crowded with people standing at the bar... I only say that because when I was leaving there was about 2 or 3 couples waiting outside (the Cole's dining area) waiting to get called for their table.
The drinks are nice and strong. I had the Palma Fizz... it had a nice zing to it. The ginger made the fizz even fizzier! The different tastes went well together and it didn't seem like I was drinking an alcoholic beverage. I liked how it was just one ice block in the drink. The metal straw was cool but I just can't help but think that those suckers aren't cleaned very well. I doubt someone washes them by hand. And how lipstick gets stuck on glasses I wonder how it sticks on that straw... but of course I thought of this after the fact. So just FYI- ask for a disposable straw or remember to check yours before putting your lips on it. Ha.
My friend was going to order a cranberry vodka but they don't have cranberry juice here. I'm not a cranberry drinker so I'm whatev but I'd say the lack of cranberry juice is a good thing for the real drinkers. No foo foo stuff here. That being said, my friend opted for some kind of plum drink. It wasn't on the menu. It tasted good but pretty strong. The "sweet" drinks weren't "girly"... and I like that. Wine selection was pretty small though.
Service was pretty slow. After about 10 minutes of chatting, I remember looking to the table next to us and thought, "how weird, those people came to bar and aren't drinking." Oh they ordered, the drinks just took hella long.
A cool place to chill and sneak away from all the madness. I'd give this a 3.5
I really liked this place. Tucked away behind Cole's, it's an awesome little hide-a-way with great old fashioned drinks. I love the cozy, tiny, dark room with the bright red ceiling above the bar and the upscale dress of the bartenders. The drinks are made right and with time, and not only do they look great but taste even better.
The only con would be to get there early if you want a table and that it's a little difficult getting attention from the cocktail server, better off going to the bar. Also parking could be a pain depending on when you go.
but this place is a winner and has won a place in my heart.
Cool vibe, cooler drinks. I ordered a Sloe gin Fizz and it was one of the best gin fizzes I've ever had! They have a piano player which adds to the speakeasy feel. Check it out.
I found it accidentally looking for the bathroom while eating at Coles. What a happy little mistake. It was like I accidentally discovered a time-portal to 'coolville".
I've never seen a bartender shake a drink (one in each hand) for 15 minutes straight. Ok, it wasn't THAT long, but he sure did take his time, and believe me, it was a good thing...
Gulp, glup, slurp. Ah! Happiness, there you are.
... what a deliciously intoxicating drink. Size does NOT matter here, as its all about what they put IN it. And, well, to tell you the truth, I have no idea what he put in it exactly since he poured our drinks from these little non-descript little beakers. But who cares!? The drink was amazing!!
And so was the place. A romantic and hip spot for 2 or 3. Twosome or threesome or foursome. Five is pushing it cause it's really small, but who cares!? The drink was amazing!!
An Afterthought:
I wonder if they have live Jazz on certain nights... Cause if they do... I may just have an orgasm.
I give Varnish 4 stars because its located behind a secret door in a french dip sandwich shop (i love meats!) and because they gave my sister a free drink on her b-day. I read a lot of articles about Varnish recently and when my sister finally came back home to Los Angeles after being incarcerated (trapped in corporate hell) in New York for four years to celebrate her birthday, we decided to head to Varnish. Let me just warn you the parking in that area late at night is a bit sketchy, but we scored a spot so we were excited.
My cousin, sister and I had a few problems determining the location of Varnish (since we had never even been to Cole's) because there was another bar located at Cole's. We finally had to ask one of the waiters where Varnish was....embarrassing but it saved us from ordering from the wrong bar!
Once we got into Varnish, we had to wait- no surprise. We did go at the peak hour- friday night around midnight. While waiting, we decided to get some drinks at the bar- since they're known for their mixologists, I asked for something citrusy, my sister asked for something girly and my cousin ordered "the business" (which i thought was the best out of all of them). My drink was ok...it wasn't the best cocktail I've had (the best drink ever was at Drink in South Boston- amazing mixologists). However it's fun to watch the mixologist working.
Unfortunately, we had finished our drinks and we got tired of waiting for our table so we peaced out and went to 7 grand instead. I would say Varnish would have been more enjoyable if we had gotten a seat, and the drinks were mediocre, not quite mind-blowing. But like I said, it gets 4 stars for the free drink and being located within a sandwich shop!
3 stars for the drinks
4 stars for the service/ambiance
I promised a couple friends that I'd give the place another chance, so I braved the first rainy day in LA history to come on a Tuesday night.
Granted, I got pretty liquored up at the Association first, so by the time I hit the Varnish, I was in a really forgiving mood.
I'm thinking the rain had kept the hipster hoards at home, so we were blessed with a 2/3rds full place at around 11pm. Our server, Kippie, was prompt, endearing and what my mom would call "a hoot."
One of the great things about the Varnish is that you are encouraged to let the bartenders choose your drink. Simply tell them or your server what type of taste you're after, and rely on their expertise and whim to deliver the goods. I had started off at the Association with a Derby and a Sazerac, so I requested a whiskey-based drink. And what do you know: they served me a Derby. Honestly, the one at the Association was better, but it wasn't bad.
After that, I saw them serve some girls next to us what looked like a sno-cone, so, I asked for one. Didn't like it, told Kippie so, and she sent it back without a fuss.
I then had a Bitter Bee. Have no idea what was in it, but it was delicious.
Kudos to the piano player too.
So I'm willing to think that my first experience (see below) may have just caught them on a bad night.
Really? You guys LOVE this place? Really?
No wait, REALLY?
Okay, since you all insist, I'll give it…
Read more »
I like to feel like I'm way cooler than other people, so I go to the Varnish- have a drink, steal a fancy metal straw and then realize I'm bored. Late.
No, but really... yup, I do that. Not the stealing part- I make my date do that by threatening to withhold sex.
Wait, hold on.. ... ... I'm going to attempt being useful.
It's a cool spot to go with a date. Since it's table service, there's not a bar and it's actually dark enough to have sex right in the middle of the room without anybody noticing.
Definitely interesting (think-20s, 30s-ish speakeasy style), the drinks are great (but Seven Grand kicks their ginger based cocktail's ass with their Presbyterian), however, if you want to mingle more or get fresh with a pastrami sandwich, Coles is more fun.
Varnish is a pretty quaint place, a speakeasy reminiscent of old LA circa prohibition era. Came here after dinner for a nitecap and was pretty enamored with the place. The bartender was pretty high on himself and thought he was Jesus Christ, which such obnoxious attitude is quite unusual these days in this economy... I ordered a pisco sour and my friend had one of their herb infused cocktails off the menu. They really take a long time making their drinks, and seriously, if it wasn't for the fact that it was an off night, I would have been irritated by the wait if there was a line. What was cool is that the bartender took a Microplane grater and garnished my drink with fresh ground cinnamon. Yum!
Found comfy seating near the piano and the player reminded me of Bill Evans himself! I remember my cousin in Tokyo teaching me how to play Waltz for Debby when I was in high school. Every pianist I know knows this song and if they don't, then it's quite a shame. Never came across one who can't play it - some do it with their own twist, yet others (like myself) play it the standard melody. Every time I come across a piano bar, (even at a Nordstrom) I write Waltz for Debby on a napkin, slip it to the pianist, leave a tip and sure enough, the next song is guess what! It just brings me back to my happy place.
Not only was the bartender weird, but so was our waitress at our table. I just wasn't feeling it, from a service standpoint. My second round of pisco sour was not garnished with cinnamon and when I told the waitress, she gave me attitude then brought it back with cinnamon in the shape of hearts. Hope they didn't spit in my drink. Cool place to go regularly if you worked in DTLA but would never go out of my way from the Westside to come here.
Big props to Marcos who is ultimately the world's best bartender ever (hello:)) If you don't know what to order, just tell him what your usual mix is and he will whip up a fantasy version of it that will leave your mouth exploding with various flavors. Oh wait, that's sour, now spicy, oh yum..what a kick. Definitely worth the wait.
Rude staff, expensive drinks, high stress; NOT a weekend place.
I am honestly surprised at how many people rate this more than 2 stars. I hear that it's a pretty neat place for a couple if you are going on a WEEKDAY when no one is there, but a place for more than 3? And on a weekend? DON'T DO IT.
The waitress gave us shit when only one person ordered a drink through her (while everyone else ordered at the bar since they had to wait for a seat and couldn't stand near the tables) and then the bartender came over and told us WE HAD TO DRINK despite the fact we HAD ordered drinks already at the bar and then reprimanded the people who were our DDs for not ordering drinks saying EVERYONE HAD TO order a drink.
I have never been so stressed out at a place that was supposed to have a good atmosphere. I have never been harassed so much about where I was sitting, or standing or how much I should be drinking.
I do not recommend this place at all. We had even told them days in advance, the day of and when we got there that there was going to be a small group of us. They completely dropped the ball and then kicked it in our faces.
Ramos Gin Fizz. A friend of mine asked the bartender to make us three of these suckers. (It was my first time having it...) If you know this drink, then you know it takes quite a bit of man power to create one of these concoctions. The bartender was a good sport even though it took him a good 10-15 minutes of hard shaking to make them all and delivered a pretty refreshing frothy drink to us - you may (or for some may not) want know the ingredients of the drink if you plan on trying it... They take their mixology very serious here and know a lot of drinks you can't even imagine exists....
The bar has a cool vibe, enhanced by the "speakeasy" feel that comes from being tucked away in the back of a restaurant. The bar is small and dark so don't be surprised if you have to stand for a bit before you get a table.
Well thought out and expertly crafted cocktails don't come at blazing speeds so prepare for a good wait at time.
So I went here with my coworkers for my birthday, after work, and although it's hard for me to remember anything at this point I know the place was pretty awesome if you're into classic drinks and cocktails. This place isn't for the hollywood types with the chic decor, and flat screen tvs hanging on the wall, this is for the people that love to drink great cocktails, no redbull/vodkas here.
1. The place is like an old school speakeasy located in the back of cole's. One star, because it's kind of hidden from everything else.
2. The drinks are great. You just tell the bartender what alcohol you want and they'll mix you a great drink. One star, because I don't have to think of what type of alcohol to drink.
3. The decor and setting keeps everything lo-key. The dim lights and the dark decor, sets a nice relaxing and private feel. One star, because I like privacy.
4. Service. Service is great, if a waitress is rude or doesn't every come back, then I'm never stepping foot in the place again. But, varnish even though they're busy the waitress takes time to make sure you're set, and your glass is not empty. One star for service.
5. They don't serve crap alcohol. Every liquor they have is topshelf stuff. No Popov Albertson's brand in a plastic container. One star for good alcohol.
I checked out this place for the first time a couple weeks ago. Don't live too far from DTLA, I'm over in Silverlake, but finally made the trek over. Varnish is really cool and gives you that underground feel. I came over with some friends and we all enjoyed the place. The drinks were top notch and fairly priced. I will definitely be back.
Now, how was I suppose to know that the speakeasy in Cole's was actually called The Varnish? I did walk in to check it out and took some pictures after eating at Cole's. All the booths were occupied and it was already late, so I didn't stick around, but I will definitely back to have a couple of drinks and relax. I really like this bar. If it weren't for my friend's recommendation, I would not have known about it.
Glorious and unpretentious despite its speakeasy classification, The Varnish is one of my favorite bars in the world. It may tap into that wonderful Prohibition-era gimmick, but it's easier to crack into and less self-conscious than its counterparts in New York (think PDT and the 3:00 PM busy signals of death). Friendly and accommodating service follows you from door to bar to table. The owner is the most charming person I've ever met in suspenders and man-tresses - he's outgoing and knowledgeable and seems to care a lot about the place. He also tends good bar along with the other formidable vested mixologists.
The atmosphere is just perfect, dimly lit but quietly light-hearted. The music is at the optimal volume, loud enough to create some ambience but soft enough to speak over when addressing friends at your table. The place doesn't get crowded and the mood is consequently mellow and intimate.
The Varnish offers up a small and well-edited cocktail menu, but the thing is hardly necessary. All you need to do is describe your dreamboat potion to a trusty bartender, and he'll shake up something tailored to your tongue. The house does seem to favor brown liquors, so if you're particular, you might want to mention that. The drink are powerful. Even with fanciful components like egg white and house-candied ginger, the bartenders here do not fuck around. If you want to get owned 1849 style, for instance, just try the Gold Rush. I prefer sweeter cocktails, and some of the easier drinks on offer are wonderful and not even a little bit pink. Try the Bramble, the Silver Fox, or the Gin Gin Mule. The Bramble is my favorite thanks to the one-two of muddled blackberries and crushed ice, but it's hard to go wrong.
I mentioned the house-candied ginger - it is marvelous. I've found that if you ask nicely, the bartenders will give it out like...candy. You didn't hear that from me. Another goodie you might consider asking for is the awesome metal straw with a disc attached for crushing, stirring, and spooning. It'll cost you $4, but you'll be the coolest kid in AA when the wizards at The Varnish are through with you.
Come on!
How could you not like this place. Everything you want in a bar. Good ambience, eclectic clientelle (from dodger fans back from a game to a group of girls going out for a birthday), fresh ingredients, cool bartenders.
I went on a Friday night around 12 and it was easy to get in. Nicest doorman ever.
Try the palma fizz.
this place is the dumbest piece of dumb i've ever been dumb enough to try. we were treated like children and herded like sheep and there were only 3 of us. we were told what to do and what not to do as soon as we tried to walk in the door. their policies make no sense. apparently they have one bartender working for the standing-bar crowd (of which they only let a few stand) and one bartender working on all of the drinks for alllll of the tables. THAT'S what's taking forever here, people- the total LACK OF COMMON SENSE that whomever is running this shit-show has (or has not)...
service: we were just coming in towards last call to check the place out. after being stressed out and confused by the bossy doorgirl we were waiting for our waitress. she came over and we asked for the cocktail list we never got. she aksed what i was in the mood for and i said, honestly "beer, what kind of beer do you guys have?" well they only have 3 and i when i ordered it and my DD friend ordered a water (while our third party was still left confused if he was getting his whiskey, or if he was to re-order at the table) she exclaimed in a mocking tone "TYHUH, what are you guys even DOing here?!". later she got nosy (literally) and asked my friend about his whiskey drink. as he explained, she picked it up, got right in there and gave it a big burly whiff. none of us would have been surprised if she took a sip. a classy lassie that's for sure.
for the prices (12-18 bucks a cocktail, $7 for a decent lager) and the attitude, this place can gargle my balls and choke on 'em.
train wreck.
Though some jerk actually asked how we got past the bouncers, I found the place pretty laid back. It's okay that I didn't know my way around a bourbon cocktail. The bartender gave me a little tutorial.
The prices were a little steep ($12), but we scored a parking spot right across the street -- for free -- and the kindly neighbors on The Row even kept an eye on our car.
You have to take this place for what it is. Literally a hole in the wall because its supposed to be like a speakeasy, but what makes it cool, also makes it a little pretentious. Nice handcrafted drinks, which are great, but at a price.
Avoid weekends.
o-ver-raaaa-ted
since everyone is so enamored with the idea that this is in a back room inside of cole's maybe every bar should institute a "double entrance" policy... then we'd all be used to it.
service is way too slow, can't imagine when it's actually busy... and the lame waitress tried to cover up her deficiencies by pausing a lot and taking her time with talking... as if she just had so much on her mind.
I did however have an amazing, mind-bending conversation with the friend I went there with during the wait for the drink menus, but "that's neither here nor there", as they say.
here's a list of better places in walking distance:
cole's bar (they have highland park scotch-whiskey)
blu la
crocker club
the must
charlie o's (or whatever they call it now)
broadway bar
golden gopher
banquette
pete's
my house
I've always been more of a beer kind of guy, but this place completely changed my view of cocktails. The Varnish combines scientific precision with refreshing creativity in the way they construct their drinks.
Though there are several great standards on the drink menu, the best way to get the drink you want is talking through it with one of their bartenders. Don't be shy. Do you feel like something with gin and ginger? Do you want a drink that includes the fresh grapes at the bar? Do you need your fix of whiskey and citrus? Whatever it is, The Varnish's bartenders turn bar tending into a unique craft that will cater to whatever cocktail craving you may have. The unpretentious jazz-infused environment only adds to its appeal.
Having a conversation over a drink has never tasted so good. This place is freaking awesome.
GET: Gin Gin Mule (gin, ginger, and mint -- basically, what a mojito wished it was)
This place has an awesome atmosphere, if anything that is worth the price of admission. It's located through a magical little door in the back of Cole's French Dip in Downtown. i was brought here by my boss a while back, and by did it stick. i've been back a couple times and have tried more of their drinks, all of which are delicious.
This is a place where you could sit down and have a nice conversation with someone over a quality drink. None of the drinks are made to be chugged, but to be enjoyed.
The ambience there feels as though you're sitting next to Hemmingway, or in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. It seriously transports you back in time. The best time to come, if you want a quiet conversation, is between 5 and 8, as the later crowds tend to get a little more loud. This is a definite must go if you're in the downtown area and are looking for a quality drink.
How good it is to live in LA and know about these random places.
Located in the direction of the fashion district I would never have known about this place were it not for Yelp.
There's street parking one block East and one block South of the place. Though, at night it gets kinda sketchy as the bums inhabit the streets and I would suggest parking as close to the venue as possible.
Inside, it's the "speakeasy" feeling which I have yet to experience at any other venue in LA. The 4100 on Sunset comes close, but not really.
The drinks start at $12. The booths sit 4 people comfortably, IOW arriving with more than 4 people would not be a good idea.
Seems like a great place to bring a date. It's a small bar, great environment, and the lights are dim.
You know where it is (well, mostly), you know generally WHAT it is, the rest is to assure you that this is the kind of place you're looking for. Sans-flat screen, no beer taps, no Jaeger bombs (or the jackasses they attract), just grown-ups having grown-up cocktails.
Despite the seemingly-trademark serious-looking nature of the bartenders, they are quite approachable and will chat. Just remember they're busy and those cocktails don't make themselves.
They get all 5 stars, save for the fact that the room is a bit "live" acoustically, straying a bit from what I've found so appealing about most "speakeasies". (Yeah, I know, I used a non-word.)
Late Night Happy Hour
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Lucky Hour from 4-7pm weekdays
Neighborhood: Downtown
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