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"I'm a big Phillippes fan but I've got to say...Cole's beef dip sangwich is better. The bread was nice and crusty and they give you the au…" read more »
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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.
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.
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.
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!
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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 ....
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
Really? You guys LOVE this place? Really?
No wait, REALLY?
Okay, since you all insist, I'll give it…
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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.
People thought this was:
might have been the night we were there, but this place was just ok - the crowd was a little weird, a bunch of guys in groups standing around with matching shirts checking out girls. a little creepy. otherwise there was a bachelorette or birthday party of some sort with a bunch of loud 30-something women. oh and that was another thing, it was SO LOUD. music was blaring and i couldn't have a conversation with anyone, including the bartender. the decor was a mix between retro/modern and really bad 80s with mirrors on the walls.
there's no signage, but the location is pretty cool. just don't go one block to the west or you'll be in a tent city with druggies and hookers. don't think i'll go back unless i'm in the area...
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.
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!
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
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.
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.
People thought this was:
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
People thought this was:
This place is in what I would call a CUT! ask one of your More Pigment Enriched friends if you don't kno. eEither way ... walking through coles ( best french dip in the city BTW) thats hard enough to resist secondly I was on a date and even coles had some hotties in the house. 3 stars only because It's a bit of a Douchy Silverlake feel to the crowd, ALSO make sure u order a drink when your half way done with the current cocktail, they have a totally new style of bartending, everything is fresh squeezed and the Garnishes are pinnacle, REAL black cherries and pitted Lychees just to nme a few, juices are strange as well. lavender flavored something, rose water.. etc. Interesting to watch but be advised your drink will take at least 10 min.
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.)
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)
People thought this was:
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.
People thought this was:
How do they know? I picked Bartender's Choice and they made
1) El Diablo
2) Mexican Firebomb
Both tequila-based, both very, very me.
My friends' drinks were also perfect reflections of their personalities. So pretty in the glass!
It is very hot in there. We asked the manager (who was getting an intimate neck/shoulder rub from a cocktail waitress and neither felt it necessary to stop when we approached) if there was any way to make it cooler. No, he said, in the tone one uses when not masking a lie. I mean, the AC control is in plain view, dude. No apology, no explanation, no break in his massage from an underling.
Those drinks are purty expensive to leave with a bad taste in yer mouth.
Hidden, seductive, and old fashioned, this place sends you back in time to a 1920's speakeasy establishment. One small photo of a martini glass lead me to a dark lit room, home to what seemed to be a secret society of drinkers.
The specialty drink menu was short, but ordering the Bartender's Choice yielded endless possibilities of vintage concoctions. My Remember The Maine made of rye, vermouth, heering, and absinthe had me talking to a green fairy.
Tip: Enter early evening to snag a booth. Forgettable times await.
People thought this was:
List of drinks is thin, but the bartenders are more than willing to work with you to find your perfect drink. The bar (no stools) is the best, it's a great place to be if you want to meet your fellow drink tasters.
Finding this secret, out of the way spot, and learning what the term "Varnish" means was one of the coolest things that makes me excited about moving downtown. There is a lot of history here that needs to be discovered, and not lost!!
It's a simple concept, The Varnish is modeled after a varnished train car in the early 1900's that catered to the elite and magistrates. They have a simple menue of approximately 12 cocktails, and that is it!
I tried to take a friend once, and they were closed! Off to a mixology convention in New Orleans ... maybe to add one more fantastic specialty cocktail?
Also cool, is it's not a big space, and seating is for two, but there is a piano in the middle of the room, and someone sat and played and sang! Great intimate, unique, hidden location!
Make sure you check out the secret peep hole in the hall of Cole's as you find your way back to The Varnish! It's a view into the past of the stairs that lead down from the street to the Train Station!
The prices aren't cheap ... so be prepared!
People thought this was:
Yep, still a favorite of mine.
I HAD to stop by here after a night at The Association. I mean, it's right next door and kept calling my name while biting its lower lip. Tease.
I decided to go with an absinthe served however the bartender recommended it. I had almost forgotten how much I love the Green Fairy. ALMOST.
It was packed at the time we went here and so there was no place to sit, but all is forgiven because the size of the place is part of its charm. Seriously, I would go here just to watch the bartenders do their thing. I was practically hypnotized at one point watching them chop up ice, crack eggs and vigorously shake the shakers. Good work, guys.
I'LL BE BACK (puts on shades).
People thought this was:
Tiny, tiny place packed with awesomeness.
The bartenders and the drinks are the main attractions…
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I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU
Order a Martin Miller Gin Sour. Its like being kissed by the God of Summer.
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Dear Varnish,
I know we just met this week but I was compelled to tell you how I'm feeling. I…
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After the elite event at Cole's, I finally made it back to the Varnish.
The Varnish welcomed me back like an old friend, even though we've only been acquainted once.
The way I see it, this bar is like that guy/girl in high school that was so cool, they didn't even have to try. They had their own style, didn't necessarily fit into any particular group, but exuded a certain...je ne sais quoi, that garnered the attention of the student population. The Varnish isn't super trendy, and you won't find them taping an episode of The Hills here. It doesn't fit the stereotype of an "LA" bar, nor does it emit any amount of pretentiousness to fend off would-be patrons. This bar is in a class of it's own, and deservedly so.
I came here Thursday night with my girl Libby, as a much needed escape from the boredom of the work week. It was quite crowded, but it's small, so it doesn't take a lot of people to fill it up. We were hoping that Marco, the bartender would be there creating his alcoholic masterpieces, and though he wasn't, there were two other capable gentleman handling the mixology.
Everything they do here is with old school class. From the menu presentation, to the period costumes worn by the staff, you are transported to a different era where alcoholic beverages were not just a means to inebriation, but a delicious libation to enjoy in good conversation with great company.
I have seen Marco at work before, and these bartenders are ridiculously serious about their drinks. Quality ingredients, fresh garnishes, hand chipped ice, and an impeccable attention to detail makes each drink a liquid masterpiece.
My lovely drinking companion opted for the bartender's choice. She picked her own liquor (bourbon) and how it was prepared (sweet), and she ended up with a bourbon berry collins of sorts. It tasted like the Big Mac at Seven Grand. It was almost like biting into a juicy summer berry with a smooth bourbon finish. Delicious.
I orderd the Gin Gin Mule. I'd been wanting to try a Moscow Mule and I knew the Gin Gin was the Varnish's take on the gingery cocktail. I didn't want to risk asking for this at another bar where they might use ginger ale (GASP!) instead of ginger beer, which would kill the drink altogether. You want a drink made right, you come to The Varnish. My drink was absolutely exquisite. Even Libby said it was better than hers. The lime, vodka, and mint were smooth, with the after-kick of the ginger...my kind of drink. It was so good, I've been thinking about it all day.
Now mind you, The Varnish is not a place you come to get hammered before hitting the clubs. Because of the attention to detail, the drinks take a bit longer to make than most bars, and they're not conducive to 'chugging.' They don't do any kind of 'bombs,' 'shooters,' or sex-position-like drinks, so don't come here expecting that. However, do come here and allow yourself to be enveloped in the cozy, dark booths of this speak-easy and transformed to a simpler time while sipping an exceptional cocktail and sharing good company.
Stay thirsty, my friends.
People thought this was:
A few things:
If you are looking to see and be seen, this is not your place.
If you are looking to get wasted quickly and cheaply, this is not your place.
Eric the Bartender is a mad scientist, an angel and a genius.
Walking through the wooden door in the back of Cole's, I had to instinctively look around for Doc Brown and his Delorean. Suddenly I knew what it must have felt like to go out for a "strong coffee" in 1927. The atmosphere (unpretentious, intimate and quiet), the lighting (very dim, but for the bottle green light coming from the bar's well), even the smell ( musty, but not unpleasant) took me back to another time.
I had a pleasant conversation with Eric about the industry, told him I was in the mood for absinthe, and to otherwise surprise me, my friend and my cousin. Over the next ten minutes, Eric kept the conversation flowing while he bent over beakers of house made syrups, hand chipped ice, cracked and separated an egg, and liquids measured meticulously into jiggers.
The end result of all his scientific tinkering was a twist on the Manhattan for my cousin, a delicious rum, lime and honey drink for my friend that brought to mind a margarita, and something called a Cafe de Paris for me, which was made of absinthe, gin, egg white and cream. And we all agreed that they were some of the best cocktails of our life.
We sat down in a booth and proceeded to sip and enjoy our concoctions and the good conversation. I could have stayed all night, staring at the original tile floors, the velvet wallpaper, and the bartenders in deep concentration.
I am in debt to them for a night of true magic.
People thought this was:
Walk all the way to the back of Cole's on 6th and you'll find an inconspicuous little door that LOOKS like a janitors closet, but with a little sign of a martini glass. Upon walking through - however - you're immediately transported back to a 1920's speakeasy, unpretentiously small, simple set up; a few booths and tables; big band and vaudeville jazz softly playing over the speakers; and where the spotlight is on the bar and it's uncannily skilled and experienced barstaff.
Being a cocktail and mixology enthusiast, I was nothing less than giddy at the sight...
The bar area sports every imaginable garnish; crushed and full cubed ice that the bartenders crack themselves with the barspoons (I got an entire hunk of ice to fill my glass for my manhattan trilogy), real steel straws to stir and sip mojitos and juleps and the like, a plethora of homemade simple syrups and juices...the list goes on.
Though there is a (somewhat limited) cocktail menu...my recommendation is and will always be to ask the bartender to go nuts. Tell them (hopefully Chris is working that night) what base liquor you want (rye, vodka, tequila, rum, etc) and they'll fix you something that will make you cream yourself. Sorry. That was crass, I know. But I swear my friend Chelsea took one sip of her 'surprise' second drink of the night made of of muddled mint and sugar, simple syrup, rum, peychaud and angostura bitters and nearly shuddered in euphoric glee.
The somewhat surprising highlight of the night: the Tequila Belmont, made from reposado tequila, creme and housemade grenadine, shaken and served up (such cute little cocktail glasses, btw). Tasted like a lighter (less filling) and much more herbaceous egg nog. Delicious. Would have been awesome with some grated nutmeg...which I'm sure they could do BECAUSE THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING.
Now, I can understand that waiting about 5-10 minutes for a cocktail and staying still in a dimly lit, unspectacular little booth where people are all sitting, aren't trying to hit on the girls next to them, aren't dancing or acting like they're there for any reason other than to simply enjoy the AMAZING DRINKS may discourage a lot of barflys from going here...but I personally love the fact that most people who would interpret this place and it's people as pretentious Angelinos who are, 'trying too hard to look like they're not trying too hard,'* are usually just the types of "I-take-pictures-of-myself-with-my-shirt-off-on-th e-internet" douche bags who would otherwise ruin the ambiance and general cozy feeling of a place like this anyway. Mutual benefit.
Did I just make a tangental passive aggressive rant? Apologies. I hate all the vain dicks in LA. YES, Paul M.* I love this place. You don't. Deal with it.
This place is a gem. My new favorite. They take their presentation and their craft seriously and deliver with amazing results. Perfect for a date that you're REALLY trying to impress...or simply for a leisurely and quick cocktail before or after dinner.
Cheers!
People thought this was:
Varnish is definitely my favorite bar downtown. Drinks here are MUCH better than next door. (I tested out the same drinks back-to-back at each bar, and Varnish blew The Association away!) Very low key, amazing staff -- Rebecca, I'm lookin' at you -- and a sweet piano man who takes all of my requests. I only wish it were down the street from me.....
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Im going to give you a challenge. Once you have completed the tasks set ahead of you, please try and tell me that you dont love this place.
So, first off...stop everything you are doing get in your car or hop on your bike and head towards downtown. If you know your way around town, head to Coles Restaurant, if you dont... just ask any homeless person where 6th and Main is. Get over there and park your car wherever you find ample lighting on the street. If you are on your bike, double lock it at the wheel and the frame, pay someone to watch it and still say a prayer.
Take a stroll into Cole's restaurant and decide whether you are hungry or not. If you are, sit down in the back room and order yourself a French dip, side of mac and cheese and creamed spinach and watch as people start trickling in to a black door in the back. At first you might mistake it for the bathroom or maybe a phone booth room, wait, do they even have those anymore?
Anyways, once you are done with your meal, head on back and enter one of the coolest little bars in Los Angeles. It is dark, hip and a bit cold. But it all works SO well. A hostess should seat you at a table. Yes, you get seated at tables at this bar. No leaning against the bar getting your cool duds wet on the forearm. No standing on your tippy toes to make yourself look taller to get the attention of the bartender, only to find out that you got the attention of the bar back who doesn't even make drinks....and definitely know bumping other patrons trying to nestle your way in to order a drink. This place is STYLISH!
So sit down and order anything from their list of drinks....or, you can always do the Bartender's choice. This ranges from anything they like to anything you want done the way they want. To put that in perspective, I asked for a cucumber drink (just to see if it would throw them off). I said, "I dont mind what alcohol, just make it with cucumber" I got the best freaking drink I have ever tasted. The cucumber drink at Seven Grand was comparable but this was a bit better. I asked the bartender what was in it and he let me know that my drink was comprised of muddled cucumbers, gin and their own homemade Orange Curacao. I could drink those all day long if they didn't cost 12 bucks a pop. But definitely worth it.
My girl got the ginger drink and it burned there was so much ginger. You definitely need to love ginger if you get that drink. I took a big gulp and my face turned red, but it was too dark for anyone to really notice. Her drink also had one piece of ice, similar to the spike that Sharon Stone used to kill unassuming sexed-up male targets with. This one piece of ice was just the type of subtle touch that they feature in their drinks. The ginger drink also had a cube of crystallized ginger candy.
Everything they do here is slick. It almost feels like a smoking lounge minus the awful stench of cigars (sorry cigar lovers). I actually have always wanted to like cigars so I could go with the boys after dinner and sit back, light up and enjoy. But now I can do that and enjoy tasty beverages.
Hands down one of the best bar experiences in Los Angeles and a must try!
People thought this was:
rude, pretentious and overpriced.
avoid it like the plague if you're going with more than 3 people. worst place for groups EVER. i'll say it again. do not under any circumstances consider going here with a group of 4+. they will give you shit for standing, for moving from your table, for siting more than the designated number to a table - it felt like elementary school.
my boyfriend and i sat at a table for 2 and i moved my chair to sit next to him. they felt the need to come WARN us that our table is strictly for 2 people when they saw that i'd MOVED MY CHAIR. i'd never felt more regulated and harassed at a bar.
then THEY GAVE OUR DESIGNATED DRIVER SHIT FOR NOT ORDERING A DRINK. oh and they gave a few of our friends shit for ordering drinks at the bar and then sitting down.
also: a lemonade costs $7. $7 for tonic water and lemon squeezed in.
It's in the back.
It's cool like that.
After a couple of drinks here
You'll never touch beer.
Again.
Ok maybe you will but you shouldn't order that here. Go with the mixed cocktails. Any of 'em. They take a while so be patient but I swear drinking hard alcohol never tasted so sweet. And so painless.
Late Night Happy Hour
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Lucky Hour from 4-7pm weekdays
Neighborhood: Downtown
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