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The Varnish

(Now Closed)

Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Lounge$$$$

Fashion District, Los Angeles

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The Varnish

The experts at LA Weekly and Food & Wine recommend this place

123 Tips and reviews

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PUNCHSeptember 25, 2015
This barebones speakeasy aims to perfect overlooked classic cocktails. Even when the bar is full, it can take on a reverential hush, cushioned only by the sound of soft jazz and clinking glasses Read more
LaraOctober 23, 2014
Enter through Cole's back door. Small space so come before 9 to get in without waiting. If you're looking for a light fresh drink, get the Elevensies. If something stronger, then try the Brown Derby.
Adrian PhillipsOctober 11, 2014
In the back of Cole's, just open the door and put your name in for a table. Penicillin is my drink of choice. If you have to wait for a table just go to the Cole's bar and enjoy the excellent drinks.
Claudia HernándezMarch 22, 2017
First, get a sandwich (and a Moscow Mule, if it's gonna be that kind of night) at Cole's, then continue to the door in the back, and turn the knob. Come early -- seats are first come, first served.
C. P. BisgaardJune 18, 2015
The staff was great. You can choose to have the bartender make one for you ... which is always fun, and, in this case, it was delicious. Would be an amazing place to take a date.
JenniferSeptember 3, 2014
The best bar in Los Angeles. Go on a weekday, chat with the knowledgable staff, and enjoy a fantastic cocktail. I love anything with creme de violette - try something new!
Franco CalizFebruary 11, 2015
This might be the best bar in America. The drinks in the menu are fine. The bartenders choice is a better idea. I was introduced to new drinks that were great. Awesome ambiance too.
Daria ZlobinaDecember 23, 2014
Loved this place! They've live music Sunday-Tuesday. Prices are reasonable, but the best thing is the ambiance and secret location: this speakeasy is in the back of Cole's bar.
Justin OrdovezaJanuary 3, 2015
Love the craft cocktails here. It's a nice cozy space that's very dark. Be prepared to wait a while to get a table.
Los AngelesNovember 5, 2013
A speakeasy hidden inside Cole's, you're bound to find a drink right up your alley at The Varnish, where bartenders at this classic-driven cocktail bar will shake or stir your libation to your liking.
EaterMay 28, 2014
LA Mag blogger Caroline Pardilla says, "Your phone won't work here, so give yourself over to this bar from another era and enjoy live jazz and a simple but straightforward classic cocktail list." Read more
AmberJuly 8, 2017
Classic craft cocktail aficionado Sasha Petraske launched one of Los Angeles' first sophisticated bars, now considered the godfather of L.A.'s craft cocktail movement.
YSeptember 27, 2018
Cozy speakeasy bar with friendly and knowledgeable mixologists. Nice added touch with live jazz performances.
naveenFebruary 23, 2011
a very new york-like speakeasy feel in the back room here – you know, if you're feeling nostalgic for home. snag a table in one of the booths by the back wall and have them mix up your faves
Becherovka VoyagerSeptember 4, 2013
Enjoy live jazz as you're being transported back in time to prohibition days, with the classic drinks of LA's notorious mobsters or new additions to the menu, like the Bohemian favorite, Becherovka.
Tasting TableMarch 24, 2016
For a clandestine cocktail in a sultry secret hideaway, go to this speakeasy hidden inside Cole's. Enjoy live jazz and pretend you're back in prohibition days all night. Read more
Tiago LobaoDecember 13, 2014
Imerge in the Speakeasy vibe, finding this hidden bar. You can always trust the bartenders choice on drinks for you. You're on a speakeasy, take the risk!
AngelJanuary 27, 2013
Small, dark, and private. A few cast members from the show Homeland were sitting in the booth behind us! Took a while for the drinks to come, but everyone said they were very good and perfectly made.
Matthew GoldFebruary 18, 2015
Very loud, very crowded (small room in the back of Coles), but the cocktails are some of the best I've ever had. Bonus points if you come dressed in 1920s attire.
Blanca LlarmaMarch 26, 2015
this place is great they have the bets whiskey ever.. I enjoy coming here with friends and fellow co workers it is a great way to hang out
The ArtificialNovember 27, 2017
My favorite speakeasy. Hidden in the back room of a well-known sandwich shop, the atmosphere and drinks are truly spectacular.
David HeiserNovember 27, 2019
Wasn’t blown away by the cocktails, and it was 1000 degrees inside the bar. Cool space to have a drink, though.
eric bornemannFebruary 17, 2019
Wonderful cocktails in an intimate back room. Great “speakeasy” in downtown LA that feels very noir.
Open Air PublishingApril 16, 2012
Our favorite rum based cocktail is the "Detroit Daisy" (rum, lime juice, grenadine with mint). Make it at home with the book "Speakeasy Cocktails" created for iPads. http://bit.ly/foursq_cocktails"
@JaumePrimeroNovember 7, 2012
The Varnish was named the best cocktail bar in the US at this year's Tales of the Cocktail (the Oscars equivalent of the mixology world). Just go!
Caroline On CrackMarch 16, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Order the Old Fashioned, which is the best anywhere. Fun fact: Bartender Eric Alperin taught Ryan Gosling how to make one for film Crazy Stupid Love.
Jeremiah ChuaJune 6, 2015
Their whiskey drinks are made very well. I enjoyed their old-fashioned and Manhattan cocktails.
BravoDecember 2, 2010
Cedd Moses owns a number of bars downtown. The best one, The Doheny, you can’t go to because it’s private. This one is among of the best of the rest. -Mark Peel, Top Chef
Buzz AndersenMarch 28, 2012
New York style cocktails in downtown LA, from the people behind Gotham's Milk & Honey. The drinks lean toward perfect executions of simple classics.
Edward KMay 12, 2015
No cellphone reception here! Make sure to contact all the people you're meeting up with outside, before stepping into this speakeasy 1920's time machine.
Food & WineApril 20, 2011
A collaboration between cocktail heroes Sasha Petraske and Eric Alperin, the Varnish is accessible only through a secret door at the newly renovated Cole's, downtown L.A.'s century-old public house.
EsquireFebruary 1, 2011
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. The cocktails are flawless, and all of them are consumed right-side up. Order a Remember the Maine, with rye and Cherry Heering.
Anik JoshiFebruary 1, 2018
The vibe is just breathtaking and when you open the door you feel like you're being taken back in time.
Open Air PublishingApril 24, 2012
Try the "Detroit Daisy" (rum, lime juice, grenadine with mint). Make it at home with the book "Speakeasy Cocktails" created for iPads. http://oapub.co/c48b46af
Stephen SmytheNovember 7, 2015
Sneak by the hordes in Coles to the unmarked door in the back for a drink wonderland. Just let the bartender close for you.
Jane ChuJune 8, 2012
This always makes everyone's list, but the drinks really are that good here and you can ask the mixologist to make whatever they want too.
Gilt CityJanuary 26, 2011
A Master Cognac class on 2/5 finds Eric Alperin divulging his secrets: in addition to getting the sidecar and vieux carré down pat, you’ll mix up a cognac Manhattan and original Varnish masterpiece.
Luiz CentenaroAugust 6, 2014
Daniel makes the best old fashioned ever. You will feel like Don Draper here.
Justin LukNovember 11, 2011
When you've got visitors and you really want to make them jealous of your city, knock on the door at the back of Cole's. They'll be amazed, and you'll look like a bad ass.
DAN COXAugust 23, 2011
No need for a menu. Just relax, leave your ordering in the hands of the staff (who will do a much better job than you ever could!) and allow them to make your evening perfection.
Julia VMarch 21, 2017
Cody and hidden bar ... with a cosy piano concert. Great cocktails
Roger MaMarch 10, 2015
Great whiskey based cocktails! Go early to grab a spot!
Christine TranFebruary 15, 2011
Seriously one of the best bars I've been to. Amazing cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. Try the Eastside martini made with cucumber and gin
Caroline On CrackMarch 16, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Enjoy. You're currently in the Best American Cocktail Bar via 2012 Spirited Awards from Tales of the Cocktail.
Elle CameronOctober 19, 2013
This place is amazing! Bartenders choice is a great way to go!! All their drinks are delicious
Mic HoJune 21, 2016
Great speakeasy atmosphere and the drinks are well made and nostalgic.
Allegra TepperJune 16, 2014
Grab a french dip at Cole's, then come here! If you like citrus+chocolate, ask for a Twentieth Century.
DowntownLA.comMay 9, 2011
This cozy Downtown bar hosts live jazz piano each Monday night -- so cure your case of the Mondays with a retreat to a hidden urban oasis. Read more
Karen SDecember 4, 2010
Varnish is small speakeasy style bar at the backside of Cole's restaurant. The silver metal stirring straw/spoon is definitely a signature of The Varnish. Checkout the Bartender's choice.
Mucho Comida™October 28, 2012
I think they're going with the 'hot bartenders on the weekend' concept. (they still make good cocktails though...so no complaints). Enjoy.

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