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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 Bon Appetit Magazine and Eater recommend this place

123 Tips and reviews

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FabFitFunNovember 16, 2011
This hidden speakeasy plays the role well with dimmed lights, organic drinks, an antique piano, and themed dressed staff.
Heather HermanJuly 29, 2010
Prohibition-era drinks. get the bartender's choice on the menu, tell them what liquor you like, and they will make you something that was sold back in the day :) (but...glad I wasn't paying!!) Read more
Jimmy FerreroOctober 14, 2010
Great drinks but do yourself a favor if its busy; when you're about a 1/4 of the way through your first drink, order your next drink. It could take "forever" to get a drink there at times.
Caroline On CrackMarch 16, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Come by Sunday nights for some live jazz to enjoy with your well-made classic cocktails.
BravoNovember 12, 2010
During the week it's really cool to go to the roof and check out the view of downtown L.A. -Danielle Keene, Top Chef Just Desserts
Deanna RJanuary 12, 2014
Ask for bartenders choice drinks. I've never been disappointed with what they make me!
Marc BossermanJanuary 26, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Tues night and Monday night-live piano music. 8:30-1:00-approximately . Very awesome vibe! : )
Scots ChrisJanuary 22, 2014
The White Russian is an interesting take on a classic cocktail. Good ambience!
Omer ZachAugust 31, 2015
Go for the Bartender's Choice.
MeikoMay 11, 2012
It's a little speakeasy place in the back of Cole's Sandwich Shop. I think Devon is the best bartender, ask for her.
KatrinaNovember 19, 2014
One of the coolest speakeasy bars in the city.
cynthia wangMay 21, 2013
stunning cocktails made in the beloved speakeasy style. gin!
Alex's LemonadeOctober 5, 2011
We are honored to have Chef Eric Alperin of The Varnish Bar be a Chef at our L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade Event on 11/6. Join us: http://bit.ly/LALovesAlexsLem
Placi PazAugust 3, 2015
Amazing crafted cocktails and súper cute bartender😍
Nicholas SlaytonOctober 25, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Be sure Devon's your bartender. She's friendly and very good at what she does. The Los Angeles cocktail is amazing.
LorettaNovember 28, 2011
Name the spirit you want and leave it up to the bartender to mix up something awesome to your liking.
Paige FinnOctober 20, 2010
I'm a fan of the Brown Derby. Whiskey, grapefruit and honey. It sounds weird yet it's amazing. Or maybe I just have a drinking problem...
Peter BoyceJuly 3, 2015
Bespoke cocktails, back room, romantic lighting
D LoveOctober 22, 2012
Let the bartenders choose for you. Fresh ingredients make it worth it.
Jenny L.July 6, 2015
Let the bartender make you something off menu.
ashleyDecember 20, 2014
Great drinks and lovely service
Beth Van DamMarch 19, 2012
Max is amazing! My new fave: the ultra aromatic Vieux Carre'
Christian GonzalezFebruary 10, 2011
I told the bartender I wanted something sweet to drink. He delivered. I love that this place reminds me of a speakeasy.
Iestyn WilliamsAugust 15, 2019
If you like getting thrown out, this is the spot! Went in with 8 pals, we got a table after 45 mins, then were told that they’d rather throw us out than serve us a couple more drinks. Not worth it.
Jason RosenbergAugust 16, 2011
Allow the bartender to make their favorite drink. You'll be amazed by what you get back.
Jessie WebsterAugust 30, 2014
best cocktails in LA. very romantic
ThirstyinLAFebruary 17, 2011
Been here 10+ times
The bartenders are some of the best in the city, so name the spirit and put yourself in their hands with the Bartender's Choice.
Nikolai FromMay 2, 2010
If you're into scotch/whiskey, ask for a Mamie Taylor. Scotch, ginger beer, and lime juice. Strong, delicious and refreshing.
Abi PanickerNovember 2, 2014
Nice speakeasy ambiance
CityTop20.comDecember 6, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Customed ordered drinks at one of the better bars in all of Los Angeles. Can't go wrong.
Eric TanMarch 13, 2011
Best kept 'secret' in LA -downtown! Cozy, Cocktails, Ambience...
James EasonJanuary 14, 2013
Sunday night there's a great singer and band !!
Marc BossermanMarch 27, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The Marc Bosserman trio is the last Tuesday of the month!! :-)
Lily TanMarch 27, 2012
Orchard warmer is so good... like hot apple cider with a kick!
James EasonJanuary 28, 2013
Sinful Sundays every Sunday night with the fantastic Niki Lindgren!
Nichole M.September 21, 2013
Ask for something smokey and spicy
Michelle LeeApril 7, 2015
Been here 5+ times
wifi: Coles / pw: 2136224090
Jussi HäyhäJanuary 7, 2016
Coctail lovers paradise.
Atif SiddiqiAugust 27, 2011
Order the following (in no particular orde)r: Cameron's Kick, Pop Quiz, Safety Word
Ricardo HernandezNovember 3, 2016
Overhyped cocktail bar. Small place, average prices.
clafcNovember 16, 2017
Cocktails were not that special
Marc Bosserman-Perfect Piano MusicJanuary 26, 2013
Tuesdays! 8:30 to 12;30. Last Tues of the month....TRIO!!
James EasonJuly 8, 2015
The bartenders are magical
The Golden Scallop (Movie)April 4, 2013
Been here 25+ times
check out the Golden Scallop trailer: vimeo.com/m/48929240
Chris MJune 22, 2018
Just ask the bartender. 🥃
Matt LawlerOctober 12, 2009
Ask for a Ramos Gin Fizz (if you drink gin), otherwise tell the Bar Maestros what your poison is and let them take it from there.
Michael PetraliaAugust 9, 2014
Shhh. It's a poorly kept secret!
Sam AlonMay 6, 2015
Well-balanced cocktails
AlexandraMarch 11, 2011
The sister to NYCs Milk & Honey and Little Branch...need I say more?
MsJacquelyneMay 26, 2011
Or million dollar coctail get a metail straw Fun experience

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