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The Varnish

Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Lounge$$$$

Fashion District, Los Angeles

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The Varnish

8.6^/10

358

ratings

Ranked #1 for cocktails in Los Angeles
The experts at Bon Appetit Magazine and Food & Wine recommend this place
"... their hands with the Bartender's Choice."(8 Tips)
"Chef Eric Alperin of The Varnish Bar be a Chef"(4 Tips)
"cozy Downtown bar hosts live jazz piano each Monday night"(6 Tips)
"Best American Cocktail Bar via 2012 Spirited Awards"(3 Tips)

123 Tips and reviews

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cocktails
live jazz
spirits
eric alperin
grenadine with mint
trendy
White Russians
great value
cute
hot apple cider
scenic views
sandwiches
rum
restaurants
liquor
lemonade
staff
desserts
gin
good for special occasions
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Deanna RJanuary 12, 2014
Ask for bartenders choice drinks. I've never been disappointed with what they make me!
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.
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.
Julia VMarch 21, 2017
Cody and hidden bar ... with a cosy piano concert. Great cocktails
Marc BossermanJanuary 26, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Tues night and Monday night-live piano music. 8:30-1:00-approximately . Very awesome vibe! : )
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.
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
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
Omer ZachAugust 31, 2015
Go for the Bartender's Choice.
Placi PazAugust 3, 2015
Amazing crafted cocktails and súper cute bartender😍
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.
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!
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.
Allegra TepperJune 16, 2014
Grab a french dip at Cole's, then come here! If you like citrus+chocolate, ask for a Twentieth Century.
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
Jenny L.July 6, 2015
Let the bartender make you something off menu.
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.
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.
D LoveOctober 22, 2012
Let the bartenders choose for you. Fresh ingredients make it worth it.
Jason RosenbergAugust 16, 2011
Allow the bartender to make their favorite drink. You'll be amazed by what you get back.
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.
Scots ChrisJanuary 22, 2014
The White Russian is an interesting take on a classic cocktail. Good ambience!
James EasonJanuary 28, 2013
Sinful Sundays every Sunday night with the fantastic Niki Lindgren!
Eric TanMarch 13, 2011
Best kept 'secret' in LA -downtown! Cozy, Cocktails, Ambience...
Beth Van DamMarch 19, 2012
Max is amazing! My new fave: the ultra aromatic Vieux Carre'
ashleyDecember 20, 2014
Great drinks and lovely service
Jessie WebsterAugust 30, 2014
best cocktails in LA. very romantic
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.
LorettaNovember 28, 2011
Name the spirit you want and leave it up to the bartender to mix up something awesome to your liking.
Abi PanickerNovember 2, 2014
Nice speakeasy ambiance
James EasonJanuary 14, 2013
Sunday night there's a great singer and band !!
Lily TanMarch 27, 2012
Orchard warmer is so good... like hot apple cider with a kick!
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.
Nichole M.September 21, 2013
Ask for something smokey and spicy
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.
Marc BossermanMarch 27, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The Marc Bosserman trio is the last Tuesday of the month!! :-)
Chris MJune 22, 2018
Just ask the bartender. 🥃
Jussi HäyhäJanuary 7, 2016
Coctail lovers paradise.
The Golden Scallop (Movie)April 4, 2013
Been here 25+ times
check out the Golden Scallop trailer: vimeo.com/m/48929240
Michelle LeeApril 7, 2015
Been here 5+ times
wifi: Coles / pw: 2136224090
James EasonJuly 8, 2015
The bartenders are magical
AlexandraMarch 11, 2011
The sister to NYCs Milk & Honey and Little Branch...need I say more?
clafcNovember 16, 2017
Cocktails were not that special
Michael PetraliaAugust 9, 2014
Shhh. It's a poorly kept secret!
Tiffany StithJune 11, 2009
Have the Palma Fizz...enjoy the conversation...and the cool darkly paneled speak-easy vibe. A bien tot!
Marc Bosserman-Perfect Piano MusicJanuary 26, 2013
Tuesdays! 8:30 to 12;30. Last Tues of the month....TRIO!!
Sam AlonMay 6, 2015
Well-balanced cocktails

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