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Created by @JaumePrimero Updated On: December 11, 2013
For those of you visiting the Los Angeles area, here are some of my favorite places to grab a cocktail in the spirit of the speakeasy. Get your drink on, and indulge in some innovative mixology! *AJB
@JaumePrimero: Cocktail menu aside, which by the way is magnificent, what I love about this destination is the dress code. For the most part, LA is very casual, but La Descarga defies convention!
108 W 2nd St Apt 101 (at Harlem Pl), Los Angeles, CA
Speakeasy · Gallery Row · 184 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: The Edison is over 100 years old! The "Brass Furnace" is my favorite libation. Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Grapefruit Juice and Bitters. Basically, the 4 food groups :)
6685 Hollywood Blvd (at Las Palmas Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Cocktail Bar · 16 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: I love this place! If you are diligent enough to find the entrance, you won't be disappointed. I've never had Kaffir Lime Juice mixed with Gin, but hell yeah.
1645 Wilcox Ave (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA
Lounge · Central Hollywood · 36 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: Ok, here's the deal. Tough door policy equals little or no douchebagery. Bottom line, this watering hole for Hollywood's A-list is a must! Plan on watching the cash fly out of the wallet.
Speakeasy · Fashion District · 124 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: 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!
@JaumePrimero: Impressive beer selection and zero attitude, which is a breath of fresh air in LA. Get your hipster on at 1642. Say hello to the cat that lives at the bar.
370 N LA Cienega Blvd (at Oakwood Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Cocktail Bar · Mid-City West · 83 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: Memorable mixology at the Roger Room. Notable cocktails include the Tijuana, and the Moscow Mule. No food, but they let you order in Pizza.
52 Windward Ave (Btwn Speedway and Pacific), Venice, CA
Speakeasy · 10 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: I love the vibe at Del Monte. So much history in this Venice institution, as well as nightly shows/events. Some nights there is no cover, other nights its $5.
515 W 7th St (btwn Olive & Grand Ave.), Los Angeles, CA
Whisky Bar · Financial District · 176 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: An international wall of whiskey in Downtown LA. Dress code enforced, and if you are fan of the "Old Fashioned", this is the bar for you.
1356 Palmetto St (at S Santa Fe Ave.), Los Angeles, CA
Bar · Arts District · 99 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: Zero attitude, live music every night, and creative cocktails served in mason jars. If you want to escape the scene in West LA, this is a great bar to go to.
5221 Hollywood Blvd (at N Harvard Blvd), Los Angeles, CA
Bar · Los Feliz · 87 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: Crazy about the "Blind Psychic". Gin, Lillet Blanc, and an interesting herbed liqueur. Tasty. Note that the cocktails are a bit less expensive here than at other rivals.
Cocktail Bar · Jewelry District · 64 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: The oldest liquor license in LA, and they even have a vintage Pac Man arcade game. Very chill atmosphere and totally casual. Props to their beer selection.
Cocktail Bar · Central City East · 76 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: Yes, I'm crazy about Mezcal! Las Perlas has a formidable selection. Try the "Sueño", which includes strawberry, basil, lemon, balsamic syrup, and of course Mezcal.
Cocktail Bar · Financial District · 69 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: If you get the munchies after you have a few drinks, the Library Bar is for you. Their burger is out of this world, along with the rest of their bar menu.
714 W Olympic Blvd (at Flower St), Los Angeles, CA
Cocktail Bar · South Park · 45 tips and reviews
@JaumePrimero: The outdoor patio with a fireplace rocks. Despite the stress of finding parking, the rum cocktails here are impressive. They even have a fresh coconut rum cocktail, served in the shell with the pulp.