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The Varnish
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Lounge$$$$
Fashion District, Los Angeles
Has a stamp of approval from Bon Appetit Magazine and Eater
"... 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 reviewsFilter:
- cocktails
- live jazz
- spirits
- eric alperin
- grenadine with mint
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LaraOctober 23, 2014Enter 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, 2014In 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, 2017First, 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.
JenniferSeptember 3, 2014The 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!
C. P. BisgaardJune 18, 2015The 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.
Franco CalizFebruary 11, 2015This 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, 2014Loved 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.
Los AngelesNovember 5, 2013A 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.
Justin OrdovezaJanuary 3, 2015Love the craft cocktails here. It's a nice cozy space that's very dark. Be prepared to wait a while to get a table.
naveenFebruary 23, 2011a 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- AmberJuly 8, 2017Classic 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, 2018Cozy speakeasy bar with friendly and knowledgeable mixologists. Nice added touch with live jazz performances.
Becherovka VoyagerSeptember 4, 2013Enjoy 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, 2016For 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
Matthew GoldFebruary 18, 2015Very 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.
Tiago LobaoDecember 13, 2014Imerge 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, 2013Small, 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.
Blanca LlarmaMarch 26, 2015this 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, 2017My favorite speakeasy. Hidden in the back room of a well-known sandwich shop, the atmosphere and drinks are truly spectacular.
David HeiserNovember 27, 2019Wasn’t blown away by the cocktails, and it was 1000 degrees inside the bar. Cool space to have a drink, though.
eric bornemannFebruary 17, 2019Wonderful cocktails in an intimate back room. Great “speakeasy” in downtown LA that feels very noir.
Open Air PublishingApril 16, 2012Our 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, 2012The 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!- 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.
- Buzz AndersenMarch 28, 2012New York style cocktails in downtown LA, from the people behind Gotham's Milk & Honey. The drinks lean toward perfect executions of simple classics.
Jeremiah ChuaJune 6, 2015Their whiskey drinks are made very well. I enjoyed their old-fashioned and Manhattan cocktails.
BravoDecember 2, 2010Cedd 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
Edward KMay 12, 2015No 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.
EsquireFebruary 1, 2011Congratulations, 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.
Food & WineApril 20, 2011A 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.
Open Air PublishingApril 24, 2012Try 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
Anik JoshiFebruary 1, 2018The vibe is just breathtaking and when you open the door you feel like you're being taken back in time.
Justin LukNovember 11, 2011When 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.
Gilt CityJanuary 26, 2011A 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.
Stephen SmytheNovember 7, 2015Sneak 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, 2012This 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.
Luiz CentenaroAugust 6, 2014Daniel makes the best old fashioned ever. You will feel like Don Draper here.
Christine TranFebruary 15, 2011Seriously 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- DAN COXAugust 23, 2011No 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.
- Enjoy. You're currently in the Best American Cocktail Bar via 2012 Spirited Awards from Tales of the Cocktail.
Elle CameronOctober 19, 2013This place is amazing! Bartenders choice is a great way to go!! All their drinks are delicious
FabFitFunNovember 16, 2011This hidden speakeasy plays the role well with dimmed lights, organic drinks, an antique piano, and themed dressed staff.- Karen SDecember 4, 2010Varnish 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.
- Allegra TepperJune 16, 2014Grab a french dip at Cole's, then come here! If you like citrus+chocolate, ask for a Twentieth Century.
- DowntownLA.comMay 9, 2011This 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
231 Photos
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Classic Cocktails
Closed until 7:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 7:00 PM–2:00 AM
(213) 622-9999
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 7.6
"One of my favorite bars to go to in downtown. It's a spectacle to behold with dark corners and intimate spaces. Love seeing the absinthe fairy darting about serving absinthe."
Justin Ordoveza - 9.2
"The biggest good surprise I experienced. Unique entrance, nice mood, good cocktails (strong) and definitely good crowd. Come to have a chat, forget your phone. Good live music and DJ too. Always nice!"
Félix - 8.4
"Fun retro decorations around the room!"
Connie Chiu
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