Imagine a candy store that invites customers to walk around, look at the many delicious treats, even sample them—but then forbids folks to take anything home. That candy store would suck. And yet, that’s the way most bars operate. Granted, there are plenty of stores where you can buy booze to go, but we like having everything under one well-decorated roof. So have your brew and drink it too at these bars that also offer retail services.
The reigning king of the Westside wine scene, this Culver City bar and restaurant features more than 700 different wines and about 70 beers. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you pick something that works for you, and if wine expert George Skorka drops some red wine into your Allagash Belgian-style beer, thank him; it might be your new favorite drink. Until BottleRock's Downtown location opens, hopefully in December, enjoy the truffled grilled cheese here and get a discount on some wine to go.
Those searching Hermosa Beach for something classier than muscular bros or mechanical bulls might head north of the pier. Wine enthusiasts will immediately take to the food pairing provided by executive chef Michael McDonald, who previously handled kitchen duties at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, including the menu at Dakota. Afterward, stop by Brixwine next door, where bottles range from $10 to $1000.
Proprietor Nicole Daddio left a successful career in show business to open City Sip, all for the love of wine. If you've ever been told "nice legs" while drinking Merlot, you might want to book a class here to find out what it means before returning the compliment. Treat it like a bar, a store, a classroom or all three. Open a Silkwood cabernet-syrah blend from Central California, and see how the taste changes while enjoying a plate of prosciutto and cheese.
It pays to be old-school. The Golden Gopher is still operating on the same liquor license it acquired in 1905, and back then a license meant you could sell your booze to go. Over a century later, loft dwellers are still reaping the benefits. For some, the Gopher is a testament to L.A.’s living history (have you seen a picture of L.A. in 1905?). For others it’s a perfect solution for the lack of liquor stores in the area. And everyone appreciates the chandeliers.
Sommelier and Mission Wines owner Chris Meeske takes his wines seriously. With one of the best selections in town, this place is a wine shop first, but it also offers tastings and “meet the winemaker” events, which can include food pairing. Meeske offers both high-end and affordable wines, with a decent selection of bottles under $10.
The word “palate” comes up frequently in conversations with those who take their wine and food seriously, and you can bet a place named Palate isn’t fooling around. So what does it take to strike that elusive balance between great food and fine wine? Palate is self-identified as a “restaurant, wine merchant, cheese cellar, tasting bar, lounge and eno-gastronomic library.” Oh, and they have a walk-in cheese humidor—but what self-respecting library doesn’t?
Another bar that benefits from getting in early: Verdugo’s ancient license makes it legal to sell its fine selection of rare beers to go. While the place has been accused of being easy to miss, it’s worth the effort. Nostalgic movies and talented DJs make for good vibes all around, especially when mixed with any of the 20-plus beers on tap. It’s also one of the very few places you’ll find Allagash to go.
Spearheading the Rose Ave renaissance, this wine shop seems to focus just as much on their cheese selection: pairing food with drink is a passion here, and private tastings and light meals can be catered. Or pick up your own selection to try at home... or eat here. The patio area, completed during...
Still thirsty? There's no shortage of wine bars in L.A.»
We're not at a loss for bars specializing in beer, either»
Will Theisen is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
