(Credit: Ken Hivey)
Navigating: art bars
Because everything’s a masterpiece when you’re loopy
By Robin Lee
May 9, 2008626 Reserve
626 S. Spring St., Los Angeles213-627-9800
The Downtown restaurant and bar serves up snacks and wine accompanied by live jazz and eye-catching art. The hanging canvases come from neighboring 626 Art Gallery and rotate frequently. The gallery also participates in the Downtown Art Walk, making the neighboring wine bar a popular destination every second Thursday of the month.
The Bar
5851 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles323-468-9154
For Hollywood barhoppers who love art as much as they love sceney drinking, check out Down the Rabbit Hole at the Bar. Hosted twice a month by Hannah B., the Bar transforms into a gallery showcasing L.A.-based artists and photographers. And for those who don’t want to chit-chat about art all night, jazz music picks up and board games take center stage as the evening progresses.
Bar 107
107 W. 4th St., Los Angeles213-625-7382
This is a good place to grab a beer after you’ve had enough Downtown art-walking for one evening. Bar 107 is located within walking distance of most of the monthly events’ participating galleries. Better still, the staff won’t ask you silly questions about the artistic endeavors of the postmodernists in current society.
Barbara's at the Brewery
620 Moulton Ave., Los Angeles323-221-9204
Three patios, cheap beer, an extensive wine list and art on the walls from the Brewery locals—this is our type of art space! Chat up neighborhood artists over a $2 pint, split a burger with the canvas-toting hottie at the bar, or just relax amidst the lush foliage on the patio. It’s relaxing, it’s artsy, and it’ll make you feel culturally aware.
Cha Cha Lounge
2375 Glendale Blvd.,
Los Angeles
323-660-7595
Although most people think this is just another kitschy bar for in-the-know Eastside party kids, Cha Cha actually has artsy street cred. There are painted tables by local artists' like Show Pony clothing designer Kime Buzzelli, and that Willie Nelson cutout you take pictures with is the product of artist Heather McMillan. Plus, the amazing Tecate beer shrine was made by the bar’s owner, Kevin Willis, who also happens to be an artist. Unfortunately, that $1.50 PBR you’re drinking is not considered a work of art.
Charlie O's [CLOSED FOR RENOVATION]
501 S. Spring St, Los Angeles213-622-5053
Located across from and catty-corner to several galleries along the Downtown Art Walk, you’ll probably find a mixed crowd of culture vultures, artists and club kids ready to start their nights. Don’t be afraid of the neon spandex—Charlie’s welcomes all walks of life looking for a checkered dance floor and a beer.
Craftbar at Akbar
Arts and crafts are always better after a few drinks. Every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to midnight, Akbar shows its crafty side. Attendees are encouraged to dress in drag—many attendees bear an uncanny resemblance to the patron saint of arts and crafts, Martha Stewart—and let their creative side loose with a heavy hand on the glitter. For those who need an extra boost, cosmopolitans are only $4 that night.
Eastside Luv Wine Bar y Queso
1835 E. First St., Los Angeles323-262-7442
Your favorite Eastside wine bar just got cooler. In addition to live music and red vinyl interiors, the bar also offers monthly art shows. Swing by the first Saturday of each month and broaden your artistic appreciation, as the showings feature up-and-coming and established Chicano artists. Have a few drinks and talk about art, then get drunk and become a collector.
Hop Louie
950 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles213-628-4244
Where Downtown art folk go to get away from the gallery. Located in Chinatown, Louie attracts art-scene locals for post-opening-night drinks—heck, they even swing by for pre- and mid-opening drinks.
Industry Cafe & Jazz
6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City310-202-6633
A quick walk from the Culver City Art District, you’ll find Industry, a cafe by day with live music at night that ranges from spoken word to hip-hop to jazz. It’s a perfect place to grab a snack and a glass of wine either before or after you head to the exhibits. Daily jazz performances start at 8 p.m., but check the website for upcoming special events.
Left Coast Wine Bar and Gallery
117 E. Harvard, Glendale818-507-7011
Wine snobs and art snobs happily coexist in this Glendale art-and-wine bar. Here patrons discuss film noir over a glass of pinot noir while sitting amid a gallery-like setting or at an al fresco sidewalk table.
Mandrake
2692 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles310-837-3297
This mellow Culver City hangout is perfect for the artsy folk who live and work in the surrounding area. And it’s no wonder the bar attracts a good-looking, art-infused crowd—they have projected videos, wood paneling throughout and an gallery in the back. Artwork on display changes frequently, so if the convo gets boring in the booth, head to the back and study some brush strokes.
Mountain Bar
473 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles213-625-7500
The Mountain Bar is for people who love dancing as much as they love oil paints. In addition to welcoming the post-gallery crowd, Mountain Bar, with interiors by Jorge Pardo, also hosts Ultraluxx, a monthly art show and dance party. Once you’re done oohing and ahhing mixed media projects in the loft space, head downstairs to the dance floor for some booty-shaking and boozing.
Safari Sam's
5214 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles323-666-7267
You’d never think that Safari Sam’s—known for live music, dancey club nights and the occasional drag show—is also a gallery space. Look beneath the layers of loud tunes, club kids and flashing bulbs of the Internet paparazzi, and you’ll find a rotating display of artwork curated by Amber Willow. For collectors who can’t dish out the big bucks, the club hosts 100 Artists for $100 each month.
The Standard Hotel
550 S. Flower St., Los Angeles213-892-8080
You’ve gotten more sunburns at the Standard Downtown’s rooftop pool than you can count—maybe it’s time to put that mojito down and soak in some culture. About four times a year, the loft space here turns into an exhibit hall featuring a wide variety of artists and art events. The shows generally pack in a crowd of hotel visitors and art lovers who have a guest-list connection. For those who aren’t art fanatics, there’s also a free bar that draws its own crowd.
Ugo Wine Bar
3865 Cardiff Ave., Culver City310-204-5645
Where there is art, there is wine. After an evening of art schmoozing, why not end it with some wine tasting and paired snacking? Located in downtown Culver City, Vinum is a great place to have a drink and relax after you’ve spent your last month’s rent on a 3-by-5 canvas. Hmm, maybe you’ll just be tasting tonight.
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