Smart bars
Where artists, writers, creatives, intellectuals and dreamers commingle
By Joseph Mailander, Special to Metromix
April 2, 2008
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Mandrake
2692 S. La Cienega Blvd. - Los Angeles310-837-3297
This low-profile spot on La Cienega has been a hub for creative types since it opened, thanks in part to its location near the latest wave of art galleries. Mandrake also hosts indie-lectual screenings such as “Deleuze A to Z,” hosted by French lit group semiotext(e). The space itself—clean wood paneling, raw concrete, white drywall—has the feel of an art gallery, but the bartenders are all about classic cocktails, so don’t expect a plastic cup of free wine.
4100 Bar
4100 W. Sunset Blvd. - Los Angeles323-666-4460
In recent months, 4100 Bar has morphed from Silverlake scenester to Beachwood Canyon writer-chic. Even one of the bouncers has been spotted reading Joseph Heller's “Catch-22.” It gets crowded to excess on weekends, but on weeknights it's home to comfortable, boozy discussions over the jukebox.
Eastside Luv Wine Bar y Queso
1835 E. First St. - Los Angeles323-262-7442
So you think you think smarts and strippers don’t mix? This is L.A.’s closest thing to the Montmartre days of Moulin Rouge and au Lapin Agile—only it’s Latino. Expect raucous, sexy and hilarious fun that’s very much of the arts, by the arts and for the arts.
Colorado Wine Co.
2114 Colorado Blvd. - Los Angeles323-478-1985
Wine bars are natural-born culture landmarks, so it’s fitting that Colorado Wine Company does more than host tastings. The Eagle Rock spot also throws book parties (such as a recent event for Dan Kimpel's “Electrify My Soul”) for a neighborhood crowd of left-bank 30-somethings and Eagle Rock spendthrifts.
Library Bar
630 W Sixth St. Ste 116A - Los Angeles213-488-1931
At the base of the Library Court building, Library Bar is more casual than many of its Downtown contemporaries, with nicely stocked bookshelves and abundantly stuffed sofas. There’s not a whole lot of page-turning done here, but suddenly someone mentions science digest “3 Quarks Daily,” and the next thing you know his buddy is looking for “Flaubert's Parrot” on the shelves. In addition to an impressive beer list, book signings are also on tap.
Mountain Bar
473 Gin Ling Way - Los Angeles213-625-7500
Known as L.A.’s original art bar, this Chinatown spot often hosts art shows upstairs during weekend dance parties. Mountain Bar is also especially dialed into the blogosphere’s book scene, often entertaining Vermin on the Mount disciples.
Hop Louie
950 Mei Ling Way - Los Angeles213-628-4244
Also in Chinatown, Hop Louie is a hotbed for artists—many in woven striped shirts—killing time between exhibits. Though the bartenders are foul-mouthed and indignant, they’re also quite engaging—especially when they bring over bargain plate of Chinese cuisine.
