Los Angeles

After hours: 5 new cocktail bars to check out in Los Angeles

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Published on June 21, 2018
After hours: 5 new cocktail bars to check out in Los AngelesPhoto: XoK/Yelp

Looking for the best cocktail bars in Los Angeles? One of these new spots might be just what you're seeking. Here are the newest joints to check out the next time you're in search of a cocktail lounge near you.

Clayton's Public House

541 S. Spring St., Downtown

PHOTO: clayton's public house/YELP

Clayton's Public House is a Victorian-themed cocktail bar situated inside the Spring Arcade in DTLA. 

The spot comes courtesy of longtime restaurateur Tony Gower and Elizabeth Peterson-Gower — CEO and founder of EPG LA, a consulting firm specializing in urban development, Eater LA reports. 

On the menu, expect to see nearly three-dozen beers on tap ranging from lagers and hefeweizens to ciders and sours. A variety of "fancy" drinks are on offer as well, like the Walker & Williams — a blend of Knob Creek rye whiskey, lavender-infused Makers Mark, Jerry Thomas bitters and lemon. 

Clayton's Public House currently holds 4.5 stars out of 25 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.

Yelper Hana C., who reviewed the bar on June 17, wrote: "Such a cool spot! It makes you feel like you've been thrown back in time! Wonderful service and creative, delicious food and drinks."

"Phenomenal!" said Yelper Geraldine C. "It is so clear how much attention the owners put into designing this space. I came with four friends and had such a great time! It was comfortable and felt like home, not an upscale trendy vibe. The food was fresh, unique yet familiar flavors."

    Clayton's Public House is open from 11 a.m.–midnight Sunday–Wednesday and 11–2 a.m. on Thursday–Saturday.

    XoK

    2815 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake

    Photo: xok/Yelp

    XoK is a speakeasy and modern Mexican eatery that recently debuted in Silver Lake. According to Eater Los Angeles, the bar is situated in Tintorera's former spot on Sunset Boulevard and offers a selection of exotic cocktails like the White Lust Sangria.

    The speakeasy is still getting its social media footprint started, so stay tuned for more from the business online.

    Yelpers are liking the new addition, which currently holds a four-star rating.

    Mika N., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 9, said, "Love this new place! Fresh new spot with a mixology, speakeasy and outdoor fresh vibe. I got the fish and shrimp tacos along with a fancy cocktail. Drinks are so good and not tangy and sweet — refreshing."

    "Enjoyed some of my favorites (ceviche y guac, arroz con pollo) in a romantic setting," shared Yelper Krystal C. "Price point a little cheaper than Tintorera, but quality remained the same."

    XoK is open from 5 p.m.-midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-midnight on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)

    The Burrow

    821 S. Flower St., Downtown

    Photo: the burrow/Yelp

    The Burrow is a cocktail bar and gastropub offering creative drinks and fresh bar fare in downtown Los Angeles. 

    Helmed by chef Curtis McDonald, Nathan Blanco and Taylor Brown, this hideaway features a signature cocktail menu with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the company explains on its website.

    On the menu, expect to see handcrafted drinks like the Tequila Meerkat with Suerte Reposado, ancho chili liquor, Citronge, oleo saccrhum and Tamarindo; or one of the spot's specialty punch bowls such as Punch #1 — a mix of gin, limes, cucumbers and absinthe. (You can check out the cocktail menu here.)

    With a five-star Yelp rating out of 24 reviews on Yelp, The Burrow has been getting positive attention.

    Yelper Matt J., who was one of the first users to visit the bar on June 12, wrote: "The cocktails are top notch! I can only think of one other bar in all of downtown LA, or even the county for that matter, with mixologists that compare. On top of that, they have an awesome beer selection. No typical or mediocre beers."

    And Agnieszka B. noted: "I like this spot! It is super hidden and very cute! What I ordered was delicious! The drinks here are the highlight. I know they are fairly new and am looking forward to see if they expand the menu!"

    The Burrow is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m.-midnight on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)

    Copper Mine

    21733 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills

    Photo: copper mine/Yelp

    Copper Mine is a bar in West Los Angeles that brings the quality of a lavish cocktail lounge to the local neighborhood pub, the spot says on its website.

    A vast selection of craft spirits, draft beer and wine is on hand, as well as a full range of classic pub eats. Menu offerings include cocktails like the Tokyo High Rise made with Suntory Toki whiskey, grapefruit liquor and soda; and the Spirit of Juniper — complete with elderflower and sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. 

    Copper Mine currently holds 3.5 stars out of nine reviews on Yelp, indicating fair reviews.

    Yelper Kati L., who reviewed Copper Mine on June 18, wrote: "The interior is gorgeous — I love how the purple light sets up the bar and really sets the mood! We started off by ordering a couple cocktails, which turned into a full blown meal (those drunchies lol). I forgot the names of the drinks, but the cocktails were yummy!"

    "The largest selection of whiskeys in town and best NY pizza for sure!" wrote  Yelper Artem T. "Bartenders are amazing and the design of the place is so different from anything else in the Valley!"

    The Copper Mine is open from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. on weekdays and 11:30-2 a.m. on weekends.

    Rick's

    939 S. Figueroa St., Downtown

    Photo: rick's/Yelp

    Rick's is a two-story bar situated in the historic Hotel Figueroa specializing in tropical-style cocktails, fine spirits and more. 

    The spot comes courtesy of owner Dushan Zaric, founder of New York City's Employees Only, and beverage director Michael Lay, formerly of LA's Broken Spanish, Eater LA reports, and features novel concoctions like Joe's Mojo — a mojito-inspired cocktail with an added kick from tamarind. 

    Rick's is off to a strong start, with a solid five-star Yelp rating.

    Yelper Sandra D., who reviewed the cocktail bar on May 18, wrote: "Ugh, this place is beautiful! And sexy! Every which way you look, it's got an atmosphere. My fave is upstairs above the bar looking out at the glowing blue pool and the gorgeous mural on the hotel. ... Tasty interesting cocktails, cute friendly bartenders and an airy feel. Good summer bar."

    And Kimberly N. noted: "Very chic, boho tropical vibes hidden in the backside of Hotel Figueroa that you'll have thought to be in DTLA.  I love the decor and the very laid-back lounge feel, as I felt like I was in someone's home chilling in the backyard with a few cocktails."

    Rick's is open from 5 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.