Fodor's Expert Review The Varnish
Downtown Los Angeles
Beeline through the dining room of Cole’s to find an unassuming door that leads to this small, dimly lit bar within a bar. Wooden booths line the walls, candles flicker, and live jazz is performed Sunday through Tuesday. The bartenders take their calling to heart and shake and stir some of the finest cocktails in the city. Those who don’t have a drink of choice can list their wants (“gin-based and sweet,” “strong whiskey and herbaceous”) and be served a custom cocktail. Be warned: patrons requiring quick drinks will want to go elsewhere—perfection takes time.
