Tuesday, October 12, 2010

First Impression: Big Bar


The deceptively named Big Bar (its actually quite small) opened this past weekend inside Alcove Cafe on Hillhurst in Los Feliz.  The bar focuses on modern interpretations of classic drinks, made with fresh juices and house made syrups.  The cocktail program is the product of Juan Sevilla, formerly of SoHo House, who is the head bartender and manager.


I sampled one of Sevilla's creations, La Tercera, on opening night.  It is a take on the Corpse Reviver #2, using tequila and mezcal in place of the Gin and Absinthe.  The mezcal is spritzed from an atomizer to complete the drink, which also includes El Jimador Tequila, Martini & Rossi  Bianco and Creole Shrub.  It is a refreshing both as a cocktail and as an interpretation of the classic.


Big Bar is accessed through the front patio of Alcove and it is the enclosed room to the left.  There are wide doors open to the patio, which make the small bar feel more spacious.  The vibe is mellow: this is not a temple of the cocktail but they also produce quality beverages - you can have it all!  There was a punch bowl out on the night I was there and Sevilla mentioned that for parties or other large groups, customers can arrange punch service by prior arrangement.


The cocktail list is 14 drinks strong and I am looking forward to the Applejack Old Fashioned in particular. There is a happy hour Monday - Fridays from 4 - 7 pm, in which the cocktails are $8, vs the $12 normally. $5 draft beer is also available during the three hour long happy hour.

Big Bar: 1927 Hillhurst Avenue (Los Feliz). Phone: (323) 644-0100.  Website: alcovecafe.com/bigbar

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