Bar Benjamin

The Best New Bars In LA - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Bar Benjamin is just upstairs from The Benjamin, which might make you assume this low-lit lounge with the same retro decor is a holding pen for people waiting on a table below. And sure, we wouldn't talk you out of a pre-dinner drink here, but the intricate cocktails at Bar Benjamin are also practically meals on their own—savory gibsons with “everything bagel” gin, a tomato negroni that tastes fresh off the vine, and a walnutty tequila-brandy number inspired by Persian fessenjoon. Over the top? Maybe on paper, but the bartenders never lose sight that the space demands a stiff, well-balanced drink. The bar area is held for walk-ins, but if you plan on ordering a few miso manhattans and hanging around, make a reservation for one of the big booths in back." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder