Blue Collar

The music was very loud. I know it was a Friday night, but it got to the point where people were yelling just to have a conversation. The volume really took away from the experience—I was expecting something a little more laid-back for a cocktail bar. That said, the drinks were solid (8/10), and I’d definitely consider coming back if the music were turned down a few notches.

Emily was a great bar host. Dirty martini was classic, will come back for sure. Cute date spot.

Great vibe and experience at the Blue Collar! Troy and Meg were not only engaging bartenders, but great people! Thank you both for the memorable experience! We look forward to seeing you again! - Paul and Darla, and Margie and Jerry

Best cocktail bar in LA, for all the right reasons. Staff are wonderful/charming/skilled/annoyingly good looking. Drinks are off the charts good. Music and atmosphere top notch, i.e. no thumping dance bollocks

“Excellent service, exquisite drinks, amazing music, and a touch of mystery with no menu.” 🌟🍸🎶

Great bar. Pity we discovered it so late into our stay.

If you're into inventive bespoke cocktails, this is the place for you. You give them a type of liquor and a general vibe or flavor profile, and they'll flesh out the drink from there. They have every liqueur, syrup, juice, or bitters you could possibly fathom — and even some you can't — so every drink has something unique. Special shoutout to Troy for mixing some of the best drinks I've ever tasted. Ambience is nice too — a small, intimate bar with top-tier classic rock, pop, and folk staples playing. It's more a place to have quality time with your people than it is to throw your bachelorette party. One thing to be aware of: with tip, you're probably paying ~$20 per drink, so it's definitely on the pricier side. Absolutely worth it, though.

My favorite cocktail bar in LA to date. No menu, and knowledgeable bartenders who can make classics or if you’re feeling a sense of adventure, can take a single cue (either flavor or spirit) and whip up a bespoke cocktail for you. Solid playlists that don’t overpower conversations, a good mix of bar seating, booths, tables,with a great ambiance to post up whether you’re grabbing a drink alone, bringing a date, or coming with fiends.

A perfect date spot or place for a more intimate birthday party. In the age of mixology, Blue Collar's shtick, that there are no menus and the bartenders make you a unique cocktail/mocktail based on your specific preferences, is a fantastic one. While the long ago departed dive bar that was once in this same spot, Sheddy's, is fondly remembered to this day, this is a worthy replacement and very classy upgrade. Note, that since each drink is an original one it can take longer than other spots to get your drink on, but it's worth the (not too long) wait.

I was charged $30 for 1 drink. Ask how much the drink is BEFORE you order it. This place is a scam!!! Do NOT open a tab, and refuse service if drinks are more than $20. I would never pay $30 for 1 drink. Something is horribly wrong here. I will NEVER go back!!

Ambiance: it's a trendy lounge bar known for personalized drinks, street parking only, and it has a sister bar Cold Shoulder opened right next to it, which is brighter and serves menu drinks Service: super friendly and patient with specific requests, and made accommodation for the drinks, the bartender tasted all drinks made first to make sure the tastes Drink: there's no fixed menu, and you can be very creative with your order for drinks Cold Lava - **** rum base, smashed blackberry bottom, guava juice, orange juice, simple syrup, fruity taste and layers of colors, recommend Moscow Mule - **** vodka base, creative version of the classic cocktail, with a bold ginger emphasis, refreshing taste, recommend Price: it costs about $20~$25 per drink, and it could be more or less depending on what you order

Absolutely love this bar! I had NO idea this place existed! But from the first time I went, I knew I'd be back. They don't have a menu.. you juste tell them what you like and they will make you something. If they make you a drink that they've never made before, you can name it and they will right down the recipe and add it to their roledex! You can go and look through them and also order off of that too! The music can be a little loud but you can still have conversations with people. I love that they play old school music. If you want some more current music, you can head next door to their sister bar. But I definitely love the Blue Collar side more. It's great for a hang out with friends or even a casual date!

Thai is cool bar with an old speakeasy vibe. The drinks are always great and the bartenders are always willing to make a drink to your liking. Especially since they don't have a set drink menu you can make and drink customization as you want and the bar next door is always a vibe

Great atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders. They don't have a bar / cocktail menu - just tell them what you want to drink. I guess it's good for people who know their cocktails, but maybe unnerving for people who don't. Nice dimly lit yet not completely in the dark like Death & Co. Nice date spot!

Our bartenders were absolutely incredible, knowledgeable and so kind! They made our group manhattans, espresso martinis, cucumber mint drinks, mocktails and more. We had a blast! I really really hope they can start carrying Abita beer, though! We'd be here all the time!

Poor service + Pricey Drinks. Very small, you have to crowed behind people sitting at the bar to get to the bathroom. And, not enough room to sit and talk to anyone.

This is without hyperbole my favorite bar in LA. I stumbled on it one night because I had visitors staying with me and on our way back from dinner and we couldn't get back into my apartment because the cops had locked my building down. Welcome to LA, European friends! The only upside was that we decided to find a place to drink while we waited nearby for the all clear and found Blue Collar. It was a Monday night so pretty slow and we grabbed a booth easily and the bartenders let us know how it worked. No menu, but you could request a cocktail or just give some preferences: what kind of alcohol, flavor profiles etc. One of the regulars decided to add some difficulty by adding in an emotion; which was easy to do but on top of that was one of us was going dry so there had to be a mocktail in the mix. What happened was a bunch of cocktails that were beautiful to look at and just as great to drink. If you every thought the term 'mixology' or 'mixologist' is a lot of hype, this place will have make you rethink it. I had a whiskey based cocktail that was made on the spot, and I liked it so much I went back a few weeks after with just a photo in hand and the only thing besides how it looked was that it had bourbon as a spirit. Ben was behind the bar and he managed to replicate it even though he wasn't the original maker, not just in color but in taste. I've usually come back on days when Ben was working and while it's fun to say 'make me something' I usually have a go to cocktail and by the time I came back again he usually asks if that's going to be my starting drink. TLDR: I've brought out of towners, locals and just come in for a drink by myself here and it's always been great.

After doing the Squid Games experience nearby, my friend and I came here to catch up over drinks. I like that this place doesn't have a menu and will surprise you with a drink based on what you're looking for! My friend was more specific with her drink (gin and tonic with honey and basil) and it was soooooo tasty. I'll be getting that drink wherever I can going forward. I asked for a refreshing tequila based drink, and my drink was also exactly that and tasty! Next to this bar is a speakeasy called Cold Shoulder. You need to finish your drinks from Blue Collar before you can go in.

The place is so cute. I loved the vibes and friendly staff. Great bar selections. Of course they won me over with the Tequila.

The Bartenders are great, Troy and Meg are always so nice and genuine. The atmosphere is great and doesn't get too crowded. Awesome old music playing as well

I was pretty excited to come here as I've never heard of a bar w/o a menu. Place did not disappoint. The bartenders are really and quite good at what they do and my date and I had 2 cocktails each, all four very different from each other but all really quite good. If I had one complaint is that the music in this place is loud. But after a bit we got used to the loudness.

I've only been to Blue Collar once, but I already want to consider myself a regular. I can't believe I'd never been before after spending so much time in this area. Blue Collar is a wonderful spot with warm ambiance and a neighborhood feel. Famously, they do not have a menu and instead create bespoke cocktails based on your preferences. Of course, they can also make whatever specific drink you request. I sat at the bar and said I like gin drinks that lean into the botanical element of the gin (i.e. featuring something savory or an herb like rosemary). I got an incredible drink with gin, cucumber, St. Germain, and lavender. Noah and Dan behind the bar really seemed to know their stuff. And, all of their ingredients were fresh and many looked homemade. For an LA cocktail, it also was relatively affordable. At the Happy Hour price (though I don't know the exact hours for HH) my cocktail was $12. My discovery of Blue Collar is dangerous. It's the perfect spot to slow down for a drink before a movie at The Grove. I already can't wait to go back and dream up another unique cocktail.

Arrived here on the weeknight looking for a cool spot to unwind that wasn't too far from my hotel. First off, the place got good vibes. Almost speakeasy-ish, but not as dreary. As it should be with all bars, the bartenders make this place special. Unlike other establishments, there isn't a fixed menu. You tell them what you like and they make a cocktail based on your likings. Mind you, I'm not the biggest fan of cocktails, but the bartender did a marvelous job with my cocktail. I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on this as the night went on. I only needed one before calling it a night, but that's perfect for me. I'd highly recommend!

The staff is wonderful and the drinks are great! We hosted a birthday party here and it was great for a large group and they were very accommodating in letting us bring in snacks/food and all the guests loved the drinks that were made based on their preferences.

Great spot with Death & Co and EO vibes. Excellent drinks and hospitality. Dive bar enough to feel welcome yet classy enough for a nice night out for cocktails.

Amazing cocktails. It's one of those places that doesn't do a menu and you talk with the bartender. Yes pretentious and takes longer but it's worth the wait. Some amazing creative drinks! Perfect date spot.

The neighborhood bar that turns into a fun speakeasy at night. The front part of the bar serves drinks without a menu , just based on some questions they ask you. I brought my friends from out of town here and they loved it.

Cute little cocktail bar. Came here with my boyfriend who had been there few times before and really liked it. Looks very unassuming on the outside, the inside is cozy and intimate. I still wasn't really impressed until I saw the bartenders making drinks. There is no menu and you can give the bartender an idea of what you like and they will create something for you. I asked for something similar to a White Russian. My boyfriend just picked a spirit and some flavors he liked. The cocktails were delicious! Bartenders are also really knowledgeable and it's fun to see what they come up with

Still talk about this place even tho it's been years. Love the place! Staff was great cocktails were fresh.

I'm going to start bringing dates here, lol! It's a great spot with bar seating but also a few comfy booths. I met my friend here but there were very clearly a couple of first dates going on. Super cute place with perfect vibes for either type of hang. It's classy but casual. Romantic but fun. A bit of everything to be had at Blue Collar. In its essence, it's a custom cocktail bar. And goodness, the attention they put into their cocktails is awe-inspiring. The night we went, Ben was the bartender and he perfectly curated custom cocktails the whole night for everyone. They have a rolling ladder leading up to a ton of liquor options they can choose from, a la the library in The Beast's Castle where Belle would grab her books. Fire blazed orange peels that smelled divine, skewers with blueberries, bits and dashes of this and that...every drink was so unique! I asked for something along the lines of an amaretto sour and absolutely loved the mix they made for me. Truly a mixologist at work. Let's all be honest though, we know I'm a beer girl at heart. I was surprised they actually had a very good craft beer selection. All bottles but a wide range from a red ale to an IPA to an Icelandic stout...a wide variety of choices. Really cute cocktail bar with great staff. Ben was super awesome and great to talk to throughout our stop in. Bonus points for awesome music. Absolutely will be back to Blue Collar.

Obsessed!!! Came here for a friends birthday otherwise I wouldn't have known about it, now I think about that scotch smores drink all the time. This is the place you try the fun sounding exotic mixed drink and its ACTUALLY the best thing youve ever had instead of some sugary sh** that leaves you wishing you had just gotten a whiskey neat. I dont drink so much any more but when I do best believe Im coming back

One of the best cocktail bars around LA, largely because their drink order concept is a lot of fun. Great atmosphere and even better service makes for a unique and enjoyable experience. I wish they would open a spot in Venice Beach.. would fit in perfectly on Abbott Kinney Blvd :) PLEASE!!

NEVER DO AN OPEN TAB HERE! I was just in here on Friday night and did an open tab. I then received 4 unauthorized online charges to my Credit Card! Such a shady horrible bar!

I love this spot. It's such a dark little getaway. The bartenders know how to please and give you a twist on your favorite cocktail. Just let them know what you typically like and they will mix you something new and delicious.

Cute little bar in my 'hood. I find myself ducking in here often on the way back from a dinner date or after spending some time at the Grove. The bartenders are good at humoring me and making me custom drinks when I tell them, "I want something with Amaretto," or, "Make me something with vodka." Bonus points for them not rolling their eyes or looking at me weird when I order a Brandy Alexander.

I've been here a couple times now, always receive great service from friendly bartenders and fun cocktails. It's a good place to go if you've Done some shopping at the grove nearby. Recommend!

What a nice little HIDDEN GEM! This place has a great decor and amazing service! Loved it.

Bespoke cocktails tailored to your tastes. Fresh juices are constantly being squeezed for the drinks. It's a fun experience.

Always want to check it out, and this cute little spot did not disappoint me. The bartenders are chill, people are cool, music is alright.. but the drinks are amazing! I got a custom made Bourbon with smoky hint of orange and honey sweetness in it. The bartender did a perfect mix for mine. The smokey hint of orange is strong, perfect combination with the bourbon, and a slight taste of honey or agave smoothens the burn of bourbon too. I love it! I am light weighted, but the strength of the drink is perfect for a long conversation. haha

Love the vibe and the music. Sat at the bar and it was fun to watch the bartenders work their magic. Every drink was amazing, but I was maybe just a little obsessed with the one made with guava.

Nice bar who is known for making custom drinks. As soon as you go to the bar or you see the variety of garnishes and alcohol they have. They don't have a menu so make sure you know what you want to get but they do make recommendations if you're really at a loss. Lots of seating inside but they also have outside seating

One of the parts of pre-pandemic life that I miss the most is heading out to a bar to enjoy a cocktail. Blue Collar was one of the more favorite places I would visit for a drink. The wood paneling and lighting made it very inviting, and it was a charming spot to meet up with a date or a friend. I never had a bad cocktail here, and I found the bartenders to be knowledgeable. They were experts in crafting a beverage that matched your preferred flavor profiles, and I generally found them to be friendly. I never noticed an overly long wait when ordering. I do hope they re-open at the future, as I would enjoy checking Blue Collar out again!

Such a gem of a hole in the wall bar. Stopped by on Friday evening for drinks to catch up with a friend. The vibe is friendly and casual with a slight edge. The bartenders were hustling and ready to take our order. The Negroni and extra dirty martini these guys made were fantastic. Literally our bartender was shaking and stirring at the same time. And they were very polite and treated us two women with respect. Will definitely come back here.

Honestly felt a little misled by the premise? According to all reviews and their website, this is a bespoke cocktail bar where the customer's personal preferences are used to craft a drink. We were somewhat surprised when our order was taken that the bartenders didn't ask if we were familiar with the concept, or if we wanted a custom drink, so we ordered "something like a penicillin" and "something like a whiskey sour." No follow up questions on our flavor preferences or anything that would customize the drink. We ultimately received a normal penicillin and a whiskey sour. Unsure if it was on us to say we wanted the drinks customized/personalized? But for that to be the premise of the bar, the bartenders did not really play along or have a conversation with us. The drinks were sadly pretty weak and nothing special. We probably won't return if there's no crafted menu and the bartenders won't go out of their way to craft special cocktails.

I really enjoyed my time at the Blue Collar. They had great drinks and fascinating mixologists who were really up for the challenge of creating drinks for you to experience based on your request, however odd your request might be. I once ordered "a gin based drink that was citrus-y, was kinda sweet, had some heat and had a surprise at the end". To be fair, it was a weird thing to ask for but damn if that dude didn't give me a drink that fulfilled all the qualifications I proposed. I also loved that he waited around to hear how close he'd come to fulfilling my request. Quite a fun experience. One I will repeat soon.

a friend and I checked out this place because we've heard great things about the drinks. We were definitely not disappointed! We asked the bartender to make us something sweet and with lychee. From the first sip, I was impressed by the exquisite combination of lychee, pomegranate, and lime. The sweet, floral notes of lychee intertwined beautifully with the tanginess of pomegranate, creating a harmonious blend. The addition of lime added a refreshing touch, enhancing the overall taste and giving the cocktail a vibrant twist. It was also the perfect amount of sweetness and not too overpowering. The inside was cozy and intimate perfect for date night.

Blue Collar is a swanky yet casual cocktail bar where you can find solid drinks and a chill ambiance. The music is solid but not overpowering. Good crowd and bartenders. Seating can be somewhat limited as there's a mix of high tops and tables that's good for smaller groups. No menus but you can order your cocktail of choice at the bar or give the bartender a poison and style and they'll whip something up. Prices are about $15-17 per cocktail so on the high end relative to the ambiance. Street parking is available.

Best cocktails in the city. The speak easy was a great touch. Bartenders were super friendly.

I still think about this place I went years ago. I don't live in LA but I try to go when I am there. I had the best night there with my friend and this was my first foray into craft cocktails. They made me a corpse reviver #2 and that's where I learned I'm a gin girl. The ambiance is great and the service is outstanding (even though I accidentally insulted the first bartender by not liking his drink initially, they questioned me and figured out my perfect drink)

Bespoke cocktails in a dark, cozy and well-appointed yet unpretentious ambience. No drink menu, so choose a base spirit and whatever you fancy and the bartenders follow their muse from there. Service was excellent, knowledgeable, fast and friendly. Quality craft cocktails with house-made syrups, a large selection of bitters and liquors/liqueurs along with quality garnishes in appropriate glassware. The crowd was eclectic and friendly, and the volume was surprisingly comfortable. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the drinks here.

Nice little cocktail bar with diverse range of seating options. A wide bar with stools, tables with stools, and booths. Drinks were pretty good, but are on the pricier side. Ambiance was cute and it definitely seems like a popular place. I didn't see a menu, so if you aren't familiar with alcoholic drinks, get ready to Google some! My only gripe would be that the music is quite loud. I would prefer that they turn down the volume a bit so it's easier to have a conversation. Even when you're sitting directly next to a person you have to raise your voice a ton. If you're in a booth, you probably won't be able to hear the person across the table unless you really yell. I'd probably come here again, but at a less busy time.

It IS Closed Sadly. I used to love This comfy cozy Neighborhood Hang Out. But is it possible that It may RE-OPEN?????

Great and unique drinks !delightful service and relaxing atmosphere . Definitely a stand out bar !

If you're having A date night or just a night out with your friends, Blue Collar is a place to go! Great service, delicious cocktails and a very nice atmosphere! My friends and I had amazing time! I can't wait to go back! I'll highly recommend!

This is a great bar located by the Grove. First off, parking. It's street parking. Also, make sure to scan signs to see any limitations on parking. The bar itself is fantastic. The cocktails are great and the bartenders are knowledgable. The bartenders were kind enough to educate and let me try a couple of their whiskies. The interior is old school, but comfy. What's not to like?

The drinks are good but overpriced for sure. The vibe is blah and it's hard to get seating. I only came in because my coworkers wanted to drink somewhere close to work. I don't think any of us would go out of our way to come here again. Also, they can't make an AMF drink.

Amazing service and mind blowing drink. Best place ever We go there almost every other weekend.