Ahmad Chapman
Google
If there's such a thing as a neighborhood cocktail bar, Holy Water is it. It's a small bar located near shops, restaurants, and homes near West Hollywood City Hall. It's owned, at least in part, by Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher (Woody even popped in for a quick visit while we were there), along with the marijuana dispensary next door. This brings me to the one thing I didn't like: you can smell the pot shop while in Holy Water. It's not over powering by any means and you'll forget about it eventually, just be ware if that's not your cup of tea.
Now, when I say small, I do mean small. The front area provides seating for a few small parties, and once that's full, there isn't any other place to stand. But if you explore a bit, you'll find a bigger backroom with more space for larger parties (featured in the pictures).
The drinks are incredibly well-balanced, which is usually a sign of excellent craftsmanship behind the bar. My favorite was the Screaming Viking, which was refreshing even with the smoky mezcal as its base. Other excellent cocktails we tried were the Autumn Drives (Old Fashionedesque), Glass Half Full, Pura Amour (not as sweet as the ingredients would make you think), and the Holy Water (so nicely balanced I can see why it received the bar's name as its moniker).
The menu includes some light bites, so you want to come to this bar thirsty but not hungry. They also have some beer, but the selection runs to more of the lager/pilsner side of the spectrum. Let's be honest you're not here for the suds, this is a cocktail bar and it excels at its mission.
The overall vibe of Holy Water is one of fun and comfort. It's great for a drink after work, as the first stop of the night, or a place to catch up with an old friend.