Kevin A.
Yelp
Lily's Bar is the closest bar to my house and I'm sooo thankful for this. Harbored on the ground floor of The Adler Hotel, what used to be "MiniBar" in what was previously just a Best Western, Lily's is now owned and run by the folks that have taken over The 101 Coffee Shop and installed "Clark Street Diner." Whew! That's a bit of history to get out there but the excellent diner which just made the LA TIMES 101 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST deserves a review all on its own, so let's just focus on the little bar that could...
Sean Stewart is the captain of the ship now, or perhaps as the GM, the steward of tone and taste? Whatever the case may be, he's in charge and he has made only smart decisions as to what needed changing and as to what was best left as it was.
First, the gorgeous space remains as you remember it, a perfectly lit, warm, polished wood hybridization of Mad Men with a tony airport bar culled from The Jetsons or mid century era. The chairs are just beautiful in and of themselves as is the bar with its sleek, black lacquer countertop and nicely arranged wall of liquor and spirits to stare at, and the overall look of the place? Exactly what you want of a sexy bar that showcases high end mixology with a modicum of presentation and respect.
As for what Sean has improved upon? Well, the list is long, as the previous bar's manager was something of a humorless putz who played lousy music and turned the place into his personal clubhouse for his nerdy clan. Gone are his stiff-upper-lip and ways, mercifully so...
No, the new team of confident barkeepers, a festive and attractive crew of Hawaiian shirt wearing young men and women are more convivial and fun, as capable in the art of conversation and customer relations as they are trained in the rigorous demands of the craft of Mixology. Look, these guys are GOOD. Drew, Micah, Nolan, newcomer Ferrari, and of course, Sean himself, what with his 9 years behind the bar at the estimable Roger Room, well, if they don't already know how to make what you're thirsting for? They'll figure it out pronto.
I've challenged these guys on numerous occasions and the drinks I've had here over the past few months have been world class. Whether you're opting for classics like martinis, old fashioneds, last words and the like, or feeling adventurous enough to order off their seasonal drinks menu, innovative and original concoctions with cool names like "The Starry Night," you're in for a superlative cocktail. Seriously. Just get here...
Baker extraordinaire Zachary Hall has given these guys the freedom to let loose and with a disco ball that lights up late at night, a manicured and top notch wine list, savory snacks, all paired with a choice rotation of great music, the whole place just comes alive. Each and every night. It's something to behold and I often catch myself just sitting back and marveling at it.
Anyone whose been around the block a few times and loves bar culture will attest to just how difficult a thing it is to achieve for a bar, that fine line between crackling energy and that oddly homey feel one looks for, but somehow Sean and his team have managed to achieve just that: You enter, find your place, and you feel safe knowing that, at Lily's Bar, imbibing, meeting friends or dates for a drink and a chat, or really just going in solo to tie one on and look for Walden Pond in a cocktail-- well, it's gonna be a special couple hours. "Time well spent," as they say.
Ending this novella-length review, I'll summarize my thoughts succinctly: I love this bar and spend quite a bit of time there. I think you will love it too.
PS They cater to small parties and gatherings, I've noticed, and I couldn't imagine a more fun place to do an intimate holiday party or birthday gathering.