J R
Google
Knew I wanted to pop into nearly-new Petite Bohème in the Arts District for some mind-altering liquid fuel before seeing Cabaret at the nearby Majestic Rep. Almost walked past the entrance; was heading south so fortuitously spotted the logo'd pink paint splat on the brick wall in time.
No reservations place, so lounged up to the bar, got water, menu, and notification of happy hour specials from Karla.
(Build-Your-Own) Martini ($26): Plenty of options. Karla basically held my hand to make the best choice suited to my tastes. Got the Highground vodka, dirty, with blue cheese olives as garnish. Served ice-cold and tasted delicious. As the menu noted, the on-the-surface hefty price included a sidecar; I estimate the total volume could have been around two-and-a-half cocktails.
Bergamots dans le Pre ($16): Very lightly fruit sweet, herbaceous on the nose.
Le Big Mac ($16): A drink that DID go into a Burger King; this is a Whopper (the candy though, not the beef sandwich) in liquid form. I love evocative drinks. Just the right amount of sweetness, heavenly scent, with Guittard chocolate generously coating the top.
Complimentary(!) snacks included crunchy spiced almonds and possibly the best chicharrónes I've had.
Value: Undeniable
Service: Extremely pleasant, chatty, and helpful from Karla, Katheryn, and the third young woman at the bar.
Atmosphere: Super casual as befits its name. Jumble furniture on the main floor, walls graffitti'd, restrooms surrounded by be-locked chain link fencing; the inside was spacious, nicely decorated, and very clean though. Place had an outdoor patio seating decked out with potted plants and even more graffiti.
Reportedly there are plans to open a restaurant Petite Bohème right across the cocktail bar; can't wait!