New Speak Easy (ish) in La La Land

The Varnish

118 East Sixth StreetLos Angeles, CA 90014

213.622.9999

A tiny, clandestine joint in the heart of downtown LA is finally bringing the worth of a drink up to its value. The Varnish is ruthlessly fighting the war against the plain and simple, turning a classic cocktail into a customizable piece of artwork. Who wouldn't want to have their drink made to order, with hordes of fresh ingredients laid out in front of them.

Walking into Cole's French Dip, the classic diner in which Varnish resides, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. A step past the hidden door (a martini glass picture is the only sign of life behind the mysterious entryway), and you are suddenly transported into a hush-hush wonderland. A few booths and a bar was all it took. Grab a spot and ask the mad scientist to work his magic. Glass beakers filled with liquor, juices, and even rosewater were being measured and poured left and right, like a science class experiment.