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(LOS ANGELES) — Well-heeled professionals and fashion-focused creatives find pleasure perched on plush leather barstools as bartenders handcraft their specialty cocktails. Across the room, hipsters lounge on luxurious leather sofas by the fireplace, sipping Belgian Tripels while perusing the library bookshelves for newfound knowledge. The proverbial sounds of Jim Hendrix and The Who drift from the jukebox, enveloping the intimate space in an air of informality that is both sociable and unpretentious. Nestled on the ground floor of the Library Court Lofts, and adjacent to the L.A. Library and trendy Standard Hotel, Library Bar is the crown jewel of downtown's ever-growing nightlife scene a timeless destination where world-class beers and fine cocktails take center stage in an unassumingly chic setting.
Improving upon a winning formula for effortlessly attracting L.A.'s A-list of "cool" with humble but hip neighborhood watering holes, including Daddy's, 4100 Bar, The Sapphire and The Chalet, nightlife impresario Will Shamlian and Acme Bar Group partner Michael Leko (Eat Well) lend their definitive style of speakeasy swank to establish Library Bar as the "ultimate" pub.
"Library Bar was inspired by the upscale pubs that you might find in London or New York," says Shamlian. "Every bit of attention was paid to each detail, and we spared no expense from the custom millwork around the bar to the freshly squeezed juices that we use to make the seasonal cocktails, everything is first-class, without being pretentious."
With the assistance of interior decorator Carolyn Thomas, Shamlian handpicked each design element of the bar's stunning interior to reflect his own personal style. Combining both classic with contemporary styles, Shamlian juxtaposed elegant brocade upholsteries and custom-crafted furnishings with modern pieces from Crate & Barrel, Blueprint and Williams Sonoma. From the ceiling, framed by hand-carved crown molding, to the floor, fashioned from hand-scraped reclaimed wood, Shamlian's keen eye for design and attention to detail are evident in every square foot of the intimate space.
At the entrance, a zinc-top table, custom-crafted for Library Bar, serves as a community table for friends and strangers. Sky blue low-back barstools upholstered with custom-dyed leather line up neatly against a marbled bar, which is highlighted by a French Monaco polished steel beer tap. Daily wine selections are handwritten on the antique mercury-glass mirror behind the bar's vintage cash register. The alluring private room just beyond the bar features beautiful forest green sofas and a rustic antler chandelier. A retro jukebox leads to the pristine marble bathrooms, finished with white subway-tile walls, black lacquered doors and polished chrome fixtures.
The defining feature of the bar is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall library surrounding the cozy lounge and "reading area," which houses an eclectic selection of several hundred titles including literary classics from Rudyard Kipling and Tennessee Williams, biographies on Madonna and Bill Clinton, self-help books, astrological guides and more. The book collection was inspired by Leko's family friend, who bestowed more than 25,000 books to the family when he passed away. Leko and his sister Angela sorted through the titles for Library Bar's shelves, and have continued to add to the collection as they discover interesting books. Though the books were originally intended for décor, many guests have delved into a novel or two just out of curiosity.
Like the décor, the drink selection at Library Bar is crafted with care, satisfying the discerning palate and enlightening the social drinker. The extensive beer selection reflects both Shamlian and Leko's passion for beer, having engrossed themselves in the world of beer with tastings and brewery tours in Europe prior to opening Library Bar. Among their discoveries is the French Monaco beer tap proudly displayed on the bar, with polished black handles and European-style spigots that provide the perfect streamlined pour.
Knowledgeable bartenders are trained to guide guests on beer selection, helping them to discover newfound favorites. A specialty beer list prepared by beer sommelier Christina Perozzi, also known as "The Beer Chick," features 29 local and imported artisanal beers, with seven on tap. The handcrafted selections are organized into clever "library" categories for easy navigating, with tasting notes to guide both the experienced and novice drinker. A section entitled "Religion" offers brews made by the famous Belgian Trappist monks, including Chimay, Duvel, and Westmalle, and "Epic Novels" feature beers with huge flavor, such as the Delirium Tremens and the Stone Arrogant Bastard. "American Authors" and "English Authors" offer excellent beers from American and English breweries, including Craftsman Brewery in nearby Pasadena and Samuel Smith's in the United Kingdom.
"Though we don't offer the household-name beers found in the supermarket, our bartenders will gladly suggest alternatives," says Shamlian. "If you likeNewcastle, try our Downtown Brown." If you like Guinness, we recommend Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. You might even discover a beer that's unlike any other.
For cocktails, Leko and Shamlian teamed up with celebrated mixologist and master sommelier Peter Birmingham to develop an inspired list focusing on perfected classics as well as innovative modern concoctions. Each handcrafted cocktail ($9-$12) is made with top-shelf spirits, house-made syrups and sour mix, and freshly squeezed juices such as pomegranate, blueberry, apple and pineapple.
Exciting selections include classics such as the Moscow Mule, a simple mix of Stolichnaya Vodka and Bundaberg ginger beer; and the I'll Take Manhattan, made with Jim Beam Rye Whiskey, Peychaud Bitters, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth and garnished with Brandied Griotte Cherries. New concoctions offer creative literary tastes for the well-read drinker, with cocktails such as Lady Chatterly's Lover, a cheeky drink made with Hendrick's Gin, olive juice, vermouth and Tabasco; and Paradise Lost, a Milton-esque mix of Absolute Kurant Vodka, simple syrup, Chambord and fresh lemon juice.
"We wanted to raise the standard with our drink offerings. The beer and cocktail program here at Library Bar is something we developed from years of experience, not from a cookie-cutter Hollywood formula," says Leko. "These are the drinks we enjoy ourselves."
Library Bar's lively weekday Happy Hour has become a favorite among the refined palates of the Financial District's affluent residents and professionals, who gather for specials such as $4 Stella Artois, $5 Margaritas with fresh lime and house-made sweet and sour, and $5 Washington Apple Shots. For dinnertime guests, the bar has partnered with neighbor Wolfgang Puck Express to develop an exclusive Library Bar menu. Guests will be able to order and eat at Library Bar, with full service delivery provided by Wolfgang Puck.
For beer and spirits enthusiasts, Shamlian and Leko plan on holding tastings run by drink experts such as Christina Perozzi and Peter Birmingham. Library Bar will also play host to a number of book signings featuring renowned authors.
In the meantime, Shamlian is also taking his talents to the east coast, where he is set to open a gastropub in New York City's trendy East Village with his brother, nightlife maven Rob Shamlian (Fat Baby, Dark Room). Spitzer's Corner, located on the prime intersection of Ludlow and Rivington, features American farm-fresh cuisine and stellar beverages selections.
Library Bar is located at 630 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017. The entrance is on Hope Street at the bottom of the Library Court Lofts, next to Wolfgang Puck Express. The bar is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy Hour runs weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Validated parking is available for $5 after 6 p.m. at the parking structure on 611 6th St., located across the street on the northeast corner of 6th and Hope.
Media Contact: Slife Public Relations, e: kara@slifepr.com p: 323.876.6500
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