Best Bar To Ogle The Liquor Labels in Los Angeles: Ray's and Stark Bar

Ray's and Stark Bar

5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 857-6180

Among LACMA's renovations has been the addition of its watering hole, Stark Bar. The covered outdoor facility allows the museum's architecture to take precedence, with retro red chairs adding a swanky touch. The bar menu, meanwhile, caters to those who want a true mixology experience. This is not surprising, as it was originally developed by Névé Luxury Ice founder Michel Dozois. The menu continues to be updated by barsmith/sommelier Paul Sanguinetti, who takes his spirits seriously. (He even flew to Spain earlier this year with Patina Group founder Joachim Splichal to source wine.) He infuses several liquors with herbs (some from the on-site garden) and his liquor labels — many featuring black-and-white photos of '90s rappers — are downright unique. Take his "G-Funk Gin," which features lemon verbena, star anise and a homemade label with photos of Warren G and Nate Dogg. Sanguinetti explains, "There are a lot of gin references in the music, and this particular gin is grapefruit-forward and funky, so the G in G-Funk has a double meaning." 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City. (323) 857-6180, lacma.org. —Romina Rosenow

Source: LA Weekly