Bars+Lounges : USA : CA : Los Angeles : Villains Tavern
Bars+Lounges : USA : CA : Los Angeles : Villains Tavern
Downtown is divided into two teams these days: Those that have been to Villains Tavern and those that have only heard about it.
Located on the East side of DTLA, Villains has taken the nightlife scene by storm in the two weeks it has been open. How could a former sandwich shop rise from the ashes in such a short time to not only draw Downtowners from the Historic Core to the “other” side of Downtown but also to do it every night they are open? Simple; a dream team of savvy cocktails and master mixologists.
The Jules Verne-inspired bar design is new but the face perched behind it is not. Dave Whitton, part owner and designer of all the cocktails at Villains Tavern will seem very familiar because he was the lead bartender for the launches of the ever-so-popular Seven Grand and Golden Gopher. Flanking Dave are two more Cedd Moses alumni: Sonny Bonasera and Rodney Amieva. Together they are whipping the cocktail loving crowd into frenzy.
We stopped in and Dave was gracious enough to share the goods on one of the cocktails that has put Villain’s on the map. When asked about the inspiration for the Bella Donna, Dave simply stated, “Because it tastes good.”
The Bella Donna of Villains Tavern : Created By Dave Whitton
Ingredients
2 oz Maker’s Mark
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (available at BevMo)
½ oz fresh squeezed orange juice
½ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
fresh mint
fresh black berries
shaved ice
cubed ice
Directions
In a tin: Add Makers, bitters, Orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously. In a bucket glass, add a bundle of fresh mint and top with ice. Note: a smack with the hand will “open the mint oils up”. Strain ingredients from tin into glass and top with a bed of shaved ice. Top with a gramble (a muddled pool) of black berries. Sip and say ahhh.
Located on the East side of DTLA, Villains has taken the nightlife scene by storm in the two weeks it has been open. How could a former sandwich shop rise from the ashes in such a short time to not only draw Downtowners from the Historic Core to the “other” side of Downtown but also to do it every night they are open? Simple; a dream team of savvy cocktails and master mixologists.
The Jules Verne-inspired bar design is new but the face perched behind it is not. Dave Whitton, part owner and designer of all the cocktails at Villains Tavern will seem very familiar because he was the lead bartender for the launches of the ever-so-popular Seven Grand and Golden Gopher. Flanking Dave are two more Cedd Moses alumni: Sonny Bonasera and Rodney Amieva. Together they are whipping the cocktail loving crowd into frenzy.
We stopped in and Dave was gracious enough to share the goods on one of the cocktails that has put Villain’s on the map. When asked about the inspiration for the Bella Donna, Dave simply stated, “Because it tastes good.”
The Bella Donna of Villains Tavern : Created By Dave Whitton
Ingredients
2 oz Maker’s Mark
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (available at BevMo)
½ oz fresh squeezed orange juice
½ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
fresh mint
fresh black berries
shaved ice
cubed ice
Directions
In a tin: Add Makers, bitters, Orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously. In a bucket glass, add a bundle of fresh mint and top with ice. Note: a smack with the hand will “open the mint oils up”. Strain ingredients from tin into glass and top with a bed of shaved ice. Top with a gramble (a muddled pool) of black berries. Sip and say ahhh.
Villains Tavern Review By Yare H. : Los Angeles, CA
Wow- What a great spot! I loved that it is hidden away! Looked like an old abandoned yard house or something. Valet parking was a plus.
The atmosphere and decor of this place are beautiful. There is a calm, old school, very chill, like I just came back from a long day at work, my dog pissed in my shoe, my tire blew out, I forgot to pay the internet, my neighbor is stealing my cable, just drank rotten milk and I am in need of some serious poison, kinda feel. The bartenders were great!! Super knowledgeable and very upbeat. We ordered an Elit Mule and Penicillin. Elit Mule with some vodka and other yummy ginger goodness, the Penicillin was a total kick in the throat! (a good kick in the throat). Packed a definite punch! These libations were very unique and totally amazing!
We also ordered the grilled cheese with bacon marmalade that came with french fries. The food was out promptly and was hot and yummy. Definitely enough to share.
I will definitely be coming back to Villains soon soon soon!!
Contact Villains Tavern
Address 1356 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 | Phone (213) 613-0766
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