What Does A Guy Have To Do To Get A Smoke?!
LA has everything.
Having said that - sometimes you're looking for something specific. With Dr. J back in town from FLA, we decided to hit the town on a mission: Cocktails and Cigars. Since we already HAD the cigars, we just needed a place that would let us smoke them, and serve us alcohol.
Being in the heart of health-conscious LA, it was not as easy as one might think.
We started at the CC Hyatt Regency. Brand new "X Bar." Supposedly the heart of post-happy hour agent-dom. Right next door to CAA, ICM, a block from two movie studios, etc. We checked out the place - nice patio, ultra-modern, ultra-cool furniture, video screens, top-shelf all the way. Only one problem - It opens next week. We apparently were just a little ahead of the curve. This started a spiral... a quest... that could only be satisfied with a lit Cohiba and a mojito in hand. Below, you find the results of our quest:
Ocean and Vine -Outdoor patio at the Loews Santa Monica. Nice place, good fireplaces, great view right on the beach. VERY quiet though. Passed on this one.
Ma'Kai - An old favorite. On Ocean, outdoor patio, firepit, ample cocktail list, and good bar-food. We settled in, thinking we were there for the duration, enjoying our smokes, until we were notified that the manager for the evening decided that although cigarettes were ok, cigar smoking was not permitted. OUTRAGE! Despite the lack of signage and notice, we elected to take our fight (and our cocktail cash) elsewhere.
O'Brien's Pub in Venice - Closed Mondays
Schatzi on Main - Always friendly to cigars (owned by the Governator) and cocktails. Nice outdoor patio. ALSO closed on Mondays.
Quick Stop - Holy Guacamole - Venice - Always reliable. 2.25 for Carne Asada soft tacos and chips and salsa. A definite stop for the post-bar crowd.
The Beechwood - In Marina Del Rey. The Holy Grail - Previously too packed for words, the buzz has cooled slightly on this beach-adjacent restaurant and bar - Much to our benefit. Cigars welcomed, an ample bar scene, great food menu for outside service, firepit, and great cocktails. J and I closed this place down.
Notable Mention - The next evening - The Stone Rose Lounge at the Sofitel. Randy Gerber designed. Modern, hip, and cool. Great setup indoors and out. Ample seating, couches, firepits, etc. The Syndicate crowd scored a cabana, and proceded to enjoy our cigars and cocktails under (and potentially next to) the stars.
Smoke 'em if you've got 'em.
Having said that - sometimes you're looking for something specific. With Dr. J back in town from FLA, we decided to hit the town on a mission: Cocktails and Cigars. Since we already HAD the cigars, we just needed a place that would let us smoke them, and serve us alcohol.
Being in the heart of health-conscious LA, it was not as easy as one might think.
We started at the CC Hyatt Regency. Brand new "X Bar." Supposedly the heart of post-happy hour agent-dom. Right next door to CAA, ICM, a block from two movie studios, etc. We checked out the place - nice patio, ultra-modern, ultra-cool furniture, video screens, top-shelf all the way. Only one problem - It opens next week. We apparently were just a little ahead of the curve. This started a spiral... a quest... that could only be satisfied with a lit Cohiba and a mojito in hand. Below, you find the results of our quest:
Ocean and Vine -Outdoor patio at the Loews Santa Monica. Nice place, good fireplaces, great view right on the beach. VERY quiet though. Passed on this one.
Ma'Kai - An old favorite. On Ocean, outdoor patio, firepit, ample cocktail list, and good bar-food. We settled in, thinking we were there for the duration, enjoying our smokes, until we were notified that the manager for the evening decided that although cigarettes were ok, cigar smoking was not permitted. OUTRAGE! Despite the lack of signage and notice, we elected to take our fight (and our cocktail cash) elsewhere.
O'Brien's Pub in Venice - Closed Mondays
Schatzi on Main - Always friendly to cigars (owned by the Governator) and cocktails. Nice outdoor patio. ALSO closed on Mondays.
Quick Stop - Holy Guacamole - Venice - Always reliable. 2.25 for Carne Asada soft tacos and chips and salsa. A definite stop for the post-bar crowd.
The Beechwood - In Marina Del Rey. The Holy Grail - Previously too packed for words, the buzz has cooled slightly on this beach-adjacent restaurant and bar - Much to our benefit. Cigars welcomed, an ample bar scene, great food menu for outside service, firepit, and great cocktails. J and I closed this place down.
Notable Mention - The next evening - The Stone Rose Lounge at the Sofitel. Randy Gerber designed. Modern, hip, and cool. Great setup indoors and out. Ample seating, couches, firepits, etc. The Syndicate crowd scored a cabana, and proceded to enjoy our cigars and cocktails under (and potentially next to) the stars.
Smoke 'em if you've got 'em.
posted by Mitch at 4:27 PM
3 comments
