The Bar & Lounge

After having dinner at Woflgang Puck’s restaurant, we wanted to have a drink in the bar. It was 11:30PM on a Thursday night and though there were plenty of people still drinking in the bar, they decided to stop serving drinks. What bar closes at 11:30PM when customers are still present?

I had one drink there once. It was amazing. And considering their complimentary bar food includes housemade kale, beet and sweet potato chips with guacamole… I was impressed!

If you liked the Polo Lounge, you’ll like this spot for sure. Pricey old skool cliquish Bel Air vibe where the well-​heeled hang out to chat on a regular basis. Worth a visit to check it out, but if you’re not with the «in crowd» that hangs there you might feel a tad out of place. Felt more accepted at The Polo Lounge as a matter of fact and LOVE that place for sure. Put this down as a place to visit should you find yourself in the area, otherwise there’s better out there to experience..

I’m here every other week or so. They have a decent scotch and port selection. Cigar selection is wanting, but at least they have some on hand. I never really hung out there; I’m usually by the fireplace (only place on the grounds where you can smoke).

Bf: that Ferrari cut me off!
Me: Ferraris ALWAYS have the right of way, especially if you’re in Bel Air!
Hotel Bel Air is obviously a place where jackets are required and heels are mandatory. LA’s old (and apparently, young) money hang out at the well appointed lounge with a fireplace and piano music on the weekends.
I’m not sure why my eyes even went wide at the $ 18 cocktails or the $ 29 (3 small bites!) tuna tartare. I mean, this is prime people watching territory and that naturally warrants the price tag.
I still don’t like the fact that we were ignored for a good 15 mins after we sat down, when we were in direct line of sight of the passing cocktail waitress and bartender. The bartender might have E.S.P. or just be really good at reading lips because I was «muttering» loudly that the service sucks … Then it improved waaay after that.
If you’re so inclined to spend $$$ here, I highly recommend the Samurai Sword cocktail and Adiós Nonino. The burger with jalapeño marmalade is oh so juicy with crispy, thin cut natural style fries.
Nevertheless, I had a nice time holding my cocktail glass with my little pinkie up in the air.
When valet came around with our rental car, the very polite guy said «valet is $ 8, please». The bf handed him a $ 10 bill.
Mr. Valet stood there, looking at the $ 10 bill and after a slight awkward pause said, «thank you very much.»
* Well? Was he expecting a $ 20 tip?! *
We were driving a rental car for god sakes! Not a freaking Ferrari.
Get over it.

The Bar at the Hotel Bel Air was a dated classic before the hotel closed for nenovations a little over a year ago. The hotel was taken over by the Dorchester Group which also own’s the Beverly Hills Hotel and many more. During the renovation the entire hotel was more than completely stripped down and expanded, it was made cutting edge modern chic, with some retro flair in places. From the moment you enter the hotel it was an simply amazing experience.
The Bar was formerly an old wood room with a bar. Totally renovated it looks simply fantastic. It feels bigger, cleaner air and modern chic. just beautiful, even the art is fantastic. The food and bar items are the best of everything. A very chic room with the best mixings, if you want it they can do it, from Scottish Ginger Ale, amazing Scotch, Wine, Glacier Ice, with the best of water. The freshest squeezed juices and fruits to mix with, No detail is too small. Champagne by the glass? yep they have that covered also.
In the seated lounge room, there is a gorgeous old wood fireplace, Grand Piano and comfortable tables. In there you may spot old friends, friends traveling and some notables. The menu? by Wolfgang Puck. Their A-​Team from Wolfgang Puck, Lee Hefter (Spago), Ari Rosenson (Cut), Deserts by Sheri Yard (Spago/​Cut). The menu was revitalized. From the best in comfort food, to Steak Frites and burgers. The desert’s were unbelievable. Loved the 5 layer chocolate cake, but so many more items are on the menu.
We went, and it is popular as the hotel just reopened. I can honestly say it will be crowded for years to come. it literally looks like it will be beautiful for 20 – 30 years and then some. this renovation made this place the chic hotel in Los Angeles to get away from it all. For the coming evenings over a chill winter, I will definitely be headed there with my wife and friends.
It is amazing, if you are a rocker, sophisticate or just someone who loved the best in drinks with the best ingredients. Los Angeles has a new best hideaway lounge.
There is no way i could give a more glowing recommendation.