As you pry open the old, rustic door that hides El Bar from the rest of the world in a strip mall off the Cahuenga Pass beside the 101, you walk into Craig Trager and Angelo D’Onofrio’s latest experiment that pays tribute to Spanish architecture and Mexican culture.

Consisting of a warm décor, which highlights rustic chandeliers that perfectly complement the bar trim and a dominating bullhead at the center of the bar, El Bar seeks to destroy the mundane and alienating nature of its predecessor, the Bridge.

A quick glance around its champagne leather seats, recessed candles and four paintings, which include a Frida Kahlo reproduction, and worry easily subsides while a custom drink like a “Latin Lover” or a “Matador Margarita” is prepared by a bartender who makes knowing your name a priority.

“This is the sexiest of all my bars,” Trager says.

Most of his bars, such as NoBar (10622 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood) and the Well (6255 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles), have a masculine décor, but El Bar is a joint with the ladies in mind. Lively colors blend in well with the lush, red bar stools that beg your rear’s attention for the duration of a drink … or many.

If your sense of adventure needs a new destination for happy hour bliss, consider El Bar. Custom finger foods from the next-door pizzeria are made to order. Wash down those taquitos or stuffed jalapeños with a cold brew or two exclusive sangrias.

Booze prices at Trager’s bars aren’t as high as his standards for patron satisfaction. Happy hour prices for brews are just under $5, while well drinks and wine start at $4.

“Your drinks aren’t measured, you’re going to get a real drink,” D’Onofrio says.

Should your stay extend its welcome into twilight, prices rise a couple of bucks, but not usually above $10. There are roughly 40 tequilas to choose from and endless possibilities for fun and relaxation.



For more information, call (323) 851-5111.