Uncover a date-night speakeasy with a view in Hollywood

When Ben Shenassafar from LA streetwear model The Tons of and trade veteran Jared Meisler (The Roger Room and Bar Lubitsch), together with culinary consulting guru Kate Burr, opened The Benjamin in Hollywood final yr, it instantly grew to become one of many hardest tables to guide. After they determined to increase, there was just one place to go: upstairs to the previous bar area.

Wallpaper* dines at Bar Benjamin, Los Angeles

The temper: date-night speakeasy with nice music

The doorway to the sibling annexe is across the nook from the primary restaurant, beneath a purple neon ‘bar’ signal, and up two flights of stairs (or by way of an elevator from The Benjamin). Behind a closely cloaked curtain, a 14-seat wood-panelled bar emerges, flanked by vintage-inspired Maxville audio system for the sound system, and high-back mohair banquettes and high-top tables. Designed by Meisler, the room additionally options an ornate wood-panelled ceiling and Dolce & Gabbana black and white tiger-striped wallpaper within the lavatory. Different options that make this a great spot to start out or finish your night embrace a wraparound balcony with views of the twinkling lights from the Hollywood Hills and Melrose Avenue beneath.

The meals: bar bites turn into a full meal

Government chef Hannah Martin-Duarte handles the menu for each venues, and what seem at first to be typical bar snacks maintain surprisingly elevated twists. In case you are imbibing, begin with an almond trio impressed by the workforce’s favorite flavours of cool ranch, salt and vinegar, and candy warmth. Martini followers ought to love the choice, with ‘Ben’s Martini’ a stiff concoction made with Monkey 47 Gin and lemon oil – you’ll want to order extra of the Kennebec triple-fried chips that accompany the drink, presumably with the caviar service. Steak tartare is hand-cut petite fillet with Calabrian chilli, and bagel chips made completely for Bar Benjamín by Mustard’s Bagels that additionally embrace a caviar choice.

Different shock bites embrace the fried pickle dip and crudités with prime farmers’ market greens, together with asparagus and rainbow carrots, for dipping into whipped ranch, pickles, and crispy breadcrumbs – probably the most addictive dish on the menu. The shrimp roll topped with smoked salmon roe can also be standard, and The Benjamin’s devilled eggs with crispy capers are a carryover hit from downstairs. For a candy tooth, strive the in-season Harry’s Berries strawberries and fluffy house-whipped cream, paired with a uncommon Oaxacan mango brandy or a German fig liqueur.

Bar Benjamin is situated at 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States.