The Copper Still - Los Angeles

The Copper Still is undoubtedly the best bar in Los Angeles. Alex, the bartender, is exceptional. He has a talent for crafting even the most unique cocktails and dedicates time and effort to each drink he prepares. If you're after a special, one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, this is the place for you. The atmosphere is laid-back; it's a cozy bar where you won't find a wild nightlife scene. However, if you're in the mood for fantastic drinks (or even a few), great music, and an unforgettable evening that would make Don Draper envious, this is the spot to be. Planning a first date? Head to Copper Still. Making a significant life decision? Do it at Copper Still. Enjoying a comedy night but want to skip the usual PBRs? Copper Still is your answer. And if you're craving pupusas, they'll deliver them right to your seat! Be sure to check this place out—you won't regret it.

The prices here are quite reasonable, making it an appealing choice for a casual night out. Parking may require a bit of effort, as street parking is available along with a small lot behind the building—though the access from the rear remains a mystery. As for the crowd, you'll mainly find hipsters, but don’t let that put you off. The staff is great, and Alex, the bartender, really stands out with his impressive micheladas. The bar exudes an intimate ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a private date, especially if you can snag that one available table. Overall, it’s a delightful gem worth experiencing.

My initial visit was for a variety show called the Junk Show, which I believe is a monthly event held in the larger room connected to the main bar area. This venue seems to host many such shows. The performance primarily featured stand-up comedy, but there was also an incredible magician, and in a rather unexpected twist, I was invited to read an essay about basset hounds to mix things up. My contribution was indeed random, but the rest of the show was truly entertaining, and I loved the venue’s comfortable and laid-back atmosphere, complete with stackable chairs reminiscent of church halls or makeshift recital spaces. On that first visit, I was feeling quite hungover, so I didn't fully appreciate The Copper Still's qualities as a bar, even though my husband enjoyed a fantastic Old Fashioned. I returned for drinks with my friend June K., and although our time was brief, we had a wonderful experience. The bar was relatively quiet at around 9 PM on a Wednesday, and we were able to find a table immediately. The bartender was friendly and attentive, preparing our drinks promptly after we ordered. It offers an extensive list of classic cocktails priced between $10 and $12, which is a great deal for the quality. I ordered a Boulevardier—Campari, vermouth, and rye—and it was delightful, comparable to the $14 drinks you find elsewhere in town. June requested something with a kick, and the bartender crafted her a mezcal cocktail with grapefruit, agave, and Ancho Reyes. It was expertly balanced, combining sweetness and spice nicely. I appreciate the tranquil ambiance of The Copper Still and plan to stop by for cocktails occasionally. At some point, I also want to try the Salvadoran cuisine from the adjacent restaurant, Jaragua. Though it's a small bar, the combination of Jaragua and the performance space allows for a dinner-and-show experience along with your drinks. It's a great spot for a neighborhood bar!

If you 're looking for a great bar to spend your evening, maybe for you and a partner or just yourself, this is the place to go. To put a list of adjectives that describe this great joint, it 's... intimate, relaxed, free-spirited, and fun. It starts off by Alex. Now you 're thinking Alex...? Yes. Alex is the bartender for Copper and probably one if the best bartenders/mixologists in town. Now you 're thinking no way , but this is not your DTLA bar with premixed solution through a dispenser. This is a personalized, made from scratch, to your liking type of place. Alex is a personable guy who will genuinely want to make you a drink that you want. You like it a bit heavy handed? Something fruity? Something just clean and to sip on? That 's your choice, but Alex will make the perfect drink for you. I 've been a regular here for a year now but I never had a bad experience. The management here is great and you 'll never have a sour experience. Now, if you 're still reading this review, you might as well take a step and venture to the outskirts of ktown and enjoy a cocktail... or two... or the whole night. Take a chance and trust me. It 'll be worth it. You never know if you never try. : you 're welcome.

Big thanks to Jane J for tipping me off to this place. I always pass by it, as Beverly Blvd is my route for all things coming and going, and was intrigued by the new signage that popped up a couple months ago alluding to a spirits bar. The perplexing part was that, number one, it was in Ktown, and two, it was attached to Salvadoran restaurant, Jaragua [hidden link] . On my way home recently I decided my night would be better spent on a stool at Copper Still rather than sitting in my studio apartment organizing receipts. I swim in receipts on a daily basis; this isn't a hoarding thing. I parked on the street, which is easy enough after 7pm, and walked in to find a very well lit but bland looking restaurant and a narrow section of it dedicated to a bar that you wouldn't expect to find in such a place. It feels very saloony, but with a pretty sophisticated drink menu. And the smell of pupusas permeates the place. I wish the bar portion was completely separate, to give it more of a legitimacy, but they've got Nancy, so that makes it pretty legit. Nancy made me a delicious gimlet and was a wonderful conversational partner since I rolled in by myself. She did a classic proud and I'm sure has the same finesse and touch with the bartender's choice style offerings she's highly regarded for, but again, the menu's got some pretty bold cocktail options, so it won't do you wrong either. The bonus? You can order from Jaragua! The pupusas are frisbee sized and come with a jar of cabbage/pickled slaw and your own personal hot sauce. And at $2.50 each, it's a nice alternative to street tacos or dogs, and you really only need one to build a tolerance for your mission to booze out on Nancy's drinks.