

On the beverage side, you’ll see additional nods to country music hits, like Ring of Fire with Bruxo mezcal, prickly pear, lemon, and ginger, and Jolene, a captivating cocktail with El Tesoro tequila, watermelon, strawberry, agave, and lime. And because Desert 5 Spot is in the heart of Hollywood, you’re just as likely to see clubbers in minidresses and stilettos as you are cowboys in Stetsons-making it a prime destination for people-watching. It’s one of your best bets for country western or country rock music in LA, with live bands playing every weekend.
SKYLIGHT PROJECTOR PLUS
Gracing the rooftop of the newly opened tommie Hollywood hotel is this Pioneertown-meets-Palm Springs, neo-retro spot with jewel-toned vintage furniture and wood paneling on the interior, plus a wraparound patio that offers 360-degree views of the Hollywood Hills. Benny Boy frequently hosts food pop-ups in their dog-friendly beer garden, plus events like Chicken Sh*t Bingo (which is, for better or worse, exactly what it sounds like). Try a Snakebite-a half pint of beer with a half pint of cider poured over, with the option to go light or dark. A natural chardonnay and pinot noir are also available on draft thanks to a partnership with Pali Wine Co. In contrast, the cider menu is organized from dry to semi-sweet, with Pippin Straight Up representing the driest option, and Wet Yer Whistle the sweetest.

The draft beer menu is organized from light to dark, with a crisp Lincoln Heights Lager representing the former and Belgian-style Midnight Swim reflecting the latter. Whether you’re a hophead or new to brews, you’re in good hands with husband-wife owners Ben Farber and Chelsey Rosetter, who bring Farber’s 12 years of experience as a brewer, as well as five years spent researching centuries-old brewing and fermentation techniques throughout Europe. One of your best options for drinking on the East Side is this new beer garden that serves as LA’s first combined brewery and cidery. The food menu offers a new take on your usual bar foods, with items like Okra Fries and Lamb Kebob Sliders, as well as altogether unique plates like a Malai Rigatoni drenched in a rich tomato masala sauce and spiced with coriander.

Gin is featured prominently, as is Indian whiskey, in worthwhile creations like the Port O Pine with Ford’s Gin, Ruby Port, mango, and lime, and the Chai Whiskey Sour with Henebery Whiskey, chai, darjeeling, lemon, and egg white. There’s a selection of draft beer and wines by the glass and bottle, but it’s the cocktail menu that truly deserves your attention. Yes, there are mounted TVs playing live sports behind the bar and on several walls, but the pale wood details and pastel color palette create a welcoming aesthetic that is sure to draw anyone who finds themselves intrigued by the concept of Indian-Italian fare. The second stop on your Sunset Blvd tippling tour is Pijja Palace, which bills itself as an Indian sports bar, but is delightfully flexible depending on what you’re looking for. The food features a blend of Peruvian and Japanese plates that Zarate grew up eating in Lima, plus a few creative embellishments, like a sizzling Steak Tartare that diners can mix at their table, and a trio of nigiri served with a side of potato instead of rice. A selection of wines by the glass and a couple of beers are available, plus two sakes. The drink menu places emphasis on Peru’s traditional pisco spirit, but ventures into the realm of tiki culture with options like the Miami Vice Milk Punch that features a blend of exotic rums, Remy 1738, pineapple, coconut, spices, clarified milk, and strawberry daiquiri dust. The indoor and outdoor space includes a sleek interior and a verdant garden patio, making it an ideal first stop before an evening of Sunset Blvd bar hopping.

Mastermind behind spots like Rosaline, Picca, and others, prolific chef Ricardo Zarate recently added Causita to his LA repertoire. As mentioned above, LA has proven itself an ideal destination for Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine, with a bounty of local seafood and seasonal produce.
