Explore the allure of a fresh drink: Discover 21 novel LA bars to visit and delight in a romantic affair with a new cocktail
In the bustling city of Los Angeles, the bar scene is thriving with a diverse range of unique experiences. The Los Angeles Times Food team has recommended 21 new bars offering everything from baijiu punch and dim sum in Chinese apothecary-inspired spaces, to matcha martinis and raucous downtown house party atmospheres [1][5].
Kassi in Venice, with its Grecian-inspired decor and coastal palette, offers a stunning view of Venice Beach. The beverage program includes strawberry and cucumber slushies, a Mediterranean gin and tonic, and a pomegranate za'atar mule. The food menu offers shareable bites such as mezze, skewers, crispy saganaki, and a refreshing watermelon salad topped with whipped feta [2].
Untamed Spirits in Los Feliz is a bar dedicated to women's sports, featuring TVs throughout the space and offering elevated bar standards. House cocktails include a pear lychee martini and tequila watermelon punch [3].
In Chinatown, The Evangeline Swamp Room, inspired by New Orleans, serves Ramos gin fizzes, sazeracs, mint juleps, hurricanes, and has its own creations like a pink-lemonade take on the Pimm's cup and a Cajun riff on the bloody Mary. Food options include po'boys, charbroiled oysters, jambalaya fritters, fried okra, and gator chili [4].
For those seeking a taste of Rome, Bar Avoja in Hollywood, co-owned by Giancarlo Pagani, is the place to be. The cocktails incorporate region-appropriate ingredients and sometimes blend the unexpected [6].
Meanwhile, Manny Jacinto, the star of "Freakier Friday", shared his agenda for the best Sunday in L.A., including an intense workout, boba at the park, and pork belly lechon at Lasita in Chinatown [7].
NASA astronauts have made history by splashdown off the SoCal coast for the first time in 50 years [8]. However, the news is not all positive, as Israel is facing growing global condemnation over its military expansion in Gaza [9].
In other news, agricultural workers in California are toiling in the state's worst heat wave this year, amid questions about the state's commitment to ensure their safety [10].
In the world of entertainment, Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson's heist comedy on Prime is implausible, predictable, but still good company [11].
The L.A. Affairs column discusses a relationship where the boyfriend told the partner that he didn't want to get married again [12].
Finally, a billboard in Corona has been defaced to read that Sydney Sweeney now has the Proud Boys in her corner [13].
For the full list of the 21 new bars and their specific locations, visit the original Los Angeles Times article from August 5, 2025, titled "L.A.'s bar scene runneth over. 21 new spots to check out ASAP" [1][5].
[1] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/los-angeles-bars-new-openings [2] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/kassi-venice-bar-review [3] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/untamed-spirits-los-feliz-bar-review [4] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/evangeline-swamp-room-chinatown-bar-review [5] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/la-bars-new-openings-august-2025 [6] https://www.latimes.com/food/restaurants/story/2025-08-05/bar-avoja-hollywood-bar-review [7] https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-08-05/manny-jacinto-la-sunday-agenda [8] https://www.latimes.com/nation/story/2025-08-05/nasa-astronauts-splashdown-off-socal-coast [9] https://www.latimes.com/world/story/2025-08-05/israel-gaza-military-expansion-condemnation [10] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-05/california-heat-wave-agricultural-workers [11] https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-08-05/eddie-murphy-pete-davidson-heist-comedy-review [12] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-05/la-affairs-relationship-marriage-aversion [13] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-05/sydney-sweeney-proud-boys-billboard-defacement
- Los Angeles, renowned for its entertainment industry, is also known for its bustling city life and thriving bar scene, featuring unique experiences across the city.
- Kassi in Venice offers a stunning view of Venice Beach, serving cocktails like strawberry and cucumber slushies and Mediterranean gin and tonics, alongside shareable bites such as mezze, skewers, and watermelon salad.
- Untamed Spirits in Los Feliz stands out as a bar dedicated to women's sports, offering elevated bar standards, television screens displaying sports events, and house cocktails like pear lychee martinis and tequila watermelon punch.
- In Chinatown, The Evangeline Swamp Room, inspired by New Orleans, provides a variety of cocktails such as Ramos gin fizzes, sazeracs, and hurricanes, along with Cajun-inspired food options like po'boys, jambalaya fritters, and fried okra.
- For a taste of Rome, Bar Avoja in Hollywood co-owned by Giancarlo Pagani, incorporates region-appropriate ingredients into its cocktails and sometimes blends the unexpected.
- Meanwhile, Manny Jacinto, star of "Freakier Friday", enjoys his best Sundays in L.A. with an intense workout, boba at the park, and pork belly lechon at Lasita in Chinatown.
- NASA astronauts made history by splashdown off the SoCal coast for the first time in 50 years, but news about Israel facing global condemnation over its military expansion in Gaza was also emerging.
- Agricultural workers in California are enduring the state's worst heat wave this year, raising questions about the state's commitment to ensure their safety.
- In the world of entertainment, Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson's heist comedy on Prime is considered implausible, predictable, but still good company.
- The L.A. Affairs column discusses a relationship where the boyfriend shared his aversion to marriage with his partner, bringing forth conversations about commitment and future plans.
- A billboard in Corona was defaced to read that Sydney Sweeney now has the Proud Boys in her corner, stirring controversy and sparking discussions about public opinions, politics, and culture.
- As climate change continues to affect California, the state's lifestyle, food-and-drink scene, and range of entertainment options remain vibrant, offering residents and tourists a diverse mix of experiences.
