The Ultimate Tour of the NoHo Arts District: Part Two

Located on the outskirts of the Noho Arts District, this whisky barrel-shaped building is hard to miss. Originally built in 1941 as an example of “programmatic architecture” (buildings built that look like what they serve), it changed hands in 1971 and lived as a Flamenco Bar until 1984. The then-owner, Dolores Fernandez, lived at the top of the barrel in an apartment until she passed away in 2009, and it became Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument the following year. The barrel was renovated with precise architectural integrity over four years by the 1933 Group (Bigfoot Lodge, Oldfield's, Sassafras, The Thirsty Crow, and the soon-to-be-reopen, Formosa Café in Hollywood), and opened in 2011. Monday to Saturday hours are from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a daily happy hour until 7 p.m. Sunday bunch begins at 11 a.m. Creative classic cocktails meets comfort gastropub food. Make your way to the back patio with picnic tables and a replica of the iconic Bulldog Cafe, which once served tamales and ice cream near Downtown L.A.

Escape to the South Pacific at this tiki bar with torches built into the exterior design. The kitschy décor flows inside with bamboo walls, thatched cabana booths, carved wooden posts, pufferfish lanterns, and a patio with lava rock fireplace. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Karaoke stars on Wednesday and Sunday eve. The cocktail list includes Trader Vic’s inspired classics, such as the Scorpion Bowl, as well as a unique drinks menu, including their signature Toasted Marshmallow, soaked with sake, and lit on fire.