Los Angeles has a rich history of being a leader in the national cocktail scene, from old Hollywood speakeasies to today's rum bar (and whiskey bar, and tequila bar) revivals. But according to an article at Shake Stir by Lindsay Nader, a heralded local bartender, the spirits of the city still aren't getting the recognition they deserve. more ›

Revelers, a new destination for your Hollywood nights: The Next Door Lounge opens up tomorrow night, and will be all about the classic 1920s cocktails in a speakeasy-style setting. Acclaimed barman Joseph Brooke is defecting from Downtown's The Edison to take charge of the libations. more ›

Every year, AIGA LA (the professional organization for design) bestows the highest honor of the organization upon individuals carefully selected for outstanding contributions to design in Los Angeles, the AIGA LA Fellow Award. But don’t be fooled—this is no stuffy awards show with long speeches from relatively inaccessible stars. This year, the Fellows celebration, AIGA LA: Speakeasy, is a party in a salon-style soirée at the Palihouse in West Hollywood on January 20, 2011, where you can chat up creative brilliance around every corner. more ›

In L.A.'s scene of super-star mixologists and sexy-speakeasys only accessed through secret doorways, bar patrons have come to expect their resident alcohol alchemists to work hard to make a good drink. Damn hard. But so hard they tear ligaments in their shoulders? Mixologists at Varnish have been shaking and stirring with such vigor, they've injured themselves on more than one occasion, according to the New York Times. more ›

Councilman Greig Smith hosts a movie night tonight -- National Night Out -- with free hot dogs, popcorn and "Kung Fu Panda" tonight at Northridge Park. The dogs come courtesy of CPAB and LAPD and will be served at 6:30 pm. The movie starts at nightfall. There will also be free popcorn until 9 pm, free drawings for prizes, face-painting for kids, booths with public safety information, LAPD mounted police and underwater diving units, games, activities, and more. For more information, call Councilman Smith's office at 818.756.8501 or visit his website. more ›

First the Edison's Radio Room, aka speakeasy night, was held on Sundays. And then it was changed to Tuesdays. And then it disappeared. But tonight, it's back! That's right, you can once again enjoy crafted cocktails brought to you by Los Angeles' top mixologists while taking in a saucy cabaret show in this underground room of the Edison. And... for no cover! more ›

More details are coming out regarding The Temple Bar closing its doors at the end of next month. The venue's booker, Dexter Story, described closing as bittersweet. "We're going to miss this place," he said over the phone this afternoon. As to why owners Louie and Netty Ryan are choosing to close the venue, Story forwarded a letter they have been sending out (the full letter is posted in full below this story): more ›

Ever want to experience what a speakeasy must feel like? Descend the depths of underground downtown bar the Edison for its new weekly bar night called Speakeasy Sundays. Only the bar's Radio Room will be open (entrance is a couple of doors down from the regular entrance in Harlem Alley) while the main bar area will be closed. This means that there's only a 125-swank-person capacity so get there early as doors will close after the room is packed and you'll be SOL on the street. more ›