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You can enter Hollywood's latest cocktail bar by walking through the "adults only" section of a video shop.
Okay, so it's not a real video shop, but it's a fun quirk. Adults Only is a cocktail bar hidden in a Hollywood strip mall at Sunset Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. Look for the pink neon that reads "Adults Only" glowing from the narrow entrance and you've come to the right place. Walk by the collection of VHS tapes, through the curtain, and you'll find yourself in a small adult video section. Linger if you like, but the fun is past the pornos. The cheeky entrance gives way to a huge, open space with high-ceilings, a stained glass window and a glorious bar with just the right amount of dim lighting.
Designed by Matt Winter (Power House, Melrose Umbrella Co.), the space evokes the feelings of both a majestic cathedral and an old screening room. Vintage movie posters adorn the walls, and cult films are projected onto the far wall. There's regal couch seating along the wall opposite the bar and hightops scattered throughout. A second room with an arched entrance reveals a billiards table. There's a photo booth where you and your friends sit in old theater seats with a backdrop that makes you look like you're part of an old-timey audience. You can also expect the occasional DJ set from the booth near the bar.
There's no kitchen here, but there is a list of craft cocktails including the Dirty Sanchez, made with mezcal, serrano chilies, lime, cucumber, agave and cilantro; Grounds For Divorce made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemon, apple spice elixir, yuzu bitters and mint; and the Rusty Trombone with Altos tequila, lime, basil and white pepper grapefruit syrup. Craft cocktails will run you $14, and the house special—Money Shot—is a cold beer and a shot of Fernet Branca for $10. Daily happy hour specials include a $5 cup of punch, and the recipe for this punch changes daily.
Adults Only comes by way of Spencer Kushner and Freddy and Elie Braidi, whose other spots include Project LA, The Study Hollywood and San Remo's NYC.
Adults Only is located at 7065 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, 323-469-0040. Open daily from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.
