LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
When I first checked outIvan Kane's Café Wa s in Hollywood last year, I couldn't help but think that the only thing missing from this beautiful Bohemian restaurant was a specialty cocktail list. Amazingly it didn't have one. Sure it has a full bar, an upstairs absinthe bar and a couple of absinthe cocktails but no list of special drinks to speak of.
And then just like that…well, months later my wish came true. The café has just debuted a list of cocktails inspired by vintage recipes as well as a twist on the standards. Perfect to enjoy in this absinthe-dreamlike setting.
Even though Ivan is a single-barrel Jack-on-the-rocks kind of guy, he swears that he still enjoys these cocktails which serve as an ode to his restaurant and complement its spirit of fun. The champagne-St. Germaine cocktail, Champagne Suzy ($13), is named after Ivan Kane's wife. Lucid Stairway to Nowhere ($15) -- a mix of champagne and Lucid absinthe -- is of course inspired by that staircase near the bar that leads up to, not a door, but a mirror. There are also the standards like Manhattans (yay!), margaritas, and dirty martinis.
The new list is in effect tonight.