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Oh Joy: Echo Park's Little Joy Bar Re-Opens
Photo of the old bar at Little Joy by Jessica Watkins DeWinter on Flickr
Eastside revelers and dedicated dive bar lovers might have lamented the recent closure of Echo Park's Little Joy. The unassuming spot on Sunset Boulevard was taken over by Joaquin Reyna-Donaldson, who has worked and managed the bar at The Echo for about a decade, and his business partner Donald Andes.
The two used some elbow grease to shine the place up, and it will be officially opening on Dodger's Opening Day, April 1. (The Stadium is within walking distance of the bar.)
"The building’s original brick and broken plaster has been uncovered along with a number of authentic details that highlight the location's previous lives as a 1920s auto body shop, a mid-century pharmacy and ultimately, a bar beginning in the early ‘60s," says the new Little Joy team.
There are also other improvements that have been made, including a brand new handmade solid oak bar, the addition of a new DJ booth and most exciting of all of the gals out there, expansive new restrooms.
And since the craft beer scene is so big on the Eastside, Reyna-Donaldson and Andes will be bringing in local brews, some new wines, and stiff cocktails. Thank goodness the latter won't be lost in the relaunch. A dive isn't a dive without a strong drink.
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