Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Silverlake Scores More Craft Cocktails, Live Music, And Perhaps Another Patio With The Virgil
By Jamie Wetherbe
Eastsiders do seem to love their patio additions, don't they? First came word of the Brite Spot adding on to their Echo Park restaurant, and now comes news that the Virgil, which just opened last Friday in Silverlake, has plans too open an outdoor area as well.
Owners Louie and Netty Ryan -- who also own the Del Monte Speakeasy at the Townhouse and Zanzibar -- have leased the small lot next door, and come August, they plan on adding windows and a 800-square-foot patio that will butt up against a large Sierra Mist billboard, which somehow seems so appropriately Silverlake.
The Virgil was formerly a sometimes-sketchy bar called Little Temple, which was also owned by the Ryans. They've have dressed up the Virgil as a craft cocktail bar that's one part neighborhood lounge, one part live music venue/dance hall.
Brandon Ristaino, who used to bartend at Silverlake's Thirsty Crow) designed the Latin American-inspired cocktail menu that will feature a half dozen or so seasonal additions to staples like pisco punch and mojitos.
The speakeasy-with-a-twist style extends to the decor -- tables are lit by candlelight, vintage tufted couches are tucked away in small enclaves, and a jukebox has a range of tunes from Bob Marley to Feist. On the dance hall side, expect a smattering of live music like Afro-beats, soul and Eastside indie rock, as well as DJ nights from Thursday through Saturday.
There's nothing particularly flashy about the venue itself, but the neighborhood could always use another solid cocktail bars with comfortable seating and decent music.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
