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Hollywood is one of those places that locals avoid like the plague. There are a few exceptions, of course, like the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a steak and martini at Musso & Frank, or a party at No Vacancy—the English B&B-themed gin bar that sits in a Victorian home tucked off Hollywood Boulevard. The latter was crafted by the Houston brothers, the nightlife duo behind the likes of La Descarga, Pour Vous, Good Times At Davey Wayne's, and Harvard & Stone, all of which are some of our favorite bars in Los Angeles.
Butchers & Barbers—which opened earlier this week next to No Vacancy—is the twins' first foray into restaurants. The theme is slightly more nebulous than their other bars, which are known for transporting guests to different eras and locales through their decor, music, and cocktails. But it's certainly still home to the same keen eye for design and craft cocktail geekery that they're known for. While it definitely does have a slightly Sweeney Todd old timey feel, it seems like more of a nod to the current trends. Butchers? Check. Barbers? Check? A blow-your-mind burger that's served until closing time? Check check and check.
The kitchen at B&B is small, but chef Luke Reyes is turning out some great food for the intimate dining room. The aforementioned burger uses a grind of short rib, chuck and brisket, and beef fat—a bovine combo that results in a rich, juicy burg topped with arugula, gruyere, and butter pickles. The veggies are on point too. Our favorites were the roasted cauliflower (also a staple in dining rooms these days) as well as the roasted delicata squash with fuyu persimmon, burrata and smoked trout roe. The crudite platter with snappy market vegetables and a spiced yogurt tahini was also a nice touch, offering some levity for those not looking to indulge in herbed french fries or their house-made charcuterie.
What's more is that you can get a good deal of the food late at night, starting at 11 p.m. and going 'til 2 a.m. It's the perfect way to seal the deal with a date after a night on the town. And trust us, you'll have better chances with the burger than with a danger dog.
Butchers & Barbers is located at 6531 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, (323) 461-1464
