Big Bar Los Angeles

Big Bar is actually a small bar, connected to Alcove Café, although the two merge in the front patio, where you are free to sit whether you've purchased something from Alcove or just a drink from Big Bar. Like with most non-dives in LA today, the bartenders are mixologists, so you can count on their ability to make you a great cocktail on the spot – if not, their menu is still sophisticated without getting too adventurous. Alcove/Big Bar also hosts events quite frequently. It’s mostly ‘movie nights’ but with the twist that they craft film-inspired drinks for the specific title/characters.

Another big reason to come to this place is their ‘secret notes’ table. Even some regulars don’t seem to know about this! Just past the bar, but before reaching the restrooms, there’s a small back room with some tables, including one with six narrow drawers (this is also the table in the photo above). These drawers are filled with various notes left by previous bar guests. Among them, there are poems, quotes, illustrations, and random stories. I personally like to visit Big Bar every few months, just to see what’s been added. Due to lack of space, older notes get removed here and there, so the drawers are always different. You might have to look for a bit, but you’re sure to find a gem somewhere in there.