Bar Next Door

Nestled within a building that once housed Marilyn Monroe's talent agency, Bar Next Door Los Angeles transforms the legendary Sunset Strip into an intimate neighborhood sanctuary where Hollywood glamour meets contemporary craft cocktail artistry. This sophisticated yet welcoming establishment redefines the luxury bar experience through Brynn Smith's exceptional mixology and Adam Greco's stunning art deco-inspired design.

Conceived by Lawrence Longo of Prince St. Pizza fame, Bar Next Door emerged from a desire to create an authentic neighborhood gathering place that honors the Sunset Strip's storied past. Bar Director Brynn Smith, whose impressive portfolio includes Sotto and Rossoblu, developed a cocktail program that pays homage to local landmarks while showcasing her refined approach to mixology. The bar's connection to Hollywood history runs deep—the very walls that once witnessed Monroe's career negotiations now frame conversations over meticulously crafted cocktails, earning recognition as one of Los Angeles' most compelling new cocktail destinations.

Smith's signature cocktails read like a love letter to Los Angeles, with creations named after iconic venues including "The Cienega," "Chateau Marmont," and a clarified paloma rosé spritz inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel. The pisco and passion fruit cocktail honoring the Viper Room exemplifies the program's sophisticated approach to local storytelling. Premium craft cocktails range from $18-22, with classic preparations available from $16, positioning Bar Next Door within the luxury cocktail segment while maintaining neighborhood accessibility. Each drink demonstrates Smith's philosophy of approachable sophistication, balancing innovative techniques with timeless appeal.

Greco's interior design, crafted in collaboration with Rebel's Wood, creates an atmosphere of refined intimacy through golden-brown tones, masterful tilework, and plush leather appointments. The compact space maximizes every inch with diner stools, intimate booths, and strategic standing areas, all illuminated by carefully positioned pendant lighting. Vintage reel-to-reel players and Marantz amplifiers, curated by Uncanned Music, fill the space with analog soundtracks featuring artists like Amy Winehouse, creating a nostalgic backdrop that encourages conversation over dancing. The service approach emphasizes hospitality and connection, with staff fostering the genuine neighborhood atmosphere that sets this Los Angeles cocktail bar apart from typical Sunset Strip establishments.

Bar Next Door represents a rare find on the Sunset Strip—a luxury cocktail lounge that prioritizes community and craft over spectacle. Reservations are recommended for this intimate space, which fills nightly with a discerning mix of locals and visitors seeking authentic Hollywood glamour. Whether beginning or ending an evening, this sophisticated neighborhood gem offers an unparalleled cocktail experience rooted in Los Angeles history and elevated by contemporary mixology mastery.