Redbird Bar
Chic lounge
114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
ACCOLADES
OUR SCORE
4
- Named one of "America's Best Bourbon Bars" by The Bourbon Review
- Featured in Los Angeles Magazine's "Best Bars in L.A."
- Listed as one of the "Essential Cocktail Bars" in Los Angeles by Eater LA
- Winner of the "Time Out Bar Awards" for Best Restaurant Bar in L.A. in 2017
- Recognized by Thrillist as one of the "Best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles"
- Included in the "Top 100 Bars" by The World's 50 Best Bars organization
REVIEW & BAR SUMMARY
Within the hallowed walls of a former cathedral rectory, Redbird Bar + Los Angeles transforms downtown's historic Vibiana into a temple of modern American hospitality and inventive mixology. This architectural marvel, where soaring ceilings meet contemporary elegance, has become the city's most distinctive cocktail destination since opening in 2015.
The vision of Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser, Redbird represents a masterful adaptive reuse of sacred space, earning the Los Angeles Conservancy's 2019 Preservation Award. The restaurant's cocktail program, helmed by acclaimed mixologist Tobin Shea, has garnered Time Out's Best Restaurant Bar Program recognition for its sophisticated approach to classic cocktail reimagining. Shea's philosophy centers on deconstructing 19th and early 20th-century recipes, presenting familiar flavors through unexpected techniques that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
The cocktail menu showcases Shea's artistry through meticulously crafted libations that blur the lines between classic and contemporary. Signature creations include The Cardinal, a vibrant composition of gin, fresh lemon, and raspberry that captures the bar's refined playfulness, and The Sparrow, where bourbon meets maraschino and violet liqueurs in perfect harmony. For adventurous palates, The Hummingbird delivers complexity through mezcal, pineapple, and jalapeño, while The Blue Jay offers an elevated interpretation of the cosmopolitan with vodka, lime, and blue curaçao. Each cocktail, priced at premium craft levels around $16, reflects the program's commitment to exceptional ingredients and technique. Wine Director Jaime Arzate's globally curated selection complements the cocktail program with award-winning bottles from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.
Designer Robert Weimer's interior honors the building's ecclesiastical heritage through simple modern forms that complement rather than compete with the historic architecture. The horseshoe-shaped bar serves as the room's centerpiece, bathed in natural light that filters through the cathedral's original windows. The atmosphere balances chic sophistication with surprising warmth, creating an environment equally suited for intimate conversations and celebratory gatherings. Service embodies the Fraser team's hospitality philosophy—attentive yet relaxed, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through both beverage and culinary offerings.
Redbird Bar represents more than a cocktail destination; it's a cultural landmark where Los Angeles's diverse clientele, including celebrities and discerning locals, gather for exceptional experiences. Reservations are recommended for this Michelin Guide-recognized establishment, particularly during peak evening hours when the space transforms into downtown's most coveted social hub. Smart casual attire befits the elevated yet approachable atmosphere, where every visit promises not merely drinks, but memorable moments within one of LA's most extraordinary settings.
