664566 Tue Nov 03 21:59:12 -0800 2009 16 2 Los Angeles Area 0 5154104 I scored reservations for Bouchon on the 21st for the hubby and myself. Our reservations are rather late (8:15PM) because I didn't want to take the 5:15PM option. I don't think Bouchon is known for cocktails. Are there any places around the area where we could grab pre-dinner drinks? We were at The Bazaar for DineLA week, and as much as we loved the cocktails there, I think trying something new would be a good idea. TIA Tue Nov 03 21:59:12 -0800 2009 142682 attran99 1 5154119 Although they might not be know for their cocktails, the preview pics of the circular nickel bar on Eater LA looked very attractive. I'm also curious if they will have any sort of bar menu. Another option might be the bar at Cut? It's separate from the main dining room and has both lounge seating and bar-stool seating. Sold drinks and light nibbles as well. Tue Nov 03 22:13:20 -0800 2009 5154104 1111160 LATrapp 1 5154202 Really close is Nic's Martini Lounge... Wed Nov 04 00:31:32 -0800 2009 5154104 15572 Emme 2 5156252 is this the place where they have the vodka freezer in the back? if yes, i second this place! Wed Nov 04 14:38:47 -0800 2009 5154202 18267 samtron608 3 5156884 one and the same place :) Wed Nov 04 18:42:26 -0800 2009 5156252 15572 Emme 1 5154206 Four Seasons Hotel on Doheny Wed Nov 04 00:42:26 -0800 2009 5154104 11933 J.L. 1 5156080 I really like Maison 140 for cocktails. http://www.maison140beverlyhills.com/?cmpid=GL_MBH You could also check out the new bar/restaurant in the Avalon. Wed Nov 04 13:45:24 -0800 2009 5154104 12268 mollyomormon 2 5156882 i second Maison 140 if you want a hotel atmosphere. Wed Nov 04 18:41:38 -0800 2009 5156080 15572 Emme 1 5156118 Trader Vic's Lounge: http://www.tradervics.com/rest-beverlyhills.html Wed Nov 04 13:58:12 -0800 2009 5154104 11205 JBC 1 5159865 Thanks for all of your suggestions. Maison 140 and Nick's are definitely our front runners with a slight edge to Nick's because it's within walking distance of Bouchon. Will definitely report back. Is the VODBOX and the flight tasting worth going to or should we just stick to the bar? Thu Nov 05 19:30:18 -0800 2009 5154104 142682 attran99 2 5159891 Recommend Nic's highly, in fact their bar action and drinks are probably the highlights of the place, and yes, you could park once and never have to move the car. But you could also just go across the street to Spago and get a drink, or if you wanted a glass of wine or a drink, try Enoteca Drago just north of Brighton on the east side of Canon. Thu Nov 05 19:39:50 -0800 2009 5159865 10359 carter 3 5162750 Looks like we'll be doing pre-dinner drinks and after dinner drinks. I think we would prefer to just park the car once and walk around the neighborhood. So Nic's Martini Lounge is definitely in...probably for after dinner drinks...we're meeting up with some friends of the hubby. Which place is better for pre-dinner drinks...Spago or Enoteca? I'm a wine drinker, but the hubby isn't...hasn't developed a taste for it, yet. Thanks very much for all your responses! Fri Nov 06 22:24:04 -0800 2009 5159891 142682 attran99 4 5162768 I haven't been to Enoteca, but I personally wouldn't put Spago too high as a destination for a drink. Although they make fine drinks, the bar area almost seems like an afterthought in the entrance thoroughfare of the restaurant. Unless you find some seating at the bar, or one of the small bar tables (which are cozy/small with just two) I think you might find your group dodging the hostess and guests passing through the narrow corridor. It's a tough place to get comfortable. However, if it's more of a quick drink just to get everyone in the same spot then it could be fine. I've never gone to Mastros a few doors down -just- for a drink, but observing the upstairs and downstairs bar areas it seems as though that could be another option as well. Good luck! Fri Nov 06 22:49:25 -0800 2009 5162750 1111160 LATrapp 5 5162770 Thanks, LATrapp. Pre-dinner drinks will just be the hubby and me. After dinner drinks will be with his friends. I'm most likely going to make reservations for Nic's, so we can try the vodka locker. Fri Nov 06 22:52:28 -0800 2009 5162768 142682 attran99 6 5162811 Sounds like a good choice! Enjoy) Sat Nov 07 00:18:55 -0800 2009 5162770 1111160 LATrapp 1 5163711 I would suggest Jar.. (beverly and sweetzer) The bar stools are very comfortable (ok, I am officially an OLD LADY for noting such a thing) and the drinks/wine choices are great. Plus they bring out complimentary warm potato chips with ranch sauce for dipping and have a great nut combo for nibbling. ok, officially..OLD LADY OUT. Sat Nov 07 13:37:08 -0800 2009 5154104 41793 Blakekitty 1 5203449 Thanks for all your help! We were running late for our reservation, so there was no time for a pre-dinner drink. Subsequently, we did not get out of Bouchon until a little before 11PM. The hubby was too tired and full to want after dinner drinks. Otherwise, Nic's would have been perfect. I'll have to save that for February when we head out that way, again, for DineLA week. Mon Nov 23 15:05:53 -0800 2009 5154104 142682 attran99