This den of mescal comes from the city's craft-cocktail innovator Cedd Moses (Seven Grand, The Varnish, Caña Rum Bar) and were we in Wonderland, Alice would be one of his regulars. At the Downtown den, Mexican kitsch meets psychedelic rabbit murals with an impressive list of tequilas (a mix of Highlands and Lowlands) and mescals (there's Illegal and a bang-up selection of Del Maguey) in-between. Seating is limited inside with an outdoor area that's accessible through the poolroom. Watch out for unruly cue-sticks.
Vitals
Good for: The psychedelic wall art and hip scene lends themselves to a great Downtown stop for pre-dinner cocktails or weekend drinks with a group, especially if someone in your party is an amateur pool-playing enthusiast with a penchant for Oaxacan libations.
The scene: DJ's and dancing give way to lines at the bar and a bit of a wait for your drinks, with a rowdy Downtown crowd mingling with curious Silver Lake and Echo Park Oaxacan-spirits seekers.
The playlist: With drink in-hand, make a go for the old-school jukebox. Anything from the 90's will do, then let yourself sink into that proverbial rabbit hole.
The bartender says: The well-dressed bartender can talk you through the intricacies of mescal and tequila or, if you name a flavor preference and price point, take care of a selection for you.
Drink this: Try the signature cocktail, The Spiced Daisy ($13), which, though a touch sweet, is perfectly accented with zippy jalapeño, refreshing cilantro, smoke and the right amount of lime. If tequila's not in the cards, there are plenty of draft and bottled cervezas from local brews to foreign imports. Go for a "featured beer" if you're unsure of where to start.