The Grayson

The Grayson answers the prayers of Downtown Los Angeles imbibers who have been seeking a watering hole refuge that isn’t a speakeasy, a dive bar or a night club. A bar where you can show up as you are and get to know your bartenders and play a game of pétanque (France’s version of bocce ball). It has all the makings of your neighborhood Cheers, but with French, Italian and American influences. While the theme could be considered kitschy, it works, thanks to the all-star roster of hospitality gods overseeing Bar Clacson: Cedd Moses and Eric Needleman of 213 Hospitality (Normandie Club, Arts District Brewing Company). It’s safe to say that these guys know how to create a successful beverage program, so instead of ordering a beer on tap or a glass of Lambrusco, order from the cocktail menu which boasts specialty drinks that accommodate every spirit preference, as well as low-alcohol (ABV) spritzes. The Grayson is the type of place you can picture yourself celebrating birthdays, hosting happy hours, or enjoying a date or a low-key evening with friends. Pretentiousness and indifference doesn’t exist here, among staff or patrons. And for that to be found in Downtown, we say, amen.