L.A. Landmark makes
make it past security
Three and a half out of Four
Why?
…it has a great pedigree. Cole’s is one of Bar Flyer’s favorite landside bars in Los Angeles.
…they stock decent spirits, simple syrup, fresh citrus juices, and Fever Tree Ginger Beer!
…HMS Host employees but Cole’s trained them well.
…Ramiro (from the morning shift) peels the best lemon twist I’ve ever seen. Not a bit of pith!
…Cute design that recreates the ambience of the historic downtown original. If you’re an original Cole’s regular, look for the homages: stained glass pane, signs, etc.
…it’s open at 5:30am for the eye-opener you need before your 6am flight.
…it’s right next door to Kogi BBQ! …
Great Smiles and Service Almost
Make Up for Disappointing Drinks — Stick to the Wine…
Two and Half out of Four
Why?
…better than average selection of wines.
…but the cocktails are, how do I say this, really bad.
…serves me right for ordering cocktails at a wine bar. You’ll definitely want to stick to wine here.
…champagne flutes are sanitized in something that kills the bubbles — ironic for a place called Bubbles. This has happened all three times I’ve been here.
…bartenders are incredibly nice and want to make you happy.
…they do have a full bar of spirits and will try to make you what you want.
…small plates are prepackaged and presented unappetizingly in their plastic trays. …
A real bar with real cocktails and a host of other nice touches raises the bar for airplane clubs…
Three and a Half out of Four
Why?
…Real cocktails designed by Jim Meehan who’s a pretty famous mixologist (from PDT in NYC for you true cocktail mavens.)
…Everything is free! (Don’t forget to tip!)
…Great selection of geeky spirits and mixers: Frenet Branca, Falernum, Carpano Antica, Bittermens Shrub.
…hand crushed ice for some of the drinks!
…Buffet is pretty good (designed by Chef Dean Fearing.)
…Free facials, massages and mani/pedi in spa (book in advance)
…Adorable vintage design elements hearkening to the glory days of American Express travel
…bar seats are pretty uncomfortable. Tables are incrementally better
…the cocktails are a bit on the sweet side. I’m thinking they mixed for what they think the palate of most Americans demands (Disney does the same thing.) A good cocktail is about balance tho’ and I wish they had a bit…
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