It can be nigh impossible to find good bars when you’re in a new place. Sometimes sites like Yelp or Urbanspoon just don’t cut it. And wandering the streets merely triggers Hangry. We found Pearls in West Hollywood by asking a professional – our new favourite travel trick!
One of the best ways to get off the beaten track in a new city is to ask a local. Our new favourite way to find bars that only locals go to is to ask other people in the industry.
While we were in LA a couple of months ago, we were having a drink in our hotel in West Hollywood. The Mondrian’s terrace bar – Sky Bar – is good, but we wanted to explore further afield.
We got talking to our waitress, who was incredibly helpful. She gave us some great tips for the area – and we’ll be sharing them too with you really soon.
But the suggestion we went with was Pearl’s – a bar and eatery just up the road on West Sunset Boulevard.
It proved to be an excellent tip!
Pearl’s is designed as a ‘20s speakeasy bar, but with the beautiful styling you’d expect from a top line bar in LA. But it’s not an easy place to find unless you’re really looking for it.
Even the rooftop terrace is difficult to see from street level.
Once you’re up there though, the views down Sunset Strip really let you know you’re in LA.
If you’re hungry, I’ve got to recommend Pearl’s Burger. It’s incredible – and numero uno on my Top 10 Burgers of All Time list. If you’re there on a Tuesday, make sure you get the $1 oysters. They’re spectacular too.
Mrs Romance had the kale salad special, which she really enjoyed.
For drinks, you might feel a little overwhelmed. The cocktail list’s incredibly tempting and happy hour is a 5pm-7pm hedonist’s heaven. There are great cocktail specials, wine flights, beer offers and even food options are on the menu!
If you’ve had your fill of Pearl’s, you can always go next door to Rock and Reilly’s Irish Pub – another tip from our lovely waitress at the Mondrian.
It’s got a sports bar vibe but it’s open late and has a pretty fine selection of beers and spirits behind its long bar.
Pearl’s is a bit of an all-star venue; perfect for a date night – especially if it’s your first night in town like it was for us. I reckon it’d be great if you want to become a regular somewhere in LA too.
And if you’re after a bit of revelry with your friends, there’s plenty of space here to cater for groups – they even book for functions!
Pearl’s Liquor Bar
Open: Mon-Thurs – 5pm – 2am, Fri – 4pm – 2am, Sat & Sun – 11am – 2am (brunch till 3pm)
8909 W Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
T: 310 360 6800
W: pearlssunset.com
Fb: @pearlsliquorbar
Ig: @pearlsliquorbar
Do you have any tricks for finding a cool place for a drink when you’re travelling? Have you stumbled onto any hidden gems recently? Where would you recommend a visitor go in your hometown? Tell us in the comments!
Toni
Totally agree with the ‘ask a local’ advice, definitely the best way to find the good spots that you probably won’t just wander into as you stumble hungry and tired down the street.
Mr Romance
Hi Toni. Yes, and there’s nothing worse than walking up and down the same road again and again indecision paralysing your choice until you just go into the first place you saw. I hate jeopardising my valuable eating time with the chance of food horror!
Cheers
Jxx
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