Bar 109

The Melrose and Western corridor has become one of LA’s most exciting dining destinations, with standout spots like Bar Etoile, Etra, and Kuya Lord drawing crowds nightly. What’s been missing? A proper place to extend the evening with a well-crafted drink. Bar 109 fills that gap beautifully with its moody, intimate atmosphere that beckons those who aren’t quite ready to end their night.

The cocktail program here goes beyond the ordinary, incorporating unexpected elements that elevate familiar classics. A gin martini arrives with an elegant curl of white kelp salt, adding a subtle oceanic whisper to each sip. The boulevardier gets a sophisticated makeover with the addition of grassy oolong tea, softening the edges while adding intriguing depth. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re thoughtful touches that show real craft.

While Corridor 109, an upscale tasting menu counter, is slated to open in the back, the current seafood-focused bar menu is more than worth exploring. The standout is easily the fried rockfish sandwich, featuring impossibly crispy fish crowned with an indulgent tartar sauce that veers deliciously close to egg salad territory. It’s the kind of dish that makes you grateful you saved room.

Bar 109 is tailor-made for night owls and cocktail enthusiasts seeking something more refined than the typical late-night options. Whether you’re capping off dinner at one of the neighborhood’s excellent restaurants or making this your primary destination, it’s a welcome addition to an already stellar stretch of LA dining.