Stir Crazy

Tucked along a stretch of Melrose better known for tourist traps and bumper-to-bumper traffic, Stir Crazy feels like a well-kept secret Hollywood has been waiting for. This intimate wine bar has transformed its tiny storefront into a breezy haven where natural wine flows freely and the sidewalk becomes an extension of the party. By early evening, the ten or so indoor tables are packed, and regulars spill outside clutching glasses of chilled cab franc like it’s an open-air social club.

The food here punches well above its snack-bar origins. Start with the anchovies—a revelatory plate of briny fish draped over an herbaceous green sauce and scattered with toasted hazelnuts. Even self-proclaimed anchovy haters tend to reach for seconds. The rockfish carpaccio delivers delicate bites of raw fish balanced with brown butter and citrus, while the signature German sausage arrives gloriously plump alongside a buttery, mustard-spiked potato salad. For something more substantial, the black cod bathed in butter broth practically melts on contact.

Stir Crazy thrives as a spontaneous weeknight destination rather than a meticulously planned occasion. The crowd skews creative—expect to rub elbows with art directors fresh from gallery openings and the occasional face you recognize from a streaming comedy special. The wood-paneled room hums with easy conversation, and the constantly rotating menu keeps things interesting for regulars.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick glass and a snack or settling in for a leisurely evening of grazing, Stir Crazy delivers the kind of effortlessly cool wine bar experience that Hollywood has long needed. Just note they keep weekends free—no Saturday or Sunday hours means this gem remains refreshingly local.