DTLA: First Look at the Bar Named Wendell

 

I will always remember a bartender telling me all sorts of bars are needed. And I agree with him. While Downtown Los Angeles has its share of craft cocktail bars, there is always room for more down-to-earth bars. Sometimes I just want a glass of whiskey and a spot at the bar after work. Wendell is that new “neighborhood” bar. It sits on the corner of 7th & Main and is neighbors with both low-rent hotels and super fast casual restaurants. The cherry red neon sign grabs your attention as does the patio with chatting locals. After walking in, you might be tempted to grab your glass to go upstairs or to the patio but I prefer the bar, always.

 

The bar is decorated with music memorabilia including a large Beatles poster above the doorway. There are some kitschy things but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.

 

The menu is basically a beer menu. What spirits they have are up on the back bar. The first time I came in, I had Templeton rye. The next, I had Bulleit. There are better (and worst) whiskies. Choose your own poison as they say.

I’d start or end the night here if I was doing a tour of the neighborhood bars. It’s not a dive or even a pseudo dive. And it’s not craft. So what is it? Wendell, a neighborhood bar.

Wendell

656 S Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90014  —  (213) 622-7200

© The Minty  2013