Address: 118 E. Sixth St.Los Angeles, CA 90014
213.622.9999
The Basics: Sometimes less is more… “The Varnish” in Downtown El Lay is a clear example of that. If you wanna stay on the D.L. yet have a good time, this joint is more than perfect. “The Varnish” is a teeny tiny lounge/ bar with a speakeasy vibe reminiscent of the Prohibition era, and they play the part really well… it’s dark, sexy, and oh so jazzy- kinda “Chicago”-ish… you would expect Katherine Zeta-Jones to pop in and burst into song & dance and shimmy to “All That Jazz”. Because of its size, “The Varnish” is not the place to be if you wanna dance, pop, drop, and lock it… there’s zero space for that, so leave your dancing shoes at home. Its dim lighting and jazz music playing in the background make for a great romantic escapade with your peor-es-nada or a little catching up and chisme session with your cuates.
What to drink: “The Varnish” is known for its cocktails, así que aprovecha de sus very experienced and talented bartenders/ mixologists and skip the rum and Coke or the vodka and Red Bull and try something new… no te arrepentirás.
If you’re into vodka, the “Palma Fizz” is a great choice: it comes with Kettle One Vodka, lime, grapefruit, and Seltzer.
Ahora si quieres algo que te ponga bien chido, get yourself a “Remember Me in Maine”: Rye, Vermouth, Heering, and Absinthe… the drink is seriously strong but oh so good.
If you want something on the sweet side but you don’t care much for girly fruity drinks, then the “Business” is for you, it comes with gin, lime, and honey… it’s seriously the business.
What to eat: Unfortunately, since it’s such a small joint, “The Varnish” does not serve food. However, they allow you to bring 
in with you a sandwich from their neighbors “Cole’s”, which apparently means that “The Varnish” and “Cole’s” are joined by the hip.
Even though there’s not much to choose from “Cole’s” menu, no hay pierde con un pork sandwich.
Even though there’s nothing outstanding or different about their pork sandwiches, they do taste good. They almost taste like smoked and pulled pork, the bread is fresh, and the dipping sauce compliments the pork. Plus, “Cole’s” pork sandwich is a good way to sober you up a bit.
