Address: 930 Hilgard Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310.443.8232
The Basics: If the location of “Whiskey After Work” sounds a little confusing it’s because it probably is. When I was told about “Whiskey After Work”, it sounded so fabulous I didn’t care to even google, I just mapquested directions and prepared for a chill and splendid night. Upon arriving to 930 Hilgard Ave., my friends and I were perplexed at the fact that it was not the lounge we were expecting. For starters, “Whiskey After Work” is none other than the “Whiskey Blue” lounge, which is located inside the glamorous “W Hotel”- yes, it’s one of those ritzy bar/ lounges.
Now, I have a thing about lounges/ bars inside hotels- and that “thing” is that although I hate generalizing, most of them seem to be pretentious, extremely expensive and with a greater-than-thou attitude in both the staff and the clientele.
I was expecting the same vibe and feel from other similar lounges, however, “Whiskey After Work” proved to be different than the rest.
For starters, the staff is friendly, the music is quite eclectic, and the crowd is as mixed as L.A. itself. Thanks to the fact that UCLA is near, there was a bunch of Bruin hotties all around- many of them single, a few bilingual, but all ready to mingle.
Not everything was peaches and crème though since there were a couple of snobbish and painfully good looking hipsters, but they all hang out together in a corner.
“Whiskey After Work”/ “Whiskey Blue” is an über chic, trendy and modern lounge. It appears to be taking off from “Sex and the City” episode- you would expect Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda walking in any time… while that will definitely won’t happen, the staff told us that celebrities drop by for a drink every once in a while.
Sliders galore
My friends and I were enjoying our drinks and minding our own business when we caught one of the servers walking towards one of the booths with a tray filled with mini-burgers… not only did the look yummy- the scent was intoxicating. So, we ended up ordering some sliders.
Hamburgers haven’t been so appealing since “In & Out”. After a bite of one of their sliders you won’t see mini-hamburgers the same way. The meatball sliders are to die for. My friends and I are planning yet another trip to “Whiskey After Work” just because of the sliders. They’re that good.
After work
The “Whiskey Blue” lounge is aptly titled “Whiskey After Work” Monday-Thursday, since it is indeed a great place to unwind after a long day at either work or school.
Unlike weekends at “Whiskey Blue” where drinks can double in pricing, the prices during the week are reasonable: $9 for drinks, $7 for appetizers (including the scrumptious mini-burgers), and what makes it even more appealing is the fact that they have $5 valet parking- now that should be enough to seal the deal: cheap parking in Los Angeles is almost unheard of…
What to drink:
*Strawberry Mojito– it’s rare to find a place that prepares a good mojito, many of them come out blah, this is not the exception; on the other hand, their Strawberry Mojito is the business- good flavor, strong, and it even has some kick to it.
*Peartini– pear is not my favorite fruit, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone on that one; however, add pear and Grey Goose Vodka and voilá… you got yourself your favorite fruit of the season.
