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Four LA restaurants and bars inspired by famous people Print-ready version

by Brielle Galekovic
Time Out Los Angeles
May 13, 2016

Photograph: Alyse Gilbert

Los Angeles is the ultimate destination for a variety of restaurants and bars known for their dynamic ambiances, frequent celebrity clientele, trendy menu offerings and exclusive reputations. But the City of Angels boasts restaurants and bars with a clever concept you may be unfamiliar with: venues inspired by famous people. We've been to countless themed bars, stumbled upon a handful of venues seen in movies and have frequented several celebrity-owned restaurants, but a concept inspired by famous individuals? It's pretty rare (at least for us) and makes the experience that much more intriguing. Here are four spots in LA that developed their concepts by the influence of iconic names in Hollywood history.

Estrella (8800 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood)

Estrella is inspired by the famed Laurel Canyon bungalows of '70s music icons Joni Mitchell and Mama Cass Elliott. The name Estrella is after the circus girl character in Joni Mitchell's classic song "Ladies of the Canyon." The restaurant is a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces that exude a whimsical and artistic vibe, while still exemplifying a modern hippie-chic stylishness. It's inevitable to feel as if you're in the age of Woodstock, and a time in history that defined a social revolution. The space is cozily designed with earth tones, lined dark wooden tables and sofas with floral and paisley patterns serve as seating areas for guests. The rustic, antique details include copper accents, a fireplace, a piano and a carefully-placed guitar toward the back for a full 1970s-inspired experience. The restaurant's drink menu stays consistent with its concept, and also serves as an ode to the past with cleverly-named cocktails. Ruffle Your Feathers, Laurel Canyon, Joni Mitchell, Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll and Moulin Rouge are just a few on the menu that keep the memory of Joni Mitchell constant throughout the entire dining experience.

Hemingway's Lounge (6356 Hollywood Blvd)

Inspired by Pulitzer and Nobel-winning author Ernest Hemingway, Hemingway's Lounge is the ultimate retreat for literary lovers and hipsters who appreciate serious cocktails.Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, it serves as a classy hideaway from the city's chaotic streets. The lounge is decked in ornate bookshelves from floor to ceiling, giving the space an edgy library-inspired vibe. Plush velvet seating areas, a wall of typewriters, dimly-lit chandeliers and cool relics of the past embody the authenticity of the Hemingway lifestyle. Hemingway's inspiration is engrained into the menu, with swanky cocktails named after the author's famed literature.

Barkowski (2819 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica)

Barkowski is a cool bar in Santa Monica that was created with the intent to pay homage to German-born American novelist and poet, Charles Bukowski. As a resident of Los Angeles, his literature was influenced by the social, economic and cultural nature of the city. This edgy spot has a 1960s vibe with red leatherette booths and padded vinyl walls, adorned with giant photographs of Bukowski. The spot has a very laid-back, hip atmosphere, and there's a bumper pool table and dartboards for some relaxing entertainment. The upscale dive also has Bukowski quotes generously placed throughout the area, such as "Bad decisions make good stories," that really entice guests to take note of the inspiration behind the bar's concept.

Catcher in The Rye (10550 Riverside Dr)

Catcher in The Rye is a cozy Toluca Lake bar and eatery with a concept inspired by classic novels and the prominent authors who wrote them. From the bar's name alone, J.D. Salinger is honored and is a major inspiration for this spot. The spot is known for its cocktail menu (appropriately named called the Reading List) with clever twists on the names that reference timeless books. Huckleberry Finn is a popular choice, and Tequila Mockingbird is also a crowd-pleaser. A Clockwork Orange, Goblet of Fire and the Raven are also included on the menu. Need some food for thought? Catcher in The Rye even offers a kale salad called To Kale a Mockingbird as another ode to Harper Lee.

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Added to Library on May 14, 2016. (3053)

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