The Search for LA’s Most Photogenic Pubs
Are you the type who can’t resist snapping a pic when you walk into a beautifully-designed bar? Well, my friend, you’re in for a real treat. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of LA’s most Instagrammable pubs, I’m here to take you on a visual journey through the most photo-worthy watering holes our city has to offer.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – doesn’t every bar in LA these days have a carefully curated aesthetic, just begging to be immortalized on your social media feed? You’re not wrong. But trust me, the spots I’m about to share with you truly take the cake when it comes to that perfect blend of style, ambiance, and photo-op potential.
So, grab your camera, your cocktail of choice, and get ready to embark on an adventure through Los Angeles’ most visually-stunning pubs. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Thunderbolt: Where Southern Charm Meets Cocktail Artistry
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into Thunderbolt, a cozy watering hole nestled in the heart of Historic Filipinotown. From the moment I walked through the door, I was captivated by the space’s effortless blend of rustic and modern elements. The exposed brick walls, the plush leather sofas, the mood-setting string lights – it all came together to create an atmosphere that was equal parts warm and sophisticated.
But the real star of the show at Thunderbolt? The cocktails, of course. This place takes their libations seriously, with a menu that pays homage to both Southern classics and innovative, flavor-forward concoctions. Take, for instance, their take on a piña colada, dubbed the “Tropipop” – a clarified, crystal-clear version of the tropical favorite that’s as delightfully refreshing as it is visually stunning.
As Time Out Los Angeles puts it, “Thunderbolt more than delivers on cocktails too.” And let me tell you, this is one photogenic cocktail program that’s worth writing home about. Whether you’re sipping on a savory, umami-packed “Koji Killer” or indulging in a madeira-laced marvel, every drink is a work of art, just begging to be immortalized on your Instagram feed.
But the beauty of Thunderbolt doesn’t stop at the bar. Step outside onto their cozy, string-light-adorned patio, and you’ll find yourself in a little oasis, perfectly primed for capturing that quintessential LA ambiance. Trust me, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting for your next group happy hour or date night.
Melody: A Wine Lover’s Oasis with a Side of Culinary Creativity
Now, if you’re in the mood for a more elevated, wine-focused experience, look no further than Melody. This chic Downtown spot is equal parts wine bar, event space, and culinary incubator – a veritable oasis for oenophiles and foodies alike.
As Time Out raves, Melody’s “breezy” patio is one of the best in the city, and I can’t help but agree. With its lush greenery, string lights, and cozy seating arrangements, it’s the perfect backdrop for snapping those effortlessly cool, “I’m sipping wine on a gorgeous LA patio” shots.
But the real draw of Melody, at least for me, is the constantly evolving food and drink program. This place is a hub for some of LA’s most exciting culinary talents, with a rotating roster of pop-ups and guest chefs that keep the menu constantly fresh and innovative. One week, you might stumble upon a mouthwatering burger collab; the next, you could find yourself indulging in elevated small plates from a celebrated local chef.
And let’s not forget the wine. Melody’s list is a carefully curated selection of small-production, organic, and biodynamic labels – the kind of bottles that are just begging to be uncorked, sipped, and Instagrammed against that picture-perfect patio backdrop. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp rosé or a bold, full-bodied red, this place has got you covered.
So, if you’re looking to level up your wine game and indulge in some truly drool-worthy eats, all while soaking in one of the most visually-stunning settings in LA, Melody should be at the top of your list.
Apothéke: Where Cocktail Artistry Meets Moody Ambiance
Now, let’s venture into the world of Apothéke, a New York-born bar that’s brought its unique brand of cocktail magic to the heart of LA’s Chinatown. From the moment you step through the door, you’re transported to a different era – a dimly lit, apothecary-inspired space that oozes old-world charm and moody sophistication.
As Time Out describes it, the vibe at Apothéke is all about “detail-driven botanical-toned drinks in a dimly-lit setting.” And, let me tell you, they’ve nailed that aesthetic to perfection. The space is adorned with vintage-inspired decor, from the antique-style bottles and jars lining the shelves to the ornate glassware that holds their carefully crafted cocktails.
Speaking of those cocktails, Apothéke takes their libations seriously, with a menu that reads like a veritable apothecary menu. Drinks are categorized by their “medicinal” properties, from stress relievers to euphoric elixirs, each one a work of art in its own right. Think tinctures, bitters, and unexpected ingredients like cantaloupe, bee pollen, and coconut charcoal. It’s a level of cocktail creativity that’s sure to impress even the most seasoned imbiber.
But the real kicker? The gorgeous side patio, which Time Out calls “one of the cutest in the city.” Nestled in a lush, verdant oasis just steps away from the bustling streets of Chinatown, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to sip your artisanal cocktail and snap a few envy-inducing photos. Trust me, your friends will be clamoring to know where you found this little slice of cocktail heaven.
The Writer’s Den: Where Cozy Charm and Clever Concoctions Collide
Last but certainly not least, we have The Writer’s Den, a charming Los Feliz spot that’s equal parts neighborhood hangout and cocktail haven. From the moment you step through the doors of this repurposed Craftsman home, you’re enveloped in a sense of cozy, welcoming warmth that’s hard to find in a lot of LA’s more high-energy bars.
As Time Out aptly puts it, The Writer’s Den is the “Los Feliz equivalent of Cheers, where everybody knows your name” – and that’s exactly the vibe I love about this place. It’s the kind of spot where you can sink into a plush leather sofa, sip on a perfectly made martini, and strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger.
But this isn’t your average neighborhood watering hole. The bar team at The Writer’s Den takes their craft seriously, whipping up house-made syrups, playful cocktail concoctions, and some of the best classic cocktails in town. And let’s not forget the patio – a lush, verdant oasis that’s just begging to be the backdrop for your next Instagram post.
Whether you’re sipping on a cheeky, pun-filled libation or indulging in a timeless martini, The Writer’s Den offers the perfect blend of cozy comfort and Instagram-worthy style. It’s the kind of place where you can feel right at home, all while capturing that quintessential LA vibe.
A Pub Crawl for the Aesthetically Inclined
So, there you have it – a curated selection of LA’s most Instagrammable pubs, each one offering a unique blend of style, ambiance, and cocktail artistry. From the Southern-tinged charms of Thunderbolt to the wine-soaked sophistication of Melody, and the moody, apothecary-inspired allure of Apothéke, these spots are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of aesthetes.
And let’s not forget The Writer’s Den, a cozy neighborhood haunt that manages to strike the perfect balance between casual comfort and cocktail creativity. It’s the kind of place that feels like a second home, with the added bonus of being incredibly photogenic.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, your thirsty friends, and get ready to embark on a pub crawl worthy of any influencer’s feed. Trust me, your followers will be green with envy when they see the stunning shots you’ve captured at these Instagrammable LA hotspots.
And who knows, you might even discover your new favorite watering hole in the process. After all, The Up & Under Pub is always happy to welcome new regulars with open arms (and a killer cocktail menu, of course).
