Villains Tavern Opening Soon in Downtown LA’s Arts District

The thriving downtown LA cocktail scene continues to expand with Villains Tavern, scheduled to open this month in the Arts District. Villains will serve handcrafted cocktails made with squeezed-to-order fresh juices, over two dozen draft beers, and an eclectic, adventurous wine list. Located at the corner of Palmetto Street and Santa Fe Avenue, Villains adds a bar and entertainment venue to a vibrant neighborhood that already includes Tony’s Saloon, Royal Clayton’s, Church & State, and Wurstküche.

Villains Tavern is owned by interior designer Dana Hollister, whose A-list clientele includes Madonna and Robert Downey Jr. In addition to Villains, Hollister has been the owner, founder and designer of ventures such as 4100 Bar, Cliff’s Edge, Brite Spot, Bordello Bar and the historic Paramour Mansion.

Regarding the Villains design, Hollister says, “If Jimi Hendrix and Jack the Ripper had opened a bar in the Haight in the 1860’s, this is what it would look like.” With that in mind, when guests enter Villains Tavern they can belly up to an 1880s bar from New York’s Bowery. Behind the bar, a Gothic-arched church window will be repurposed as a giant mirror. Vintage chandeliers and a 14-foot plate glass window (lined with 600 antique bottles) add to the lush, red-walled interior. Outdoor imbibing can be found at the two patios, which total 1600 square feet. Church pews provide seating, while an outdoor bar and stage will feature live shows and performances.

Villains will also offer a small plates menu and “familiar favorites” with a “villainous twist.” Not sure what that means, but with that theme don’t be surprised if you get entrees like Liver with Some Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti.

Villains Tavern
1356 Palmetto St. (at Santa Fe Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Opening July 2010