Downtown L.A. newcomer Westbound is quickly becoming one of the Arts District’s most sought-after watering holes for its vintage-inspired décor, craft cocktails and American bites, by way of Mélisse-trained chef Gary Nguyen. Set on the grounds of the original 1893 Santa Fe Railroad La Grande Station, the Studio Collective-designed space pays homage to the classic train car with accents like espresso-dyed leather Pullman booths, Tom Dixon brass light fixtures and a hand-painted, copper-clad bar. “You step in and are instantly transported to another time and place,” says proprietor Sarah Meade. “You can definitely feel the sophistication of the era.”

Here, an all-star team of bartenders—spearheaded by New York’s Booker & Dax alum Dee Ann Quinones—whip up innovative cocktails like The Conductor; a take on the Whiskey Sour with bourbon, black sesame, tamarind, egg white and lemon served in a frosty coupe. Whether you’re sipping on a house cocktail, wine, beer or even a macchiato on the olive tree-lined patio or at the bar, one thing is for certain: you won’t want to skip out on Westbound’s gourmet spread. Upon entry, guests are greeted with an endless bowl of savory popcorn and at 1 a.m., Westbound serves complimentary late-night freshly baked brownies. The menu offers an upscale alternative to the usual grease-packed bar fare with dishes like the foie gras-topped brioche waffles, caviar-garnished oysters, and an almond milk panna cotta topped with cocoa nibs and a Nutella crunch. “La Remedia is the perfect gin cocktail for the summer with fresh watermelon and citrus juice, mixed with a housemate pink peppercorn syrup and sea salt. I like pairing this with the New Zealand Tai Snapper,” says Meade of her favorite pairing.

“This is your neighborhood bar,” she says. “We want you to come in for a drink and a bite and stay the whole evening, never feeling rushed.”

Pictured: Westbound’s Salmon Nori Cone
Photo by: DYLAN + JENI

 

 

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