St. Felix Is All About Laid-Back Cool – and Killer Cocktails

Bars in Los Angeles often have the shelf-life of an uncorked bottle of Merlot, but St. Felix seems to have cracked the cocktail code when it comes to staying power and innovation.

Cocktails at St Felix Hollywood

Opened eight years ago, the original St. Felix in West Hollywood sits on the bustling strip of Santa Monica Blvd., just around the corner from The Abbey. While its rowdy high-profile neighbor initially brought patrons, St. Felix set itself apart, focusing on a cozy neighborhood atmosphere with a stylish decor, cool vibe and elevated drinking and dining experience.

“We were ahead of the curve in that area trying to do tapas style with thought out ingredients, great presentation, and quality food and execution,” says John Arakaki, owner of St. Felix. “Equally as important, we wanted to offer cocktails that were accessible and creative using premiere liquors that were also affordable.”

Clearly, the concept was a hit and a few years later, a second location in Hollywood opened. Larger in size, the bar, which now features DJs every Friday and Saturday night, includes a back room for private parties and a patio area hosting numerous events from video game launches to fashion shows, to A-List after-parties to even screenings (yes, they have a projection screen).

While the two locations have their differences in size and functionality, one thing that is uniform is its mastery in mixology.

“Each drink is designed and produced to be accessible but they are creative and have a nice presentation where you can see the artistic process,” says Arakaki, a native of Cleveland.

Firecracker Cocktail at St Felix Hollywood

The Firecracker has been on the menu since the very beginning and it isn’t going anywhere. The cocktail with a kick features grapefruit vodka, fresh lime juice, cranberry and fresh cut jalapenos, made as spicy as requested.

“People have tried to replicate it but they can’t,” says Arakaki.” “I like to do the Eddie Van Halen thing. He would take off the names off the instruments he played not to reveal his techniques and I often leave something off the menu. The great thing about spirits is there is so much room to do something original, so do it.”

Desperado Cocktail at St Felix Hollywood
Desperado Cocktail

The light and refreshing Cucumber Dilletante, with muddled cucumbers and dill and Tito’s Vodka with elderflower liquor, is also a classic favorite. If you can handle the heat, order the tequila-based Flaming Margarita which is set on fire with everclear. The Desperado also packs a punch with crushed red bell pepper, fresh pressed tangerine and lime juice and your choice of Corralejo Tequila.

Not a gin fan? St. Felix’s Stockholm Syndrome may just change your mind. Made with Martin Miller Gin, rosemary, lime, pomegranate juice and muddled strawberries, Arakaki describes it as a “gateway drink” to the spirit.

Thai Deviled Eggs at St Felix Hollywood

When it comes to bites, the menu is just as carefully curated. Influenced by Arakaki’s many travels, the Americana fare often has a touch of international flair. Think Thai deviled eggs drizzled in peanut sauce alongside traditionals like mac n cheese and kobe beef or fried chicken sliders.

The Hollywood location also offers brunch in its lounge with a stacked custom Bloody Mary bar with every farm to table item you can think of including beef jerky, celery stocks, bacon slices and stuffed blue cheese olives.

“I want a KISS concert meets farmers market experience,” says Arakaki. “You want depth, stages, dynamics. I want people to say ‘wow,’ not just sloppy pouring themselves pickles. I don’t want to half-ass it.”

No matter what you order, from either location, you’ll know what you are getting.

“I really work with the staff to make sure there is consistency,” says Arakaki. “I treat it like a music session. You do a cut on a record and if your beat is off, if you miss a note, you have to do it again and lay the track right. I do it with all my bartenders, even if they have a lot of experience. You can’t rush the process because St Felix has been around so long where people know the taste and it’s important we maintain that reputation.”

Margarita at St Felix Hollywood

As serious as Arakaki takes the craftsmanship in his cocktails, don’t expect a bartender with a handlebar mustache giving you the side-eye or a lecture about why you should or shouldn’t order something.

“I’m so glad that snotty pretentious bartender trend is over,” he says. “I don’t want our staff talking down to anyone, they are there to listen. You are in Hollywood but the spotlight is on the customer, not you. Lose the ego, no one cares, so, just be cool.”

And that’s just what St. Felix is, so damn cool.

St. Felix details

West Hollywood: 8945 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069  P: (310) 275-4428, @stfelixweho

Hollywood: 1602 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 P: (323) 469-5001, @stfelixhwd

 

 

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