The Green Room is One of LA’s Best Secret Spots For a Drink

Lights, cocktails, action! Nestled high up on the hillside, Castaway is Burbank’s newly renovated scenic restaurant overlooking the city. But don’t get too distracted by arguably one of the best views of the Valley or you’ll miss out on one of the L.A.’s best-kept secrets.

The Green Room is the ultra-cool cocktail bar attached to Castaway. Guests enter the chic, secluded space through a hidden door and are transported into a 1920s-inspired speakeasy. TGR is fashioned after the green rooms in theaters and studios of Burbank where performers relax when they are not on stage or camera. Only here, the guests are the stars.

Catering to its Media City crowd, the bar serves up stunning elaborate and interactive cocktails inspired by movies. Feel like you are in a fairytale and try the Belle, inspired by the movie “Beauty and the Beast.”  It’s made with Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Botanical, St. Germain, clarified lemon revealed with essence of rose and plumeria. South of the Border revenge works up a mighty thirst with the El Mariachi, inspired by “Desperado.” It’s made with Agave de Cortes Mezcal, Giffard’s Triple Sec, rosemary and seasonal fruit.

Serving two, the Flying Dutchman pays homage to Pirates of the Caribbean in both its name and presentation. The grog that has dead men telling tales is made with Stolen Smoked Rum, Novo Fogo Cachaça, Smith & Cross, honey, clarified citrus and allspice, poured from the starboard bow down to Davy Jones’ Locker. Inspired by “Indiana Jones,” the Short Round is made with Macallan 12 Year Scotch, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Suze Saveur d’Autrefois, Cherry-Orange Gelée and served wilds with the cup of a carpenter because after a tough day of fighting snakes and bad guys every adventurer needs a stiff drink.

The Steampunk Innovation is a 19th Century inspired cocktail with moving parts, steaming power, infusions and a melting liqueur drip. It’s comprised of Partida Añejo Tequila, Cubed Licor 43, Lapsang Souchong Black Tea, lemon and finishes warm in a floating glass after the machine comes to a rest.

In addition to these innovative imbibes, TGR puts an elevated twist on classic cocktails. Their Martini starts with what the European Union has deemed the greatest Vermouth in the world washing the best martini glass. Then they use selected ultra-premium spirits (such as Grey Goose VX Vodka,  Beluga Gold Line Vodka, Monkey 47 Schwarzwold Dry Gin and Nolet’s Reserve Gin) and finish with Castelvertrano Olives stuffed with Petrossian Caviar and Cabrales Blue Cheese.

Their Daiquiri is a classic refresher from the Caribbean using a combination of local citrus from the central coast and Facundo Neo clear rum, the best Bacardi has ever made. Their Manhattan is simple, strong made with Whistlepig 10 Year Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula and Angostura bitters. The Green Room modified The Sazerac, perhaps the original cocktail of New Orleans, by using a blend of two Cognacs that were never meant for cocktails. It’s made with Hennessey Paradis and a single vineyard project from Cognac Park poured into a glass washed with Absinthe from Switzerland.

To complement the bar menu, the kitchen serves up decadent but snackable bites like Caviar Fries, Wild Salmon Belly Sashimi, Mishima Steak Tartare, Lobster Corn Dogs and cornucopia of the ocean Seafood Tower. Definitely check out The Pink Brink, a featured entrée, that lets you play chef for the night. It’s a tableside Himalayan salt block, scorched to 800 degrees and served with Wagyu Carpaccio, which guests cook right at their table. For dessert, the Midnight In Paris offers an extravagant selection of the chef’s favorite desserts, including Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, Buttermilk Panna Cotta, Dark Chocolate Mousse touched with Cognac and more.

The Green Room details

1250 E. Harvard Rd, Burbank, tgrburbank.com, @tgrburbank

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