BIRDS & BEES
DOWNTOWN BAR STILL ABUZZ

When Birds & Bees opened back in January 2017, the Downtown L.A. bar was abuzz as a handcraft cocktail speakeasy gem. Now at the ripe old age of two, there’s a new management and bar team in place but the look, feel, and, above all, the drinks still impress—maybe more so than ever.

A forward thinking ’50 inspired bar—at least when Birds & Bees opened—it’s no secret anymore that this is a place to go get good drinks. The revamped menu is broken up between House Classics and Our Favorite Songs. In addition, there are High Balls, punch bowls, and beer and wine to wet your whistle.

During our recent visit, we worked our way down the Our Favorite Songs and enjoyed every sip, including the Mack the Knife, which was an instant winner. Made with Aquavit, vodka, Amaro Angelino, Suze, Citrus Oleo, cardamom orange tincture, Peychaud’s Bitters, and tarragon grapefruit, this is a wonderfully stiff cocktail with a great presentation. I’m not a big vodka fan (I prefer gin) but this boozy bad boy really worked.

Another vodka treat was The Devil in Disguise made with pumpernickel, corn rye bread infused vodka, burnt honey, orange, lemon, and Angostura bitters—just so good. It’s exactly this kind of libation that showcases the bigger, better Birds & Bees with its bold, daring and creative cocktails.

An absolute menu standout was the You Make Me Feel So Young with chocolate chip cookie infused rye whiskey, Pedro Ximenez sherry, Angostura bitters, house chocolate bitters served with a side of chocolate chip cookies. This one is just smart and delicious. And take my advice, dip the chocolate chip cookie into the drink. I loved this one.

A couple of the cocktails, the rummy Summer Wind and the gin-based Peggy Sue were too sweet for me but there’s definitely enough drink options for my punchy (boozy) palate to have a great night out.

Another cocktail that my palate loved was the Earth Angel—a luxurious, savory and pricey concoction at $26 that masterfully blends Balvenie 14-year Caribbean cask with lactobacillus fermented mushroom juice. This drink is served with a side of chocolate dipped dehydrated mushrooms and oranges. This one is terrific and boozy.

This new “favorite song” is on par with the Little Tokyo Smoke Break house classic made with Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, cream sherry and coffee bitters, Cherrywood smoke, dried cherry and dark chocolate—a smoky and aromatic delight.

Where the new bar team created a winner with the Gregory Peck—a blend of Barbados rum, pineapple rum, mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Citrus Oleo, and white peppercorn tincture, the Favorite Songs don’t miss a beat and prove why his tucked away bar is worth looking out for.

Birds & Bees is located at 207 South Broadway. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to close. Call 213-537-0510 

Story By; Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Birds & Bees