JOE’S RESTAURANT IGNITES VENICE BAR SCENE

The patriarch of the famous Abbot Kinney dining scene in Venice Beach, our friends at Joe’s Restaurant have really upped the ante with its stellar bar program.

Step inside Joe’s and you’ll walk right smack into the cozy bar area, sure, “cozy” can also mean “tiny” but rest assured you’re in for a great time. Now under the direction of Mixmaster Zachariah Parks, the bar at Joe’s has become its own quality destination. Unwind after a hard day of work and enjoy tasty bar bites and extremely savory cocktails.

The Bar menu includes House Made Potato Chips served with Blue Cheese Dressing; Whole Spanish Olives in Garlic and Olive Oil; Crudo of the Day; Flat Iron Steak served with Garlic Potato Chips and Chimmichurri; 3-Cheese Plate; and Tuna Tartare and Smoked Salmon with Sliced Cucumbers.

Happy Hour at Joe’s runs Sunday thru Thursday from 6-7pm and again from 9-10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 6-7pm and 10-11pm. Good times indeed! Take advantage of Joe’s 6 for $6 menu where you can enjoy weekly specials, including Housemade Sausage, Korean BBQ, Fresh Spring Rolls, Steamed Mussels, Grilled Octopus, and Ricotta Cheese Tortellini, Tuesday thru Sunday for $6.

But if you’re bellied up at Zach’s bar, it’s drinking that you really want to do. The revamped cocktail menu is broken up into five categories: Crisp, Smoky, Sour, Fragrant, and Bittersweet. Start with the Wha’ Happen en Oaxaca from the Smoky section. It’s mixed with house-infused jalapeño tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Green Chartreuse, fresh lime, muddled hot peppers and served with a smoked paprika rim. It’s hot, spicy, and smoky and will definitely wake you up!

Now that you’re wide awake and raring to go, you may want something a little out of the ordinary, so go for the She So Old Fashioned from the Fragrant section. It’s definitely different than any other Old Fashioned you’ve had. Mixed with Bulleit Rye Whiskey (a personal fave), shiso simple syrup, and Fee Bros. celery bitters, it has bite yet does offer that soothing bourbon finish.

Looking to pick things up a notch, then go for the St. George Sazerac—serious drinkers only. Made with Bulleit Rye Whiksey, St. George Absinthe Verte, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a sugar cube, this cocktails means serious business so pace yourself as it’s a real kick in the pants. This will either end your night or take it to a whole new level of fun.

Opting for something from the Crisp category that will keep the party going, order the Bucking Branca aka Lyle Alzado, another no-nonsense drink (thanks Zach!). Made with Fernet Branca, St. George Absinthe Verte, and caramelized orange peel this one will always do the trick.

Now that you’re flying high, ask yourself, room for one more? If so, opt for a dessert-like drink from the Sour menu and order The Farmers Market Pisco Punch—a tasty choice. Made with Pisco, fresh lemon, egg white, Angostura bitters, and fresh farmers’ market fruit, on this night it was pineapple guava. This is a sweet and light cocktail and is a great option for someone who can’t handle the St. George Sazerac. Also, it serves as the perfect nightcap.

Good food, great drinks in a lively setting, that’s what a night out in Venice is all about. Head into the dining room for some of the best California-French cuisine in town if you need more substance or just to elevate your evening; otherwise leave yourself in Zach’s capable mix-master hands and revel.

Joe’s Restaurant is located at 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd. For reservations call 310-399-5811. Valet parking is available. Closed Monday.