GEORGIA’S LOUNGE
A SOPHISTICATED SOUTH BAY COCKTAIL LOUNGE

The South Bay, in this case Redondo Beach, is known for its chill atmosphere. It’s all about the laidback beach life where beers tend to run aplenty.

So cheers to business partners Tim Foley, Jonathan Dahl and Jocelyn Kaylene for opening Georgia’s Lounge, a whiskey-focused cocktail lounge serving handcrafted cocktails, eclectic wines by the glass and bottle, and local craft beers.

The story goes that Foley wanted to build a neighborhood bar with a 'Cheersesque' vibe of friendly service and a design suited to any type of social gathering. What the partners built was a unique mix of old and new. The custom neon/white 'Georgia on my mind' sign captures the fun and fresh energy of the South Bay yet it also feels chill and comfortable.

The cocktail menu, especially for the South Bay, is legit. The Wayward Manhattan with 1792 Bourbon, Averna, sweet vermouth, aromatic bitters and Luxardo cherry is solid. Likewise, the Grandma Georgia made with Wild Turkey rye, Laphroaig scotch, coffee and bourbon-aged bitters, sugar cube, orange zest and Luxardo cherry is complex and refined with a hint of chocolate and a nice smoky finish.

On the lighter side, the Oceania with Beluga vodka, St. Germain, cucumber, basil and lemon is refreshing and goes down very easy.

Georgia’s Lounge also offers five craft beers on tap for $8 each. And the curated wines have options for a six- or nine-ounce pour.

Nightly specials include 'Trivia Night' on Mondays, 'Wine Down Wednesday' with specially-priced wines, and Thursday offers a weekly scotch, bourbon or whiskey 'flight night' featuring flights from 4:30pm till close. The featured liquor changes every week and is designed for the guest to sip their way through the finest spirits from the top shelf.

Tucked far enough away from the beach, the setting at Georgia’s Lounge isn’t as frenetic as some bars right at the water. While there still can be that rowdy South Bay energy, it’s a nice break from the earthiness found on the pier. Personally, I could do without so many TVs as I don’t like my cocktail bars to have any sports bar vibe, yet Georgia’s Lounge does manage to offer a little something for everyone.

Folks in the Valley or in L.A. proper may not want to make the trek just to hit up Georgia’s Lounge but it definitely is worth a visit for anyone in the South Bay. Get to know your new lovely friend Georgia if you’re a local. And if you’re making a day at the beach this summer, well then, by all means make Georgia’s Lounge a place to visit for a stiff drink and enjoy a break from some fun in the sun.

Georgia's Lounge is located at 1500 Aviation Blvd in Redondo Beach. Open Monday thru Wednesday from 5pm to midnight; Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 2am; and Sunday 9am to midnight. Call 424-398-0436.

Story By: Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Georgia's Lounge