REVELATOR: BAR AVALON
ELEVATED EATS IN ECHO PARK

Echo Park is an ever-evolving neighborhood that is enjoying a steep upswing over the past several years. It went from hoodie to trendy to borderline chic. First there were bars followed by coffee shops and dessert destinations and now with Revelator: Bar Avalon, a posh wine bar and restaurant serving elevated eats that has become a local favorite.

The space, located at Mohawk Collective on busy Sunset Boulevard, is a concept by way of Revelator Coffee Company—a coffee roaster and café operator based in Atlanta with roots in metro markets across the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. Offshoot cafés include Paloma Café in New Orleans.

“We build cafes that reflect and serve the local community, emphasizing both quality and simplicity,” the brand explains on its web site.

Echo Park’s Bar Avalon is run by Chef Joshua Guarneri and General Manager and Sommelier Nathaniel Muñoz.

“I want to be a neighborhood spot,” says Guarneri. “I’m from L.A. I’m an Angeleno. I need to make sure that where I am, I’m invested in the people and the community.”

“My goal is to share my enthusiasm for hospitality with not just people at this restaurant but hopefully the people in this community,” Muñoz adds. “I would love to use this as a model for how to create an ethos of culture, of cuisine, of food and hospitality.”

More than just a wine bar or just a coffee hot spot, Revelator: Bar Avalon is a casual, affordable neighborhood joint where people can come together day or night to socialize and enjoy good eats and drink.

The Bar Avalon duo also opened EVE Bottle Shop, a wine store connected to the restaurant, offering a selection of hedonistic wines from around the world. So good times abound.

During our recent visit for dinner, we started with a nice glass of wine to relax. And soon the crazy energy from outside quickly disappeared.

We started with Deviled Eggs with chicken chicharron, which were tasty bites as advertised. These were great starters.

From the Miscellany section of the menu, the Plancha Blue Prawns with n’duja and preserved lemon were a favorite. While it was no surprise that these would be a solid choice, it just reinforced our decision as we delighted in the beautifully tasty morsels.

From the Big Decisions portion of the menu, the Pork Chop with pickled green tomato relish, and jus, along with the Lamb Braise with tomato, ras al haut and cucumber, were winners. And both were elevated with the suggested wines paired with each. By this point in the evening, life was good and we didn’t have a worry in the world.

If you’re looking for a veggie side dish, I recommend the Collards with chili and tomato. And make sure to save room for dessert to really make a night of it. Our choices included Carrot Halwa, Market Tart, and ice cream.

At Revelator: Bar Avalon, the space if comfy and relaxed, the cuisine is pleasing and the wines are lovely. It has all the makings of a great night out.

"Chef Josh and I look forward to welcoming everyone through our doors at Bar Avalon,” says Nathaniel Muñoz. “We can't wait to pour wine for, laugh with and offer savory satisfying dishes to this community.”

Revelator: Bar Avalon is located at 2112 W. Sunset Blvd. Open for lunch Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm; Dinner from Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. Call 213-908-5352.

Story and photos by: Jose Martinez