THE GUEST HOUSE
NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

From restaurateurs Rose and Aram Serobian of Los Feliz and Silverlake’s beloved Home restaurants, which have been feeding east-siders for nearly 20 years, comes The Guest House, a cool and casual spot sporting a dynamic craft cocktail program located next door to Home on Hillhurst Avenue.

A converted bungalow with elegant touches throughout, The Guest House sports high-arched ceilings with exposed wood beams, Italian floor tiles, tufted leather banquets, a full working fireplace, and a cozy covered patio and front porch with wooden table tops and stenciled tile floors. The vibe of the place is casual and the elevated cocktail program is something the neighborhood has really been lacking.

The regionally inspired menu created by Chef Ara (originally from the Netherlands), was designed to be shared with items like Chilean Blue Mussels, Shrimp Saganaki, Southern-Style Sliders, Moroccan Meatballs, and Octopus Salata. The craft-cocktail program, curated by Mixologist Edwin Del Rosal, uses locally sourced (California-derived) and hyper locally sourced (Los Angeles–derived) ingredients, with standouts such as the Navy Grog—using Three Sheets Rum from San Diego, alchemist ginger syrup from Los Angeles, and local clementines also grown in Los Angeles—and the WD Swizzle, named after Los Feliz's famous neighbor Walt Disney, made with raisin-infused El Silencio Mezcal, agave nectar, lime, carrot, and pineapple juice, served with a Mickey Mouse logo printed on edible rice paper.

During our recent visit for dinner, we sat and settled into the relaxed setting and started with cocktails. The Bees Kiss with Cold Water Gin from San Diego, local honey, and vanilla gelato from Pazzo Gelato was a great, refreshing starter. Likewise, the vodka-based L.A. Water with Local Sage, Loft & Bear from downtown L.A., Chareau Aloe Liqueur also from L.A., house-made apple syrup, lemon and soda proved very pleasing.

If you’re looking for something a little boozier, the Navy Grog with Three Sheets Rum from San Diego is a good choice, as are the Coco Lemongrass Collins with lemongrass infused Atlantico Light Rum, sugar, lime, Thai coconut water, and soda, as well as the Virgin Island Kula with Three Sheets aged rum, Navy Strength Plymouth Gin, apricot liqueur, Alchemist orgeat, lime and orange.

There’s plenty on the menu to choose from to eat. The menu isn’t broken up into appetizers and entrees, instead it’s all small plates to share—but we’re not talking tiny dishes here. The Sriracha Chips with a side of vinegar malt aioli is very nice to start but if you’re really looking to grub, start with the Chilean Blue Mussels with white wine, shallots, garlic, fennel, chili flakes, parsley, and grilled ciabatta. Another good choice is the Southern Style Sliders with crispy chicken thighs, fig jam, arugula, and Granny Smith apple. Neither will disappoint.

If you want something a little more adventurous, go with the Octopus Salata with grilled octopus, cherry tomato, caperberries, jalapeño, cilantro, lime and green onion. It’s light and fresh and fantastic. Likewise, the Moroccan Meatballs with oven roasted tomato sauce, North African seasoning, lime, mint and grilled ciabatta really hits the spot.

And consider the Oxtail Ragu with pappardelle, stewed tomatoes, parsley, and parmigiano Reggiano a must-have. This dish is hearty and so flavorful. You may not want to share this one—I’m just sayin’.

A drink slightly on the sweeter side that really won me over is the W.D. Swizzle with raisin-infused El Silencio Mezcal, agave nectar, lime, carrot and pineapple juice. The presentation is first rate and this cocktail, especially towards dessert really works. I’ve had some carrot cocktails that just failed but this one, with the added smoky mezcal flavor, is damn good.

If you prefer your libation to be more potent, then the California Sidecar with brandy from Ukiah and curacao from downtown L.A. should do the trick.

Make sure to get dessert at The Guest House as the Brownie Bites, especially served a la mode, are fantastic. The Affogato with vegan vanilla gelato from Pazzo Gelato served with an espresso shot is also a crowd pleaser.

I love the welcoming vibe at The Guest House where you feel transported from the busy hustle and bustle outside to a place where you can sit back, enjoy a slower pace and get lost in first rate cocktails and fine fare.

The Guest House is located at 1750 Hillhurst Avenue. Open daily from 5 pm to Close. Coffee house hours are from 7 am to 4 pm Sunday-Thursday and 8 am to 4 pm Friday and Saturday. Call 323-660-9930.

Story By; Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: The Guest House