Good Housekeeping

When you put a classic cocktail lounge in Highland Park, you get good housekeeping. In this ever-changing neighborhood, curious drinkers can find Spirit Animal Group's Nicholas Krok, Ryan Duffy, and Jeremy Simpson's Spirit Animal Group inside a converted garage off an alleyway behind Cafe Birdie. If you have even the slightest inkling that this is a speakeasy, stop right there; instead, the twinkle-lit courtyard and homey interior combo conveys a downright neighborly vibe. Prepare to be greeted with open arms, whether you live within walking distance or are traveling from afar.

There's also plenty of eccentricity, such as an alt-J-inspired playlist, a hip-bordering-on-quirky clientele, and some seriously funky swills. That is, in the best possible way, as in a charcoal-filtered Manhattan or a Boulevardier made with strawberry-infused Campari. Would you expect anything less than three Julian Cox-trained men? The best part: there are no crowds.

Location: 5631 N FigueroaLos Angeles90042

Contact: 323-739-6928

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-Midnight

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: goodhousekeepinghlp.com