Three times’ a charm for Mister O’s.
My husband and I have enjoyed there a total of three times and each visit was a total palate pleaser. Simply put, their cocktail program is sophisticated, the ambiance is lovely, and the bartenders really know their stuff.
Ambiance: Palm Springs Chic
The lounge decor is modern nostalgia – like a soft-toned mid-century desert getaway. It reminds me a bit of an early 1970’s hotel my east coast relatives used to rent for the winter. Mister O’s lounge area is inviting with comfortable seating options for groups, pairs, and singles. While many popular valley bars are currently embracing sports TVs and a loud, raucous environment, Mister O’s lively sound level lets you actually hear your date speaking to you across a table. There are no TV screens on the walls. Little touches sometimes make the biggest difference.
Drinks: Clean Classics, Refined Recipes
Mister O’s cocktail program is a level of sophistication that every classic lounge should aspire to. They have a wonderful rotating list of house recipes, (try their tangy/spicy Forbidden Garnet and carrot/ginger-infused Silly Rabbit) a well-educated approach to classics and a very nice overall beer, wine, and spirits selection for “neater” palates.
I give a special nod to bartender Peter who’s winning personality had us at hello and did the best “bartenders choice” round I’ve ever experienced. He asked smart questions, gave us a whiff of a new-to-us aged gin, and he used our conversation as inspiration for his own subtle twist on two classics: a Negroni and The Last Word. Liquid perfection.
So… you probably wonder if I’m doling out so much love to Mister O’s, why I haven’t mentioned the food. Truth be told, we’ve never eaten there because the dinner menu prices seem a touch out of whack and the dishes unremarkable. I suppose a $134 tomahawk ribeye isn’t *that* outrageous if you get to take the bone home with you to use as self-defense. Seriously though, friends tell me Mister O’s has a very nice Sunday brunch and that their yuzu/kumquat pannacotta is so good it will haunt your tastebud for weeks.
People: Nice Neighbors
The folks that frequent Mister O’s lounge seems to be neighborhood regulars: A diverse, friendly crowd who clearly enjoy their spirits, but don’t pepper overly loud conversations with high pitched WooHOOs and chest bumps. Thankfully, it’s the furthest thing from a bro bar you’ll find on Ventura.
Bottom Line: Top Shelf
If you’re inspired to knock back a great Knickerbocker like Nick and Nora Charles, (The Thin Man movies starring William Powell and Myrna Loy) you’ll definitely enjoy the cool sophistication of Mister O’s chic cocktail lounge vibe.
Mister O’s serves divine drinks seven days a week beginning at 5:00pm
Mister O’s
11838 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA
818-358-3839
misterosla.com
Salt, Sweet, Spirits. 