sixth and main: downtown comes together
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Something extraordinary happened this first week of December in Downtown LA: As the brand-new LA Live megadevelopment brought a star-powered cast to South Park’s sports and convention sector, a century-old eatery reopened its doors to great fanfare, and talk surrounding the neighborhood’s newest drinking establishment has reached a frenzied pace.
It just goes to show that there’s enough room in Downtown for modern, awe-inspiring scale as well as classic, intimate spaces. Each serves its purpose for the betterment of our city.
And though the rosy glow of ribbon cuttings, new experiences and media attention will undoubtedly shift elsewhere in the coming months, those involved in the projects detailed below have created lasting gathering places for Downtowners.
What’s Old Is New
Here at 6th and Main, nighttime activity has returned to the formerly dark reaches of the street, cheer and goodwill in tow.
Cole’s, Originators of the French Dip — as it’s now known under the auspices of barman Cedd Moses — opened in 1908 and has returned to fill the void left when it was shuttered for renovations last year.
A Saturday ribbon-cutting drew dozens of participants who lined the sidewalk waiting to sample 100-cent mini French dip sandwiches and lagers. Update: Regular hours begin Monday, December 8. Be sure to call ahead to confirm. 118 E 6th St, Pacific Electric Lofts Building, More photos
Guilt by Association
Next door, the Association by Ashley Joyce has yet to open for a full week and is already a favorite among Downtowners. A long, intimately lit space, it has the feel of a classic Bond film — with carpeting from a Vegas casino, mirrored ceiling fixtures and sexy banquettes to fit the mood.
Edmundo Macias, the Association’s affable general manager, explained that plans for the future will include live music and DJs. But with high-quality cocktails and a reliance on word-of-mouth referrals, Priority #1 is clear: ”We’re here to serve the local community first.”
Drinks were formulated by Kent Howard of Nopa in San Francisco, who tells the Times a bit of his vision for fresh ingredients.
Just a few of the standouts are the Derby (bourbon, Benedictine, Angosturra bitters); the Aviation (gin, maraschino, creme de violette and lime lemon); and the classic Sazerac (Peychaud’s bitters, Absinthe, rye whiskey). 110 E 6th St, Pacific Electric Lofts Building, More photos
19 comments
Lime in an Aviation? Interesting.
Sorry, that’s most definitely lemon. My bad.
Cole’s looks great. Basicly how I remember it looking before the 213 takeover. Kudos to Cedd and his team for maintaining the historical integrity of the space and double thanks for continuing the 213 tradition of cute bartenders!
Any word if Cole’s will still have live music on occasion?
doubt it. the back room where they used to have music is now where the association is located.
Celia: Do you know where the Varnish Lounge is going? I couldn’t tell from inside.
shitttters. I loved that back room. It looked like an old druid chapel… not that I know what an old druid chapel looks like, but that’s my guess.
is this “Association” going to turn into a trendy spot or does it have longstanding dive potential (even if a bit upscale)?
Anthony: I think it was designed as a locals’ bar, which is in such high demand these days that it will be overwhelmed with patrons throughout Downtown and from elsewhere.
Rich - the size of the crowd isn’t what makes or breaks a bar for me. It’s the clientele… such a thing can easily be regulated by choosing the “jukebox” selection and staff wisely. Let me put it this way - will this bar be swarming with people who just shopped at the new Ed Hardy store or people that actually exist in “reality” and just want to throw back a few drinks with buddies?
yes, I’m asking you to see the future
Anthony: Yeah, my quote had little to do with my take on the clientele (which I also happen to think highly of at first glance) but went solely to the success of the bar’s opening.
What I saw there was a mix of Downtowners who make things happen (business owners, Downtown real estate agents, bloggers, bar owners, restaurateurs, designers residents and other Downtown workers, off the top of my head).
Things can change in an instant with a write-up in certain publications, or the opening of a newer establishment elsewhere. Let’s hope the Association remains a (successful) locals’ hangout just like owner Ashley Joyce wants it to be.
bloggers! lol! If only…
I hear ya’ though. When I read “locals’ hangout” I absolutely think “a bar I’d like,” regardless of where it’s located. Heck, even “locals’ bars” in Hollywood are tolerable on most nights. So if that’s what they’re shooting for, godspeed. Just keep the house music, velvet ropes and suited-up gorilla bouncers off the premises and it should be fine!
With Coles, Blu LA Cafe, Association, and what like…3 or 4 more bars opening on 6th street…PLUS the tattoo place by Cartoon and the art gallery next door. Wow, remember how this street was just 4-5 months ago???
rico,
from what i gather the lounge area of cole’s will be all the way in the back, as in past the dining area deep within the structure.
ate at cole’s today and i was not impressed with the food or service.
$12 for a dry dip and potato salad and i waited for over 45 minutes for my food!
french dip = bread + meat + au jus = a 20 second sandwich!
I know Coles has a historic reputation so I dont mean to say anything negative about them, but their service is really awful. and the owner, he is not very friendly. Food was good though, it had more of a family environment. From what I recall it used to, but now it reminds me more of a pub.
damn, $12??? A dip + side @ Cole’s used to cost like $8… sigh, I guess rehabilitation has its cost.
French dips (beef, turkey, pork or lamb) are 9 bucks. Cheese is a buck extra. Potato salad or cole slaw is 3 bucks. There’s tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich, and apple pie or pecan pie. Ala mode if you want. Mustard and extra au jus ($1) are available. And there’s your menu. Almost In-N-Out Burger like in its simpicity. Of course, whatever beer, wine or cocktails you want from the bar.
I had a beef dip and potato salad (studded with big chunks of bacon). Very good, but overpriced. At least as good as Philippe’s, if not better. Since I live in the building, I will be back, but Philippe’s is certainly not getting scratched off my list.
Hey yall’!
Cole’s just rebuffed their Cocktail Menu with descriptions, and added some items on the menu. Ask about their Prime Rib dinner. It’s delicious and a great alternative to the sandwich! They also have Cesar salad and Mac and cheese. I heard french fries are coming soon, and so is the bar “Varnish”! This place is great, they even infuse their whipped cream for the Irish coffee with Jameson. I have to say it “well that’s real neat!”
A couple things before I go, because I either eat, or drink there every other day. The potato salad has been great, it’s one of my favorite things on the menu, but you gotta stop messing with a good thing guy’s! Enough with trying the different herbs on everything! Sometimes, less is more?
I LOVE YOU COLE’S and all the staff there, you guy’s are great and keep up the good work!
Beer was great - food was average. Service was serviceable. Was seated at a table that looked directly in the garish overcranked light of the kitchen so any ambience of the room was killed.
Note to a lot of restaurants: stop oversalting your food. This goes to you too Coles and your hideously salty soup.