‘the must’ wine bar uncorked at 5th and spring
Now open at 5th and Spring in the former Lime Cafe space is The Must Wine Bar, the latest in a string of openings geared toward real Downtown residents.
In just one short month since signing a lease, the space has undergone a complete transformation: Walls have been torn down, old “diner-style” seating replaced, a revamped menu instituted and warm woods installed at the bar area for a more relaxed vibe.
Oh, about that bar. First-time owner Coly Haan, who has a background in hospitality and wine service, has carefully selected and stocked bottles with a focus on accessible, affordable wines – a smart move in a neighborhood that rewards adventuresome ideas on an approachable scale.
“We have a beer and wine license only, and that’s a good thing. I want the focus to be on the wines,” she says on her second day in business, before explaining that The Must will not serve soju-based cocktails or other newfangled concoctions.
In an increasingly crowded market, The Must is defined juts as much by what it isn’t than what it is. “We don’t serve tapas; this isn’t a Spanish bar,” she says. “You can call it ‘pop cuisine,’ but it’s more like white trash food with a twist.” Think sweet potato tots, fish sticks made from trout, and chicken pot pie. Prices range from $5.00 to $8.00.
Some local loftees were raving about the fluffernutter — an almond-and-peanut-butter spread with bananas and marshmallow fluff in sandwich form.
Still in “soft opening” mode, expect a grand opening and full menu with entrees in January. Though this is the 68th new venture on our list this year, this will be a must-see experience.
The Must Wine Bar
118 W 5th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-627-1162
themustbar.com
12 comments
I hope this works out. Affordable, yet quality wine-by-the-glass in DTLA is about as common as a unicorn with a leprechaun on its back. But in my experience, wine doesn’t pair well with white trash food… i hope the menu is a bit more upscale than they make is sound.
PS. is that the correct URL for the website?
Anthony: Yeah, that’s the correct URL though it is still in development.
I hope they have some good ideas about marketing. I live in the Security Building (site of Must), but if it weren’t for the blogs I’d barely know it was even there.
Had no idea this was there either, and I walk by it everyday.
I love wine, so I’m excited. Hope it has better service than 626 does…
^my thought as well about the menu. peanut butter marshmallow sandwich isn’t my idea of a good wine plate. the space looks cool, though. good luck and welcome to the neighborhood!
ham ‘n cheese sandy was soooooo good! i love it with the blue moon beer. yum.
The Must is an awesome effort by two beautiful women. Without a doubt this will be one of the mainstays of the local community. Its a great place for a party too!
Good luck to all involved!
I can’t wait to try it out!! A flufenutter sandwich with the right late harvest just might work.
I went there last night with a friend. The space is really open and warm. Great wine selection, with all available by glass, carafe or bottle. The service was attentive but not overbearing, and they even gave us our first glass on the house! Will definitely go back.
I had dinner with a friend and a few drinks. This is by far one of my new favorite places. It was very relaxed, great music, good art, great food and the bill was within my budget. I can’t wait to go back!
I have stopped in a few times – once after the art walk and then a return visit to fill a craving. As mentioned above, the food is not typical of a wine bar but it IS unique and perfect for a relaxed evening. I’m crazy for the brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and cheese steak sandwich (divinely made with humbolt fog blue cheese), and will definitely be back to sample more of the wines. Although I’m not much of a dessert person, the port float was an unexpected treat.
Just ate at The Must last night, and it was great! I hear the meatloaf is really good but I have to say the sweet potato tots were excellent… a great place for snacks and a drink after work, and of course the late night culinary necessities! Dessert was really good too and everyone who works there was really friendly. Good luck!