Co-owners of beloved Los Angeles seafood mecca Knuckle & Claw, Chloe Dahl and Nikki Booth have always loved traveling.
PHOTO Knuckle & ClawTheir passion for seafood was born from Dahl’s childhood summers spent on Martha’s Vineyard and Booth’s years at the University of Hawaii. While living in New York, the couple found themselves more interested in planning their next meal than their day jobs. After a tasting tour of Maine, they drove across the country to bring fresh, east coast inspired lobster rolls to Los Angeles.
Traveling has always been a big part of their relationship; in the three years they have been together, they have traveled to 20 states and six different countries. Of all the trips they’ve taken, they both agree the best was when they drove 3,000 miles across the U.S., picking destinations purely based on what food the town had to offer.
The two restaurateurs share their go-to LA bars that offer not only great drinks, but next-level bar food as well.
1. Alibi Room
12236 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90066 (map, website)
The Alibi Room serves Chef Roy Choi’s street food out of his kitchen and the cocktails are delicious. It’s the perfect place to meet up with some friends, too. It fills up fast, so my favorite time to go is right when they open to make sure I get a cozy seat!
2. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
1611 North El Centro Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map, website)
Let’s just say that you have to walk through a refrigerator to get into this place. Need I say more? For an epic hidden bar with 70s theme décor and amazing food, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is the spot for an unforgettable night!
3. Jay’s Bar
4321 West Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, CA 90029 (map, website)
Located in a funky little strip mall in Silver Lake, Jay’s Bar is a true hidden gem. They have amazing hush puppies and the cocktails are some of THE BEST in LA; they have a mescal one that is to die for!
4. The Thirsty Crow
2939 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map, website)
Great atmosphere, fantastic drinks, good happy hour, plus you can bring in any outside food you want – The Thirsty Crow let’s you do it all! But be careful, two drinks here is like the equivalent of 3.5 drinks anywhere else.
5. Lock & Key
239 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004 (map, website)
Lock & Key is a hidden bar in Korea Town. First you have to find the place and it’s not easy; there is no signage, just a bouncer outside checking ID’s. Then you enter a room with every wall covered in door handles, and once you find the right handle, you enter an amazing speakeasy-style bar – complete with handcrafted cocktails and a full menu. Did we mention there’s a patio, too!
Article written by CHLOE DAHL & NIKKI BOOTH, Co-owners of Knuckle & Claw (Los Angeles, California.)
Have an amazing meal of your trip at chef Chloe & Nikki’s Knuckle & Claw. +1 (323) 407 – 6142. Follow Knuckle & Claw on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.
