Spring Street Bar: A New Haven for Thoughtful Cocktails in Downtown LA

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Two seasoned bartenders have breathed new life into Downtown LA's Historic Core with the recent reopening of Spring Street Bar. Alexander Vaughan-Ruiz and Brandon Richard, both veterans of the cocktail scene with experience at renowned establishments like Bestia and Wolf & Crane, have taken a decade-long journey to transform this space into a welcoming environment for cocktail enthusiasts.

A Vision Realized

After six years of searching for the perfect location, Vaughan-Ruiz and Richard finally signed the lease for Spring Street Bar in May. The subsequent four months were dedicated to gutting and renovating the former sports bar, ensuring that the charm of the nearly 100-year-old building was preserved. "We always wanted to be in the Historic Core," Vaughan-Ruiz shares, emphasizing the significance of the location. The team refined the original bar top and introduced walnut columns and tabletops, paying homage to the building's rich history while crafting an inviting atmosphere for patrons.

Cocktails for Everyone

At Spring Street Bar, accessibility and quality are paramount. The cocktail menu features a diverse range of offerings, with all drinks capped at a reasonable $16. Guests can indulge in classics such as espresso martinis and white Negronis, alongside crowd-pleasing milk punches made with Diplomatico rum. For those looking for something more unique, the El Centro cocktail blends Amaras Espadin Reposado, vermouth, amaro, and bitters, catering to more adventurous palates.

The menu also highlights innovative concoctions like the Grape Escape, which incorporates Peru’s grape brandy pisco with Capurro Pisco, Xila Licor de Agave mezcal, fresh grapes, lemon, and pink peppercorns. Beer aficionados will find an assortment of options, including hefeweizen, IPAs, and Boomtown’s Bad Hombre, which pairs perfectly with a shot of Mestizo Mezcal Espadin. Wine lovers can enjoy a selection of glasses priced at an approachable $12, featuring options like Austrian pinot noir, Portuguese vinho verde, and Cava.

Engaging Events and Community

Spring Street Bar isn’t just about great drinks; it’s also committed to fostering community engagement. Rather than following the trend of Monday night industry events, Vaughan-Ruiz has curated a unique offering: every third Monday, the bar will host free training sessions focusing on various spirits. This initiative allows both bartenders and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of the craft.

Tuesdays will feature tastings of Japanese whiskey or tequila, giving guests the opportunity to explore new flavors, while Wednesdays promise exciting food pop-ups, further enriching the bar's vibrant atmosphere. These events align with the owners’ vision of creating not just a bar, but a cultural hub for the Historic Core.

A Historical Context

The revitalization of the Historic Core has been a significant aspect of Downtown LA’s transformation, dating back to 1999. Thanks to the city’s Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, developers like Cedd Moses and Andrew Meieran have been able to breathe new life into abandoned commercial buildings. This movement has facilitated the emergence of popular venues such as Golden Gopher and Seven Grand, paving the way for a new generation of cocktail destinations, including Spring Street Bar.

The area has seen a mix of closures and reopenings, with beloved spots like the Varnish closing earlier this year after a successful 15-year run, and new establishments like Pacific Seas rejoining the scene as part of Clifton’s Republic's relaunch. Spring Street Bar stands poised to become a cornerstone of this evolving landscape.

Conclusion

With its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to crafting accessible yet thoughtful cocktails, Spring Street Bar promises to be a vibrant addition to Downtown LA’s Historic Core. Vaughan-Ruiz and Richard’s vision of a space that values both tradition and innovation is sure to resonate with locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers.

Reference: Eater Los Angeles

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