by Chrissy Iley
I have been known to go to Home Depot not because I was planning to refit my bathroom or even replace a handle or paint a doorframe, just because I love the smell of new things. I find it mesmeric. Imagine my delight to learn that the Idle Hour Café in North Hollywood had been exquisitely restored. It is a giant barrel – literally, a fairy tale beehive. Something that was first built in 1941 where roadsides in LA were randomly populated by bars that were cowboy hats, cafés that were dogs or even giant cameras or chili bowls.
Apparently there were at one time several barrels around town. The last one standing in North Hollywood has been an empty since the 1980s and finally now it has returned after a loving renovation by the 1933 Group who are renowned in LA for creating perfect drinkeries, amazing cocktails and gorgeous retro kitsch atmospheres that together transport you to another era, time and place.
From the second I set foot in the Idle Hour inhaling its glorious wood scent I was suitably transported. The cocktail menu features the world’s greatest Cosmopolitan (Green Mark vodka, cranberry apple shrub, house grenadine, lemon and Peychaud’s Bitters). It is a pretty fancy claim as Cosmopolitans are drunk the world over. After they first appeared in Sex And the City years back they have become so many people’s go to drink.
Although I have not tasted every Cosmopolitan in the world I can tell you that when I had three of them with my mother in the New York bar opposite the theatre where A Raisin in the Sun was playing she had to carry me to a hotel. They must have been the world’s strongest Cosmopolitans.
These ones looked the same distinctive pink, but they had an unusual kick, a tang, which definitely made me want more of them. They were indeed excellent. But I wanted to try another from the menu. I went for the Maid (Tequila Cabeza, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, mint syrup and lime). These were magically uplifting, crazily refreshing and cleverly drinkable. 1933 Group are known for their quirky but clever cocktails. They create an unexpected cool without fail.
They had bar bites such as Sloppy Joe’s, vegetarian and otherwise, which were marinated in bourbon and cinnamon. They were gorgeous. And a Mac and Cheese that was just creamy enough, just cheesy enough, just crispy enough to be perfect. I know that soon the lovingly restored barrel will smell of beer so I literally cannot wait to get back there while it still has the woody scent.
There is a lovely outdoor patio with a cosy fire where my friend had several Mules lined up. These were a perfect mix of vodka, ginger, lime and soda. An easy, cosy, uplifting drink in an easy, cosy, uplifting setting. House cocktails are $12, and worth every cent. Beers are $5.
Idlehourbar.com, 4824 Vineland Avenue, LA, CA 91601.