It doesn't really surprise us that, during a time when it seems like many things are at a standstill, bars and niteries continue to open and flourish at an impressive pace. Maybe there is some truth that in a harder moment, people like a cold cocktail, a warm bartender (with a big ear), and a place where they can escape the woes of the world.
The new Barbarella Bar, which just celebrated its grand opening, boasts low lights, deep couches, and a long, long line of brews on tap; it all seems so thoroughly escape-y and "stay awhile" to us. The beers have burbled in from all points around the planet -- look for sips from Belgium, Canada, and the United States -- and they pair nicely with dishes like the signature pizza and braised short ribs (Lance Corralez, who last worked the stove at The Abbey, is the head toque).
Oh, in case you're worried that something with "Barbarella" in its name should include an element that's just a bit cheeky, there are bartenders sporting saucy corsets that lace up the back. We find it to be the perfect 1960s-ish, Vadim-film kind of touch for the latest Silver Lake hangout.
