Death & Co.

We’re always skeptical of cocktail bars expanding to LA from other cities, so we were wary when NYC-based Death & Co. opened in the Arts District. But the cocktails are so good here, we wouldn’t care if they’re owned by Halliburton (for the record, they’re not). This low-lit subterranean cocktail spot requires reservations on busy nights, but if you show up early the host might be able to show you to an open seat at the bar. The cocktail menu changes often, but talk to the knowledgeable bartenders about what you like and they’ll point you in the right direction and teach you about obscure drink ingredients (that is, unless you already know what verjus and granada-vallet are). Next time you’re looking for an upscale cocktail spot for a date, Death & Co. is the one.