Capri Club

Getting a seat at Capri Club can be a pain in the butt. This intimate bar in Eagle Rock does not take reservations. On any given night, you might have to hover in anticipation of a seat for the better part of an hour, and on weekends, even longer. While you wait, you might spot the star of that indie short film you watched on the Criterion Channel or a furniture designer responsible for a ceramic lamp you’ll never buy.

But hang in there, because sipping a cocktail in a big red leather booth at this charming neighborhood bar is worth the wait. Capri Club is an old-school-feeling Italian drinking den that pulls off "aperitivo hour" from open to close—you come here to sip spritzes, negronis, and amari while snacking on small bites like arancini and pancetta-wrapped dates. A wide, street-facing open window blurs the lines between the indoor booths and outdoor tables, which makes the space feel like a breezy block party. Nothing about the drinks, food, or scene here is particularly notable on its own, but much like the sisters of HAIM, their combined power produces an effortless mashup of "chaotic good" energy.

Before it was called Capri Club, this tiny space on Eagle Rock Blvd. was home to a red-sauce Italian restaurant called Capri. That neighborhood hangout served pasta and wine for decades before making an infamous appearance on Kitchen Nightmares years back and later closing down. The new concept is a wholly reimagined homage to Capri—a vermouth-driven gathering place inspired by Italian happy hour that fills up well before the sun sets and stays packed until it closes around midnight.

Once you’re seated with a martini and a plate of fried squash blossoms, the chatty crowd here makes for great people-watching. There will be fashion girls in chunky boots meeting up to mingle over a drink, efficient staff pouring glasses of Fernet at the horseshoe bar, and birthday groups crowding into those comfy leather booths. If you wanted to make a full meal out of the shareable Italian dishes here you could, but we imagine most people will use this place like we do—as the perfect pitstop to start or end the night.

While mostly solid, the food and drinks at Capri Club aren't necessarily the reason why finding a table requires such a fuss. This busy Eagle Rock bar it feels like a social club with a classic theme that doesn't come across as forced. Wait times for a table might be unpredictable, but you can always count on Capri Club for a fun evening that doesn’t require a dance floor or a DJ booth to be exciting.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Frozen Watermelon Negroni

Why do cocktails taste better blended? We’re not exactly sure. But this cocktail is the perfect example of a frozen drink done right. Campari and sweet vermouth lend a bittersweet bite, while the watermelon—or whatever fruit is in season at the time—is sweet and refreshing without making the drink taste like a bucket of simple syrup.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Espresso Martini

If you haven’t already fallen victim to this drink, Capri Club might be the place that hooks you on this more socially acceptable version of vodka and Red Bull. What’s great about Capri Club’s smooth, foam-topped version is that the espresso doesn’t overpower the vodka—it simply adds a bit of coffee-flavored brightness.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Supplí

Deep-fried risotto bites? Absolutely. These are our favorite things to eat at Capri Club and no, we don’t like to share them.

Frittatine Di Pasta

This Neapolitan-style bar snack involves a luscious softball of fried pasta filled with/on a bed of either bolognese or white romana sauce (we prefer the moist and meaty bolongese).

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Pancetta-Wrapped Dates

If there were an award show with a category dedicated to "Outstanding Achievement in the Party Snack Industry,” these one-bite wonders would sweep the night. They’re crunchy, sweet, and stuffed with a bit of goat cheese. Get at least one order for the table.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Arancino Vegano

Nothing groundbreaking is happening here, but these crispy bites are a solid option for any plant-based eaters in your group.