Taverns that trucked out the terrifying decorations, bars that are colorfully connecting with October’s eerie ways, and eateries unleashing a few eeks: Finding a libation that has autumn overtones around Southern California isn’t too difficult, all told.
But if you’d like to sip in a scene that feels a little frightful, or at least near an area that brims with shivers, consider making your way to some of the following spots as Halloween approaches. These places are bringing both the atmospheric beverages to the table and otherworldly aura to enhance the experience.
Black Lagoon, “The Halloween Pop-up of Your Nightmares,” is serving sippable concoctions with names and vibes that suit the velvet-iest stretch of the year. You can find the wicked and watery overlays at Midnight Oil in Long Beach through Oct. 31 and the Melrose Umbrella Co. on Melrose Avenue through Nov. 1, and drink menus are on the site.
Blood Dawn, a drink featuring Mezcal, Lustau Amontillado sherry, absinthe, lime, ginger, and blackberry, is one mysterious and potent selection.
The Haunting is haunting a handful of California bars, including The Ordinarie in Long Beach. The Poison Apple and Clown-Pearanoia are two terror-tasty offerings, while “exclusive collectibles” and other whimsical details will add to the October-y adventure.
The Academy Museum‘s “The Horror Show” exhibition is now on view, and to honor all of the cinematic shrieks found upstairs at the Miracle Mile movie institution? Fanny’s, the destination’s restaurant, has several spooky sips on its limited-time line-up.
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Black Lagoon offers ocean-y eeks and a float of themed cocktails; find the pop-ups on Melrose Avenue and in Long Beach.
The selections include Split Pea Soup, an ode to “The Exorcist,” and Crystal Lake, a libation that takes its spinetingling handle from the “Friday the 13th” movies (the Kin White whiskey is infused with marshmallow, the quintessential camp confection).
If you want to further the startles after cocktails conclude, buy tickets to the museum to take in all of the iconic horror costumes and props upstairs.
Club 616 in Santa Ana has draped itself in the look of a vintage movie theater lobby, with “Creature Feature” quaffs to match the movie-fun vibes. Let’s All Go to the Lobby boasts buttery moxie, which suits its name, and bourbon, too, as well as other tempting ingredients; check it out here.
The Obscure, that atmospheric Arts District hideaway, has become known for its storytelling-sipping in recent years. The expertly guided programs and well-crafted libations do change, with knowing nods to the season or the passing of time.
This fall, revelers will find fright-lite overtones to the experience, which sets a deep and thrilling mood.
Seeking more spooky music and vino? “Spookeasy Sounds” are arising at the Stefano Cellar at San Antonio Winery near Downtown Los Angeles Oct. 23, with jazzy music performed by Grace Fae & the Grandbirds; the “candlelit ambiance” will up the thrills. Wine is the focus here, rather than cocktails.
You say you’re seeking Hollywood history with your Halloween-inspired beverage? Bar Next Door, which is located in the building where a starry talent agency reigned decades ago, is your vintage go-to this season. The Basic Witch is one potent cocktail on the roster, but others like the Luna de Sangre have plenty of oomph and character to spare.
As for the bar that might be the most Halloween’d-out? That’s a difficult category to measure, but The Speakeasy in Old Town Pasadena is famously over-the-top in the webs-and-wonders department.