Your ultimate uptown bar guide

dynamic, Issue 17, Neslie Tumulac, Features - By Neslie Tumulac on Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 05:00

The Bottle Room
6741 Greenleaf Avenue
(562) 696-8000
Monday to Friday: 3 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday: Noon - 12 a.m.
Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m. (All day Happy Hour)
Happy Hour: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Fridays)
Age restrictions: 21 to sit at the bar

Specializing in craft beer, the two-year-old casual restaurant known as The Bottle Room holds 24 beer taps and nearly 100 bottles, enough to entertain the tastes buds of beer geeks and newcomers alike. Your choices of beer come from a balanced menu of hoppy, malty and spiced varieties, which include small brewery selections, Belgian beers and harder to find brands.

To keep things fresh, beer choices come and go, rotating as the seasons change, but with the opportunity to sample all beers, you are bound to discover something that fits your taste.
First timers of The Bottle Room can start off with a $12 beer flight consisting of four-ounce tasters or seek the advice of the informative staff. They also offer a hand-picked selection of wine, mixed Soju cocktails and a small menu of upscale bar food with a majority of items under $10 and ranging from crispy “slab” pork belly to sweet potato fries.

Whether alone or with friends, the venue, which includes a patio, bar, tables and a small lounge, offers a social energy suitable for both situations. Expect a mellow atmosphere during the day and livelier crowds of regulars and new faces during evenings and weekends.

Vinatero Wine Shop
6531 Greenleaf Avenue
(562) 464-9463
Monday to Thursday: Noon - 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: Noon - Midnight
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
Daily wine tasting (except Friday, Saturday and special events)
Age restrictions: 21+ only

Since its opening nearly four years ago, the Vinatero Wine Shop has made quite the impression with raving Yelp.com reviews, a large local following and three consecutive wins for myfoxLA’s Best Wine Shop in the L.A. area. Why such a hit? Other than its extensive collection of hand-picked wines and beers, special events and daily wine tastings, the most valuable feature Vinatero offers is its emphasis on quality and knowledge, which are both openly shared with anyone who walks through their doors.

Part wine shop, part bar, the latter offers six wines (changed twice a week) for its daily wine tasting at $2 a taste and $10 for all six (except on Fridays, Saturdays and special events). Four beers are also on tap and changed monthly, maintaining a fresh selection for Vinatero regulars. Those new to Vinatero, or wine in general, should let the staff know if you hope to be properly introduced, not only to wine but to the amiable staff as well.

And for those who just cannot wait to enjoy newly purchased wine from the shop, you have the option of opening a bottle then and there without a corkage fee and perhaps with good company. Vinatero’s monthly events include iPod and vinyl nights, art showings, wine classes and more, offering several more reasons to get to know this multi-faceted shop.

The 6740
6740 Greenleaf Avenue
(562) 698-6740
Monday to Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday: Noon - Midnight
Happy Hour: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. (everyday)
Age restrictions: 21 to sit at the bar

Pass the neon beer signs and enter the dim lights of The 6740 complete with jukebox, a televised game and a series of tap handles lining the walls alongside other displays of art.
Part restaurant, part bar, “The 40” continues to be a local favorite for Whittier since it opened 14 years ago. With a relaxed and low-key atmosphere, The 6740 is a no-frills place with a friendly staff, good drinks and food favorites that keeps its patrons coming back for more.

The hearty beverage selection includes 25 beers on tap ranging from $4 to $15, with sampling available. In addition, choose from 30 bottled varieties of beer and a selection of wines and ciders. Available from the kitchen is typical bar food including a selection of sandwiches, tacos, salads, soup and The 40’s best-selling hot wings.

The 6740 has a steady flow of regulars usually with an older crowd coming in by day and a younger group at night. The earlier in the week it is, the slower it tends to be starting off with steady, mellow weeknights and rounding off with louder weekends (and usually a turned up juke box). Though best suited for coming with friends, the bar is said to hold an outgoing bunch for those who decide to check it out alone.