New Mezcal Bar & Old-Fashioned Hospitality at Laurel Hardware in WEHO
Mixologist Dustin Shaw “goes at it” with one of the cocktails he created for the new mezcal bar
(Gerry Furth-Sides) The truth of it is that we had such a good time at the brand new, mezcal bar at the front of Laurel Hardware in that we forgot the trials of rush hour traffic getting to WEHO, and the next day wasn’t sure how we got back – parked. And the next day we were very surprised to find our car backed into the driveway – a driveway with a post in the middle. (photos below are by EDLT Photography)
No wonder. Mezcal is a distilled spirit that can be produced from many varieties of agave plants. It is produced in several different states in Mexico, the most prominent being Oaxaca. The heart of the agave plant, the piña, is traditionally slow- cooked in pit ovens, giving it a characteristic smoky flavor. The type of agave plant, as well as the aging process, make each mezcal unique.
“Para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo been, también.” //mezcalphd.com/2013/10/mezcal-tequila-sotol-bacanora-raicilla-pulque-and-more/
Since its 2012 debut, Laurel Hardware has become a West Hollywood district staple renown for its superb food and fancy beverage offerings. There have been lines outside the door since it opened in 2012.
And once again proves the restaurant’s old-fashioned hospitality and enormous popularity. Maybe it’s just in the bones of this unique location. Proof came before we arrived and called about parking. The hostess, Nancy, answered with instructions she had, then called back within minutes to give specifics using our caller ID. Wow.
A Small Plate: Oaxaca Cheese, Black Mole, Pickled Pearl Onion and Sesame Seed
The beloved restaurant serving new American fare and lavish cocktails was thrilled to announce the opening of its brand new Mexican-themed Mezcal Bar in West Hollywood, California. The glittering array of bottles and the new bar, tucked into the side of the front lobby, just visible from the lines outside the door, shows their affection.
The Mezcal Bar offers seasonal Mezcal-infused cocktails and contemporary Mexican cuisine in a room of intricate design and speakeasy vibe.
Dr. Lakra Cocktail: Ilegal Mezcal Anejo, Cube of Aztec Bitters, Demerara Sugar, Ancho Chili Oil
Chilled Lobster Tostada topped with Cucumber, Avocado, Tomato, Fresno Chili
The cocktail menu features Mezcal-oriented craft cocktails made with seasonal ingredients and nearly 100 different Mezcals sourced from over 50 distillers. All Mezcal is Tequila but not all Tequila is Mezcal — which is made from a different process that gives it a unique smoky taste.
The Mezcal-infused beverages range from their Dr. Lakra cocktail – to the María Sabina cocktail – a sweet concoction of Los Nahuales Reposado Mezcal, Japanese whiskey, blood orange, basil and lavender vanilla espuma. (For more on mezcal, please see the post of our associate writer, Barbara Hansen’s post //www.eatmx.com/2017/03/a-mezcal-bar-opens-at-laurel-hardware.html
Signature dishes include their mouthwatering Chilled Lobster Tostadas (above), Tuna Crudo and Al Pastor Tacos – all sourced with local ingredients and flavors. The full menu is online.
Silky Guacamole made with Lime, Cilantro, Pomegranate, Blue Corn Chips
Tuna Crudo with Mango, Basil, Chicharrones, Lemon
To complement the handcrafted menu, devoted co-owners Dean McKillen and Phil Howard custom built each and every detail of the space.
Hand-carved wood floors with Italian-imported marble inlay, wood panel walls that have been precisely book matched, luxurious plush seating composed of warm- colored fabrics by Loro Piana, a subtle handcrafted wood fireplace mantle and vintage mirrors on the table tops, behind the bar and lining the ceiling that give the room a mysteriously sexy, intimate and yet spacious feel. Additionally, the bar is accented with polished brass and is topped with extravagantly grained black marble.
This gleaming polished brass material carries into the bathroom, which is designed in the same striking, dark, elegant Art Deco style with an exquisite floor pattern of alternating Connemara and Sahara Noir marble.
The cavernous Laurel Hardware goes on and on and on… this is the middle dining-bar area in between the mezcal bar and the back patio
Laurel Hardware is a farm-to-table restaurant serving new American fare and lavish cocktails. The menu offers local and organic produce, hormone free and free-range proteins and a strong selection of draft beers, specialty wine, and handcrafted cocktails.
All dishes encourage the sharing of food.
The engaging, outdoor patio and multi-functional space welcome parties of all sizes and intentions. It is a glorious surprise after coming through Laurel Hardware’s noir lobby and dining area-bar– a sunburst of vibrant color, lights, and outdoor garden.
Established in 2012, Laurel Hardware was a mainstay for tools for decades and equally popular as a farm-to-table restaurant since it opened in 2012. 
Serving new lavish cocktails and American fare dishes, generous enough for sharing, the menu offers local and organic produce, hormone free and free-range proteins and a strong selection of draft beers, specialty wine, and handcrafted cocktails.
Laurel Hardware, located at 7984 Santa Monica Boulevard, serves dinner seven days a week. Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, from 6 pm to 2 am. Reservations can be made by phone at 323.656.6070 or online. For more information or reservations at Laurel Hardware, please visit //www.laurelhardware.com.
Gerry Furth-Sides 
Barbara Hansen 
Chef-owner Alain Cohen 
Roberta Deen 
Jose Martinez 
Nivedita Basu 