Mitsi

A corridor of Chinatown, once mainly known for David Chang’s Majordōmo and craft cocktail lounge Apothéke, has received a jolt of new energy thanks to Mumford and Son’s Ben Lovett. Following the opening of Pacific Electric, the Grammy winner also introduced a near-palatial bar above the indie music venue.  

The vibe: The cavernous ceilings are covered with lit arches reminiscent of the historic bridges you can see from the patio. Even though it’s mostly one big room, neither the conversations nor the music overwhelms the senses. Mismatched chandeliers over plush booths and sofas, along with sections partitioned off by bookshelves, make the space feel gentle and inviting despite the scale. Lovett looks forward to the space breaking in as more locals make it their weekend home away from home. 

The food: The surprising highlight is the late-night sushi bar from chef Jon Kim. At the end of the bar, fresh nigiri, sashimi, handrolls, and snackables like edamame complement the generally savory-leaning drinks.

The drinks: Signature cocktails are generally riffs on classics, like their amaro-laden take on an old fashioned, or the rare inclusion of a 50/50 martini, which takes a lap around a garden with its tomato and fresh cilantro. The simple yet well-executed updates keep the cocktail list under $20, while the impressive natural wine list comes with a more luxurious price tag. Non-alcoholic cocktails currently include sparkling teas and Negronis, but more options are on the horizon.

Time Out tip: Take the whole crew or cozy up to a date. Mitsi is one of the few bars in L.A. that can accommodate larger parties while still feeling intimate enough for a date night.

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