The Woods
Whatâs your poison? That may well be the most uttered phrase amid the various watering holes on the junction of Hollywood and Wyndham, and thereâs a lot of truth in the question â hello, cheap taste-bud-killing tequila â but still, when new bar The Woods asks us, weâre intrigued. After all, there are many ways to skin a cat. So into The Woods we go. At the bottom of a long, narrow staircase â the entrance â a glass partition rolls back, open sesame style. On a Wednesday night the place is dotted with customers, but not overstuffed. The lighting is just so â not too dark, not too bright. So far, so good, we think to ourselves.
That is, until we peruse the laser-cut wood menu. Each page bursts with specialist liquors, house-cured ingredients, infusions and hybrids of all kinds â The Woods is known for its hardcore, experimental mixology, and they throw in seasonal fruits and vegetables according to the season. The variety is dizzying and exotic â there is the Peruvian favourite Pisco Sour ($120), and a kaffir lime-infused vodka makes an appearance in the Watermelon Cilantro ($120), shaken with chilli powder. The selection starts to make our brain hurt. Thankfully, help is at hand, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff guide us through this tricky conundrum. Ninety-nine problems â but a drink suddenly ainât one.
Whether your palate craves a sweeter libation or your day deserves a stiffer drink, The Woods has most and more to offer. We start with Blackberry on Rye ($125), a li