13 years ago the DTLA renaissance was slowly waking up the city and its residents and visitors. Though most of them were 9–5 office folk, it would soon develop into the revolutionary force we know it to be today. Meanwhile, in the East Village burough of New York, a new cocktail bar was redefining the way America drank its cocktails. Death & Co is infamous for revolutionizing the craft cocktail. It's been called, "NYC's Most Influential Cocktail Bar" for over a decade, and that's just in New York. Their second location in Denver is also a must-see spot and now they've opened in an elegant subterranean space in our very own Arts District.

13 years ago the DTLA renaissance was slowly waking up the city and its residents and visitors. Though most of them were 9–5 office folk, it would soon develop into the revolutionary force we know it to be today. Meanwhile, in the East Village burough of New York, a new cocktail bar was redefining the way America drank its cocktails. Death & Co is infamous for revolutionizing the craft cocktail. It's been called, "NYC's Most Influential Cocktail Bar" for over a decade, and that's just in New York. Their second location in Denver is also a must-see spot and now they've opened in an elegant subterranean space in our very own Arts District.

David Kaplan, Alex Day, Ravi DeRossi, and Devon Tarby, backed by their team of professionals, opened what may now be the most important bar in Los Angeles, period. In the L.A. cocktail scene, "craft" can be used to describe the art of doing things, so when a big newcomer like Death & Co comes in, big expectations were in play. Head bartender, Matthew Belanger, put together a menu that has raised the bar. "We wanted to utilize the opportunity of fresh ingredients now available to us here in California," says Belanger. The menu is categorized by cocktail profile: everything from light and playful to elegant and timeless, with fresh produce from eucalyptus to papaya. However, Belanger says this menu is different from New York and Denver's because it is "spirit focused", meaning he didn't want to overpower the flavors of the spirits themselves amongst all the fresh produce and other ingredients.

Belanger claims California not only has the abundance of produce but also an abundance of spirits available to work with. You see, here in L.A., we're also big on “craft” distilling (there's that word again). It's also an art and in Downtown, distilleries are popping up by the dozen, making Belanger's R&D process a joy. While his team assembled the plentiful cocktail fare, the kitchen was cooking up a menu that not only compliments it, but demands your attention.

Culinary Director, Wes Hamilton, and Chef Ana Palomares brought forth their A-game and findings of the Pacific Coast freshness that the West Coast celebrates. The food menu is small and curated, with either plates for one, or larger offerings for sharing; all pair well with plenty of drink options on the menu.

The uniqueness of the hospitality here stands out via the concept of the Standing Room, pun intended. Death & Co does not accept reservations but they will put you on a waitlist with a text message to notify you when a table has opened up. While in the Standing Room, instead of sending you off into the arms of another bar, they'll simply send you to the front, where there is a standing area with limited booth seating, and a whole different menu available. Think of it as the amuse-bouche to the experience waiting for you just past the curtains.

Death & Co opened with great fanfare on New Year’s Eve and the place has been packed nearly every day since, with cheers and resonance of acceptance and adoration from longtime fans of the brand. Owner Kaplan says, “Death & Co has resonated so well with our guests because it serves cocktails with passion and attentive hospitality in a uniquely democratic setting. It’s this energy that we’re excited to express in so many dynamic ways. Death & Co L.A. is an evolution from where we began years ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring that energy to L.A.’s already thriving food and drink scene."

Death and Co's arrival in DTLA marks our neighborhood as an important destination for the drinking scene in all of Los Angeles. All are welcome and invited by their friendly staff who are literally dying to meet you.

deathandcompany.com | 810 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Written by Mariana Ramos | Photography by Pascal Shirley