Wood and Vine Offers Small Bites and Classic Cocktails

The area of Hollywood and Vine is really picking up and the addition of the new evening hotspot, Wood and Vine, is yet another example.

The restaurant and bar at 6280 Hollywood Blvd. is nestled into the historic 1923 Taft Building, the home of the original offices of Charlie Chaplin and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Walking past the stars on the boulevard, it’s possible to overlook this hard-to-find destination, which is tucked among a strip of businesses. I would have almost missed it if it wasn’t for the valet sign, as there is no billboard on the building declaring, “ You have arrived at Wood and Vine.” Look for the Pantages Theatre across the street as your landmark.

Once inside, the bar’s two levels are decorated in a rich wooden theme, accessorized with contemporary lighting fixtures. A long wood bar running the length of the main wall, red leather bar stools, a patterned floor, antique furniture and loungers make up the first level. A climb up a staircase reveals the second level dining area with an old Hollywood feel.

Black and white photos including classic Hollywood scenes of Model T’s parked front of the old Hollywoodland sign, hang on a brick wall, illuminated by spotlights.

The highlight of Wood and Vine is the outdoor patio. Situated in a tree-lined courtyard, white marble tables and chairs are arranged under heat lamps. A large table with a center fire pit provides the perfect spot to grab an outdoor drink even on the chilliest of nights.

Executive Chef Galvin Mills has created a menu of seasonal shared plates such as baby beet salad ($8), Carlsbad mussels ($14), pastrami and rye ($14), flat iron steak ($16), oxtail lasagna ($12), and Wood and Vine fried chicken and waffles ($14).

Charcuterie and cheese selections (three for $8, five for $2, seven for $15) are also available with selections including Smokey Blue, Salers, Red Hawk, Vacherin Fribourg, Bleu de Basque, Montgomery cheddar, and Mt. Tam.

The bar serves a variety of classic cocktails ($12) such as the Accomplice (Rain Organic vodka, lemon juice, strawberry syrup, champagne), Re-Animator (Nolets gin, Cointreau, St. Germain, lemon), Black Manhattan (Maker’s Mark bourbon, Averna amaro, Luxardo cherries), and Holland’s Old Fashioned (Bols Dutch genever, sugar, Angostura, lemon twist). On top of the bar are several juicing stations that ensures ingredients in each cocktail are the freshest on the block. Beers average $6 to $8 and include delicacies like North Coast Pranqster ($8) and Deschutes Black Butte Porter ($6). A variety of red, rose, white, and sparkling wines from small-batch California producers are available by the glass ($9 to $16 per glass) and bottle.

Wood and Vine boasts a lively atmosphere, which includes a mixture of bar hoppers, after work drinkers, and weekend warriors. Whether you’re in the market for an innovative cocktail, a unique beer, or a small bite with some friends, Wood and Vine is an excellent Hollywood destination.

Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily

Cover Charge: No

Dress code: Casual

Features: Two levels, outdoor patio, fire pits, fresh juicing machines

Payments Accepted: Major credit cards

Parking: Street, valet ($8 at night only)

Food: Seasonal small plates, charcuterie, cheese, and snacks

Drinks: Cocktails ($12), Beer ($6-$8), Wines ($9-$16 per glass), whiskey selections.

Information: www.woodandvine.com