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When Avery Underhill isn't behind the stick at the bustling Butchers & Barbers on Hollywood Blvd, one of the few great places to get a quality cocktail and market-driven pub fare in the area, he's usually tucked away at a quiet spot on Fairfax. Or he'll check out the amazing spirits at a well-known Westside bar. Here now, Eater talks to Underhill about his off-night bar picks around town.
Where's your bar of choice when you're off work?
Melrose Umbrella Company. I live in the neighborhood, and it's the most welcoming place that just happens to make great drinks. Closer to where I work, I'll always check out Dirty Laundry, which is our sister bar. I'm also a fan of The Walker Inn. They're doing some amazing things there with an elevated cocktail program. And if I'm on the Westside, I pick The Chestnut Club, which has an amazing collection of spirits.
But my secret bar that I like because it's off the beaten path is Blue Collar. It's really cool, with a small, focused menu. I can just roll in and they'll make anything for you. I like it because it's quiet, like I can bring a crowd or just grab a spot at the bar to get a well-made cocktail.
What's new that's happening at Butchers & Barbers?
Our new fall menu has a slant toward dark spirits. One drink I'm really excited about is essentially a fall-inspired piña colada. It's allspice-infused Coco Lopez (a cream of coconut liqueur), fresh lemon, roasted pineapple, plus Jameson Caskmates, which is aged in stout barrels, which gives it a more pronounced depth. It's great to be able to pair these drinks with food.