Wild Beast, a New Cocktail Lounge Inside Verlaine, Opens July 19 in West Hollywood

If it seemed like Verlaine’s dining space seemed a bit smaller than one might expect, it’s because the interior of the former Dominick’s has been changed to Wild Beast, a new cocktail lounge. The Parisian-style salon that they’re calling “a lush, design-driven haven” opens July 19 with drinks, light bites, music, art, and “social engagement.” It’s unclear exactly what the last part means, but that’s what the press release says.

John Neumueller, who runs the beverage program for Verlaine (and was mostly credited to turning the ship in that regard from Besha Rodell’s latest review of the restaurant), has produced a seasonal cocktail menu that’s “thoughtful, classically minded, and comprehensive.” Sounds fun, and a bit pricey. Think $16 tonics, and $15 tipples like the “Bamboo,” mixing oloroso sherry, dry vermouth, and bitters. Or consider the Jack Rose, a classic rendition with brandy, citrus, and pomegranate.

The menu of “light bites” hasn’t been released at the moment, but they’ve promised Baja-style street foods from Hernandez, himself a World’s 50 Best Latin America chef. Wild Beast will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a reservations system in the works (currently there’s no way to make one). With the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Sophie Turner recently enjoying dinner at Verlaine, it would be no surprise if Wild Beast turned out to be a celebrity haven in its own right.

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