Next Door Lounge Awards

Next Door Lounge Restaurant Review:

Stepping into the Next Door Lounge is like venturing back in time to the era of speakeasies and Old Hollywood glamour. However, first you must deliver the proper password to Colonel James Anderson aka "The Dapper Doorman" --- and if you're nice he may reward you with a free appetizer coupon. (Get the entrance password by submitting an online form on the Next Door Lounge website.) The large, square space encompasses a bar, tables in the middle and a few lounge areas with leather armchairs and sofas. Vintage films are projected on a wall and there's also live music. Chef Nikki Martin, a "Food Network Star" alum who's been known to cook in high heels, has been recruited to up the ante of the food. She's spiked some menu items with spirits, such as the martini-inspired "Dirty Lil' Devilled Eggs" that incorporate vodka, vermouth and a green olive garnish, as well as the Bulleit Bourbon onion confit that's slathered on "The Burger." The wood-fired oven turns out charred artichokes to dip in rosemary garlic aïoli, lamb lollipops and several flatbreads. Finish off with the Bourbon peach cobbler if you want to continue the boozy trend. Bar manager and mixologist Zachary Henry presents classic cocktails made with barrel-aged spirits and homemade bitters, including a killer barrel-aged "Madattan." Check the calendar for special events like Whiskey Wednesdays (food-paired tastings from various distilleries) and Tuesday's biweekly Hollywood Heist dinner show. On top of that, there's happy hour from 5 p.m. to closing on Tuesdays and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.