Bar Benjamin opened in June 2024, developed by three industry veterans. Jamie Meisler, known for The Roger Room and Bar Lubitsch, partnered with Sam Nazarian’s co-founder Bobby Hundreds and culinary consultant Brett Burr. The trio set out to create a playful, high-end cocktail bar in Hollywood.
Cocktail Program and Menu Design
Jason Lee of N/soto and Baroo, alongside Chad Austin of The Mulholland, crafted Bar Benjamin’s drink menu. It combines classic recipes with original creations inspired by the team’s favorite flavors. The back bar features rare spirits, such as Oaxacan mango brandy Edenico, German fig liqueur Kleiner Feigling, and Massenez Liqueur de Roquefort.
Signature Cocktails
Bad Bunny: A complimentary welcome drink made with milk punch, fermented carrots, hazelnuts, and brandy.
Mala Margarita: A spicy twist on the margarita, with red chili mezcal, Sichuan peppercorns, Suze, Kümmel, and lime.
Dead Heat: Horseradish–infused coconut-oil vodka, green apple, dill, clarified lime, celery root, and aloe vera.
Ceremony: Gin, Rocky’s matcha, strawberry, red bean, sour coconut water, and egg white.
Bonfire: A s’mores–inspired Old Fashioned, featuring graham-cracker–infused bourbon, Avuá Amburana, toasted marshmallow root, and cocoa bitters.
Two martinis have been moved upstairs to the main bar:
Dirty Martini: Tito’s whiskey with a house dirty blend, olives, and capers.
Ben Martini: Monkey 47 gin, Neuf-Prat dry vermouth, lemon oil, and a side of fries.
Non-Alcoholic Options and Snacks
Non-drinkers can choose from inventive mocktails such as:
Tepache Bird: Aplós Ease non-alcoholic spirit, Wilderton Red Bitter, tepache, and lime.
Taro Milk Punch: Sesame oil, taro, genmaicha, lemongrass, cinnamon, and clarified milk.
Bar snacks include spiced almonds, assorted meat and cheese platters, and caviar fries.
Art Deco–Inspired Design
Meisler oversaw the interior, creating an Art Deco–style space with low ceilings and rich wood paneling. The décor features photography by Bobby Hundreds, while the restrooms are lined in Dolce & Gabbana zebra-print wallpaper. The overall effect is a blend of glamour and intimate comfort, well suited to Hollywood’s vibrant nightlife.
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