13 Apr Monday is A Fun Day at Melrose Umbrella Company
Monday is one of my favorite nights go out since it’s usually a quiet night on the town. When a friend asked to meet for a drink, I decided that it was finally time to get myself over to Melrose Umbrella Company as they just celebrated their one year anniversary and I had yet to go there.
Apparently, I am not the only one who likes to go out on a Monday night as there was a good sized crowd there. All the seats were filled and there was a chill energy in the room. To top if off, owner and barman Zach Patterson was behind the bar, making it an even better night. Monday sure is a fun night at Melrose Umbrella Company!
Melrose Umbrella Company is a neighborhood bar. Even if you don’t live in that neighborhood, you will feel at home. The high vaulted ceiling and warm light are welcoming and this bar makes the social experience it’s number one priority. There is no attitude and no pretension. The friend that I met at the bar is not a “cocktail” person and would order beer. But, by the time I had arrived, he was already intrigued by the drinks as he and Zach had struck up a conversation. In fact, he couldn’t stop telling me about the house-made “fireball” shot that Zach had given him that was “so good.” Engaging with the customer is what makes Melrose Umbrella Company special and on this night, they made a convert!
With seats at the bar, I went though the cocktail menu. With fun names (“I Dream of Greenie,” “Endless Summer,” “Pie,” “Hop Scotch #2), and even more creative ingredients (sweet potato syrup, raisin infused rye, ginger & cinnamon brown sugar syrup, avocado, carrots), it was tough to decide what to order.
I am an equal opportunist when it comes to the base spirit but I do like tart drinks with citrus. I started with the Melrose Mule (ginger & cinnamon brown sugar syrup, blood orange juice, lime, vodka). A play on a Moscow Mule, this drink was bright and tart but also had rich and warm undertones.
My second drink was La Dame Blanc (Dewars 12 yr, St. Germain, pearl jasmine green tea, unfiltered apple juice, vanilla sugar, lemon). The smoky and honey notes of the Dewars and the sweet floral notes of the St. Germain are in harmony with neither overpowering the other.
While enjoying drinks, a little food is always nice. And, at Melrose Umbrella Company, the menu comes from Erik Greenspan’s restaurant next door, Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. The menu features grilled cheese sandwiches (Erik’s specialty), as well as salads and soup. Grilled cheese sandwiches and cocktails are a perfect combo!
Cuban Reuben (pumpernickel bread, gruyere cheese, orange mustard, pickles, pulled pork, house made kraut)
The Umbrella (sourdough, muenster, provolone, bacon, caramelized onion, mushroom, A1 sauce)
For “dessert”, I ordered the rich and silky Pie (Brown butter Altos Repo, lemon, Sweet Potato Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters, Nutmeg).
The friendliness and passion of the staff makes the diverse and intriguing drink menu accessible. The bar is inviting and educational and you will feel at home the minute you walk in. So, make your Monday (or anyday) a funday at Melrose Umbrella Company.
Melrose Umbrella Company
7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-0709