Apothéke: The Wes Anderson Kind of Bar You Never Knew You Needed.
When you think of cool new bars in LA and where to find them, neighborhoods like the Arts District, West Hollywood, Venice all seem to be quick go-to’s. What probably hasn’t made it on your go-to list yet would actually be where NYC’s hottest new bar transplant has found it’s home. Tucked away next to a bridge deep in the heart of East Chinatown, hidden enough that if you blink, you’ve missed it, sits Apothéke, as mysterious as it’s location makes it seem.
As the name suggests, Apothéke’s menu is themed medicinally. You’ll find drink ingredients like “Eucalyptus Infused Tequila”, “Charcoal infused Vodka”, and even an “Oregano Infused Cachaca”. Apothéke even offers an academy for all you mixologist hopefuls. ( More info here) Though the drink theme is medicinal and you’ll find the bartenders in white lab coats, the vibe of the bar is far from a pharmaceutical experience. After reading a design article on the spot, the interior was decidedly derived from a vintage Austrian apothecary, just like its New York predecessor. I’m not sure how many people actually know what a vintage Austrian apothecary would look like, so just think Wes Anderson set, specifically, The Grand Budapest Hotel and you’ll get the vibe.
Outside, the small 1930’s structure has a simple painted white brick exterior, making inside the place where the real magic happens. There are two main sections, the indoor lounge and the large patio, both complete with their own bar. A large banquette in the shape of a vintage loveseat lines one wall of the indoor lounge, no detail too small to escape close attention. Even the sconces are apothecary themed, appearing to be beakers from a chemistry set, filled with absinthe colored liquid. The large 1960’s chandelier anchors the room, along with an illuminated bar to finish the statement.
Just around the corner from the lounge, you enter in to the patio, which seems to be an entirely different world. This bar is shaped in a skinny horseshoe and covered in a rich white marble. The patio furniture seems to be just that. Homey, backyard lawn furniture making it approachable and welcoming, just like your parent’s yard back home.
Parking is fairly easy, with street parking and an actual free parking lot just a block away. You won’t find any bar bites in this bar experience, so make sure you take care of that before so you can enjoy all the Eucalyptus Infused Tequila and Charcoal infused Vodka you want to. And if medicinal cocktails aren’t quite your jam, those white lab coats can make some great classic cocktails too.