A quick action photo at the hottest ticket to drink in town right now: Bar Leather Apron in the Topa Financial Center downtown.
I took this photo on the final night of BLA’s soft opening weekend. That’s head bartender Justin Park on the left, with his bar crew of Art Deakins (center) and Luke Atay, involved in some serious bar prep.
Bar Leather Apron is co-owned by Justin (formerly of Manifest) and Tom Park (founder of Leather Soul luxury shoe retailer). The Parks (no relation to each other) are running a classy joint, with painstakingly crafted cocktails and a (very) deep list of spirits (and some craft beers).
This is Shake’s and my dream come true. We used to go to see Justin at Manifest after work, but fled at 10pm on the dot when the lights went down, the music went (way) up and a horde of where-did-they-come-from partiers overran the place. Now, we can chill and enjoy conversation and drinks.
A more in-depth look is forthcoming! (Like, next week if I can get my act together.) If you can’t wait, go check BLA out for yourself. They’re open Monday to Thursday, 3pm to midnight; Friday, 3pm to 2am; Saturday, 5pm to 2am. Bar seats are reservation-only (email info@barleatherapron.com; no phone calls) and the Signature Cocktails menu is served exclusively at the bar.
Full disclosure: Bar Leather Apron is a Put It On My Plate client. Shake and I have been friends and fans of Justin’s for years, and Tom is my high school classmate.
Leave a Comment