Dana Hollister’s Villains Tavern sits on the edge of the Arts District in Downtown LA. Loved as a designer by some of Hollywood’s A-listers, Hollister brings a kind of gothic, dive bar, retro-apothecary chic to the neighbourhood. There’s something slightly Parisian brasserie about the interior with large mirrors inscribed with drinks, while colourful glass bottles line the walls, all set up against a sumptuous deep red background. Hollister herself describes it as 

“If Jimi Hendrix and Jack the Ripper had opened
a bar in the Haight in the 1860’s, this is what it would look like.”

The edgy and arty crowd come for the 28 different draft beers, an interesting wine list and a variety of small plates rather morbidly named “Babe on a Bun”, “Devil Dog” and “Demon Burger” – you get the gist.

With live music most nights of the week, two patios and an outdoor bar it has already become a neighbourhood favourite.