Las Perlas

Address: 107 E Sixth Street, (corner S. Main St), Los Angeles, California, 90014, United States
Tel: +1 213 988 8355
Website: view Las Perlas’ website
Door: Make reservation
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 2010

Review

A Cantina-style bar with an impressive selection of Del Maguey mezcals and rare 100% agave tequilas to sample. Las Perlas opened early in March 2010 and its cantina-style interior will age well. The brightly coloured, maximalist and candlelit setting makes for an immersive space - after all, we are not far from the border here. Around the bar, different mezcals are listed by region and with suggested pairings.

All this drinks served here come from south of the border, meaning there is no vodka, no whiskey and no gin. Mexico does have some great beers and underrated wines so those sad folk that don't like tequila are catered for. Well-made and imaginative cocktails go well beyond Margaritas and include a multitude of ingredients that cleverly meld together. The Sueno, for example, takes Del Maguey mezcal, lemon juice, five spiced-infused honey, basil, rosemary, strawberry, balsamic vinegar syrup, egg white, agave and allspice bitters. Somehow it works, as did the others we tried.