Or Bar is inspired by French disco-era decadence reminiscent of the chic nightlife scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. A press release describes is as “a modern cocktail lounge with a decadent, disco-flavored vibe.” The name Or Bar comes from the French word for gold, “or”and is a subtle nod to the location’s more recent history as one of West Hollywood’s longest-operating gay bars, the Gold Coast, which closed during the pandemic.
It is anchored by a horseshoe bar in marquina marble and vertical mirrored stripes with zebra marble countertop. A custom 22-foot chandelier features 3,700 crystals while a statement wall on the bar’s eastern side features angled striped mirror panels in black, gold, bronze and smoke.
In keeping with the building’s original design, the space features exposed, painted brick walls throughout as well as rich custom floor-to-ceiling drapery in black/white herringbone tweed embellished with micro sequins. Or Bar boasts a plethora of scintillating art from and inspired by the era, most of it from LGBTQ artists. Highlights include Bob Mizer original prints, a Samuel Hatmaker wall sculpture, a vintage early 80s Memphis Design-inspired wall hanging, a Katasi Kulubya black and white digital collage print, and Ken Price original silkscreen prints depicting life in LA in the late 1970s.
Or Bar is the creation of on-air personality/style expert George Kotsiopoulos, West Hollywood business leader Rob Novinger and entrepreneur Stevie Schestag.
Specialty cocktails are $13-22 and include the OR 54 made with Tom of Finland Vodka, LaMarca Prosecco, Fresh Lemon Juice, Passionfruit and Agave; the Liberace made with Courvoiser, Viviant Armagnac, Toasted Coconut and Pineapple; and George’s Devil Juice made with Ketel One Cucumber Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda with a vodka float.
Beers are $8 & $9, which is a pretty standard price, especially for a high-end bar.
“Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome, like they’re at a fabulous house party,” Schestag said. “I’ve always been drawn to the openness and freedom of West Hollywood. It is such a welcoming environment, and we want Or Bar to have the same vibe.”
Address: 8828 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
Website: Or Bar
Leave a Reply