Bar Jackalope Japanese whiskey bar opens in back room of Seven Grand

Bar Jackalope, a Japanese whiskey bar also featuring American bourbons, ryes and Scotch, has soft-opened in the back room of Seven Grand in downtown Los Angeles. The bar is the latest venture from the 213 nightlife group behind The Varnish, Golden Gopher, Cole’s French Dip & Red Car Bar and more.

The converted back room has its own entrance and bar, separate from Seven Grand, but don’t expect to find it easily. There’s a light switch button with instructions written in both English and Japanese on how to call someone to gain entrance.

The menu includes more than 120 makes of American bourbons and ryes and Japanese whiskey, all poured in 20-ml or 60-ml portions. You can also find some rare releases from brands such as Pappy Van Winkle, Balvenie Tun 1401, Four Roses Limited Edition Release and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. There is also a selection of premium Japanese beers.

“Bar Jackalope is the inspired interpretation of all of the great bars we visited in Japan this past year,” said Seven Grand general manager Andrew Abrahamson in a release. “What really stuck out was that the bars were often less than 10 seats, yet the experience was as complete as a bar far larger in scope.”

The bar features whiskey locker cabinets where guests can buy their own bottles and store them, similar to what guests can do at some of the whiskey bars found in Japan. You can drink your own liquor from a bar cart that includes ice, glassware and mixers. Prices for the whiskey/locker experience start at $250 and include priority seating and the ability to make reservations.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, there are three available, including an Old Fashioned, Manhattan and a traditional Highball made with Japanese whiskey and filtered soda water on draft. All of the ice is cut from 213’s Penny Pound artisinal ice company.

The bar accommodates 18 people at a time and is available for seated guests only. Each table comes equiped with nosing jars with spices and cocktail books and magazines. There’s also an adjacent patio with club chairs, cigar ashtrays and side tables with chessboards.

Bar Jackalope is open 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday. The grand opening is slated for Monday.

515 W 7th St #2, Los Angeles, (213) 614-0736, https://sevengrandbars.com/.

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