Barbarella Bar

• Cuisine(s): American, Eclectic, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steakhouse
  Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
  Price: $$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, cash
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible
  Serving: Dinner
  Entertainment: DJs
• Alcohol: Full bar
  Reservations: Accepted, Online Reservations Available
  Parking: Valet

Description

Barbarella's quirky/sexy decor attempts to capture the mood and imagery -- if not the spacey settings -- of its namesake (the sci-fi flick starring Jane Fonda), and, for the most part, it succeeds. Owner Anat Escher (other property: the Bungalow Club on Melrose) has brought a new kind of atmosphere to the Silver Lake spot formerly known as Zen Sushi. Chandeliers, studded tables and chairs, Pop Art and industrial touches make for a spacious setup that manages to feel cozy even when the place is empty. Historical figures like Abe Lincoln and John F. Kennedy find themselves cheekily juxtaposed with images of Marilyn Monroe and Wonder Woman in the spacious lounge, which includes a totem-like cluster of candles burning under an elaborate chandelier. There's more seating at bar and tables by the large front windows, which open up to a sidewalk patio. Fun, fresh and fruity cocktails including fusion drinks like Ginger Cucumber martinis ($10 for 10 oz.) plus local artisanal beer brews and 24 microbrews from all around the world make Barbarella's "neighborhood bar & kitchen" a great spot to imbibe. Food includes standard appetizer fare like tartar-and-cheese plates. The weekend happy hour runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and includes low-price appetizer, burgers and ribs. In addition to an expanded roster of live-music bookings, DJs wax fantastic every week at the no-cover confab Vinyl Thursdays.