A couple nights ago, I got a sneak peek into the latest Mikkeller west coast outpost (following San Francisco and San Diego).
Here are the take-aways from Mikkeller DTLA.
The long space is fronted with windows that view directly into a new condo complex across the street. The ceilings give the bar/restaurant an airy feel. Seating is split into four different areas with bar furthest from the windows, next to a series of communal tables, then a short wall separating the table seats and finally more bar seating right at the window. The distinctive Mikkeller art/cartoon people line the walls.
On to the beer, I tried two of their collaborative beers from their San Diego brewery. Devil’s Triangle and Triple Connected were brewed with Alpine and our own Arts District Brewing. One was super hazy with a nice subtle rye spice note to it that undercut the cream feel of the beer. The hops were in high abundance as well. TC poured a more reddish color and while using rye as well, that spice note didn’t come through the malt nearly as much. Both were excellent but the menu for the day was missing a couple of the more exotic barrel-aged beers that I saw on their website.
I can imagine that this place will do bang up business during the week. Especially at Happy Hour or before events at nearby Staples Center. I would suggest heading there early on Saturday to get the less crowded view of what the Mikkeller team have done.
I will certainly be back to check out the adjacent Kaffebaren which has food, coffee and beer.
