Red light, green light

Baby Battista, Atwater Village

BARS • First Round

The Skinny: Behind the register and down the stairs from brand-new Atwater wine shop Nico’s sits Baby Battista, an enticing, red-light cloaked speakeasy bar. 

The Vibe: A stylish friend’s clandestine living room. A variety of vintage couches, chairs, and tables are scattered across two rooms and a nook, with one room sectioned off by a beaded curtain. There’s a squiggle-shaped bookshelf, wooden speakers that hang from the ceiling, and a poker set. A full slate of programming is on deck, including comedy shows, DJ nights, and tarot reading. To best take advantage of the spirited atmosphere, come on a double date or with a few friends.

The Menu: Spritzes, six beers, 11 wines by the glass and more by the bottle, plus kombucha and ginger beer. Snack-wise, BYOSP (build your own snack plate) with Bub & Grandma’s bread, cheese, charcuterie, and tinned fish, in addition to Ruffles chips paired with whitefish dip, crème fraîche, and/or caviar.

The Verdict: A dynamic spot, bound to blow up. –Emily Wilson

→ Baby Battista (Atwater Village) • 3111 Glendale Blvd #2 • Sun-Tues, 5-11p; Wed-Sat 5-12a.