Stay in School, Kids

Gimmicks fail often.

You’d think this one would in turn: carved next to a Daily Grill, DTLA’s newest gastropub, Public School 612, seeks to evoke the appetizing memories of a high school cafeteria.  Thankfully, it applies this aesthetic with measured restraint: when you order from the brightly-tiled bar covered with baskets of fresh fruit, then join your clique at one of the communal tables, that cryptonostalgic spirit hums through.  But not a public high school, more like an East Coast prep school where the poor kids only drive 3 Series (those savages.)

While the sly winks are cute (their composition book menus include cream soda and “PB&J Cookies and Milk”, which cost only five bucks and your sense of shame) PS 612 succeeds on its own merits.  The solid scotch list and signature cocktails (gimlets, old fashioned) contribute to the blue-blood atmosphere, and their twenty beers on tap skew charmingly obscure and eclectic (disregard the Sierra Nevada.)  Oh, and their food...I want to describe their lamb burger with arugula, brie, and cranberry-tomato jam (see above) but I had destroyed it before my taste buds could assemble.  Friendly bartenders readily suggest beer pairings for their menu items, and while I’m not sold on the concept in general, a crisp Saison Dupont did complement the heavy burger nicely.

It’s a heller of a conundrum: some bars need stunt concepts to attract crowds, yet there’s always the risk of a misfire.  PS 612 carries itself well; it’s unique, yet inviting.  Between this spot and the Library Bar (a mere one block away), staying late at school has never felt this fun.

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• WHAT: Single Malts & Microbrews 101 at Public School 612
• WHERE: 612 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017
• WHEN: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM (1:00 AM Fri and Sat)
• $$$: Beers $5-$12; all plates below $15

Intimate Comedy Will Melt Your Heart

In the basement of a comedy store the last thing you’ll hear is laughter. Quiet reverence for a poster of 1970’s Spiderman sporting an afro maybe, but not laughter.

Well bite me with a radioactive spider, because what I thought I knew about subterranean hilarity has been shattered. Every single Wednesday, the most talented joke-crafters of our time gather in a cozy room at the back of Meltdown Comics and dispense joy to an eager crowd.

I’m talking about some of the heaviest hitters in the game, like Maria Bamford, Aziz Ansari and Brian Posehn, as well as comedians that will undoubtedly be stars in the future: Kyle Kinane, Matt Braunger, Moshe Kasher, and TJ Miller (from every single movie made last year). The Meltdown is hosted by two of the funniest guys to ever grace a stage, Jonah Ray and Kumail Nanjiani. The last time I saw Kumail, I laughed so hard people thought I was a cheese addict. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other comedy aficionados and wiping tears from your eyes will make you feel like you're in some sort of comedy speakeasy.

All this for 8 bucks?! Sign me up! BUT WAIT! Hold your dark horses folks, because there’s FREE BEER! That’s right I said it, all you can drink beer with the purchase of a ticket! Just don’t forget to tip your bartender and not be that guy.

Planning on drinking on an empty stomach? I sure hope not, because a variety of FOOD TRUCKS line the street every week. Vietnamese-American fusion, cupcakes, pick-up, you name it. If you wanted to put a cupcake in a burrito and turn it all into a smoothie, you could probably make it happen outside this show.

If you drank yourself silly and listened to comedy alone it would be depressing, but combine those activities with other people and you have a recipe for fun! Next Wednesday, head to the Meltdown for hilarity AND free beer AND delicious food AND dope posters! You’ll be happier than Baby Stand-up Comedian Batman.

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• WHAT: Comedy, beers, and eat-em'-ups at the Meltdown Show
• WHERE: 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
• WHEN: Every Wednesday at 8:30 PM
• $$$: $8.00 for comedy and unlimited beers