Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Rubin.
Brett, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After years of designing apparel and building brands in the fashion industry, I found myself in a unique position to be able to press pause and consider a divergent path. Opening a bar had always been one of those “someday” aspirations that all of a sudden, became a real possibility. As a designer and a musician, I’ve always looked at hospitality, and most specifically bars, as the perfect all-encompassing and immersive project that would allow for the design of a complete experience.
LA is great bar city with a ton of talent. I felt like Bar Henry was an opportunity to create my idea of the perfect neighborhood bar while providing a space for some of that LA talent to shine.
Has it been a smooth road?
We’ve been fortunate to have the support of our amazing Echo Park community from the very beginning. The service industry is tough and the hours are long, but when you have clientele that feel like family, it rarely feels like work.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bar Henry story. Tell us more about the business.
With an emphasis on being true to our Echo Park neighborhood, Bar Henry is craft cocktail bar with a focus on being warm and hospitable to all. The space was designed to be classic and timeless while providing an elevated experience without pretention. Instead of gimmicks or a theme, we aimed for a place that feels like it’s been there for years.
Music is a big part of our DNA and as such, we’ve ensured we have one of the best sound systems in town. Whether it’s vinyl played behind the bar, or music provided by our guest selectors, it’s always on point and one of the compliments that we receive the most.
Bar Henry’s craft cocktail program is rooted in the classics while being both adventurous and accessible. Cheeky cocktail names like Suicidal Caveman add some levity to the program and are good for a laugh while choosing between that spicy mezcal Negroni and the tamarind margarita. At the end of the day though, it’s our bartenders that make this house a home and are the difference makers. Our staff is some of the friendliest in town and aims to make every experience a memorable one.
Lastly, one thing that sets us apart in this historically male-dominated industry is that we are proudly a female-led operation. Bar Henry’s Bar Manager Ash Miyasaki, and Lead Bartender Monica Vicens set the tone for an inclusive and supportive environment for guests and staff alike.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
My favorite thing about LA is the diversity… diversity of experiences, cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles. I love the fact that I can drive 30 minutes and completely change my perspective. In the same day, I can go for a surf, grab ramen at my favorite spot in Little Tokyo, check out an exhibit at The Broad, hit up Angeles Crest for a sundown mountain drive, and close the night out with a show at one of our great Eastside venues.
I’m sure most Angelenos would agree with me when I say I wish our city was better connected. Perhaps improved public transit will help someday make the Westside and Eastside feel less like worlds apart. Many a relationship has withered at the hands of the 405.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1228 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
- Website: http://barhenry.la/
- Phone: (213) 988-7208
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barhenryla/
Image Credit:
Photo of Brett Rubin – Credit: Luke Wooden; Location photos – Credit: Robert Swanson; Cocktail + Ash Miyasaki photos – Credit: Bar Henry
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