A cocktail-focused companion to The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar opens today in Mission Hills; Bar by Red Door replaces Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge, which owner Trish Watlington shuttered in back in June. It its place is a brightened, plant-filled space that better complements its sister restaurant, which was also designed by Watlington's daughter, Sarah.
Aiming to be a gathering space and craft cocktail destination for the neighborhood, the the 45-seat Bar by Red Door continues the next door eatery's farm-to-table ethos with a seasonal cocktail menu that features Southern California spirits and ingredients sourced from The Red Door Family Garden and other area farms. The drinks, from bar manager Cervantes Magaña, include Zombie Bus Stop made with coconut, black strap rum, Dolin Genepy, falernum, passion fruit, lime, a 151 float and garden herbs and Los Star Fighter, which includes tequila infused with cilantro and a three pepper blend plus simple syrup, lime and cucumber.
The bar has its own food menu too, created by executive chef Miguel Valdez; centered around small plates, it ranges from Baja shrimp and roasted bone marrow to puff pastry filled with braised pork cheeks, blue cheese-stuffed dates in mustard cream sauce, and vegan nachos.
Open from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 4 to midnight Thursday through Saturday, Bar by Red Door will eventually be open for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar's popular brunch offerings.
