For a watering hole attached to a posh, sophisticated music venue, the recently opened Bar Bar (3943 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3895) is refreshingly unpretentious. Bar Bar is basically an extension of the new Mississippi Studios space, with a huge, uncluttered outdoor patio (adorned with picnic tables and an old bus) perfect for both acoustic sets in the summer and picking up a decent margarita (served with Sauza Gold tequila for $7) after work. And though you can order fancy cocktails like an Aviation Gin negroni, it's the menu's most basic option—a fast-food-style hamburger served with American cheese, a delicious Alessio potato bun and housemade tomato relish for just $5.50—that really won me over. It's not quite an In-N-Out burger, but for California expats wishing they could get a Double-Double, this is your closest bet.
WWeek 2015