For a watering hole attached to a posh, sophisticated music venue, the recently opened Bar Bar is refreshingly unpretentious. It's 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. MICHAEL MANNHEIMER.
What to drink: EGBDF, whiskey smash served by the pint.
Happy hour: $1 off draft beer and well drinks, $5 cocktails 4-7 pm Monday-Friday and 2-7 pm Saturday-Sunday.
Entertainment: Live music in summer, DJs.
WWeek 2015