Sad news: The Varnish is closed. The speakeasy behind Cole's poured its last cocktail in July 2024, and Cole's itself shut for good in August 2025. A friend would steer you elsewhere — try a still-open craft bar rather than making the trip downtown for a locked door.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Metro B/D Line, Pershing Square Station |
| Time needed | None — permanently closed |
| Best time to go | N/A — closed |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value0.5
- Iconic2.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity3.0
- Accessibility2.0
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I get a similar cocktail experience downtown?
- For that intimate, well-made-drink vibe, look at spots like Death & Co in the Arts District or the bar programs at newer downtown hotels. Any good bartender in the neighborhood can point you to the current favorite.
- Can I still see the space?
- No, the whole Cole's building is shuttered. There's nothing to tour or peek into, so skip the trip if seeing it is the only reason.
- Is The Varnish still open?
- No. The Varnish closed in July 2024 after a 15-year run, and the host restaurant Cole's followed in August 2025. Both closures are permanent, so don't plan a night around it.
- Is there any plan to reopen?
- Nothing announced as of mid-2026. The team behind it, Pouring With Heart, still runs other bars, but there's no public word on bringing The Varnish back.
- Why did The Varnish close?
- Ownership cited rising labor costs, fallout from the Hollywood strikes, and a downtown that got harder to navigate after dark. It was a business-climate decision, not a scandal — a lot of downtown spots folded in the same stretch.
- Are old reservations or gift cards still valid?
- With the business closed, don't count on it. If you're holding a gift card, reach out to Pouring With Heart directly, but manage your expectations.
- Was it worth going before it closed?
- Absolutely — it was a genuine cocktail landmark that helped kick off LA's craft revival. That's exactly why the closure stings. It's a place people still talk about.
- Did Cole's close too?
- Yes. Cole's French Dip, open since 1908 and one of LA's oldest restaurants, closed August 3, 2025. The Varnish had already gone dark the year before, tucked in the back of that same building.
Nearby in Ask Los Angeles
- Bohemian House of Espresso + ChaiCafé0.21 km · 3 min walk
- Rhythm Room L.A.Bar0.26 km · 3 min walk
- The WolvesBar0.32 km · 4 min walk
- Downtown LANeighborhood0.47 km · 6 min walk
- Tilt Coffee BarCafé0.53 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near The Varnish
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Locals Score