The Alley

Such a cute hidden gem… hidden in the alley. The cocktails are spectacular! They’ll be the best you’ve ever had. The bartenders are probably the nicest people on earth… every single one of them. The décor makes for a unique and quite exceptional ambience… with a good variety of seating options. It’s a small place, but never seen this place full… which is bizarre to me given how incredible this place is. It’s behind the restaurant Fin, in the alley, so don’t expect to see it from the street.

Great music, great vibe. Bartender was extremely generous. Great place for some drinks.

Cool spot. Good drinks. Nice staff.

The place gets 5 stars for presentation and service. Don’t come here if you’re single and ready to mingle as its a zest pool for night time after dinner dates. Barf.

This is a fun place the music and food is good for an easy night out. They should invest in an AC system cuz it was hot all night. One last thing what us up with the bartender with glasses he is SUPER slow but his mixology is good so I suppose waiting isn’t that bad. I would come again

I almost had everything on the food and the drink menu! The drinks are magnicently crafted. The tacos are tasty. The service is with a smile… if they’re busy it may be a little slow.
I hosted a get together of about 15 people. We sat at the center bar tables, a booth, and moved to the lounge room which was perfect for everyone.
Mondo, one of the managers, gave me the lay of the land a couple of days before when I came to check the place out. I chose to have an event here based on the reviews… but I wanted to see it in person.
The staff… from the valet, to the waiters at FIN, to the bartenders at the Alley is great. I’d definitely come out again for group, date, or solo.

The Alley is actually behind another spot called Fin. There is plenty of street parking, but you will not see the bar from the street, so look for Fin. You have to walk down a little alley softly lit with sweetly strung overhead lights. Follow the little path behind the building to find your way to the entrance, hence the name.
My friend randomly chose this spot from the places that Unilocal suggested. Having never been here, we didn’t really know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with the ambiance. The bar is dark with turquoise walls and white accents. Dim lights, posh trendy fixtures, and semi-​packed tables made me pause and check my outfit. I was wearing jeans and my adidas superstars and feared I was under-​dressed, but it was a Thursday night and everyone was casual and in their own vibe so it was cool.
The place was crowded with just enough buzz to warm it up. There were two open seats for my companion and I at the bar– two chairs on the end, as though they were expecting us. Perfect. Nirvana and Radiohead played in the background as we took our seats and ordered a round of Old Fashioneds.
This is a beautiful bar with a super cool vibe.
The bartender was polite and the drinks were strong and good.
They have a kitchen that serves food until late. I didn’t eat, but the food looked good.
Over all, this place is sexy. Its a yes friends. Bookmark this one for next time temptation gets the best of you. Cheers! xo

Came here after around 12ish and it wasn’t so crowed, which I enjoyed. This business is really hidden, I pass by here and never knew about it. Small is size, but really cute, good music, and good drinks. I also like how they have tables and also a lounge-​y room with couches.

This place is a hidden gem. The bartenders are great! They really take the time to talk about their specialty drinks and help you decide what to order.
My boyfriend and I came here around 6:30pm on a Friday and found plenty the place was not packed at all. We found great seats in the lounge area which we loved! They also play awesome music!
We had the Betty Boop cocktail and a dirty martini. They were delicious! My boyfriend had an old fashioned which was a bit pricey ($ 14). We also enjoyed the Easy Caprese sandwich!
We will definitely be coming back for happy hour.

Hidden bar … So I Unilocal this place and figured we could do a date night with my bf. Wasn’t sure what to expect but figured I would give it a try. Not to sure where it was but saw they had a sign next to FIN and pointed threw an alley way, which was lighted up Nicely. We walked in it’s a nice and cozy spot a little dark but that’s okay with me, music was good, I was in love with the décor of this place, props to them ! What I really liked about this place was that it wasn’t packed at all, not sure if it was because it was still early (9−10pm) or maybe it’s just low key and no one really knows about it. Overall, experience was great! This would be a really nice spot for a first day. Can’t wait to make this our regular spot .
By the way DRINKS are STRONG !!! Plus plus !

James McCain Blues Band would like to entertain you!!! Website
check us out.

A hidden bar?! I had heard of this place before but had never been. I went last night for their happy hour. It’s very small and intimate. They serve booze and food — what more could you want?
I’m definitely going back soon. I like the fact that this place is so hidden. Parking can be a little tough in this area though (they don’t have a parking lot, street parking it is).

Awesome little bar — take the alley next to Fin (should be lit and sometimes is :-) to the back parking lot (where parking is not allowed :-/​Friendly bartender, owner and the patrons — AWESOME! Had the Audrey Hepburn. Craft cocktails at their best. We did not eat (had just eaten at Fin) Will be back soon…

I liked the atmosphere here a lot.
The bartenders were pretty nice.
DJ played good music.
Drinks were strong
Beer selection is the only thing that could be better but that’s okay. I had a beer called Victory and I have to say, it is one of the worst beers I have ever had. Lol
It’s a nice little hidden gem though; I would definitely go back

What a hidden gem in Culver City. Located behind the FIN restaurant, this looks like a great spot to come hangout and grab a drink after work on a weekday since I can definitely see this place getting very packed on a weekend. The ambiance is very nice, cozy almost, and there are plenty of tables for seating in case you have a bigger party.
I didn’t get to spend much time in here since I was just waiting for my table at FIN to be set up but I got to order a Moscow Mule which was really good. I’ve never seen a bartender play with a match and an orange peel while making an Ol’ Fashion before so I was really curious how that affected the taste of the drink. I will definitely be back to try their specialty drinks, the Alley Seasonal Manhattan sounds amazing.

Great happy hour, with legit cocktails. Not much food tho, just a couple finger food. Bartenders are friendly & nice. It’s more quiet beginning of the night but starts to pick up after 8. Hidden with a door in the back of Fin, not the delivery door tho.
Love the décor & I’ll be back.

The Smirking Rhino is a GREAT whiskey drink. The Cagney and Nucking Thompson are solid choices too. Four stars because the bar staff seemed overwhelmed by the number of drink orders and parking was terribly hard to find. But, overall great vibe and drinks. Cool spot.

My gf from out of town wanted to grab drinks close by so we decided to check out The Alley since it’s walking distance from my apartment & for its raving reviews. We mistakenly walked into the restaurant Fin but were directed to go through the alley and make a left. Since Fin & The Alley have the same owner, anyone at the restaurant will be happy to direct you to the right place if you’re lost.
I was thoroughly impressed with the décor and ambiance. It was very laid back with seating in booths or at the bar. There was also a DJ playing some good old 90s hip hop that put me in a chill, relaxed mood. The music level was perfect because I was able to catch up with my gf without having to yell at each other.
The main highlight of night was our bartender, Eric. Who doesn’t love a guy who pours with a heavy hand and entertains you at the same time?! Seriously, after 2 drinks we were already catching a buzz and I had my Asian glow going on. Eric put on a show by lighting drinks and even his finger (say what??) on fire and made all his patrons feel welcomed with his funny and warm personality. All the drinks were delicious & strong! The Betty Boop was a crowd favorite and my man Eric made our Gimlets to perfection. I also like spicy drinks so I wanted to see if he can make a spicy margarita but with vodka instead. He said he’ll see what he can do and voila! The drink he made me was legit and exactly what I wanted. He told me he put Serrano chile for that extra kick so he really knows what he’s doing.
Take advantage of the free potato chips for your check in. The chips are made in house and they are sooooo tasty! Has a great amount of crunch and seasoning to go as a yummy snack for your beverages. I will most definitely be going back!

I came to the Alley on a Friday night with two girlfriends of mine to celebrate a recent milestone. We got there around 9:30pm, and were able to find a booth — the ambiance was perfect (bright blue walls) and the music was great (late 90s). I asked the bartender if we should order at the bar, and he said someone would be over to our table shortly to take our order. We picked our cocktails, sang to the awesome music and waited to have our order taken. Fifteen minutes later, nobody had come despite making eye contact with the bartender a few times. Unfortunately, we decided to leave and go somewhere else. I’ll come back at some point, but I was disappointed in the service. Positives: ambiance, music, cocktails looked good (at least on the menu!)

Nice place Service not so much Way limited beer selection pricey

It is walking distance from my place, what else i can ask for. Bartenders are both great fellas, never refuse to pour enough. You don’t have to yell in order to hold a conversation due to music volume. I am glad it isn’t hip enough.

Great alternative to the alibi room across the street which smells like food
Strong drinks made with real fruits and herbs
Cozy, festive atmosphere
Not crazy loud during the weekdays so you can actually have a conversation

Man, I really liked this place! Came here as the final stop on an ugly sweater /​onesie pub crawl. We should have just come here and stayed! The drinks were on point and the DJ was knocking it out the park!
I collaborated with the bartender and we made a perfect Kentucky Derby and the other drinks we ordered were expertly crafted as well! Next time Im in the area, I’ll be coming back here!

I’m really torn between a 2 star and a 3 star. I will grade graciously and give it 3 stars.
So as it has been stated already the entrance is off an alley, hence the clever name.
Décor — walking in I was pretty impressed, they’ve put a lot of effort into making this place chic/​hip. There are about 3 – 4 booths along the walls and a lounge sitting area towards the back. Don’t let me fool you into thinking this place is big. It’s not… The bar is a small L– shaped thing tucked into a corner manned by two bartenders.
Service — there was none. We got an available booth and walked up to the bar. Then we waited as the bartenders chatted up other patrons.
Entertainment — the night was young so I can’t offer much in this respect. The DJ seemed to just be getting there. But yes, there is a DJ.
Drinks — the drinks were OK, fresh herbs and juices.
We walked in early on a Saturday night (about 9ish) and the place was not very packed. So I can’t offer any insight to how rocking this place gets. There were a few people straggling in as we were leaving.
In all honesty, this place is trying… but not really hitting the mark. It seems as if they want to brand themselves as upscale or chic hipster but they don’t have table service.

«It’s so goddamn hot out.» I can’t remember the last time I sweat so much. It had to have been that summer. Was it ’94? Deep south. I take my handkerchief out and dab my forehead. I was thirsty. Real thirsty. Suddenly, this temptress, a sultry seductress calls to me, luring me into her… Alley. Upon entering what initially appeared to be a private residence, I quickly realize that I’m exactly where I need to be. I think to myself, «You have arrived, my friend.»
As my eyes adjust from the sunlight to the sensual lighting inside, the «good-​looking scale» immediately gets kicked up a couple of notches. I scope out the few booths and the lounge off to the side. «This’ll do,» I whisper to myself. It’s small and intimate, but I plant myself in a stool at the bar. This thirst cannot and will not be ignored. I let out a giant sigh of relief as I plopped into the stool, respite from the blistering heat.
The two gentlemen behind the bar, dressed similarly but not quite uniformly, greet me. A slender menu is slid my way. I’m impressed by the concise, yet well-​rounded offering of specialty cocktails. Ultimately, I respectfully decide against their drinks and choose instead to put the Alley and her minions through the gauntlet, my true compass for navigating a speakeasy and it’s mixologists: a classic daiquiri.
I take my first sip. Success. I have seven more just to make certain.
Food? Why, I hadn’t even considered how famished I was! As I reach for the narrow menu, the bartender asks if I might need any food. Was it obvious? Had I tipped him off to my wavering sobriety? I try to play it cool. «I had no idea that you served food. What’s good?» I’m directed to a sandwich section on the elongated sheet of a menu.
«Decisions, decisions.» I glanced up and down one last time to make sure there were no objections from the congregation. «Let’s do the caprese baguette.» I receive a nod of approval for my order. A memory of a distant Italian summer getaway came flooding back as I quietly await my sandwich. «Another, sir?» Brought back to reality and an empty coupe cocktail glass. «Sure, why not.»
I stumble away from the speakeasy hours later to find that the sun is long gone. It was still miserable out. Immediately, I could feel the humidity hugging me. «It’s so goddamn hot out.» I mutter, as I pull up Über on my phone. Another Tuesday evening gone and done.

It’s definitely owns the name Alley Bar! You’ll know what I mean when you get there.
This bar is trying so hard not to be pretentious, yet failing at it. It should just except it’s character and personality as trendy and move on!
Nice light aqua blue with black and gold walls, quaint little bar, with some high tables and a small lounge area. Very cool!
The bartenders are in black vests with black ties, almost from a different era, imagine 1930’s.
The best part they make excellent strong drinks! I was hungry, so I got the turkey grilled cheese on sourdough, very tasty but needed pickles on tomatoes on the side…
I highly recommend this little bar!
Just keepin’ it tipsy
The Real Alky

Drinks: good
Ambiance: good
Service: good
I’ve gone here several times and all of their cocktails are deliciously made by the bartenders. Like it’s namesake the entrance to the bar is towards the back of the building and you most likely have to walk through the «alley» to get there. If it’s your first time here, don’t be confused, you’re probably going in the right direction.

Pretty good bar hidden at the back of FIN restaurant down a side alley.
Cocktails are average priced and the bartenders do an amazing job of not only making the drinks but making the process a bit of a show. The venue is very cute and the ambiance is loungy. My only issue was that it did get a bit loud and the night wore on and I found myself yelling a lot during conversations. Toilet was clean and service was great.

If you can manage to find parking (you can’t), and walk up what feels like a shady little back street (maybe with a friend), then you’ll encounter what feels like the back of a little house in the middle of commercial properties. You show the bouncer your ID, and go into a dimly lit bar, the black couches accented by dark blues.
The bartenders, in hipster fashion, are actually mixologists — creating wonderful drinks out of homemade syrups and flavored liquors. They’re dressed in the black vests that fit snugly against their clearly muscular bodies.
I enjoyed my drinks. Any place that has a brandy soaked cherry, rather than the bleached and redyed maraschino cherry, is good in my book. They have a back room to rent out for groups, but beware the bar can get packed — and there are only two bartenders. Maybe double fist it?
In any event, I’d come back if one of my younger friends had another birthday here, because I’m almost adamant that growing old means my idea of a good time is drinking a nice bottle of wine on my couch.

So, my friends had been raving about this place and their great cocktails, but mostly because they have a crush on one of the bartenders. Of course I had to check out the man, I mean drinks. The first few times I went, home boy wasn’t there, so we just enjoyed our beverages and shoulder swaying music. The last time I went, he was finally there! And, I get it, dude is always smiling and looks into your soul when you order your drink. *swoon* LOL, my friends are funny.
But really, he made a some great cocktails. I only remember the first drink of that night, the Smirking Rhino which was a rye whiskey with muddled ginger and agave — so good. There was also another drink that involved slapping some mint — he slapped that mint real good. Needless to say, I had a good night. Actually, we always have a good time here, cool ambiance with music you want to groove to that’s not too loud so you can still carry on conversations with your companions. Plus, you feel pretty cool knowing how to get to the hidden from the street entrance.