First Look: Bar Covell in Los Feliz

Bar Covell opened up earlier this month on Hollywood Blvd in Los Feliz, across the street from Umami Burger and Salaryman and just east of Vermont Avenue. Despite (or because of) its recent opening, it was comfortably full of customers sipping on beer and wine when I stopped by last week. Covell was opened by owner Dustin Lancaster, formerly of Cafe Stella and general manager/wine director Matt Kaner, formerly of Silver Lake Wine.

Kaner (pictured above) was there when I visited and he was excited about the launch and the upcoming addition of food to the menu. There are eight beers on tap and 8-10 wines available by the glass. The wine list is short and has a curated feel to it, with interesting selections such as a delicious Portugese rosé Vinho Verde. Matt commented that the entire bottle list is also available by the glass, a customer friendly touch.

Overall Covell has a comfortable vibe: this is not a place you need to get dressed up for and it has a worn-in coziness to it that feels authentic. The wall opposite the bar is covered with antique cameras, which look like something you might find in your grandparent's attic, only in better condition. The crowd was a mix of locals and folks from the westside and downtown who were curious to check out the new bar on the block.

Bar Covell: 4628 Hollywood Blvd, Los Feliz. Phone: (323) 660-4400. Website: barcovell.com Hours: 5pm - Midnight on Sunday - Thursday, 5 pm - 2 am Friday and Saturday.