Spitz Guys Open 'The Bar @ Spitz LT' in Little Tokyo

Lately, it seems, Eagle Rock’s hottest food and beverage news is happening … outside Eagle Rock.

, John Nugent and Jennifer Morgan, owners of , recently opened their much-anticipated Sunset Beer Co. in Echo Park.

And this week marks the soft opening of The Bar @ Spitz LT—the Little Tokyo location of , the popular Döner Kebab shop owned by alumni Bryce Rademan and Robert Wicklund.

Artisan Cocktails for a Price

Inspired by the mixology movement--which replaces bottled mixes and same-old, same-old drinks with fresh ingredients and inspired spirit creations--The Bar @ Spitz LT launches with nearly a dozen artisan cocktails. 

Spitz’s loyal customers can enjoy signature libations such as the Basil Lemon Drop, Spitz Rum Punch and the Bloody Good Bloody Mary, along with Spitz LT’s existing, well-chosen selection of beer, wine and house-made sangria.

Rademan says Los Angeles has a lot of great bars featuring artisan cocktails. There’s a problem, however, when “the drinks are fresh but take 15 minutes to make and cost $15,” he adds. “What’s unique about our flavors is that we do a lot of the work ahead of time by infusing alcohol with fresh ingredients, [and] we can make the drinks really quickly and achieve the same flavor.”

Infusion is Key

In the Santorini Collins, for instance, “the vodka is infused with apricots, lemons, dates, figs and anise,” according to Rademan. “We add a simple lemon syrup, scoop the [alcohol-soaked] fruit right back into the glass, and add a boba straw so you can suck up the fruit.”

Another Rademan fave is “Aged and Confused,” which he describes as a “complex version of a Manhattan.” Jim Beam, Sauza Silver tequila, spiced-by-Spitz red vermouth, Brazilian orange liqueur and Campari are combined in Spitz’s own oak barrels for two weeks. 

Rademan acknowledges that whiskey and tequila might seem like an odd combination and admits that “without the aging, it would be bitter—but it’s the most complex drink I’ve ever tasted.”

Cocktail Menu a Collaboration      

Rademan and Wicklund worked closely with professional food and drink consultant Kathy Casey (Food Studios—Liquid Kitchen) to “create a flavor profile that matches the upscale quality [of Spitz] with the speed and the lower price that is consistent with our menu concept,” says Rademan. 

The Santorini Collins complements Spitz’s Mediterranean cuisine, for instance, while the Mandarin Basil Mojito with rum, lime, mint, basil and mandarin reflects the Little Tokyo location. Rademan, who is not a fan of sweet drinks, assures patrons that ingredients such as simple syrups are used judiciously.

A Celebratory Special

To celebrate the soft opening, the Spitz owners are offering a free order of pita strips and hummus at Spitz Little Tokyo with the purchase of any of the new cocktails. Just mention the code-phrase “Great Nights Start at Spitz” to get the special, which is available through Oct. 11.

Great nights—and days—also start at Spitz Eagle Rock, with the eatery’s curbside delivery, which is great for too-short lunches and over-extended families who want healthy and delicious food with drive-through convenience.

And with forecasters predicting wet weather this week, Rademan reminds Döner Kebab fans of the Spitz’s rainy day special at both locations.  When the pavement is wet outside, just say “It’s Always Sunny at Spitz" and get 50 percent off a second entrée.

Love for Spitz Eagle Rock

Rademan, who often speaks to entrepreneurial clubs at and caters events for the college, says he and Wicklund would love to offer the cocktails at the Eagle Rock location.

The problem is the city requires two bathrooms for a bar, he says, and there’s only room for one bathroom at the Eagle Rock location, which, like Spitz Little Tokyo, features art created from recycled materials by local Eagle Rock artist Celeste Korthase.

Don’t expect a move from the present location to accommodate a bar, however.

“We love the Spitz Eagle Rock location,” says Rademan. “We wouldn’t leave there unless we were forced out.”