El Prado

Parking: Metered, Street, Available, Nearby
Cozy, Singles, Upscale Quiet 21+

Located across the street from The Echo, El Prado strikes the right balance between the neighborhood's gritty roots and the increasingly upscale offerings of nearby Silver Lake. Bar owner Jeff Ellermeyer (Spaceland owner Mitchell Frank is also an equal investor/partner) has come up with a design scheme that reflects a simple, homespun vibe, with exposed-brick walls lining one side of the narrow bar and plenty of woodwork (charmingly salvaged from an old barn). 

Seasonal snacks (cheese plates, fruit and more) are on the menu (the walnuts are free). And the 1,000-square-foot space is committed to spinning only vinyl on an honest-to-god record player (take that, bring-your-own-ipod nights at several local bars).

Currently El Prado's beverage selection is limited to high-end beers (Green Flash IPA and La Chouffe are two of the on-tap selections this month), but the bar hopes to offer wine this summer (pending approval of the right liquor license).  By then, it seems certain Echo Park dwellers will be mobbing the tiny haunt, perhaps looking to escape the dingier options in the neighborhood. A soon-to-be-built patio will help ease crowding. 

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