BARS • First Round
The Skinny: The sister project to Echo Park’s popular Bacetti Trattoria, Bar Bacetti is Jason Goldman’s Roman-inspired aperitivo bar right next door.
The Vibe: The entrance to Bar Bacetti is nearly indistinguishable from the entrance for Bacetti Trattoria, so don’t be thrown off if you enter through the wrong door (as I did). You’ll know you’re in the right place when you step into a long, narrow space with moody walls, a stunning marble-topped wooden bar, and lighting that makes everyone look good. If it’s not crowded, head for the cozy table tucked into the dimly lit alcove at the very back. Outside, the vibe shifts to sidewalk café, complete with classic bistro chairs and petite round tables.
The Drinks: Aperitivos are the focus here, with spritzes and vermouth-based cocktails ideal for hot summer afternoons. There’s also a curated wine list featuring Italian producers, as well as a nice selection of zero-proof cocktails.
The Food: Little containers of pink-tipped wooden picks sit on every table, the first clue that these are dishes meant for sharing. The menu offers a lineup of classic Italian bar snacks reimagined with local and seasonal ingredients, as well as a selection of focaccia and pizzas. A surprising standout: peppers stuffed with anchovies, capers, and tuna, while cold octopus salad with fennel, potatoes, and green olives is pleasantly tender. Fans of Bacetti Trattoria’s Roman-Neapolitan hybrid pies will be happy to find them here, too — especially since this is now the only place to score one.
The Verdict: Bar Bacetti channels the spirit of Italy while staying firmly rooted in Echo Park. Ideal for a casual afternoon with friends or an easy local dinner, it’s the kind of spot likely to become a neighborhood standby. –Anna Lane
→ Bar Bacetti (Echo Park) • 1507 Echo Park Ave • Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 3-10p • Walk-ins only.