When you’re someone like me who played little league baseball, captained your ad agency softball team and followed the Phillies (still do) religiously, you immediately think of 3rd base as a nice place to stand before you run home.
Also, if you’re like me and grew up during the heyday of hip-hop (the late 80s/90s) 3rd Base could also mean the great hip hop crew of MC Serch, Pete Nice and DJ Richie Rich.
And of course if you look up the term in the Urban Dictionary, there is a whoooooooole other meaning to 3rd Base.
But today, we are lucky, that in Hollywood at the corner of Cahuenga and Selma, there is now 3rd Base LA, a luxury social and dining lounge.
Wednesday night, the venue (formerly Big Wangs) had its launch and let’s just say right now, it’s a winner for the Reel 360 team. The venue truly offers sports-loving Angelenos the only elevated viewing experience in the city with a locally sourced Chef-forward menu and cocktail program.
Wood paneling throughout the corridor leads to a trophy case and covers the walls of the main room. Facing the centralized bar, a mural by local artist and designer Andrew Haan adorns the back wall.
A retractable door leads patrons into a second area with a massive theatre screen complete with stadium seating and a separate bar. As both a sports bar and a lounge, Franklin Studios Architecture was charged with creating a space that was masculine and comfortable as well as elegant and beautiful.
The design firm took a once undefined corner and anchored the space with strong materials and a sleek design that has its foundation rooted in the iconic California 60’s diners of the past layered with modern elements of today. The VIP room brings the familiar feel of a ballpark with its stadium seating and ivy-covered brick walls.
Culinary Director Joseph Patterson presides in the kitchen with Chef de Cuisine Bernard Sales. Patterson has worked in some of the most popular kitchens in the United States and brings with him over a decade of restaurant experience to the operation.
His farm-to-table menu provides diners and bar patrons alike with elevated, locally sourced fare. Catering to almost any craving, patrons can enjoy everything from their famous 3rd Base Nachos where each chip is covered with spicy queso, cilantro crème, pico de gallo and the works, to Philly Cheesesteak Sliders to their legendary Lobster Pizza made with a lobster infused tomato sauce topped with butter poached lobster and fresh mozzarella.
Their Classic Burger, complete with a rib-eye blend patty is a fan favorite. Those looking to finish off their night with something a little sweeter can enjoy Fried Strawberries, a warm ice cream bun dessert with purple yam and coconut ice cream.
As for the specialty cocktails, they were special indeed. I managed to sample the Over/Under which features a combination of Hendrick’s Gin, Campari, Orange juice, topped with champagne float and edible flower garnishes.
Another hit is the I’m Really Old Fashioned comprised of Bulleit Bourbon, Black Cherry molasses, Bittermans Burlesque Bitters, garnished with a Hanging Rock Sugar Stick.
There are also a fair amount of Vegan offerings on the menu for the plant-based sports fan.
Here’s a look at their complete drink menu:
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I will say that the pizza was an infield single for me. It’s decent but didn’t compare to the lobster tacos, which were a grand slam.
Industry veterans Drew Gates, James Anderson, and Shyon Keoppel make up the hospitality group behind 3rd Base. The trio sought to fill a void in the current nightlife scene and set out to create a casual dining experience with great aesthetics and an amazing food and beverage program.
Gates brings extensive industry knowledge from his past executive positions for industry titans such as Hakkasan Group, Tao Group and SBE Entertainment. Anderson started his career in finance at Goldman Sachs before making the jump to nightlife as General Manager of Drai’s Hollywood.
I will be crying over my Eagles (and probably the Phillies, Sixers and Flyers) at this wonderful new sports bar where you feel like you are hanging with the home team.Contact Colin Costello at colin@reel360.com
