Idle Hour is a barrel-shaped bar worth finding in NoHo

The building stops people in their tracks. Idle Hour on Vineland is housed in a structure shaped like a giant barrel, a surviving piece of California vernacular architecture from an era when roadside buildings were built to look like the thing they sold. It is legitimately rare, and it has been preserved well.

Inside, the focus is cocktails. This is a mixology-leaning lounge that takes its drinks seriously, and with 4.5 stars across more than 1,300 reviews it has clearly built a loyal following over time. The bar also pours wine and beer, hosts live music, and has a patio if you want to sit outside.

It works for groups, which is good to know. It also takes reservations, and on a busy night that is worth doing rather than just showing up. Takeout and delivery are available too, which is a less obvious use for a cocktail bar but handy all the same.