Or Bar is ushering in a dazzling new era for LGBTQ nightlife as a modern cocktail lounge with a decadent, disco-flavored vibe. Located West Hollywood, Or Bar is the brainchild of the powerhouse creative team of former E! Fashion Police Host expert George Kotsiopoulos, West Hollywood business leader Rob Novinger and serial entrepreneur Stevie Schestag. The trio conceptualized the elevated lounge inspired by French disco-era decadence that transports patrons to the chic nightlife dens of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Calling to mind the glamor of the era, the modernized space is anchored by a horseshoe bar in marquina marble and vertical mirrored stripes with zebra marble countertop. A custom 22-foot chandelier features 3,700 crystals while a statement wall on the bar’s eastern side features angled striped mirror panels in black, gold, bronze and smoke.
The space features exposed, painted brick walls throughout as well as rich custom floor-to-ceiling drapery in black/white herringbone tweed embellished with micro sequins. Or Bar boasts a plethora of scintillating art from and inspired by the era, most of it from LGBTQ artists. Highlights include Bob Mizer original prints, a Samuel Hatmaker wall sculpture, a vintage early 80s Memphis Design-inspired wall hanging, a Katasi Kulubya black and white digital collage print, and Ken Price original silkscreen prints depicting life in LA in the late 1970s.
The bar program focuses on elegant cocktails prepared with high-quality ingredients and premium liquors. Highlights include the OR 54 made with Tom of Finland Vodka, LaMarca Prosecco, Fresh Lemon Juice, Passionfruit and Agave; the Liberace made with Courvoiser, Viviant Armagnac, Toasted Coconut and Pineapple; and George’s Devil Juice made with Ketel One Cucumber Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda with a vodka float. A curated selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages round out the menu.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Bella Sky Photography by Kinga Sarabia, STYLE & SOCIETY
