Bar Lis brings the French Riviera to Hollywood

By Joseph Luparello

Situated above the heart of Hollywood is Bar Lis, and its 2021 opening has been making an excellent impression to newcomers.

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

At the pinnacle of the luxurious Thompson Hollywood hotel, this charming chic lounge brings the famed French Riviera vibe to life. Guests are immersed in a suave hybrid of classic south of France culture and modern Southern California ease.

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

Bar Lis was created to embody the allure of Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) in the 1960s. Translated to Azure Coast in English, it was a destination where Hollywood stars vacationed and conversed while sipping summer spritzes under the sun.

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood

At first sight that guests are welcomed by a ten-foot antique water fountain overflowing with flowers, symbolizing the South of France’s countless private residences and hillside chateaus. Blush striped settees and blue striped walls are reminiscent of the coast’s quintessential beach parasols, and disco ball adds a touch of Cannes glamour.

French Riviera

French Riviera

One of the masterminds behind Bar Lis is Sebastian Puga, Vice President of Brand Development at Ten Five Hospitality. Reflecting on his goals when conceptualizing the establishment, he says, “It was crafted to be a sophisticated living room of sorts, where young Hollywood can easily mingle with an older couple staying in the hotel.  We wanted to create a timeless and unique experience in Los Angeles for our guests: transporting them from Hollywood to the South of France complete with eclectic DJ sounds Thursday through Saturday and a world class jazz night every Tuesday.”

Sebastian Puga

Sebastian Puga

Each drink on the menu is reminiscent of the places that inspired Bar Lis. A good majority of the cocktails offered are specialty Spritz, meaning they’re well balanced and crafted to be light and crisp. They radiate the feeling being seaside in the South of France or Italy. Then there’s cocktails like the French Riviera and Jane Birkin, which nod to the beverages of the region’s heyday back in the 60s. Complementing its craft cocktails is a vast wine list and other elevated spirits and international beers, all meticulously selected to add to the lounge’s light and vibrant atmosphere.

Petit Paloma

Petit Paloma

All the credit for the coordination and opening of the new Hollywood hot spot is owed to Ten Five Hospitality. The Ten Five team has 60 years of combined experience in the hospitality sector—conceiving, creating, and operating the world’s most sought-after lifestyle hotel and food and beverage brands. They bring a world class level of expertise in design, operations, marketing, financing, and food and beverage execution to any project. It’s all thanks to their thorough understanding of what it takes to excel in competitive markets around the world.

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