Death & Co Los Angeles — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Haven't been here since pre-covid times so it was nice to drop in for a few drinks after dinner in Little Tokyo. Be prepared to wait in line for a bit (30 min or longer) if it's a busy night as the seating area is limited esp if there are large parties reserving tables. Covid vax is still necessary to enter considering the cramped space - thanks for being safe D&C!

Drinks are solid and original. The menu is quite extensive and sure to have something for everyone. Bartenders are attentive and quick on the draw. They make great recs for those who are overwhelmed by all the options.

Prices are a bit on the high side, but somewhat expected for this part of town. Considering each cocktail is unique and exquisite, I'd def rec trying them out at least once even if the cost is premium, esp if you're a speakeasy / cocktail enthusiast.

The only things that somewhat hampered the night was the fact that I could barely hear what my date was saying a foot away from me. It's quite loud in here so keep that in mind. Also, the funeral home-esque incense burning throughout our tasting experience stifled a bit of my palette.

If you're a Hibiki Harmony fan, Kite Fighter is a def one to try. The Kamoizumi Umeshu and Blue Plum Brandy make it slightly on the sweeter side, but balanced well by the fresh seltzer.

The H&H Rainwater Madeira gives Doctor Jones a nutty almond citrus zest, accompanied by a hint of carrot eau de vie, rounded out by a subtle but noticeable macadamia finish.

Concluded with the Ringo Kid. Bourbon, Lo-Fi vermouth, somewhat overpowered by the guava, with a spritz of lemon. Not my fav drink of the three but a solid one to end...

It pains me to post this, but it's warranted.

We were greeted cordially by the doorman and asked to wait just a moment before being directed down. Once seated, the female bartender seemed completely uninterested in giving us any of her time. She barely acknowledged us, was completely unhelpful in finding a drink that I wanted when asked if she could make something off-menu, didn't provide any eye contact or other indication that she was giving us any focus at all. She was only focused on making drinks and taking care of behind the bar. Never asked how our drinks were (my s/o's was good, mine was not) and just generally made us feel unwelcome there.

Also, the offensive plumbing smell has grown intolerable. I was with you soon after you opened so I know it's always been there, but it's so much worse and the diffuser you used to use to cover it up (which smelled amazing) seems to be a thing of the past. We were at the innermost end of the bar and could smell it the entire time we were there.

I've been with you probably 4 times prior to this and every time it's been an A-level experience. This time was especially disappointing because it was my partner's first time, and it was a celebratory occasion for us. There are so many objectively good things about this bar, I'm just really disappointed.

Btw, do you know the valet is accepting money to allow people to skip the line outside? I was approached, I wasn't pursuing it, for reference.

EDIT: I did as advised below; no response. Places that want to be good, can be. This spot is too busy to care...

We are a bunch of cocktail snobs and I reserved Death % Co for a birthday celebration. I had high expectations of this place. The menu was little underwhelming at first and we got taken to a very dark room in the basement. Our first set of drinks were not great at all and I returned my drink called the Vanity Fair I think which was supposed to be boozy and frankly tasted like watered down gatorade.

That would have been the end of the night but our bar tender Ornella asked me what was wrong and when I explained the type of drinks I like, she suggested the "I against I" which had rum and whiskey. I was hooked.

We asked Ornella to make us drinks more by describing what we liked in a cocktail and she created the rest of the night's cocktails from off the menu. "The Crescent City" was a big hit for the night with Basil liquor and a foamy egg white head. It was unique and very very good. The other great drinks from the night were "The Crop Top", "The star Sapphire" and my favorite was "The darkness on the edge of the town".

Not sure if any of those are on the menu but they should be. The Mezcal cocktails were a bomb, not too smokey and more mellow. The food was pretty good and chicken pate was great.

A point for the guys at Death&Co, please add some light down there. The drinks and I know the food looked beautiful but with so little light, we couldn't see our food and barely see or take pics of the drinks.

I am definitely going back if Ornella is bar tending but I hpe they are going to update the...