Stroll down a quiet section of Washington Boulevard in Culver City, CA just around the corner from a mega-strip mall and you’ll spot an old-timey barber’s poll. As you get closer, you may see someone inside getting a trim or an old-fashioned straight-razor shave. This unassuming quaint space is the entrance to the Blind Barber, a secret watering hole known for its crafted cocktails and hip atmosphere.
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The front room is a fully functioning barbershop that harks back to the days when you didn’t just go for a haircut or shave, but rather treated the establishment as a place to meet up with friends and socialize. Walk past the handful of vintage style barber’s chairs, through the back door and down the darkly lit hall to make your way to the hidden bar.
The steampunk décor features a brass embellished bar, black and white tiled floor and little flourishes like a cigarette vending machine repurposed as a display for the Blind Barber line of hair products. Whether you take a spot at the bar or relax in one the black leather booths, the overall mood will transport you back to a time when drinking and looking dapper went hand in hand. As for signature cocktails, Strawberry Fields (Stoli vodka, lemon, honey, strawberries and parsley) and Smoke & Dagger (Jack Daniels, jalapeño infused Cointreau, cucumber, ginger and lemon) are house favorites. There’s also a seasonal drink menu with the sweet, savory and spicy Blue Grotto (chili pepper infused vodka, cherry tomato, basil, lemon, hibiscus syrup and sea salt) being my top pick for the wintery months.
Hot shaves, cold drinks, what more could you ask for? How about a wickedly delicious grilled cheese to go with your beverage? The Blind Barber food menu boasts thirteen specialty grilled cheese sandwiches; favorites include the Number 5 (taleggio, aged parmesan, shiitake, crimini and truffle oil on rosemary olive oil bread) and the Number 6 (Vermont white cheddar, sharp cheddar, heirloom tomato, applewood smoked bacon on artisan table bread).
Like a Russian nesting doll of secrets, there’s even more for those “in the know” at the Blind Barber. The last Monday of the month is the Secret Show, a private standing room only comedy event featuring top comics, past performers include Bobcat Goldthwait, Todd Glass, Laura Kightlinger and Andy Kindler. The show is free, but it’s invite only and the guest list fills up early every month. Email barbersecretshow@gmail.com to request a spot on the list.
With all this going on it’s easy to forget the Blind Barber is a real barbershop, offering standards from a $40 haircut to a $15 beard trim and best of all, complimentary beverage with every service. See below for more information.
- Blind Barber – 10797 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
- http://blindbarber.com/menu
- http://blindbarbersecretshow.tumblr.com/
