"Never Judge a Book by its Cover" It's easy to overlook the Library Bar with Teddy's across the hall and the Tropicana downstairs but do yourself a favor and stop by for a cocktail. Matt Biancaniello runs the bar and he is a genius in his craft. He stops by the farmers markets each morning to pick up ingredients for his concoctions. He made me a drink with shiitake infused bourbon that was one of the best libations that I have ever tried. There were a few other drinks on the menu that caught my attention such as the heirloom tomato mojito, the ham on rye (prosciutto infused bourbon), and the chili margarita. I can keep on going but I'm going to end this review and start planning another trip to LA.* *Sorry for the short review but here's a q&a with Matt: http://www.foodgps.com/qa-with-bartender-matt-biancaniello-roosevelt-library-bar/ read more

Drinks: This place is awesome!! No menu , just fruits laid out for you and whatever you want...what?!! Omg! Best drinks I've ever had and not to mention I actually felt healthy drinking them. Mango orange was yum and so was the kale and guava mix. Rob provided awesome service tonight. Me and my friends all took sips from each other drinks and we weren't disappointed. Each drink is served with a huge block of ice. For those of you who have been to the Varnish, very similar in regards to drinks. Price: The drinks are quality drinks. They can be pricy.. Atmosphere: Place is small which is the only downfall. Dark, with moose heads on the back wall. This is not the place to go to meet a lot of people or people watch. It's a the place to go with some friends so you can lounge and enjoy some great drinks and company. In any case, two thumbs up. read more

First time ever at the Roosevelt Hotel and checking out the Library Bar. Nice bartenders, and late night Saturday crowd was on the younger side. Prices are average and service is quick. The old Roosevelt has a nice classic feel to it and the outside area has a private patio near the swimming pool with plays club type music late. Glad I didn't stay there and have to listen to that music though. I would definitely go back to the bar. read more

What goes on here is art, plain and simple. Tucked in an inconspicuous corner of The Roosevelt, the Library Bar offers up cocktails that ring true to the spirit of mixology. Most people don't drink to be inspired, but if you're weird like me and dislike getting wasted, then this place is for you. The air alone--carrying the faintest perfume of liquor and a farmers' market--discourages the modern bar canon of Jäger bombs and AMFs. The bartop is reminiscent of jungle foliage with the massive amounts of fresh ingredients they incorporate. The patronage was a motley crew of the middle/upper-class LA crowd with a peppering of those few that dress like they're homeless hippies but only in the way that rich, eccentric, creative, psuedo-celebrity types can get away with. I've heard criticisms of this place being too crowded, which I would be annoyed with also if I was 10th in queue for a drink that takes 3 minutes each for the bartender to make. Fortunately, we went in around 6 on a Friday evening before Hollywood had their make-up and outfits on. Because it wasn't too busy, the bartender amicably took the time to ask us individually what spirit and type of drink we preferred. He was proud to present his creations and even offered us a sample of his newest experiment. I'd love to go into the details of the drinks themselves but the conception and comprehension of their concoctions is beyond me. I don't know what else to say except GO: -if you don't mind dropping $16 a drink. (Unless you've got fat wallets you shouldn't be getting hammered here.) -if you can appreciate the possible use of bergamot bitters, stevia syrup, and/or basil. -if you enjoy a level of artistry your local dive can't fathom. read more

I"m a person that is usually running late. I just can't be bound by the constraints of punctuality. It's not an intentional snub; I just don't look at the clock. You tardy people out there understand me. I've heard different people call it "Island Time" or "Greek Time." Some of my friends hate it when I'm late, but most of them just tell me to meet a half hour earlier than we are supposed to meet. You gotta treat this bar like someone who is usually late. It's gonna take longer than you think to get a drink. You may think that you are next in line for a drink, but the set of chicks sitting at the bar were patiently waiting before you even got there. It takes patience. The bartender doesn't make you wait on purpose. He serves each customer with the same care and attention. He's diligently pulling fresh mint sprigs or shaving orange rind or mashing blueberries. Your patience will be rewarded with a delicious drink, albeit relatively small and expensive. The dark wood and antique classic barkeep tools of the trade on display give an old-time vibe. But you aren't confined to the bar; you can explore into the cavernous hotel lobby and relax on the leather furniture. Just don't hate on the wait. A good thing takes time. read more

Great ambiance, talented bartenders, but not really my cup of tea, or booze, I should say. Each drink is $17, which is fair, given the quality of the ingredients, I suppose. They take an age to order though, since there's one bartender, and even after you carefully explain what you like (make mine taste like rocket fuel; not at all sweet), it's still a gamble as to whether or not you'll want to drink the interpretation of your preferences. My results? They were just OK. I feel bad saying that (do I?), but it's just too much of a crap shoot for almost $20. read more

I love bringing guests to this tiny craft bar. Yes the drinks take forever to make, but that is because each ingredient is fresh or still alive. I am in love with bartenders who can make me a specialty cocktails, unique to me, by asking just a few questions of what I like and I don't. I have never had the same drink twice. Plus the super comfy pub chairs make this bar a hard one to leave. Great if you're trying to impress a date or colleague. read more

Hooker and hooker and hos ya'll. That's the BEST thing about getting your drink on at this spot. This is the perfect place to people watch and even get some up close glimpses of some of the nastiest working thangs you ever saw!! I liked the eclectic crowd. Like all of the other reviews on Yelp, I do agree that the drinks are waaaay costly. $17 bones for a mixed drink. Since it was a birthday gathering, I was OK with it. However, our server was a little beutch. I mean really a beutch. We asked him what he could recommend and he said he didn't have a recommendation. What kind of a server gives you an answer like that? I should have given him a WWE smackdown! He told us if we told him what kind of liquor we like he would tell the bartender and the bartender would create something for us. The drinks tasted pretty good. I asked for a Washington apple which is a standard drink (apple martini with crown royale). They told me they couldn't make it. really? It's more generic than the drinks he creates from scratch. The other sucky thing about this place is that they added the tip into our bill. That's BS! Especially because we were forced to pay our ass clown server a fat tip when in fact he should have received a fat lip. I'm out!!! read more

Tucked in the corner of the Roosevelt, we found the Library Bar. I ask bartender about a certain other bartender (thanks Yelpers, but not really). "He's not working tonight," (shucks) "I'm Greg...what do you usually drink?" His intro concoction had nothing I mentioned--first sip, then eyes closed. Where was I...Istanbul, Midnight in Paris... not Hollywood. Eyes open. "What's this called?" "Seriously Dangerous." He had me at dangerous. My mixologist, plus the lineup of fresh market suspects made for a beautiful visual. Greg, class and surprise, was some Jason Mraz, and a splash of Daniel Craig. I'll back this up for the unfamiliar. Pre L-Bar, gin was not my thing. After Greg's concoction --It was on my radar. The slight of hand was easy for him. He knew it. Ok, pressure's on. Me: If I make up a name for a drink, can you create it? Greg: Sure, what is it? Me: "When a Man Loves a Woman" (touché) At this point Greg had spoiled me--I was expecting the friggin drink to unfold, tell a story, and whisk me to a netherworld. Arrival of "When a Man Loves a Woman." It called out in dreamy pink fashion, but my guard was up until, sip...mmmmm. Greg killed it. The sequel to "Seriously Dangerous" was born. I wasn't deluded. A patron who was celebrating her wedding anniversary too lauded it's praises. My lil backstory was I had been licking wounds from a rough week (cuz of a boy), and needed someplace low key, warm, cozy. Whatever was going on, I was being taken care of. Greg: "Do you like yellow bell peppers?" Me: "Yes" (he coulda said Rocky Mountain Oysters and I woulda nodded) In the darkness of this little den, Greg poured a flaming blue arc glass to glass. The liquid fire slid into martini form, and was given over. A sliver of yellow pepper holding the flame yielded to my breath. Sipping its cool nectar, the yellow curve buoyed and whispered, isn't this fun? How can a bartender play me like that? My buddy admitted it was the best drinking experience he ever had (Greg's "Marina del Rey" needs mention) wanted readers to know, "Greg is a beautifully creative man." I'll throw in full of care, thought, grace, and ahem--sizzle. The moral of the story is, certain bartenders (aka, my Drink Whisperer) you need to just trust, cause they'll make all things good in the end. read more

I was introduced to Matt Biancaniello by a friend in September '09, and I've been visiting the Library almost weekly since then. Matt is friendly and likable, and I enjoy chatting with him, but it's his drinks that inspire real devotion. Why? One of the best compliments I've heard came recently from a long time teetotaler friend who told me that the cocktail menu looks absolutely amazing. If you omit the spirits, you're left with ingredients like raspberries, blackberries, pomegranate seeds and dates; strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar; fresh-squeezed lemon/lime juice; heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, persimmons and fig jam; agave syrup and ginger syrup; Chinese allspice, basil and sage; olives and garlic. As someone who's excited by great food, the cocktails at Library Bar are like small bites in a glass. Matt's creativity is evident in offerings like the Roquette---Hendrick's gin with arugula, mint, fresh lime juice and agave; the Dirty Sicilian---Belvedere vodka, uncured olives, garlic, oregano and fresh olive juice topped with red pepper flakes; Gaston's Margarita---Patron Silver, cucumber, cilantro, agave, fresh lime juice and egg whites topped with toasted coconut; and the very popular Last Tango in Modena---Hendrick's, strawberries and aged balsamic with a saint germaine foam. He takes requests for "something good", too. I challenged him to make me a drink from a bottle of beet horseradish sitting on the bar. The Breeder's Cup---Hendrick's, agave, cucumber, beet horseradish and salt---is one of his best drinks. Ask for it. Matt's passion for excellence leads him, like the city's best chefs, to the farmers' markets (sic) for the day's freshest ingredients. When he isn't behind the bar or at the market, he's marinating pomegranate seeds; he's pickling pearl onions in his own sublime sweet, sour and spicy reduction; he's infusing bourbon with prosciutto; he's dehydrating slices of strawberries or persimmons; he's making his own grenadine; he's experimenting with new creations; and he's learning new techniques from molecular gastronomy. Sunday is the best night to come in if you want to talk shop with Matt and try some new drinks, but you'll get a great drink any night. When Matt isn't working, Bryan or Ryan will take care of you. Both of them are experienced, creative talents in their own right with their own concoctions on offer. The Library Bar proper exists in a small, cozy room in the north-east corner of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. It can get noisy and crowded, but if you and your friends want some quiet you can always step out to the hotel's grand lobby. Thanks to Matt, I've learned a lot about spirits and mixed drinks in the last five months. The Library Bar has raised my standards and now I can be tough to satisfy elsewhere. If I'm not at a bar with an array of fresh fruits and herbs placed on the bar, I go for a simple classic, like a Compari soda or a gin and tonic---made with Hendrick's of course. The Roosevelt is a short walk from the Metro Red Line's Hollywood/Highland stop. As an added bonus, you can treat yourself to a cream puff at Beard Papa's on the way. If driving, you can usually find a free parking spot on Orange Drive on Sunday nights. The Library Bar is easily my favorite place to get a drink in and around LA. read more

Truly bespoke cocktails. Fenty and I wanted to get a quick drink after dinner and Fenty had heard a lot about the Library Bar. Tucked away in a corner, there's nothing library-ish about this bar. I guess I was kind of expecting shelves of books lining the walls. The bar is really small, with only about 5-6 booths and tables, and about 6 seats at the bar. You can take your drink out into the Roosevelt Hotel lobby for more seating (which reminds me a lot of the Ace Hotel in New York). Unlike other mixology places I've been to, the Library Bar has no menu at all. You simply tell the mixologist what you like (alcohol-wise, flavors, scents, etc) and they make you something from scratch. The mixologist made me something really refreshing with gin, bitters, and arugula as the primary ingredients. It was like the evil alter ego of a veggie Jamba Juice (that is, more bitter, loaded with alcohol but still refreshing and deceitfully healthy tasting). It was beautifully topped off with a flower. Fenty got something with whiskey, which I had little interest to drink as I'm not a big fan of whiskey but she seemed to really like her drink. As we watched the skillful mixologists practicing their art, we couldn't help but be amazed by how much they put into crafting each drink. I've had my fair share of fancy schmancy bespoke drinks, some worth their $15-20 price tag, some not. I'd never seen mixologists work with so many ingredients to craft ONE drink. For one of Fenty's drinks, one of the mixologists torched a pinch of what appeared to be basil...? Man, my vegetable knowledge sucks. Anyway, once the basil-lookalike looked a bit burnt, he swiftly placed a glass upside down on it, as if to trap the smoky, basil scent... And it actually did make a difference! Fenty's third drink was smoky with a hint of basil, without actually containing any trace of basil. We really enjoyed every single one of our drinks, even though it was $17 a pop. The crowd seemed to be mostly in their 30s or early 40s that night, and they kept to themselves and kept their shit together despite the really stiff drinks. All in all, a great night and awesome cocktails with the charm of Old Hollywood. PS. Ladies, if the bathroom downstairs is full, go to the second floor bathroom instead. PPS. Their spicy drinks really have a kick! PPPS. Limit consumption to 2-3 drinks or else you might find yourself trying to sober up, having bacon wrapped hot dogs 3 hours later with Elvis sitting next to you. read more

The drinks are beyond good. There is colossal effort that goes into each one. But one just "has to know" before going in that they are $18 EACH. I asked for a drink menu- I was told that drinks are concocted based on mood. Cool- But can I please know before hand what I might be paying for 'mood drinks'? A sign on the bar somewhere? a card menu? options? None. After ordering 3 rounds of drinks for 3 people I was stunned to be now committed to a $200bill. I was led in by someone else- Otherwise I would have "pre-yelped" this place. I know that they do this on purpose- read more

Ok I need to update this because I realized I was wrong on one point: the bartender I dealt with was not "Matt". My apologies to him. Everything else in the review is still valid though, and the bartender who made my drinks is talented and does have a bit of an attitude, whatever his name is. No I didn't ask for his name and I assumed it was Matt, and yes I know what happens when you ASSuME ;) read more

As everyone else has already stated, the cocktails here are a hefty $17. They are expertly made, use high quality ingredients and they are delicious. Definitely worth the price.... on a special occasion or if someone owes me a favor and they are willing to buy! :-D I do think they should have something to indicate the price of the drinks, before innocent people faint when they get their check. I know they refuse to have a drink menu, but maybe just a tasteful little sign on the bar that explains that there is no set menu, drinks are creatively made based on your preferences, oh and they are $17. Aside from that little detail, I think this is a really nice bar! Classy and the drinks honestly were great. My friend and I both ordered drinks with scotch, and we got shockingly different cocktails. Mine was sweet and coffee flavored, his was not sweet and had jalapeno in it... It's worth noting that the woman got the sweet drink and the Mexican got the drink with jalapeno, but the stereotypes weren't wrong! We both enjoyed our cocktails! I look forward to returning as soon as someone I know wins the lottery and wants to buy me a nice cocktail! ;-) read more

Top 5 famous Matthews: Matthew (the Apostle) Matthew McConaughey (Shirtless Wonder) Matthew Broderick (Bueller....Bueller?) Mathew Evans (Patented the first electric light bulb then sold it to Edison...and he was Canadian) Matthew Biancaniello (Bartender extraordinare at Library Bar) *Note: Matthews NOT arranged in order of importance. I came skeptical, even after reading the carolineoncrack blog entry singing Matthew and Library's praises. http://bit.ly/Ljr3u But my gin fizz quickly put me at ease. It seems soothing, complex drinks are Matthew's bread and butter. His use of fresh market ingredients rivals Copa d'Oro. On a sunday night, the bar was fairly full. One loud drunk lass was celebrating a bicentennial, or something like that. I imagine other nights would only be worse. Matthew recommends Sundays and Wednesdays, if you want a more relaxed environment to sip your expertly made cocktail and talk fabulous. I encourage everyone to go visit Matthew, but you have to promise me you won't order a Vodka Red Bull. Deal? I will have ways of knowing if you do.... read more

Fantastic place to relax, have a drink and people watch. They have a great mixologist and make some of the best drinks you'll find in L.A. The building itself is historic and beautiful with it's dark wood decor and old school feel. You could forget you are on Hollywood Boulevard easily. read more

Recently I've come to feel about drinks in bars the way I do about food in restaurants-- If I can do it myself, if the whole of the recipe can be deduced from the drink's name (e.g Jack and Coke), then why pay an upwards of twelve dollars to have someone else pour it? I want creativity, intriguing flavor combinations, color, sparkle, and a nice glass to hold for half an hour or so. I like the new drink craze. I appreciated the recent LA Weekly best of Cocktails cover by JG, and I love the resurgence of old-timey concoctions, like the gin "Cosmopolitan 1926" served up at Cole's or suddenly ubiquitous comeback kid, the Sazerac. Once you start sipping these libations, its kinda like when you first started to eat well. Your palate gets real snobby, real fast. So if you're equally pumped for this alchohol-gone-gourmet trend, and willing to pay a bit more for the good stuff, add this spot to your list. I've only been here once thus far, and I'm not friends with the bartender, but I was earnestly moved by his abundant zeal for his profession. Overhearing him talk with other patrons, he sounded like an impassioned contender of the potential reality smash Top Bartender. He gushed on and on about his craft-- ingredients he had picked that day at the Farmer's Market to incorporate into today's drinks, "Today the strawberries looked the most fresh, but this drink is just sensational also with white peach!"; the merits of his trademark iceberg-style ice cube, "See, she's had that drink for twenty minutes, and no melting! No dilluting the drink!"; and his personal aspirations for his career "Right now I do private events, tend alongside private chefs....eventually I want my own bar to do my own thing." Of all the big dreams running around in this town (do I have to name what those are? You know at least thirty of each kind of wannabe), I found this dude's particular ambition to be refreshingly singular and sincere. Oh yeah, I should get to the drinks already. Well, I cheated a bit and ordered off the menu, trying to recreate a sensational Scotch-St.Germain-and bubbly stuff libation I loved in Vegas. The Bartender suggested adding in some lemon and ginger, and the result was fabulous, so crisp and nuanced. The enormous ice cube is just gorgeous in the glass. My beloved had a Dirty Sicilian Martini, which has all kinds of bell peppers and fat olives and spices and what not. Honestly, it kind of tasted like beef jerky to me, but if you wanted something savory with a bite, you may enjoy it. Another friend had a fresh strawberry mojito. This is the cocktail that changes its fruit according to what the farmer's market offered best that day. This was a juicy, delicious drink that was lusciously fruity without being cloying. Highly recommended. Atmosphere- It's a small one-room bar. It feels classy. It is the Roosevelt Hotel, after all. It's not the scene or the patrons or the anything but the drinks, however, that brings me here. read more

After we did our due diligence saying hello to our actor friend at Lexington, we ditched the fist pumps, stripper heals and "WHAT?! I can't fucking HEAR YOU because he's SEXY and he KNOWS IT!" jams; my friend Heather raves about the bar across the street so we go. Located inside Cleo, the Library Bar is up the elevator or stairs on floor 2. The bar with it's dressy college grad mixing maniacs, the old-timey pool table, large patio nestled in between the hotels U shape, low lighting over all and relaxed, smiling, fashion conscious patrons gives you a mixed feeling of high society and unreserved relief when you realize you can just get a drink and simply enjoy yourself. Though it is suspiciously devoid of any books... perhaps they should take after Hemingway and throw up some faux-bookshelves to finish off the feel. Ah who cares, it's awesome as it is. Being a more upscale gig, they will have your single malts and 20 years, but be prepared to pay for it. There is no well here; all liquor used is at minimum good poison. The drink menu is exotic and unique, letting you know this is definitely a mixology bar, and they will run you about 16 bucks per. From my one experience so far though, the glasses are full sized and the drinks are strong, not to mention, taste amazing, so you will be getting your money's worth. But hey, don't be ashamed to enjoy that first pricey piece of art, then switch to your trusty Jameson; nothin wrong with that. Just don't forget to tip your bartender and/or bartendress. See you again soon le Library Bar, most certainly for my birthday, and several occasions before then, too, I am sure. read more

Excellent drinks, tell the mix master your flavors and they'll make you a unique libation, freshest ingrediates. cushy chairs, dark interior. Perfect to start or end your night. I ordered also a coffee, excellent brew as well. pricey. read more

I was here for Chef Meg's Moveable Feast with resident mixologist Matthew Biancaniello. The bar itself is very warm and comfortable, as if you are relaxing in the den of a 1930's wall street tycoon. The feast included about 7 delicious, custom-crafted, appetizer sized dishes that were Chef Meg's take on historic Hollywood fare. Each dish was paired with an amazing, unforgettably unique cocktail created by Matthew which pushed the boundaries of mixed drinks as I knew them. Good conversation, a nice atmosphere, food and drinks that keep you at that 'just right' point all night, what else can I say? This event was a great introduction to the Library Bar and I look forward to coming back to see what Matthew has invented next! read more

My usual alcoholic beverage of choice is a vodka soda w/ lime. It's pure, it's simplistic, I know exactly what's inside of it & it's low on the caloric intake scale. At most bars, if you get anything else with a fancy name attached to it, that usually means those food coloring colored, high fructose corn syrup infused, all-artificial ingredient having mixers are used in the making of your drink. Eww, eww, and for good measure...eww. When you walk into Library Bar, it's an intimate space that feels like the study of a swanky mansion. The bar is covered in (gasp!) actual produce: fresh herbs, fresh veggies, fresh fruits..all fresh everything. The last time I saw fresh anything used to make drinks at the bar was at Varnish & Association in downtown L.A. Yet still, Library Bar is mixology to the max. The masters behind the bar design (yes, DESIGN) concoctions using the most unexpected combination of ingredients that I've never heard of before. And from what I'm told, they rotate out new drinks so there is always something new to try. We had an apertif called "death before daytime"... a red drink contained in the coolest mini-beaker looking glass that I've ever seen in my life. The most prominent thing I remember about it was the licorice. The second cocktail we had..which I unfortunately forget the name of..had muddled arugula. Both cocktails had flavors I've never tasted before in my entire alcohol drinking career. lol. The great thing is, you can drink it knowing that it was freshly made with all-natural ingredients, and it's going to be something you never experienced in 99.99% of bars you've been to. Seriously though, this place is legit. Too legit to quit. Go now. And if you see those black leather sling looking chairs, be careful when you sit down in them, because you'll sink down lowwww. Opt for the red leather couch instead. Much comfier. read more

This is not a lounge, it's an experience. Yes, that sounds cliche but there's a reason this place receives such an overall high rating. There is no lounge sign; to enter the lounge you must walk through hallway corridors to this little dark area. Greeted by your cocktail server you will be instructed that there is no cocktail list, but your drink will be custom made to your personal preferences. My preferences were that I like gin, champagne, cucumber and st germaine. I received a great concoction with strawberry, gin and topped with st germaine foam. Very cool. Do be specific though, one of the guys in our group said "enthusiastic" with vodka. He got a spicy cocktail that probably wasn't what he wanted. But if you don't give much guidance you leave a lot to interpretation. Expect to pay about $17-18 for a pretty looking short cocktail with plenty of garnish and a very large ice cube. Library Bar should be listed as ultra high end, it's $$$$. Awesome date spot if you want to impress. Go to Public Kitchen for dinner inside the hotel yummy food! See my review http://www.yelp.com/biz/public-kitchen-and-bar-los-angeles#hrid:QHCWQ_kV279XkApoM2ESuw read more

Based on the high reviews, I asked a couple of friends to meet me at Library Bar so we could check it out. The guy behind the bar was, indeed, a master mixologist. Our drinks were delicious but the bottom line is: if you are visiting L.A. and spending your time in the Hollywood Blvd. zone, then by all means, put the Library Bar on your list of things to do. The Roosevelt is a beautiful example of early 20th century California architecture and you should see it anyway. If you live here, well, there are about a dozen other bars with talented mixologists you can go to. Pick one, go there, don't bother with this place. The first star came off because I (or, to be precise, my date) paid $18 for a drink that contained almost no alcohol. I really think the bartender sort of waved the tequila bottle over the glass - it had sort of an essence of alcohol. Don't get me wrong, it was phenomenally tasty. But if I had taken out the giant ice cube I think the glass would have contained less than 3 oz. of liquid. The second star was lost for the total and complete lack of ambiance. I chose to meet my friends there because the Roosevelt hotel is rad. The Library Bar, however, is a black box with a total lack of decor and, as such, is the total antithesis to the rest of the hotel. Granted, we were able to drink our tiny, delicious drinks in the lobby but why-oh why would you ever put black plexiglass (?) walls in a bar in a historic Spanish style hotel? So, if you have read my entire review, I will now refer you back to the first paragraph. The Library Bar at the Roosevelt is a five & dime. If you are a local stick with Seven Grand, Big Bar, or Villains Tavern. read more

This place will make any drink you can think of--and a ton of drinks you can't even fathom. The bar looks like a mad scientist's workshop--all kinds of fruits, herbs, spices and things to make your mouth say, WTF this is good! The mixologist is second to none. You can say things like, "I want something spicy and creamy with tropical fruit."--and the guy whips up the most amazing drink. You taste it and don't like it? He makes it to your liking. OH WAIT...SORRY!! That's what it USED TO BE LIKE. That was the Library Bar of a year back or so. Now the Roosevelt Hotel is cheaping out on its loyal customer base and they turned it into every other shitty hotel bar with above average ambiance. I took some friends here recently--playing up the bar to them saying how amazing it is only to have my dreams shattered when I saw what they'd done to the place. It's now just some room off the main bar/lobby that serves drinks with leather wingback chairs. There used to be a line out the door waiting to get in because of their bar staff. Now the last drink I had there I had to damn near make it myself. The Roosevelt Hotel is a Hollywood landmark. They charge above average prices for a less than average experience and they need to step up their game if they want my business back. read more

**Do not confuse this place for Library Bar in DTLA. TOTALLY DIFFERENT** With that mentioned, I've been to the Library Bar without even knowing it was called the Library Bar. When entering the Hollywood Roosevelt, this place already has a vintage Harry Potter feel to it. Many may enjoy drinking in the lobby (it's a nice spacious lobby). A bit in the left near corner is another isolated area. This is the Library Bar. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel seems to be a go-to spot for many gatherings. This single hotel has at least 5 bars contained in it. I've been to several events here and it's always at a different bar in this hotel. The Library Bar is the smallest and most intimate. It's also the most decorated giving the feel of being surrounded by books. On a Thursday night, my group of 6 was the largest group in the bar. At most, there would be maybe 4 or 5 others, but nothing more. Friday and Saturday nights would probably fare differently. I didn't get the same 5-star treatment that the other's touted here. In fact, I didn't exactly get the same level of service either, being failed to be acknowledged at a bar with only 2 people sitting. Shortly thereafter, I would be joined by another in my group to check on what's the hold-up. I cannot deny the experience that others may have had here, but mine was spoiled by a lack of service. The drink that I ended up having was a unique berry based vodka mix, but it was too seedy and not legendary. read more

Bartenders are awesome! See my review of Public Kitchen and Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel. http://www.yelp.com/biz/public-kitchen-and-bar-los-angeles?hrid=obB8SKe842pGB5HenMRZww read more

A bit pricey. Could be $40 for 2 drinks. They are strong so watch out! Nice vibe with yummy drinks, but it's a bit dark. Cool music throughout the night. read more

Such a romantic private spot! Love the concept of having no menu and letting the bartender take complete creative control over the drinks. They are pricier but well worth it considering the unique creation you are given. I loved coming here with my boyfriend on Friday night! read more

Ok, these bartenders are insane. They can make anything you ask for. I usually just go in and tell them I want something fruity or spicy or strong, etc. and they will come up with the best concoction. It's a little pricey, but I can't complain if I don't know what I want to order. Dark, intimate spot...makes you wanna cozy up in the corner with a date. read more

I really love this hotel! The library bar is another great addition to the already wonderful assets the hotel has to offer up. Drinks here are one of a kind custom for you creations The place is beautifully set and can be cozy and dim but perfect for a fun night of talking and drinking!! I'm going back soon saturday night rocks there read more

There is no drink menu. You go in and tell the mixologist exactly what you're in the mood for (ex: spicy, tangy, tropical, woody, fan of whiskey, etc...). He/she then concocts the most delicious drink you will have ever tasted in your life. If you don't like it, he/she will make another one. Sit, relax, take a sip of heaven, converse with your friend, spouse, whoever you're there with in an intimate setting, and just enjoy. Only downside is that you have no idea how much your drink costs till the very end when you ask for the bill. Prices vary depending on the ingredients that the mixologist has incorporated into your very own glass of heaven. read more

I chose the Library Bar at the Roosevelt for the start of a night out with friends at the recommendation of one of my friends who said she had the best cocktail of her life here.. how could I ignore a place like this with those kind of props? Ok first impressions.. it was pretty tiny. No packed, though, which was good. We were not able to snag a seat at first and enjoyed our first drinks out in the hotel lobby, but after a group left we were able to find enough room for us all to sit down inside. The bar was lined with all kinds of ingredients that you might not normally imagine in drinks.. lots of veggies and herbs on display. A good looking man came out from behind the bar and started chatting us up about what we liked in our drinks.. I found out later it was not famous Matt the mixologist, but this guy definitely knew how to make a mean drink. I had him make me two drinks - the first one was a little spicy, with vodka, cucumber, and jalapeno.. it was amazing! not too sweet, not toooo spicy. Perfect for summer time. The next one was something pisco-based, and was also very delicious and the foam on top was perfectly creamy. The Library Bar should be a must-visit for anyone who loves a well made cocktail. I'll have to come back when Matt is working as well! read more

This place is totally eclectic and very classy. I have been here twice and both times had a low key relaxing evening. I have always felt transformed by the history and who else may have sat in the seat I'm sitting in. Yes, pricey drinks, so wouldn't go here to get drunk. But if you want a taste of Los Angeles old time culture and a reminisce the past its a super cool place to visit. I actually felt that the empty table next to us may not have been empty after all. There's almost a spooky vibe here, that the old time movie or rock stars are still visiting. read more

This is somewhat swank place littered with girls in barely there clothes and seedy men, lol. They all seem to conjugate together in places like these. This isn't the classiest place I have been to but the drinks are good, they are not great. My wonderful friend bought me a strawberry w/balsamic and St. Germain foam cocktail, it was ok but not delicious as I had hoped. My friend's cocktail was pretty tasty though, I forgot the name of her drink. We were all there for a birthday and almost everyone seemed to enjoy their drinks. Good concept on the farm fresh drinks. I would possibly come back only if a friend wanted to go. read more

OMG! A good friend, who is a bartender in Hawaii, brought me here last week. I didn't know what to expect or order. But I was pleasantly surprised at the drink the bartender mixed up for me. I told him I wanted something fruity and sweet. And he delivered. It was delicious, what ever it was. I can't remember what he called it. My friend and I sat at the bar and the aroma from the fresh herbs and fruit lining the counter was intoxicating. It was a week night, so there were hardly any people inside. Which was a good thing for us because it is a rather tiny space and I imagine that on busy weekends its hard to even get in. Yet, the dim lights and cozy furniture, make for a rather intimate atmosphere that's perfect for a small gathering. The music was on point too and the bartender was really pleasant to interact with. I'll definitely check this place out again in the near future. read more

Nice space but a bit spread out. I guess thats good for private meetings and discreet encounters. What ever. It works, and does what a bar should do. read more

I don't know what happened this past weekend, but for a Saturday evening at 11pm the Library Bar was tame. There wasn't loud music blazing next door, just a cozy atmosphere. As always, there are seats within the bar and outside in the lobby area. The mixologists here are simply the best, my directions resulted in another great mystery cocktail! I just learned during this visit that it is best to valet at the Roosevelt Hotel. The bar offers 3 hour validation (making valet $9), which is drastically cheaper than parking in the nearby parking structure. read more

I bloody adore the intimacy and the decor inside this small bar. I love the antlers on the back wall. The concept for handcrafted cocktails is fantastic, you give the bartenders your favorite ingredients and see what they make. I have been twice. First time amazing! Cactus fruit, blackberry, mezcal vampires blood concuntion. Second time not as amazing as the first but probably because I didn't pick the right ingredient combination. read more

What a fun little bar. Although found right on Hollywood Blvd., it is hidden inside the landmark that is the Roosevelt Hotel. So, you don't get the crazies or hustle and bustle of the crowd. The in-house mixologist makes drinks to order and creates wonders that you might not always think of. I'd come here over and over again. I highly recommend it! read more

HMMM! 4 stars! Was almost 3... These drinks are expensive as hell and I'm use to a $13-15 cocktail but depending on what you get it could be $17-$20! SO WATCH OUT. Its pretty cool just going up and saying what you like and them making you a delicious cocktail based on that - I said ginger and tequila both times cause thats the shit right there. Both were different and delicious both $17 I think. Now these aren't MIND BLOWING I will say that. Nothing new, just typical excellent mixed drinks. HOWEVER unlike a lot of fancy as mixology place these weren't no b*tch drinks! I only had two and I was a lot more drunk then I had planned or wanted to be, but sometimes you just gotta roll with it! Took 15+ minutes to get drinks sometimes but I came here after a movie premiere at the El Capitan with like a million people. read more