In music to the ears of Los Angeles commuters and tourists (because not everybody in Southern California drives, you know) Union Station has undergone a major revamp without sacrificing its old-world style.
The opening of the two bars, Imperial Western Beer Co. and The Streamliner, marks a new era for those who traipse through the legendary travel hub on a regular basis. Union Station dates back to 1939 and serves nearly 100,000 passengers every day. During World War II, the space was a major hub for troop movement.
Enjoy oysters at Union Station. Image by The Imperial Western Beer Co.
The team behind the venture collaborated with the Los Angeles Conservancy and LA Metro over four years on the project to pay homage to the historically-significant space. The previous eatery, Harvey House Restaurant, had been mostly defunct since 1967 until 213 Hospitality and The Spirited Group stepped in to open their brewery and craft cocktail concepts.
The bar at Union Station has been revamped. Image by The Imperial Western Beer Co.
With its high ceilings and architectural Art Deco details intact, Imperial Western Beer Co is a brewery with games like pool, shuffleboard, and checkers on deck in a room that can hold up to 435 people. While bespoke furniture and lighting was influenced by 1940s train travel and once-glamorous dining cars, the extensive craft beer selection – and the digital menu boards it’s displayed on – are firmly rooted in 2018. There’s also a “to-go” bar with eight beer taps and quick takeaway snack options for hurried passengers.
Arrive early or hope your train is delayed. Image by Imperial Western Beer Co
For those lingering for a while, Head Brewer Devon Randall’s selection of craft beer brewed in-house with a 15-barrel system includes “Light & Refreshing” options. To compliment, chef David Lentz has curated a selection of fresh oysters and American classics like pork ribs, buttermilk-fried chicken, and bacon fingerling potatoes.
LA’s Union Station bar. Image by The Imperial Western Beer Co
The Streamliner, from bar veteran Eric Alperin, is inspired by vintage billboard ads and 1940s/1950s streamliners rail cars. The cocktail menu compliments the bar’s “fast-paced” focus, with $7 (€6) drink options and utensil-free snacks. Alperin and his team have also paid attention to the growing zero-waste movement, so expect to find reusable propylene straws, wines on tap to reduce excessive packaging, and edible garnishes.
All of a sudden – train delays don’t sound too bad.
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