Since opening in early December 2025, Vandell has quickly established itself as one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after bars. Located on Hillhurst Avenue in the Los Feliz neighborhood, the venue draws consistent crowds who line up outside its distinctive forest-green door, eager to experience its combination of sophisticated design, innovative cocktails, and approachable atmosphere.

Vandell's interior features a wood-paneled space anchored by a 30-foot bar and three separate rooms, each uniquely decorated and lit to create distinct ambiances. Its location among popular neighborhood establishments—such as the coffee shop Maru and the restaurant Wilde’s—has contributed to its reputation as a lively, yet accessible, destination. The bar’s offerings, including the trendy mini-martinis, seasonal cocktails marked by vibrant colors, classic cheeseburgers, and shareable fries, complement the convivial environment. The staff’s attentiveness helps maintain a controlled energy even when the bar is crowded.

Behind Vandell’s success are co-owners Shawn Lickliter and Vay Su, who bring extensive industry experience and expertise. Having met while working at République, Lickliter became bar director for the Manzke restaurants, overseeing acclaimed beverage programs for Manzke, Bicyclette, and Petty Cash Taqueria until their closure. Su, recognized for his ability to highlight the flavors of individual fruits and vegetables in cocktails, holds several national competition titles. The duo partnered with Michael Francesconi and Matthew Glaser of Park Hospitality—known for venues like Wolf & Crane in Little Tokyo and several Echo Park bars—to launch Vandell.

The bar stands out by blending a deep respect for cocktail history with innovative flavor exploration. Lickliter’s expertise in vintage spirits and Su’s talent for creating herbaceous, seasonal cocktails, such as a smoked-tomato mezcal drink, highlight the menu’s range. Vandell’s design also pays homage to its Los Feliz surroundings and local history. Named after Vandell Griffith, a former Griffith Park curator and son of the park’s namesake, the venue incorporates numerous thoughtful references. Architect Brion Moran of Aero Collective shaped the space, while artisans Cha-Rie Tang and Mei-Ling Hubbard crafted a historic tile façade reminiscent of the Griffith Observatory. Artist Molly Bounds contributed a mural depicting pastoral park scenes with playful nods to Hollywood culture and local landmarks.

The cocktail menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, with the Market Fresh section offering drinks centered on fruits and vegetables like peach, melon, and green pepper, each designed to accentuate the core flavor. The vintage Olden Days section features cocktails made with rare, aged spirits, some from Lickliter’s extensive personal collection, including 1960s bourbons and limited-edition Japanese single malts. Patrons seeking unique experiences can sample rare concoctions ranging from a Negroni made with 1970s Campari to a carrot eau de vie distilled from large quantities of spiced produce. The bar is also exploring zero-proof cocktail options, aiming to expand nonalcoholic offerings beyond typical mixes.

While food at Vandell is complementary to the drink-focused experience—highlighted by options such as steak frites with chimichurri and chicken with broccoli in sage jus—it remains secondary to the cocktails. The venue merges the social dynamics of a neighborhood bar with the ambition and craft of fine dining establishments.

In a time when overall alcohol consumption trends are shifting, Vandell’s blend of historical knowledge, creative mixology, and rooted design has created a new archetype for Los Angeles drinking culture, offering both a taste of place and a vision for the city’s evolving nightlife.