If you still haven’t heard of “mocktails,” we won’t hold it against you – it’s basically a moniker that’s been attached to a non-alcoholic beverage that contributes to a “zero-proof” night out. Think of a mocktail as a way to experience all the flavor and fun of a cocktail but without the alcohol…a mixed drink that you can find at just about any bar nowadays and which contains many of the same ingredients as its boozy counterpart.
Though the term “mocktail” is fairly new on the social scene, these types of beverages have always been served alongside classic cocktails, and were historically known as “Temperance Drinks.” Still, these indulgences are more than just a cup of juice or a cocktail sans the alcohol – they are specialty concoctions that boast their own complex and diverse flavor profiles, with many mocktails featuring zero-proof spirits that are creatively paired with herbs or traditionally savory ingredients.
If you’re a fan of non-alcoholic spirits and have been itching to find a local establishment that mixes them with the best, look no further than our roundup of the best places for mocktails in Woodland Hills.
Kava Sports Bar, located at 17718 Saticoy Street in Reseda, boasts a unique atmosphere and amazing drink menu that creates an experience everyone can enjoy. Here, non-alcoholic plant-based mocktails allow you to be social in a responsible, healthier way as you interact with other like-minded adults – in your group and outside of it. Kava is a root that relaxes muscles and relieves anxiety, and at Kava Sports Bar, all products are imported on a weekly basis so batches of kava can be brewed daily to ensure a consistent quality bursting with potency and effectiveness. Often called “L.A.’s finest kava bar,” this establishment can customize your drink to provide a natural focus and energetic feeling…how many other watering holes can make that claim? Open Monday through Thursday 12 pm to 10:30 pm and Friday through Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm.
The Rendition Room, located at 4349 Tujunga Avenue in Studio City, sits comfortably nestled behind the historic Vitellos Restaurant and boasts a craft cocktail bar that has socialites returning weekend after weekend. Established in 2016, The Rendition Room offers cocktails created by master bartenders along with exclusive wines, beers and spirits (and some pretty great food options) – but what attracts people from all over SoCal to this spot is the way in which it hearkens back to the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood, this exclusive speakeasy accessible by reservation only and boasting intimate private booths in which to enjoy the sounds of Ella, Duke and Billie gently flowing from the speakers. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm, closed Mondays.
The One Up, located at 13625 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, is a gastro lounge and arcade all in one, serving delicious food, craft beer and cocktails and free games for the discerning 21-and-over crowd around Woodland Hills. Among the myriad of cocktail options at The One Up is a section of the menu called “Like a Virgin,” where you’ll find plenty of non-alcoholic options like the Molly Ringwald, Tropicanada and Johnny Utah. Looking for one of the coolest spots on this list with free arcade games, an excellent happy hour offering and super-awesome 80s décor? The One Up is your place. Open daily from 6 pm to 2 am the next day.
Truman House Tavern, located at 911 San Fernando Road in San Fernando, was established in 2018 and continues to exude a trendy tavern vibe through a relaxing ambiance, tasty cuisine and a wide cocktail selection, to say nothing of its local draft beer options – all curated for connoisseurs looking for a new favorite. As a gastropub at its core, Truman House Tavern serves quality items that hit the right spot, such as Bourbon Meatballs and Beer-Battered Fish and Chips, but when it comes to mocktails, the establishment offers a number of non-alcoholic options that will have you and your party talking for weeks to come. These include La Dama (a non-alcoholic spirit with grapefruit, lime, ginger and club soda), Honey Lavender Spritz (another non-alcoholic spirit with honey lavender, lemon, muddled cucumbers and Fever Tree tonic), Mule-ish (featuring muddled cucumber, mint, lime and ginger beer) and Sangria-ish (with fresh fruit, passion fruit, cranberry, orange juice and ginger ale). Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 5 pm to 12 am the next day and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am the following day; closed Sundays and Mondays.
The Front Yard, located at 4222 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, has been described as a unique neighborhood gathering place showcasing L.A.’s diverse flavors in a setting as casual and comfortable as an evening at an old friend’s house – and we simply can’t disagree. On the food end of things, Executive Chef Larry Greenwood infuses a passion and propensity for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine, yet it’s The Front Yard’s cocktail menu you’ll want to look at if non-alcoholic drinks are your thing. Choose from fan-favorite selections like Beeeee Yourself (infused with lavender, lemon, honey and sparkling water) and The Refresher (made with cucumber, lemon-lime, ginger and sparkling water) for a special night out. Open Monday through Thursday 7 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 10:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 9:30 pm.
Firefly, situated at 11720 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, is the place to go when cozy, quiet and refined is your idea of cocktail sipping – indeed, this spot is often called “the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles,” and based on its dimly-lit ambiance alone, that’s quite accurate. Dine on the outdoor patio or just stop by for mocktails and appetizers in the indoor library lounge; when it comes to great atmosphere, good food/drink and very friendly service, there isn’t a locale in Woodland Hills that does it quite like Firefly. Open Monday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to 12 am the next day, Thursday from 5 pm to 1 am the following day, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am the next day and Sunday from 4:30 pm to 11 pm.
If you’re looking for a way to cleanse and step away from the boozing for a bit but don’t want to skip out on late night festivities with your besties, the aforementioned Woodland Hills mocktail spots will get the job done.
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