Sleepy Eagle Rock Eases Into Nightlife With a New Cocktail Bar

It’s not often that a new bar opens in Eagle Rock, let alone on that feels like a speakeasy. On November 13, Pretty Dirty opens in a small room in the 5 Line Tavern.

Pretty Dirty replaces the shuttered Room 31, which closed in March. It’s a tiny space that only seats 14 where a cocktail tasting menu rules the day. The concoctions are designed by Erik Lund, whose resume includes creating bar menus at Mess Hall and République. He joins forces with Tom Singer, who will operate the front of the house.

Pretty Dirty will serve classic cocktails, but Singer wants drinkers to take two hours or more to fully experience the menu. Lund will use spirits from master distillers, plus house made ingredients. He’ll prepare cocktails that are a riff on a Negroni, or one with a combination of mezcal, artichoke, sweet vermouth, pepper, and grapefruit oils called the Throes of Brutalism.

Trust is key here, as Lund removed all liquor bottles from the back bar. In other words, they’ve eliminated choice and will make them for customers. Drinkers will have to be on board with Lund’s proprietary blend of liquors, liqueurs, ingredients, and herbs. They’ll also offer rare and natural wines, and snacks that include Bub And Grandma’s sourdough bread.

Singer says he’ll never turn away a walk-in, but recommends reservations to secure a seat. Once the reservation is booked through Tock, they’ll take a pre-paid deposit that will be applied towards the final bill.

Devin Carlson and Nathan Warkentin of LA-based Suplex Agency designed the interior. Once open, Pretty Dirty’s operating hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 p. to 2 a.m.

Jakob Layman

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