![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/71Above-Floor.jpg?resize=225%2C300\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
At the top of the Los Angeles’ US Bank Tower (generally known as the “Library Tower” to locals) is 71Above.\u00a0 A relatively new restaurant in a building with an interesting history.\u00a0 Prior to 71Above’s opening in June, 2016, along with the “OUE Skyspace” observation deck on the 69th and 70th floor, this building had the somewhat dubious reputation (alleged) of being the tallest building in the US without an observation deck.<\/p>\n
Thankfully when OUE purchased the building in 2014 they set about rectifying this omission.\u00a0 Along with the observation deck came 71Above.\u00a0 It’s interesting that the restaurant is actually above the observation deck.\u00a0 At 950 feet above ground level, 71Above is now the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi.<\/p>\n
So, let’s get the first questions out of the way.\u00a0 Yes, the panoramic view is absolutely stunning; from Malibu to Santa Monica to LAX to Redondo Beach.\u00a0 And the whole LA basing including Hollywood and Beverly Hills.\u00a0 Without a doubt the most impressive view from a bar stool I’ve ever enjoyed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/20170422_170644.jpg?resize=265%2C199\")
\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/20170422_170613.jpg?resize=265%2C199\")
<\/p>\n
In case you’re wondering if the brand new tallest building in LA will interfere with the view, it won’t!\u00a0\u00a0 You can see the Wilshire Grand Tower in the photo below, in the lower left corner.\u00a0 It is below 71Above.\u00a0\u00a0 While the Wilshire Grand Tower is taller than the Library Tower the latter is situated further up Bunker Hill.\u00a0 Thus the view is better from 71Above.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/20170422_170753.jpg?resize=200%2C267\")
<\/p>\n
Second, the food is excellent, though a bit pricey.\u00a0\u00a0 But that is what I would expect.\u00a0 The cuisine is ‘modern American’. \u00a0 71Above offers a set menu with several first, second, and third choices.\u00a0 Or you can choose from the “Bar Bites” in the Lounge.\u00a0\u00a0 Of course you can get the set menu in the Lounge if you choose.\u00a0 There are Chef\u2019s tables which offer views of the open kitchen and one large and two small dining rooms looking down upon Dodger Stadium, which require reservations!!\u00a0 I haven’t seen these, but its a very tempting option.<\/p>\n
The motif of the restaurant has been described at geometric-chic.\u00a0 I think of it more as subdued art-deco.\u00a0 In any case it is geometric, simple, and subtle without detracting from the view in any way.\u00a0 71Above clearly understands that the view is the ultimate decoration and everything inside is simply secondary.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/20170422_172453-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300\")
<\/p>\n
Finally, the Martini was excellent.\u00a0\u00a0 Very professionally prepared, quite cold, happily abundant, and delicious.\u00a0 The bartenders are very professional and will ensure you’re satisfied with your drink.\u00a0 My only beef with the drink, and I acknowledge that its a minor ‘nit’, was the stem.\u00a0 My regular readers will know that I’m a bit of a stem snob and this Martini was not quite what what I consider a proper Martini Stem.\u00a0 Despite that little oversight, the Martini was refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable.\u00a0 As with the food, the drinks are a bit pricey, but not excessive.\u00a0 Considering the view I think the prices are absolutely economical.<\/p>\n
Overall 71Above gets one stem.\u00a0 For selection 71Above gets a A+. For more information: \u00a0 www.71above.com<\/a><\/p>\n If you like what you\u2019ve read, please subscribe.\u00a0 If not, please post a comment telling us how and why you disagree.<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious about what one vs. two stems means, At the top of the Los Angeles’ US Bank Tower (generally known as the “Library Tower” to locals) is 71Above.\u00a0 A relatively new restaurant in a building with an interesting history.\u00a0 Prior to 71Above’s opening in June, 2016, along with … Continue reading ![\"Martini](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/shakennotstirred.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Martini-Glass-Upright1.jpg\")
\n<\/a>The Martinis really are quite excellent, they’re just not perfect enough to warrant my two stem award.\u00a0 However, the overall atmosphere and experience are truly worth a visit.\u00a0 A note of caution …. reservations are highly recommended!!!<\/p>\n
\nTheir listed Gins include Aviation, Bols Genever, Bols, Genevery Aged, Botanist, Bummer & Lazarus, Fords’s, Hendrick’s, Monkey 47, Old Raj Blue, Oxely, Plymouth, Spirit Works Barrel Aged, St. George Botanivore, St. George Dry Rye, St. George Dry Rye Reposado, Tanqueray 10, and Wilder.\u00a0 Note I said ‘listed’ Gins.\u00a0 They have others on the\u00a0 self and the bartender noted that their selection varies from week to week.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nI refer you to the following:
\n*****\u00a0\u00a0 Rating Definitions<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 ****<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"