The Hospitality Team Behind Stone Street New York and Bathtub Gin New York Officially Opened Their New West Coast Outpost on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles

Restaurateur and entrepreneur Dave Oz of Stone Street New York and Bathtub Gin New York teams up with Joel David Moore and Laura Parkening to launch LA’s newest all-day dining destination, cocktail bar and coffee lounge, Stone Street LA, now officially open in Melrose Ave’s bustling Arts District as of September 2021. 

The venue’s roots stem back to the famed Stone Street Coffee Company roaster in Brooklyn. The first Stone Street café opened in New York in 2010, and has served as a neighborhood staple and functioning front for the famed Bathtub Gin speakeasy for over ten years. In Los Angeles, the concept has been expanded into a hybrid space that offers locals its signature artisanal coffee, as well as a comprehensive menu featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner, top-notch cocktails at their beautiful and welcoming bar, and a weekend brunch on their sprawling garden patio. Staying true to the brand’s New York roots while adapting to its new LA home, the menu features delicious items with fun twists paying homage to New York City. 

The doors of Stone Street LA are open to all, a local java shop, all-day cafe and watering hole with a vibe that fits right into the neighborhood. With its robust entertainment offering, this is a place for creatives to meet in a casual yet inspiring and friendly setting, in a venue that offers just as much ambiance during the day as it does at night. Evening programming includes a weekly comedy night (Prohibition Comedy on Wednesdays), live music (Thursday nights), DJ programming, and a Sunday Disco brunch.

Hours of operation: M/T 8am-3pm | W/Th/Fr 8am – 11pm | Sat 9am – 11pm | Sun 9am – 3pm

“We are excited to bring the Stone Street name and brand to Los Angeles and create a neighborhood establishment to help further bring back life to the Melrose area post-pandemic. We pride ourselves on our dynamic ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, paired with great coffee, food, cocktails, music and programming. This is a place for coffee, for cocktails, for community, a neighborhood café and bar where everyone is welcome. Where the food is exceptional and there is something for all patrons to enjoy. Where live entertainment is part of the culture, and you can catch the best new talent in town. Where New York attitude meets LA energy, and the best of both worlds unite.” – Restaurateur Dave Oz, Co-owner

NYC-INSPIRED CUISINE WITH LA FLAIR 

Created by Chef John Sheffy, the all-day food menu features prominent New American-inspired cuisine with a large selection of homemade pastries and New York staple dishes with a creative twist. Classic items are made flavorful through a delicate marriage of ingredients. New York staples such as the Bagel and Lox and Bacon Egg and Cheese on a Roll are imbued by a fresh LA touch, while the local community is embraced through unique dishes such as Challah French Toast and Roasted Mary’s Chicken. This is a menu where there is something for everyone, where New York heritage and global inspiration connect. Where classics are made perfect, and simple things surpass expectations.

THE COFFEE – BROOKLYN’S FINEST BEANS 

With a heritage that ties back to the acclaimed Stone Street Coffee Company roaster, excellent coffee is part of the venue’s DNA. It all starts with their beans, which are ethically sourced from countries all over the world (earning them Organic, Fairtrade and Rainforest Association certifications) and roasted in small batches at the Stone Street Coffee Company roaster in Brooklyn. Here in Los Angeles, they use their diverse roasts and blends to create an assortment of delicious coffee drinks, fit for any palette. For the ultimate taste test, just try their Knee Buckling Espresso.  

THE COCKTAILS – CLASSIC COCKTAILS WITH A BICOASTAL TWIST

Created by award-winning Beverage Consultant Brendan Bartley, Stone Street LA’s selection of craft cocktails allows you to experience classic recipes through new and unique flavor pairings. They work extensively behind the scenes to master both balance and flavor, allowing for a low waste process and efficient service. On tap, frozen, bottled or by the glass, with standout names such as Californication and Harlem Rose, their cocktails encompass the best of both coasts. 

“Stone Street LA is committed to providing warm, genuine and unpretentious hospitality as we serve unique menu offerings for all things coffee, cocktails and culinary. Our skilled baristas honor both classic espresso beverages like cafe lattes and flat whites, as well as new coffee trends like matcha lattes and espresso tonics. Our food menu provides a little something for everyone. With a nod to NY classics like the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on a Roll, to LA favorites like Avocado Toast and popular brunch offerings like our Prosciutto Tart and Challah French Toast, we aim to surprise and delight. Stone Street’s innovative bar program offers a mix of frozen, on tap and bottled cocktails, demonstrating a molecular approach to locally inspired ingredients in a near zero-waste environment. Regardless of time of day or night, Stone Street LA is a landing place for all, one-stop-shop with something for everyone to enjoy.” – Laura Parkening, Co-owner

THE ENTERTAINMENT – WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS COMMUNITY  

A local cafe and bar where you know the staff and patrons. A neighborhood hub with discovery at its core. Stone Street LA pays homage to classic coffeehouse culture by removing the barriers between performer and audience, allowing for an authentic type of creativity. Stop by for an intimate live music show. Discover stand-up’s latest star. Rock out at Sunday Disco Bunch. This is where life happens and memories are made. 

“From the beginning of our partnership with Dave Oz, we knew Bathtub Gin and Stone Street were a perfect match for a move out west. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and what better to bring an energetic, authentic East Coast vibe to the marketplace. Our unique venue provides a multi-use space that can act as a cafe/bar any day of the week, while giving the freedom for us to host a range of events. From our weekly stand-up comedy, live music, DJ-hosted Sunday brunches, to private events from premiere parties to birthday bashes, we’ve curated a hybrid space that can be modeled for many different occasions.” – Joel David Moore, Co-owner

THE SPACE – BROOKLYN INSPIRATION IN AN LA LANDSCAPE 

Stone Street LA is a light-filled space that seamlessly fuses its New York heritage with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. It’s Brooklyn origins are celebrated through warehouse elements such as unfinished ceilings and a window mural of the Brooklyn Bridge. Two signature interior murals pay homage to the iconic New York street after which it’s named. Bar seating allows for a dynamic dining experience, while floor-to-ceiling windows give the space an indoor-outdoor feel. In addition to abundant street side seating, Stone Street LA offers a sprawling 1500-square foot back patio with lounge seating and lush greenery. From intimate drinks to group events and gatherings, this is a space that imbues versatility.  

THE TEAM BEHIND STONE STREET

Dave Oz 

Dave Oz is a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur with a professional background in real estate finance. In 2011, he left his lucrative position to pursue his lifelong hospitality ambitions, opening the first Stone Street Cafe as the functioning front to his Bathtub Gin speakeasy concept. After effectively growing it to become a top New York institution, he partnered with Joel David Moore and Laura Parkening to bring the concept to Los Angeles. A bon vivant who thrives on offering people memorable experiences and unforgettable moments, Dave plans to open more Stone Street and Bathtub Gin locations across the country and the world.

Joel David Moore 

Joel David Moore is an accomplished multihyphenate actor, director, and writer in film and television. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he boasts 15 years in the entertainment industry, having starred in hits such as Dodgeball and Avatar. After writing and directing a number of films, he launched a feature development fund Balcony 9 Productions, with an eye towards projects that tackle ethical and political subject matters. His innate communications and marketing skills make him an integral partner in the development and operations of Stone Street LA.

Laura Parkening

With over 24 years in the hospitality industry, Laura Parkening has showcased commitment to providing exceptional dining and drinking experiences through dedicated management and gracious hospitality. Before coming to Los Angeles in 2013, she spent 15 years working in fine dining in Seattle, Washington, where she developed elite bar programs and managed staff for multiple James Beard award-winning restaurants. Her background in bringing new concepts to the landscape of our modern dining and drinking scene make her an imperative contributor to the vision of Stone Street LA.

For reservations, please visit www.StoneStreetLA.com. Follow Stone Street LA on Instagram @StoneStreetLA_