This corner BAR in the BARRIO has been in operation since the 1940's. It was formerly known as the METROPOLITAN, even before it was a barrio, until it reopened as Eastside Luv Wine Bar y QUEso with major cosmetic upgrades in September 2006. The decision to change the name was not easy to make, but felt it was necessary to communicate the LOVE we have for our Chicano/Pocho/Latino EASTSIDE experien
ce. The corner of 1st & Bailey has a rich cultural history. It has seen many changes take place since its foundation. Celebrations from all walks of life... Jewish, Japonese, Italians, Russians, Mexicans, and others have occurred in this little joint. Change never stops happening, as much as we pretend not to like it. So, it is inevitable that change is and will continue to happen around the Mariachi Plaza with the completed MTA Gold Line Subway Station. Eastside Luv is one of those changes. There is now a Pocho bar in the neighborhood. Pocho bar because it was conceived and designed in the mind of one. The improvements are mostly inside (which is where all improvements should start) and consist of: custom CHAINdeliers inspired by lowrider chain steering wheels, Low Rider Lounge Shairs upholstered in Dickies and Pendleton fabric and clear plastic as Grandmas did, Wino Bench Seating upholstered in black corduroy inspired by gangster business casual wino house slippers, Light Sconces & Cabinets adorned with chicken wire... just to name a few of the elements inspired by our East Los Angeles existence. We are, however, well aware that before BROOKLYN AVE became Cesar Chavez Ave, Boyle Heights was home to a large Jewish community. So, we decided to make our cocktails using Soju (ehhh)... actually we decided to design the inside to look and feel like many of the beautiful turn of the century Victorian and Craftsman Bungalows that dominate Boyle Heights... only a bit se # # . We carry outstanding boutique Vino from California, Baja Cali, Latin America, ethSpain and some urban wine known as Boones Farm Strawberry Hill and we have great homemade Sangria called L.A. Since we are Pocho we like all kinds of beer and have a great selection on draft... Tecate, Negra Modelo, La Sancha & Honeyweizen (local micro), Stella Artois, and Hoegarden. Of course, in bottles we carry almost all the Mexican beers, except Bud Light. Lemon/Lime and chile Saladitos have been known to find their way into some beer cups... Cheladito™. Chicano art work rotates monthly. The music selection is all over the place, never getting stuck on one genre for too long, but ends up feeling like a backyard quinceñera party. We have live music and cabaret too (chingators). Come participate in some Chicano fashion, music, art, and celebrations. This is the real deal. Eastside Luv is the first of its kind, but certainly not the last. We are very aware of all of the development in the Mariachi Plaza area & the different ideas that are going around about how this area should be shaped. We are here early for a reason... we hope that we inspire other Chicanos/Pochos/Latinos to invest, improve, & establish their own business now so that we can keep our culture represented in and around the plaza before the corporate cancer eats it all away. Eastside Luv is here for the enjoyment of everybody, that is 21 and over, of course. Come by and visit us whether you are from the area or not and whether you are Latino or not. Like we said...EVERYBODY is welcome... Mi Casa Es Su Casa.
