A Look at How The Black Cat and California Sun Differ

If you’ve read previous posts, you know I enjoy running with groups, and often we’ll grab a beer afterwards to hang out and cool down before heading our own ways. This past Tuesday, I ran with the Strava LA running club in the Silver Lake/Echo Park area. We started at The Black Cat, a bar noted for it’s historical significance in the LGBT Movement (here’s more if you’re interested). Next door to the Black Cat is another bar called “California Sun.” Both of these bars have a totally different vibe and, given their close proximity (at first glance, they look like two different sections of the same establishment), I thought it would be interesting to compare the two and understand the differences.

Atmosphere

The Black Cat’s bar…see if you can spot the beer

California Sun interior. Notice the beer case at the end of the bar, which is visible through the windows

Before heading into either bar, I was immediately drawn to California Sun as it was open, brighter, and had a visible beer fridge. I assumed it would be the better place for beer, partly for this reason, and partly because The Black Cat was proudly displaying their bar (aka liquor) rather than beer. When the other runners preferred The Black Cat, I was pleasantly surprised to see a row of tap handles inside. Their beer selection was not particularly varied, but I found a hefeweizen that I enjoyed. Sitting in the dimly lit room, full of leather booths, wood paneling, and a decent murmur from the patrons, it was easy to imagine myself coming here for a dinner date.

California Sun, on the other hand, was very open, industrially finished, had flexible seating and the most interestingly shaped bar I’ve seen in a while. This was a place that seemed more my speed when getting to know my fellow runners. This abstract bar also allows for a much larger number of bar-front seats where you can have a single beer or a whole meal at your leisure. I can picture this bar hosting trivia. The TV screens and neon sign also change the atmosphere to be more vibrant compared to The Black Cat

Not pictured are the two outdoor spaces with The Black Cat having the street front seating, and California Sun having a side-patio. The Black Cat’s seating allows for a bustling, people-watching friendly seating, while California Sun had laid back booths, cornhole, and a quieter vibe.

Two Different Experiences

Rather than declare one bar better than the other, let’s examine how the differences shape the experience and which occasions patrons may choose to visit. The Black Cat seems more sophisticated with the expansive selection of liquors, punch of the day, and house-infused whiskey (more on that in a bit), while California Sun seems more approachable. The booths, tables, and bar seating at The Black Cat allows more variety of experience as well as privacy that may be suited for a traditional dining experience or a date. California Sun’s open and communal seating options lend themselves better to groups, meeting your bar seating neighbor, and interacting with your bartender (an open counter top is the only thing separating you at California Sun, while solid bar, complete with foot rest and leather paneling, separates the patrons at The Black Cat). In the end, these are personal preference differences, rather than level of execution differences.

Similarly, featuring beer as your marque beverage attracts a different customer/occasion than having a custom infused whiskey. This messaging difference will also affect which products can be successful at each venue. At a bar that is featuring expensive cocktails, top shelf liquors, and fine wines, some beers that have a lower price-point or less fancy brand image may be incomparable, while other beers that feature exotic names/ingredients may be more at home. Similarly, the beer venue will be expected to have more options in the beers served and the clientele may be more demanding on proper serving technique or staff knowledge.

Finally, as I mentioned above, The Black Cat has a fig infused whiskey. I’ve seen house-infused products at other bars, including house-made bitters. These custom ingredients often allow bars to make signature cocktails or spice up standard offerings in a way that differentiates that bar from a bar down the street that has access to the same liquor (or beer) distributors. It can also allow the bar to tell a story with your beverage that they otherwise couldn’t. For example, they can talk about the local produce in the area, urban farming, world travel, or any number of things, all by tarting up standard liquor. Furthermore, they can charge a price premium for these custom offerings, boosting their profitability. As far as this infused whiskey goes, the aroma was quite similar to sloe gin, the taste was balanced (not too sweet, as I was fearing), and it made a lasting enough impression that I’m sharing about it here. For bars that focus on beer, having a ‘house’ beer (often contract brewed or area exclusive) can be an additional way to stand out from the competition.