Teapots and a candle sit on top of one of the grill's tables. (Katherine Harwood/ Neon Tommy)

The moment you walk through the dark-framed wood door, you will be transported into a bar that takes you from Beverly Hills to New York City. The Honor Bar exudes that old-world, New York classy charm that even the biggest Angelino craves from time to time. 

Upon entrance, a long dark wooden bar greets you on the left side, while the right side offers small tables for two—perfect for a date. Sparkling miniature lamps with silver bases and cream-colored shades grace each table with it’s presence, giving off just the perfect amount of light to read the full bar’s menu in this romantically lit place. 

The staff is comprised of aspiring actors whom are not only aesthetically pleasing to look at, but also dressed formally in black pants, white crisp shirts, and then topped with a black bowtie.

“We come in on our nights off… it’s a warm vibe, drinks are homemade, and it’s the music,” head bartender Erich Hover yelled over the booming space.

And it is the music; it’s always the music that seems to sooth your senses as you enjoy your first sip of any impeccably made concoction available at this bar. 

Live jazz is performed every night from seven to nine by different and all equally talented bands.

Soft piano cords of Duke Ellington’s “Sound of Love” sings from a candle-lit corner of the bar, while the saxophonist displays his ability to lead on this song. The drummer, also dressed in black pants and a bowtie lightly taps his cymbals effortlessly as he seems to bounce back and forth between a relaxed game of eyes half-open and closed. 

Patrons are in for a treat with the small dining menu that serves up gourmet salads, sandwiches, fresh sushi and most likely the best burger you can get in the city.

The “Honor Burger” includes the classic ingredients, a secret dressing, and is perfectly placed inside a fluffy homemade challah bread bun.

Some of the food is cooked right next to the bar, making the bar smell somewhat like heaven rather than a bar’s stereotypical smell of peanuts and beer. 

“It’s very consistent and the quality of food is never secondary,” Hover added. “The owner is committed that each restaurant is top notch, fine dining experience at a reasonable cost.”

The Honor Bar is a part of the exceptional “Hillstone Restaurant Group” (since 1979), which has restaurants and bars in California, New York and Florida.

The Honor Bar is connected to the “South Beverly Grill” where a lot of the Honor Bar’s meals are also made. 

The perfect-for-people-watching crowd of sophisticated women and men in suits fills the elegant small and long space. 

Whether your stomach is growling at you to feed it with goodness, or your stress level is begging you to take it for a drink, rest assured that the Honor Bar is the place to go.    

Reach reporter Katherine Harwood here.