Caña Rum Bar’s Motto: “Paradise Found Right Here in South Park,”
Caña Rum Bar is one of South Park’s most unique destinations since 2010. As the name suggests, they are primarily a rum bar but also a cigar bar and an optional membership club. They are located in the parking garage of the Petroleum Building on Flower at Olympic. Yes, when you walk into the parking garage, you’ll be greeted by a velvet rope and a mysterious awning marking the entrance to Caña. You will enter another world and perhaps another time, set in Cuba. They have an expansive bar with every rum imaginable, an assortment of cigars, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
General Manager Alex Lee shared the history of Caña which is nearing its 15th anniversary in the same location. Caña is one of the Pouring with Heart bars – 16 in California, three in Colorado, and eight in Texas founded by Cedd Moses. Other longtime local staples from the group include Golden Gopher, Tony’s Saloon, Las Perlas, and Cole’s. The inspiration for Caña is that Cedd fell in love with a bar in Havana and brought that culture back to LA. That culture embodies community, family, and the Latin roots of Havana.
The staff are committed to keeping that culture alive. The drinks are always well crafted and not rushed. On my recent visit with friends, we shared a few rounds of dark and stormy and Cuba Libres, something I wouldn’t opt for anywhere else in the city, but this is a niche place where you can trust the product and experience something special.
Guests also come for the live bands (and dancing) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday or the DJ sets on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. They offer all-night happy hour on Sunday and Monday and host Sunday day parties in the summer.
While open to everyone, they have a very enticing membership option that allows you and three friends to skip the cover when it’s busy plus invitations to private events and rum tastings. It’s only $30 for the first year and $20 after that.
You might have experienced Caña Rum Bar at last September’s A Taste of South Park sponsored by SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association). Alex said it was an amazing event. They always had a line and the slushie machine could not keep up with demand. They are already planning for this year’s A Taste of South Park. But check them out before September!
By Aileen Coyle and Debra Shrout