Stepping out in Downtown LA, you crave a thoughtful cocktail, the chance to catch a good tune, maybe to dance with some friendly faces in a pretty place. It doesn’t seem like much, but as we continue losing beloved institutions in our city, it's clear that it's harder and harder to weave these magical ingredients together. Re-enter Bar Franca, returning to Main St, courtesy of a reimagination by LA’s beloved warehouse party crew, Midnight Lovers.

The collective known for hosting the very best undergrounds in house and techno, might not seem like obvious bar keeps, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. They know great music and sound, have impeccable taste, understand the importance of community and nightlife, and after 10 years throwing parties in LA, know what makes our city tick.

Bar Franca, remains a gorgeously lit tunnel of fun, taking design cues from Berlin and Italy, the homeland of the bar’s namesake, the iconic fashion editor, Franca Sozzani. From the cheeky cherries that adorn the sidewalk facade as you enter, to the airy enclosed streetside terrace, through to the pink-hued domed ceiling of the main bar, Franca oozes a classy continental vibe. 

The playful art-deco design offers a refreshing twist on the listening bar trope. It feels uniquely LA, that a serious sound system is accompanied by sketches of naked canoodling couples on pink walls. But Midnight Lovers isn’t messing around when it comes to musical programming, Heidi Lawden and Eli Escobar have already spun, and there are sets coming up from the likes of Eddie C, Thee Mike B, DJ Garth, Tiffany Roth of Midnight Magic, Xica Soul, Club Tularosa and Masha Mar, plus some heavy hitting surprise guests.

A revamped cocktail program led by Gabriel Orta of the award winning Broken Shaker and Bar Lab collective, means you can sip on cocktails that pay homage to LA, like the Al Pastor Margarita, between records. 

Night life, when done right, is effortlessly easy to enjoy. A drink, a dance, a smile. Oh how we needed you. Thank you Bar Franca.