This is a really mixed review... The first time I went to this place a bunch of people had taken it over for a wrap party. It is decorated well, kind of BH regency with lots of red asian-ness and black modern sleek minimalism going on. I'm no designer, but that's what I get from it. It feels good decor-wise. It is super tiny, really it feels like ten people can sit in there. That is can be a plus as it is cozy and quaint or a con, b/c it feels claustorphobic. I lean towards the latter as I need space to breathe. It's very mellow, too mellow, maybe, and too small. I had a good drink there the first time. My second visit, there were hardly any folks in there and the bartender was sweet but untalented in the drink department. The drinks were undrinkable and yeah, they're damn expensive! It just seemed kinda lame. Maybe it's a hit or miss kind of situation and you have to go early, take over the place, and create your own atmosphere because they are not providing much. Either way, there is no excuse for crap-ass drinks for $16+ Don't make me wince in pain while drinking a Kir Royale, dammit!! In the area, I recommend Nic's Martini lounge instead...Bigger, food, (and a Vodka Freezer, I think!) if you must drink and lounge in Beverly Hills...oh Lord. read more

LA truly has a bar for every person and their 140+ moods for wanting to go out and drink. And Bar Noir is the perfect place to go when you're in mood number (...), or better known as your "classy", "I wanna hear all about your love life", "I'd rather sip my Stoli dirty martini" kind of mood. Located inside the "somewhat hidden" boutique hotel "Maison 140", Bar Noir is perfect for these hushed occasions that accompany a nice cocktail. It's small and dark, has red and "black & white" accents, is rarely ever too crowded, and has great looking bartenders that know how to mix a drink. Instead of scoffing, the bartender might just extend you a little "wink" when you order a mojito, which is rare in Beverly Hills! The decor is sort of French and Asian inspired, which really adds to an upscale, but quaint kind of ambiance. I used to stop in to Bar Noir after work during the week when my girlfriends and I needed to unload on our loves lives (or lack thereof). Sometimes (if I liked the guy), I'd suggest it as a meeting place for dates. Whatever the occasion, it's the perfect place when you'd prefer a stiff drink or 3 and the ability to engage in the person you're with. Yes, I'm told they have absinthe! And if you're an out of town guest, Maison 140 is a beautiful place to stay - Trendy, Minimalistic, but Cozy. Overall, one of my favorite bars in LA. read more

What makes this bar great is the lovely antique absinthe fountain at the end of the bar. The base is a silver sculpted lady welding a large glass container. Four tiny spigots hang over four preordained glasses with sugar cubes sitting on top of fancy silverware. Once you give the go, the bartender pours the Hulk green clear liquid into the glasses and torches the the cubes on fire; A blue goblet-o-fire flame envelopes the sugar and melts the cube like the wicked witch of the west. Slowly the blue flame fades and that's when the faucet is turned and cool water morphs the chlorophyll into aqua. As the sleek aqua-fresh liquid went down my throat, hints of licorice, cinnamon, and spices hit my palate; like a seductive Goldschläger twin. . . without the damn gold flakes. Oh yeah. read more

I may have found my perfect hotel bar. A tiny hidden boutique hotel BEAUTIFULLY appointed with exceptionally friendly staff and easy parking? I'm in! The bar is teeny. But Oh So Pretty. They have Wine and Cheese nights on Weds for $25. Also lovely. The wine list didn't knock me out...but part of the problem was that my Pinot was actually too warm. Like warmer than room temperature. Maybe a little cooler and it would've tasted better. I dunno. But such sweet ambiance, and decor and such a friendly and comfortable layout. Just perfect. I met an old friend here to have drinks and catch up and it was absolutely the ideal venue. A quiet well-appointed and friendly crowd (well, the bar is itsy bitsy. There weren't more than 10 people in the bar at once. So not exactly a "crowd") Prices were what you'd expect anywhere. Wines by the glass from $9-$15. Bottles for around $30-$50. Pretty decent considering the hotel and considering it was in Beverly Hills. Just so comfortable and lovely. I'll absolutely be back. read more

In a little black dress and a 6-inch pair of new stilettos, I wanted to go out and have a classy cocktail. After visiting the good ol' Cat and the Fiddle the night before, I was really craving a new experience, but it was Saturday night and I refused to stand in a line in those shoes....or in any shoes, for that matter. We wanted to check out a place with a good young-professional crowd that wouldn't be too tough getting into. Well, I got my new experience, all right. Never before in this whole damn city (or my whole damn life, for that matter) have I ever witnessed what I found that night at Bar Noir. We found street parking way too easily. Almost hidden in a little strip between the Santa Monica triangle, the Maison 140 looks beautiful from the outside. The bar is right inside the entryway and it's beautifully decorated, with cozy seating, bold colors, dim lighting and a friendly barkeep. Good thing he was friendly, because all the other bar patrons seemed to be playing hide and go seek. No, wait, actually...there was just not a single soul in the whole place. Not one. Has anyone else ever entered an L.A. bar at 11 p.m. on a Saturday night only to find not a single patron in the place? The bartender welcomed us to stay (maybe he was begging) and, when we politely declined, he actually printed out directions to another bar nearby he recommended. I gave the place three stars because it actually looked like a great atmosphere. Why in the world are there people lined up for blocks at Bardot in Hollywood and not a single soul at Bar Noir? I will never know. read more

My favorite bar in the world right now. Cozy, sexy, chic, inviting, great bartender, decor to die for and an overwhelming feeling of pure bliss supplied by the beautiful absinthe service. They pour it exactly as one would in France. The only other establishment that follows protocol is Bar Marmount according to my fave rave bartender Jake. There is an absinthe happy hour everyday from 5-7pm. $5 for each serving. Wow. This place is my new home away from home. Plenty of parking out front after 6PM. read more

I love it here for a quiet evenings drink in a nice, boutique bar atmosphere Yeah, the hookers may buzz by, but ya get that all over Vegas too,, so what? Harrison Ford and that Ali McBeal chick were having a quiet drink after what looked like a day of shopping. See Helen Hunt in here from time to time too. It's pricey as in very expensive,,,, so eyes wide, wide open. read more

Bar Noir used live in the shadow of the CAA building in Beverly Hills. CAA moved away and yet Bar Noir is still tiny and ignored and when I went on Monday, it was nearly empty. Perfectly quiet, unassuming, cozy and soft, I am happy that Bar Noir exists. That a place this classy can be so warm and comfortable. And that unlike a covered tree that needs to twist and warp and do all kinds of crazy shit to see sunlight, this little nook isn't putting out a neon sign to attract a crazier bright light. In sharp contrast to the agency it cowered under, Bar Noir is good for intimate conversations and meeting with people you want to see and hear and get to know. The drinks are tasty and served with olives or nuts and placed on mirrored tables that reflect outward and upward, the black painted ceiling. read more

Very nice hotel bar. Small, intimate, beautifully designed, friendly staff, love Doreen the manager! The drinks are very good and reasonably priced, especially for the area. One of the best things is there is free parking here. Only star loss is that it's not open to the public. You need to be a guest of the hotel to go to the bar. read more

It took over 10 minutes for someone to come to us and that was after getting up and asking for service. So 0 for service. Only drink on Happy Hour is absinthe for $5 vs $10. It was OK but the staff really misses the presentation mark by not making it at the table and for not taking the opportunity to talk about the absinthe. And since we were only the second set of customers at the bar - there was adequate time. 0 for the HH specials. Food; We tried the Hummus and it was VERY unimpressive. Pass. 6 pita rounds sliced in half and a dollap of what tasted like pre-made hummus $12. Booooooo! To top that, he brought us paper towels (like the kind out of the restroom) for napkins--classy! 0 for the food. So essentially they totally struck out on all accords. But I gave one star for the cool decor and for the B&W movie projected on the wall. read more

Bar Noir - $12 - Lounges Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

it's a small bar at the front of the boutique hotel Maison 140. The decor is black and white with accents of red. Black and white films run on a small wall sans audio. The night I went there was a minute dating social happening so they were using all the seats. There is only one bartender and she was frazzled. The first time I went down (from my room) it was taking forever to get served so I left. Went back 20 min later and the bartender wasn't there. Someone from the event went behind the bar to get her own water. THen I saw the bartender delivering room service. Maybe someone called in sick. They serve absinthe here so I was intrigued by this. I ordered it. She poured it over a cube of sugar, lit the sugar on fire and then poured in water. Kinda neat. Then she over charged me. Read the menu - it says $5 during happy hour 5-7 and $10 after. So I corrected her and she told me she was temporary. read more

Not a bad little place to meet up for drinks but boy, the other reviewers weren't kidding when they said tiny! I don't think there were more than about 25 or 30 seats in the whole place. When I got there it was full and I had to stand awkwardly to the side for awhile until a spot opened up, and even then we ended up having to sit facing another group and sharing tables. Still, the place eventually emptied out a bit more and we were able to move to our own table off to one side with no problems -- so maybe it was just that we showed up at a rare busy time. The drinks were pretty strong, and even at full capacity it was definitely quiet enough that I could actually hold a conversation without having to yell, which was really pretty nice. read more

OK. I know, everyone else is giving it a lot more.. Why so low you ask? Simple, calling this place a bar or lounge is a stretch. Although it is very nicely designed and decorated it is literally the smallest bar I have ever been to. Let me describe what we saw. Enter the front of this very small hotel. The decor modern and upscale but with a hint of Mom and Pop - bed and breakfast for those that don't want to leave Bev Hills. Quaint is a word that comes to mind. To the right of the front door is a receptionist, who was very nice. To the left ......the Bar? I just feel funny calling it that. Total peeps in the place...4. Two couples. That's it. On a Sat. night. Needless to say if you are looking to meet or see or be seen by lots of people THIS IS NOT YOUR PLACE. BUT If you are on a date and would like to find a quiet, dark corner to have some private time in a modern looking and stylish place...perfect! I'd even call this a great place to meet someone for the first time. Say you have a facebook date...........and they happen to live near there or opposite to it... OOOHHH i just thought of a great term... It's a great even starter to a possibly great date? Unfortunately, I wasn't on a date, nor with someone of the opposite sex. So that may have swayed my score. If I ever end up there on a date I promise to re-review based on that. read more

This non-trendy boutique hotel on a side street off Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The entrance to the hotel is literally across the street (the side of) from the Peninsula Hotel. The bar is very small and located across from the tiny lobby. The staff is super nice, the drinks are great and the music was superb (Portishead, Thievery Corporation, cool trip-hop lounge music.) I was there on a Sunday afternoon and although they did not have valet there was plenty of street (metered) parking outside. read more

Ben is great. The hotel is great. Drinks are great great great. Part of the reason I will continue to stay at Maison 140 is this cute little spot. It's perfect for a night cap. I have to take one star off for a less than stellar beer selection. Improve that craft beer offering! read more

This is a SUPER adorable place. I planned a surprise birthday party here and it turned out wonderful. The staff (Eric the coordinator and Ben the Bartender) made this event memorable and perfect! Don't expect this place to be full on a Saturday night. If you want something loud with tons of people then this isn't the right place for you. We actually were the only party here on Saturday night--which was perfect. I think another couple came by the bar at one point. I liked the fact that not many people were there because I had invited about 20 people and when everyone showed up we had the whole place to ourselves. It was nice and intimate. The bar section of the hotel is very small. It probably can fit a total of 30 people if even that. The pictures on Yelp and the website are accurate. The decor is more Asian than Parisian, I liked it! The drinks were really good and prices weren't bad. Parking isn't bad at all. They have a lot next to the hotel, but we ended up parking on the street, literally in front of the hotel. The hotel looks like it's in a residential area kind of tucked away. We will definitely return, especially if we are looking for a quiet night. My friends loved this place!!! read more

Went for a going away party. I had read about their special happy hour Absinthe which I was kind of apprehensive about since my last experience with it wasn't so great. Apparently the way they make it here with the sugar cube and the water is only one of 2 places in LA that does it this "authentic" way. Last time, I got it as a shot and almost threw up. This time it was sweet and smooth. The place is really small so if you do go with a group, make sure to reserve a area. Parking is really easy with the lot right next door. read more

My gal pals were disappointed that there were no handsome male bartenders, as certain Internet reviews promised, but our (female) bartender was dandy. After work this summer, I was surprised how empty, light and small Bar Noir was, although it did get dark and busy by the time we left at 9:30 PM. My wine was great and I liked the fruit and cheese plate fine. Ample street parking and the Maison 140 has two parking lots. read more

LA Review #4 for the weekend.. (i have 3 more after this, in case you are DYING to know what i did over my short weekend) *** Located a block or two away from the infamous Beverly Hills High School (no bozos, Beverly Hills 90210 WAS NOT filmed here & there is NO SUCH THING CALLED WEST BEVERLY) // Beverly Hills Unified, this comfortable, cute lil bar, I say it's a lounge (SF has made me more appreciative of lounges) is inside this boutique hotel, called Maison 140, which is a hidden gem in the heart of Beverly Hills... Oh Em Gee (BIG TIME)... This place is seriously seriously SERIOUSLY dangerous. Not because of the location, of course, but because it's TOO DAMN COMFY IN THERE... We both couldn't keep our eyes opened... Either I'm getting too old, and can NOT, I repeat, can NOT hang after 9pm, or this place seriously ... is just too comfy to the point of falling asleep... No joke* You need to wake up? Make a quick pit stop to the restroom, and I shit you not, the lights are so bright in there, it's like, "o shit! It's so bright!" OR if you smoke, you can walk outside and get some fresh air... Their red and black and white interior makes this place absolutely sweet and cozy, and again, not to mention, sleepy. Not to mention, their candles too ... What a trap to lure one into getting all snuggly.. HAHHA. Their comfy velvety couches, and their damn pillows, yes, seriously, to the point of wanting to curl up and sleep. This is a GREAT place for people who -are on their first date since it's sooo intimate and you can ACTUALLY hear the other person whether they are across from you or NEXT to you... -want to come with a bunch of friends and chat away -with your s/o ... We literally dozed off for a good few minutes and had to wake up a few times.. HHAHA. Get away and immerse yourself into this whole seductive ambiance! Average prices of drinks are $10 and up. i have to say the drinks were quite tasty. Free parking ... and a place where it doesn't get all crazy and wild like the hollywood scene and if you're like me, it's not ALL about name dropping (well, i guess it is, if you're not a so cal/LA native), it's honestly about ... do you know where the hidden spots are... =) now that's what i'm talking about... i would've dinged a star for making me SHUPER SH~LEEPY, but i guess my theory is, it's all about comfort... read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I went here for my birthday. I was told they have no real food, but could do a few platters. I ordered two platters - one with cheese and fruit, the other with quiche. I paid...are you sitting down?...$300 with the service charge of 20% and tax added. Now for $300 wouldn't you expect a HUGE platter of fresh items, lots of cheese, lots of fruit and a gorgeous arrangement? No. How about, four slabs of "half" cut goat cheese rounds, two small bunches of grapes and 12 almonds scattered around a handful of raisins. Oh, and of course, water wafer crackers you can buy for $1.50 a box at Trader Joes, of ehich there were not enough for my guests, and we had to ask 4 times before we got more. The quiche? Clearly frozen, stale and soggy from having thawed out at room temp, but not warmed up. Seriously, if I had spent $50 I wouldn't have cared, but $300!? Highway robbery. They wanted to charge me $90 for a bowl of hummus, but thank goodness I had the smarts to see that ridiculousness before ordering. Oh, and that's not all. Though we were there for 3 hours...not once did anyone check on us, bring us water,napkins or clean up. My guests spent the entire evening going to the bar themselves to get drinks and clean up dirty dishes. When we complained, we were told no one else has complained before so it's you, not us. Huh?! Um...customer service 101 lessons alert! Next day when I called to speak to the general manager, I was told she was with a guest. Two hours later I called back and was told she was on vacation. The catering manager told me it was up to her to rectify this matter with me, not him, and then he accused me of having guests who skipped out on their drink bill. Right. My professional, 40+ year old friends, drank and dashed in a bar that is as big as a shoe box and so easy to sneak out of. That's how we roll. To say it was a memorable birthday is one way too look at it, but I definitely wish I had spent my money and time differently. A huge disappointment in every way. read more

Before my career-de-hancing stint at The Mighty Bureaucracy U, I worked at a great academic institution in a job that allowed me to travel to lovely and interesting places, specifically to meet with lovely and interesting people. In any case, the Good University sent me to L.A., to have some meetings with a Famous Author. Even though I had a decent expense account, I was (and remain) absolutely a genius in scouting out the very best deals in travel, particularly hotels. So, when I managed to snag a non-exorbitant room at the lush-appearing Maison 140 in BH, I was eager to leave the the gloom and chill of a real winter for some la-la-land sun and glamour. I had been to LA often enough to drop the silly east coast preconceptions, and to have an inkling that the stereotypes were just that. Open-minded ole Valentina, that's me. And at first glance, Maison 40 was just the ticket. Small, intimate, tucked away on a little side street. But as soon as I walked in the door, my ultra-sensitive cliche` antennae started vibrating. First of all, we (the X had tagged along) were invited to sit on tiny chairs to sign in at a sleek, unencumbered exotic-wood desk. I half expected the equally sleek and wooden signer-inner person to ask to see my latest bank statement or paystub. As she gave us both a quick but unmistakeable once-over, I became acutely conscious of the fact that I was not toting the latest "it" bag, and was not wearing Chanel (not even the perfume). And this is from a person who really, really, really likes to dress well, mind you. Well, this review is for the bar, which I recently re-visited for a wine-tasting event, so I'll keep the other stuff brief. The rooms were tiny, albeit charming. Mr. X, who had tagged along on this trip, brooded darkly that he had a bad feeling about the place. I was more optimistic, and wrong. The room was not only miniscule, but noisy as hell. It appears that the tribes that like to frequent small hotel bars in BH also like to park their overpriced, tiny, cars right underneath said hotels and scream inchoerently at each other and into their cel phones in the wee hours of the morning. They like to make plans on where they'll go next, but are so intoxicated they cannot for the life of them remember which place they'd just decided upon a mere minute ago. Perhaps they need a personal assistant to remind them of this? Hey, I'll volunteer! Ever-helpful, II opened my window and shouted out: "Go to the EFFIN' Peninsula across the street already, ass-heads!"--which prompted confused stares around and finally the dim notion that others could hear their loud confabulations). The next night, in order to pre-empt any frustrations, we decided to have some pre-sleep martinis to ease our jet-lagged souls and allow us to at least to conk out more quickly. So we groped our way into the (Surprise Surprise!) tiny bar, sat at a tiny table, and had two tiny, not-particularly-special martinis. And then two more. And then got the bill. For close to 100 bucks. Gulp. The X, who was treating, was not amused. Nor was I. Fast forward almost a decade. Mr. C tells me about a great wine-tasting he'd heard about in a charming boite in BH. Although I don't usually think the words "charming" and "Beverly Hills" can live in the same sentence, I agree. Sooo...imagine my surprise when we pull up in front of good ole Maison 140. And when we stumble into the dim recesses of Bar Noir (so chic! so cataract-friendly!) and are seated at a thimble-table, the good times just come rushing on back to me. The space was not overcrowded, and really couldn't have been without leading to a huge amount of intimacy with some folks I really would rather not get to know better. As more and more CAA types drifted in, though, I knew that no matter how good the wines (and they were okay, but nowhere near as tasty, unique, and generously served as the much-more-fun wine tasting at Silverlake Wine) I had to leave. Now. Because the first time I got hit full in the face by the ultra-straightnened blonde hair of The Nervous Hair Flipper Talking About Her Therapy Session into a Tiny Cel Phone was also the last time I was going to get hit by---well, you know. Mr. C understood. He knows I'm generally easygoing, but that once the crabbiness starts flowing it's unstoppable. So we hauled ass outta there, downing the dregs of our pinot, grabbing a (small) cheese wedge, and making sure to keep our voices down as we got back into the car, just in case my jet-lagged counterpart was in the same room I'd been in, trying desperately to find a place for her suitcase in the postage-stamped size (but charming) room. read more

Very low key place to grab a drink and catch a classical, Hollywood film. The drinks are priced well and the bartender made them right. I definitely recommend! read more

Great French and Chinese Decor for such a small place(it is a Bar in the Bed & Breakfast Maison 140)if you are into Franco Chinoiserie stuff which I am. The Parisian Martini was great:Vodka; Chocolate Liqueur; and Espresso. My only complaint with the Cocktails is that they are small especially for the price(about $14). Still, a great little hole in the wall off the beaten path. A great place to go after work and or to start your evening but a bit small to spend the whole evening there. The last two times I was there a nice tall, pretty, sexy Blonde Lady Bartender. They also have appetizers. The Hummus plate was okay. Last time I went, French music was gently playing in the background which enhanced the ambience. For you Hollywood History Buffs, Actress Lilian Gish used to own the Hotel where Bar Noire is located. Yes the place is that old and Classic read more

I went here and fell in love in more than 1 way... Very quaint, private, out of the way, quiet, sexy and great bartender.

JEFF G. Is that man! Drink wizard behind the bar! Thanks Jeff! The bar is cool. Private like. Hidden and historically cool place.

This place is neat, intimate, and secretive. It's right next to the Peninsula. Unfortunately on my first visit there I was discussing with my friend the prostitution problem its neighboring establishment had just as two Johns came in followed shortly by their plaything. All was made entirely evident as the bars intimacy and closeness made it impossible for us to discern otherwise. I felt a bit guilty for my conversation! It's a little teeny bit of the Edisons vibe here in beverly hills serving absinthe, a full bar, and projecting old movies onto the wall. It's neat and I like it. Just keep your conversations low! read more

I went there on a wed night on a first date. It was DEAD! There was actually no one in there but the bartender. And it being a hotel bar and a small hotel at that, it would have been a bit odd to have stayed. It felt very dull. Plus they must have changed the decor, cuz the photo up on Yelp is not what was there. read more

Perfect spot for enjoying conversation with friends - great wine and cheese platter with helpful service. Went with a girlfriend a couple times for a quiet girls night out to catch up and it was the perfect spot. Definitely not for a wild night out, but great for cozy drinks and great conversation. Very clean decor, very dark and romantic. Would maybe take my husband here for drinks or something. Cool place, great find. read more

I loved the atmosphere in this place! The hotel was just beautiful and I loved the modern mixed with vintage decor they had going! The bartender seemed to be attentive, I just ordered a dirty martini which tasted good to me! I would go back here! read more

Very classy place to have a drink! I loooooooove it. My drink was aweeesum :) Love the couture and mature vibe. It's very pricey though. I am in love with interior of this place. Though we have to check in here to get in??... I really don't think so but okay. Over all this place is beautiful. Love the bartender. Watch your bill though if I'm watching my budget and still wants to have nice drink... this place is the wrong place for me to be in. read more

A unique, tiny (and I do mean tiny) hotel bar in the lobby of the chic boutique hotel, Maison 140. The decor is Victorian-hip - lots of black, red, and white - with comfy velvet armchairs and pillows. Very swanky, but not intimidating. Occasionally it gets crowded, but more often than not it's a great place to go with a friend or a date to talk in hushed tones and not be distracted by "the scene." Tasty martinis. read more

i totally agree with eric, one of the best tiny bars just to hang out with a couple of girlfriends, i came to this quite little bar about a week ago i loved the red-and-black interior draws from mandarin and french influences this is a place to get away from the real hollywood nightlife read more

Stayed at Maison 140 last week. I was there alone, and had walked down the street for a nice dinner. On my way back to my room , I was passing by the bar and decided on a whim to stop and have a glass of wine. It was empty, but I ended up having a nice time chatting with Randy the bartender. Nice guy, made me feel welcome in a city I had never been to before. Ended up having a great time chatting with Randy and the lone other guest, Michelle from London. Very nice cozy bar. I hope to get a chance to go back some time in the future. Highly recommend read more