Ambience plays a significant role in the experience at Sonder, A Listening Bar, located in the Hollywood District. Transformed from a vegan café by Natasha Stille and her partner Tyson Koski, a seasoned house DJ, the lounge has become a haven for music lovers since its opening in 2023. Over its 18 months of operation, it has proven to be an ideal spot for both audiophiles and cocktail enthusiasts.
Sonder boasts a meticulously upgraded hi-fi system, regarded as the bar’s highlight. This past August, it hosted its inaugural "Music Fans First" showcase, inviting both amateur and seasoned DJs to take turns on the turntables. Every first Wednesday of the month, the venue offers half-hour slots between 6 p.m. and midnight, which have been fully booked since inception. Interested participants are encouraged to reserve in advance, diving into Sonder’s extensive collection of unique tracks.
The interior reflects a blend of styles, merging elements from its previous vegan restaurant identity with a fresh, vibrant atmosphere. The decor includes striking plants and contrasts traditional nightlife embellishments, like a disco globe and provocative artwork featuring celestial bodies. While the aesthetics might not echo Japan’s iconic jazz kissas, their influence is evident in Sonder’s design ethos.
Not only does Sonder excel in sound and style, but it also impresses with its menu. The establishment creatively navigates its legacy, offering a small plates menu with options like spinach and artichoke dip and baked pretzels, alongside a diverse taco bar catering to various tastes. The drink offerings shine as well, with a cocktail menu inspired by South American roots. Noteworthy drinks include the caipirinha and a mezcal-based twist on the tequila sunrise, while inventive mocktails like the turmeric paloma showcase creativity for non-drinkers.
Sonder encourages patrons to explore and discover their own preferences within both its drink offerings and vinyl collection, inviting self-guided experimentation that ignites the imagination.
Visit: Sonder, A Listening Bar, 1925 NE 42nd Ave., 971-940-9924, thesonderbar.com. Open from 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.