Celebrate Black History Month and Break Dry January at These Bl…

As Dry January concludes and the vibrant celebration of Black Heritage Month begins, it's the perfect moment to indulge in a harmonious blend of cultural appreciation and joyful libations. Los Angeles boasts an abundance of diverse Black-owned businesses, each offering a unique experience to savor exceptional food, drinks and events.

Whether you're in search of a cozy spot for your Valentine’s Day date or a lively venue for a memorable night out, these five places spread across Los Angeles offer diverse experiences to commemorate Black Heritage Month while toasting to the end of teetotal January. From cocktails to wine bars, each location promises not only a delightful escape from the sobriety of January but also a unique opportunity to celebrate the richness of Black culture through the lens of wine and spirits.

The zero-waste cocktails at Joyce are a celebration of the coastal South. With inventive twists on classics like the briny Mother of Pearl Martini, crafted with roasted oyster shell Grey Goose, homemade vermouth and sea salt, and the Fair Wind Negroni that incorporates Carolina gold rice into the recipe. Beverage director Kassady Wiggins has also introduced specialty cocktails with a Southern flair, including the rum cocktail Valerie's Voodoo, made with Creole orgeat and Jamaican jerk bitters. The food at this DTLA destination is a love letter to Low Country dining, with sustainable seafood and southern staples like cornmeal-crusted Nashville hot catfish. 770 S. Grand Ave. Ste. A, Downtown L.A., joycela.com

If you're in Santa Monica and looking for a wine bar where you can listen to vinyl and sample organic and sustainably produced wines, sake and craft beers, look no further than Offhand Wine Bar. As a Westside Winos (Khalil Kinsey, Teron Stevenson and Justin Leathers) establishment, the crew predominantly serves wine from California, and the music selections are always on point. Check out their Instagram to find out about food pop-ups from the likes of Brandoni Pepperoni and The Serrano Experience Spanish pop-up. Every Saturday in February, the Vinyl Vineyard will be spinning records to set the mood. 3008 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, offhandwinebar.com

Barsha has been a stalwart in Manhattan Beach since it first opened its doors in 2012, becoming a beloved destination for locals with its diverse array of wines, beer flights and delectable small bites, all served with the warmth that has made it a cornerstone of the neighborhood. The shop also offers a selection of wine, spirits and specialty food for takeaway. Additionally, the Barsha team has built a home in Hermosa Beach, where they serve globally influenced Tunisian and Mediterranean food. 917 N. Sepulveda Blvd,, Manhattan Beach, barshawines.com

You've been missing out if you haven't been to Alta Adams. Not only is the food delicious, but the cocktails are exceptional. Next door is its sister wine shop, Adam's Wine Shop, where you can grab a bottle for a celebration or a casual night at home. The boutique wine shop highlights women and BIPOC winemakers from all over the world. Every week in February, Adams Wine Shop will host Sip and Jam — a chance to taste a curated selection of three wines and listen to vinyl. 5357 W. Adams Blvd., West Adams, adamswineshop.com

The first and only wine bar in Inglewood is owned by siblings Leslie and Le Jones, who have deep ties to the neighborhood. Through 1010 Wine Events, the pair has created a community hub where you can stop in for live musical performances, wine dinners featuring Black winemakers from around the country and happy hours hosted by Black sommeliers. This wine bar boasts the largest selection of wines from Black wineries and brands in the state of California. 1010 N. La Brea Ave,, Inglewood, 1010wineandevents.com

These businesses present a unique opportunity to raise a glass to Black Heritage Month and support local businesses all February.