Leisure

What a Grill Wants

Private Barbecuing Like You Mean It

Well, grilling season is at hand, and you know what that means—time to find somebody qualified to do all the grilling while you just lounge around and enjoy the sun. So herewith: the best new ways to host your ’cue.

BEHIND A SECRET SPEAKEASY

The Courtyard at Lock & Key

You want: A sense of secrecy, of anything-goes-ness. Sure, it’s just a barbecue, but you never know.
You’ll receive: Behind a K-town speakeasy accessed only by a crazy wall covered in locks and doorknobs: this secret courtyard, filled with barbecue tacos and corn on the cob. Mmm, secret tacos.

SOME HOLLYWOOD CACHET

That Patio at Aventine

You want: Just a low-key Hollywood afternoon of grilled shrimp and barbecue grilled salmon under some olive trees.
You’ll receive: The stunner of a hideout at Aventine, with its own bar—secure plenty of Smoke and Mirrors cocktails, made with rye, vermouth and smoked sea salt. Tastes like barbecue. And rye.

A BIT OF LATIN FLAVOR

Out Front at Bow & Truss

You want: Barrel tables, dusty concrete and cacti. Plenty of cacti.
You’ll receive: A rustic front patio, a barbecued pig if you want it, buckets of clams—and maybe some wild-boar-smoked gin. You don’t know what that means, but... you kind of want to know what that means.

POOLSIDE SHADE, PLEASE

A Cabana at Whist

You want: Cocktails on a stick. Next to an institution of a Westside pool.
You’ll receive: An afternoon at the Viceroy—this summer, they’ll get you a private chef, a private grill and... whatever. Burgers. Halibut. Your call. Plus, yes, “cocktails on a stick.” Think greyhound and mojito popsicles. You often do.

GERMAN SAUSAGE AND BEER

The Patio at Berlin Currywurst

You want: Room for 99 friends, several picnic tables, some Hollywood sun and zero fuss.
You’ll receive: The patio at Berlin Currywurst’s Cahuenga outpost—anytime. They won’t charge you to book it, just for the spicy, garlicky sausage and cold German beer. Sausage and beer. What’ll they think of next.