About Us

The Must is a concept wine bar and gastropub featuring more than 50 local and global wines destined to be a ‘must’ visit location for wine and beer enthusiasts. Each of our guests, wine enthusiasts and novices alike, is treated to multiple ways of enjoying and learning more about wine and food pairing in a fun, energetic and customer-focused setting. After a brief introduction, our servers ask guests to make a selection of their mood, ranging from “Must Be Curious” to “Must Be Thrifty” providing a playful interaction with the staff and diminishing any apprehension of explaining they would like to experiment, sample by the glass, or stay within a certain price range.

Join us, and you’ll be treated to an expansive collection of small production wines and craft beers paired with decadent pop comfort food selections such as Fluffernutters to health-conscious options such as General Tso Fu, our tofu dish. The exceptional, yet simplistic farm-to-table menu and wine pairings created by culinary talent, MaryAnn Salcedo, former sous chef to Gordon Ramsey on the hit television show “Hell’s Kitchen” for three seasons.

Maintaining the philosophy that price is not a barrier to experience fine wine and food, Angelenos and visitors are invited to join us for a unique experience and opportunity to experiment, sample and gain a deeper knowledge about wine, without pretense or rules.

Coly Den Haan was born in Seattle and raised in Santa Barbara. At the age of 18 she moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in filmmaking and adhering to the cliche became a waitress. Coly quickly realized her passion and talent didn't solely lay behind the camera but also in the front of the house. The bar soon became her next playground as she worked at some of L.A.'s coolest spots and nicest restaurants creating fresh fruit cocktail concoctions ahead of their time. At the advice of one of her restaurateur mentors Coly decided to take the course to become a certified Sommelier with AIS specializing in Italian wines. Now Coly's finally ready to fulfill the longtime requests of her faithful customers and open her own place. By combing the four worlds of wine, beer, food and cocktails Coly's creating one unique experience at The Must. It is her goal to bring approachability to quality, trading the same old stuffy wine bar for a fresh take on an old tradition.

Rachel Thomas was born in London and raised in Melbourne. She moved to the Los Angeles area in her late teen years to join the rest of her family. With a strong affinity for design at a young age she decided to pursue a degree in design attending both FIDM and Otis colleges. At nineteen Rachel began as a salesperson at American Rag Cie and over the next four years worked her way up to both designer and buyer. As Rachel soaked in all the facets of the fashion business another opportunity would arise. Rachel landed an opportunity to set design for a Black Eyed Peas, Macy Grey music video. This launched her into a new career where for the next several years she designed music videos and commercials such as, George Michael, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and L'oreal to name a few. With her extensive design and business backround Rachel is now taking on the hospitality business through establishing timeless neighborhood bars.