Our Mission
At Monolith, our mission is to reimagine the art of hospitality — blending timeless elegance with bold innovation. We draw inspiration from the past’s dreams of the future, crafting a space where mid-century charm meets cutting-edge cocktail culture.
We’re here to create more than just drinks — we’re building a community. A place where curious minds and adventurous palates come together, where every detail invites connection, discovery, and delight. From globally inspired cocktails to unexpected bites, we’re committed to delivering experiences that surprise, comfort, and inspire.
Our Vision
We want to be a premier destination for craft cocktails and elevated small plates in Southern California. We want to be on “Best Bar” lists. And we want to elevate the experience of “meeting a friend for a drink.”
We envision Monolith as a leading force in the evolution of hospitality and cocktail culture — where imaginative design, global flavors, and human connection redefine what a bar can be.
Our goal is to build a legacy of spaces that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually striking — places where guests feel transported, inspired, and welcomed. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we aim to make each experience feel like a discovery.
In the long term, we see Monolith as more than a single lounge — it’s the beginning of a movement toward thoughtful, artful hospitality. One that celebrates craft without pretension, nostalgia without kitsch, and a future without fear.
Our Philosophy
At Monolith, our hospitality is rooted in creating a “third place” — a warm, welcoming space that exists beyond the confines of home and the demands of work. In a world increasingly dominated by digital, online interaction, authentic personal connections are becoming harder to find. We aim to keep alive the spirit of communal gathering, where spontaneous conversations, shared ideas, and memorable experiences flourish naturally.
Our space is designed to be both familiar and surprising — a haven where guests feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. This vision aligns closely with Danny Meyer’s philosophy in his book Setting the Table, which emphasizes “enlightened hospitality” — the belief that prioritizing hospitality toward your team ultimately radiates outward to guests, community, suppliers, and investors. We believe that how we make people feel is just as important as what we serve them.
By placing deep care into every interaction — from a warm greeting to an intuitive recommendation — we want to create a sense of belonging and comfort that keeps guests coming back, not just for the drinks or the atmosphere, but for the emotional connection they experience. At Monolith, hospitality is not a service; it’s a way of being.
Our Core Values
At Monolith, everything we do is guided by three core values—principles that shape our space, our service, and every pour behind the bar.
SUSTAINABILITY — We are committed to thoughtful, responsible operations that minimize waste and maximize impact. From sourcing local and seasonal ingredients to implementing eco-friendly practices behind the bar and in the kitchen, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our experience.
HOSPITALITY — We believe true hospitality goes beyond service — it’s about creating a sense of belonging. Every guest at Monolith is treated like a friend in our home, with warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care at the heart of every interaction.
COMMUNITY — Monolith is more than a bar — it’s a gathering place. We aim to foster connection, conversation, and creativity, supporting local artists, makers, and neighbors while cultivating a vibrant social hub that reflects and uplifts our surrounding community.
About Me
My name is Eric Thompson
I'm the founder of Monolith and a hospitality veteran with over 25 years of hands-on experience behind the bar and in management roles across some of the country’s most vibrant hospitality scenes — from the energy of New York City’s nightlife to the laid-back sophisticated vibe of Southern California.
After spending decades working in other people's dreams, I’m finally building my own. The kind of place I’ve always wanted to walk into: a bar with soul, a bit of wit, and drinks that surprise you in the best way.
My background blends creative direction with real-world operational know-how. I love the details — how lighting affects mood, how a garnish can tell a story, how the right playlist at the right hour makes a room feel electric. Monolith is where all of that comes together: a retro-futuristic space for connection, curiosity, and a damn good drink.
At the end of the day, I’m here to build something lasting — something that feels both fresh and familiar, where guests return not just for what’s in the glass, but for how we make them feel.
However, this is just the beginning.
The world is on the brink of a sea change, with AI and automation poised to seep into every aspect of our daily lives, from driving to grocery shopping to teaching our children and paying our electricity bill. It is my honest belief that in a future drowning in automation and virtuality, the human touch of hospitality will become sacred.
People will crave realness and human connection. The feel of a cold glass. The sound of ice. A bartender remembering your name and favorite drink in a space where people look each other in the eye. The restaurant, bar, and cocktail lounge will become a temple of analog intimacy in an ever digitized world.
I want to build a hospitality group that creates standout establishments across Southern California and, eventually, across the country. Each space will have its own identity and atmosphere, but all will share the same commitment to thoughtful design, creative cuisine, a unique, kickass bar program, and warm, intentional hospitality. In that way, Monolith is the blueprint, the flagship, and the first step in a much bigger journey.