Sober Curious & Still Going Out in LA
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
My First 75 Hard Night Out…
So, I’m doing 75 Hard. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically the olympics of discipline challenges: 75 days of two workouts a day, a gallon of water, 10 pages of reading, a strict diet, and, cue the collective gasp, no alcohol. For someone whose social calendar usually involves bottle service and espresso martinis, this is a bit of an identity crisis. But hey, when in LA, the land of infrared saunas, adaptogens, and self-optimization, you kind of have to lean in.
The mission? Complete the challenge without losing my sense of fun, fashion, or nightlife cred. Because yes, I might be temporarily sober… but I still write for a nightlife magazine, and summer’s not going to party itself. So I set out to prove that you can have a good time without shots, and spoiler alert: it’s possible.
Stop 1: Employees Only LA
My Saturday night started with a very familiar feeling: the itch. You know the one — where heels are calling your name and your tightest dress suddenly seems like the only option. First stop: Employees Only. I love the New York location (forever homesick), so the LA outpost felt like the perfect gateway into my new nightlife era: minus one hangover.
I walked in, leaned over the bar, and whispered the modern version of a confessional: “Do you have any mocktails?” To my surprise and delight, they had two—score! I opted for the Purple Rain, a moody masterpiece made with Ritual rum alternative, pineapple, cold brew, and blackberry. Garnished with a delicate yellow flower, it looked like a cocktail and tasted like summer. One sip and I was like: holy sh!t… maybe being sober isn’t so bad?
My friends took a sip and gave me the universal sign of mocktail approval: wide eyes and a collective, “Wait, that’s actually so good.”
Employees Only – 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Stop 2: Laurel Hardware
With our spirits lifted (without actual spirits), we headed to dinner at the mysterious and very vibey Laurel Hardware—a place I’ve driven by countless times, always wondering what was really inside. It’s not a hardware store. It’s a beautiful, buzzy restaurant with an even more beautiful cocktail list.
While there wasn’t a dedicated mocktail menu, several drinks had an asterisk for “non-alcoholic version available,” which honestly added a thrill to the selection process. I landed on the Juice Box Margarita — a tropical explosion featuring prickly pear, passionfruit, hibiscus, pineapple, lime, and zero regrets.
Food-wise, I kept it classic with the chicken Caesar salad, which was so good I forgot I was technically on a “challenge.” Clean plate club, always.
Laurel Hardware – 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Stop 3: The Roof at EDITION
Before hitting the club, we snuck in a rooftop moment at The Roof at EDITION, aka one of the best views in LA. Two mocktail options stood out: the LUNARA, made with Seedlip Spice, honey, vanilla, orgeat, lemon, and egg white, and the SOLARA, with Seedlip Grove, agave, grapefruit, and lime.
I went for the LUNARA — creamy, complex, and totally delicious. It felt indulgent, like something you’d sip slowly on a plush daybed at golden hour, preferably in oversized sunglasses.
The Roof at EDITION – 9040 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Final Stop: Sunset at EDITION
Our last stop of the night was Sunset at EDITION, one of my favorite places to dance, spy on table drama, and run into three people I swear I just saw at Erewhon earlier that day.
I won’t lie: walking into a club sober feels a little like watching a movie on mute. But once the music hits and you find your crew, it starts to click. Bonus points: great people-watching, no slurred conversations, and you remember everything the next day—including who you gave your number to.
Sunset at EDITION – 1090 N Doheny Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Final Thoughts?
Being on 75 Hard doesn’t mean your social life has to die. It just means you’re getting creative—and maybe discovering a new appreciation for drinks that don’t come with next-day regrets. I’m still a party queen, just temporarily rebranded. And honestly? I kind of love her.
Next stop: a sober pool party. LA, I dare you.
