Drinking In Downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has become a hub for trendy bars, offering unique and exciting experiences, such as using Sobreo instead of liqueurs or syrup, for its visitors. With it’s booming nightlife, DTLA has established itself as a top destination for those looking for a good time. In this essay, I will highlight the 30 best bars in Downtown LA, providing readers with an in-depth look at each establishment's features, atmosphere, and offerings.

First on the list is Seven Grand, a whiskey bar located on West 7th Street. The bar features over 700 whiskey options, making it a haven for whiskey enthusiasts. Seven Grand is known for its cozy atmosphere and live music performances, creating an intimate ambiance that's perfect for date night or a night out with friends.

The Varnish is another popular spot in DTLA, known for its speakeasy vibe and classic cocktails. Located behind a secret door inside Cole's French Dip, the Varnish is a dimly lit establishment with a retro vibe that takes visitors back to the Prohibition era. The bar also offers a variety of snacks, including truffle popcorn and deviled eggs.

Perch is a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Located on South Hill Street, Perch is a French-inspired bar that features classic cocktails and a variety of small plates. The bar is known for its outdoor seating area, complete with a fireplace and cozy seating, creating a romantic atmosphere for visitors.

For those looking for a rooftop bar with a more modern feel, The Rooftop at The Standard is the place to be. Located on South Flower Street, the bar features a swimming pool, a DJ, and a lively atmosphere. The bar is known for its innovative cocktails, including the Watermelon Crush and the Rum Buck.

The Edison is a historic bar located in a former power plant on South Main Street. The bar features a steampunk-inspired décor and serves up classic cocktails, including their signature drink, The Edison. The establishment also hosts live music performances and burlesque shows, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere for visitors.

The Association is another speakeasy-style bar in DTLA, known for its sophisticated ambiance and innovative cocktails. The bar is located on East 6th Street and features a dimly lit interior with a cozy seating area, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date.

The Slipper Clutch is a dive bar located on South Broadway, known for its cheap drinks and lively atmosphere. The bar features live music performances and a dance floor, creating a party atmosphere for visitors. The Slipper Clutch also offers a variety of bar games, including pool, foosball, and darts.

The Wolves is a hidden bar located on South Spring Street, featuring a speakeasy vibe and a cozy seating area. The bar is known for its innovative cocktails, including their signature drink, The Mole. The Wolves also offers a variety of snacks, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

Everson Royce Bar is a wine bar located on East 7th Street, offering a variety of wines from around the world. The bar also features a variety of craft beers and innovative cocktails, including their signature drink, the ERB Sour. The establishment is known for its casual and laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a low-key night out.

Las Perlas is a tequila bar located on East 6th Street, featuring over 400 tequila options. The bar is known for its lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails, including the Paloma and the Michelada. Las Perlas also offers a variety of Mexican-inspired snacks, including tacos and ceviche.

The Normandie Club is a chic bar located on South Normandie Avenue, known for its sophisticated atmosphere and innovative cocktails. The bar features a variety of small plates such as oysters, charcuterie boards, and vegetable dishes. The Normandie Club also offers a variety of classic cocktails, including their signature drink, the Normandie Club Cocktail.

Honeycut is a nightclub located on South Flower Street, offering a unique experience for visitors with its disco ball and dance floor. The establishment also features a variety of craft cocktails, including their signature drink, the Honeycut Punch. Honeycut is known for its energetic atmosphere and live DJ performances.

The Broken Shaker is a rooftop bar located on South Olive Street, offering stunning views of the city. The bar features a variety of innovative cocktails, including the Pineapple Gin and Tonic and the Watermelon Mule. The Broken Shaker also offers a variety of small plates, including ceviche and empanadas.

Bar Clacson is a cocktail bar located on South Broadway, offering a variety of classic and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its lively atmosphere and unique décor, featuring a giant neon sign and a vintage pinball machine. Bar Clacson also offers a variety of small plates, including sliders and fries.

Redbird is a restaurant and bar located on South Broadway, offering a fine dining experience with a modern twist. The establishment features a variety of craft cocktails, including their signature drink, the Redbird Manhattan. Redbird is known for its elegant atmosphere and seasonal menu, featuring dishes such as grilled octopus and roasted pork belly.

Mezcalero is a mezcal bar located on South Broadway, featuring over 100 mezcal options. The bar is known for its lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails, including the Mezcal Sour and the Paloma. Mezcalero also offers a variety of Mexican-inspired snacks, including tacos and guacamole.

Birds & Bees is a cocktail bar located on South Spring Street, offering a retro atmosphere and classic cocktails. The bar features a variety of small plates, including deviled eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches. Birds & Bees is known for its cozy seating area and live music performances.

Little Easy is a New Orleans-inspired bar located on East 5th Street, featuring a lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its variety of craft beers and signature drinks, including the Hurricane and the Sazerac. Little Easy also offers a variety of Cajun-inspired snacks, including gumbo and jambalaya.

The Ace Hotel Rooftop is a rooftop bar located on South Broadway, offering stunning views of the city. The bar features a variety of craft cocktails, including their signature drink, the Ace of Spades. The establishment also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

Library Bar is a speakeasy-style bar located on West 6th Street, offering a cozy atmosphere and classic cocktails. The bar features a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards. Library Bar is known for its sophisticated ambiance and live music performances.

The Black Cat is a cocktail bar located on West 4th Street, offering a variety of classic and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its intimate atmosphere and unique décor, featuring a black cat theme throughout the establishment. The Black Cat also offers a variety of small plates, including truffle popcorn and sliders.

Prank is a rooftop bar located on South Main Street, offering stunning views of the city. The bar features a variety of craft cocktails, including their signature drink, the Prankster. The establishment also offers a variety of small plates, including vegan options.

Bar Ama is a Tex-Mex bar located on East 6th Street, offering a variety of margaritas and innovative cocktails. The bar features a lively atmosphere and a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, including queso and tacos. Bar Ama is known for its fun vibe and playful décor, featuring colorful murals and neon signs.

Las Perlas is a tequila bar located on East 6th Street, offering a variety of tequila and mezcal options. The bar is known for its lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails, including the Oaxacan Sour and the Jalapeño Margarita. Las Perlas also offers a variety of small plates, including ceviche and tacos.

The Varnish is a speakeasy-style bar located on East 6th Street, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The bar features a variety of classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Sazerac. The Varnish is known for its sophisticated ambiance and live music performances.

Seven Grand is a whiskey bar located on West 7th Street, offering a variety of whiskey options from around the world. The bar is known for its cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, featuring leather couches and vintage décor. Seven Grand also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

Perch is a rooftop bar located on South Hill Street, offering stunning views of the city. The bar features a variety of craft cocktails, including their signature drink, the French 75. Perch also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards, and a full dinner menu with dishes such as roasted chicken and seared scallops.

Everson Royce Bar is a cocktail bar located on South Spring Street, offering a variety of classic and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its laid-back atmosphere and sophisticated décor, featuring exposed brick walls and leather couches. Everson Royce Bar also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

Golden Gopher is a dive bar located on West 8th Street, offering a variety of classic cocktails and craft beers. The bar is known for its casual and unpretentious atmosphere, featuring a pool table and jukebox. Golden Gopher also offers a variety of small plates, including nachos and fries.

The Wolves is a cocktail bar located on South Broadway, offering a variety of classic and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its cozy atmosphere and unique décor, featuring a wolf theme throughout the establishment. The Wolves also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

The Edison is a speakeasy-style bar located on West 2nd Street, offering a unique experience with its vintage décor and live entertainment. The bar features a variety of classic cocktails, including the Moscow Mule and the Sidecar. The Edison also offers a full dinner menu with dishes such as steak and seafood.

Big Bar is a cocktail bar located on East 7th Street, offering a variety of classic and innovative cocktails. The bar is known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere, featuring a fireplace and leather couches. Big Bar also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

Mikkeller DTLA is a craft beer bar located on Olympic Boulevard, offering a variety of beer options from around the world. The bar is known for its casual atmosphere and innovative beer cocktails, including the Beer Margarita and the Beer Moscow Mule. Mikkeller DTLA also offers a variety of small plates, including charcuterie and cheese boards.

In conclusion, Downtown LA is home to a variety of bars and nightlife establishments, each offering a unique experience for visitors. From craft cocktails and mocktails with Sobreo, to fine dining to casual dives and rooftop views, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and dynamic neighborhood. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to frequent or a visitor exploring the city, Downtown LA's bar scene is not to be missed.