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Downtown nightlife guide

Pirate-themed bars, giant disco balls and a tiny golden gopher

Compiled by Metromix Staff

January 6, 2009

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(Credit: Kenesha Sneed)

L.A.'s got no Uptown, and our 'Downtown' is technically really more of an ... ‘Easttown.’ Still, a new loft-loving crowd has moved in, and they get thirsty and bored just like the rest of us. The neighborhood's recent renaissance has spawned some of the most bizarre bars and clubs in the city. Want a whiskey bar with a duck hunt diorama? Done! In the mood for a turn-of-the-century boiler room turned hip hangout? Downtown's got you covered. So forget all your troubles, forget all you cares and head Downtown (just don't forget your wallet).

The Varnish

118 E. 6th St. - Los Angeles

213-622-9999

Downtown denizens must really love dark bars and classic drinks, because The Varnish is the latest venue to move into this ever-revitalizing area that specializes in old school, mixologist prepared cocktails made with designer ingredients like chipped block ice and homemade juices. Located in the back of Cole's behind an oak door emblazoned with only the image of a cocktail, The Varnish completes the Cole's/ Association trifecta of bars at this boozy intersection of E. 6th and Main. The slatted-wood booths and tile floor are reminiscent of a Depression-era basement bar, an ambience that pairs well with retro libations like the Bees Knees and Hemingway Daiquiri.

Corkbar

403 W. 12th St. - Los Angeles

With an easygoing approach to wine, Corkbar aims to create an unpretentious tasting experience for aficionados and newbies alike. Inspired by California wine country, the bar serves a rotating selection of 40 wines by the glass and many more by the bottle in a relaxed, communal setting. Corkbar also features a selection of craft beers and farmer's market fresh food that can be enjoyed inside or on the patio. Close your eyes and it's almost like you're in Napa.

The Association

610 S. Main St. - Los Angeles

Located in the historic Pacific Electric Lofts building, right next door to Cole's, sits this cocktail lounge with an authentic Vegas casino vibe.

Cole's

118 E. Sixth Street - Los Angeles

213-622-4090

Originators of the French Dip bring together old and new in Downtown, but the best part of the restored 1908 saloon are the classic cocktails like Hemingway's drink: Death in the Afternoon.

Lucky Strike Lanes at LA Live

800 Olympic Blvd. - Los Angeles

213-542-4880

The original Hollywood location has made bowling chic for the last five years, and they'll continue that tradition at LA Live.

ESPN Zone Restaurant and Sports Bar

1011 S. Figueroa St., ste B101 - Los Angeles

213-766-7070

We may not have a football team, but at least have now have an ESPN Zone. There's two floors of sports memorabilia, TVs tuned to the game, cheering fanatics and a menu filled with hearty American fare. You'll feel like you're walking around Sportscenter, without having to look at Chris Berman.

Must Wine Bar

118 W. 5th St - Los Angeles

213-627-1162

A wine bar that caters to locals, with a focus on affordability and accessiblility.

Suede Bar & Lounge

404 S. Figueroa St. - Los Angeles

213-489-3590

It may be an upscale ultra-lounge in the Financial District, but it won't burn a whole in your pocket, especially during the "4444" happy hour. You know we're living in a different time when drinks cost less than a galon of gas!

The Edison

108 W. 2nd St. #101 - Los Angeles

213-613-0000

How's this for a bright idea: Take a turn-of-the-century boiler room in Downtown L.A., add a jukebox and a couple of bars, and charge admission. Sure, The Edison's ginormous industrial space is not without its share of kitschiness, but the club-lovin', business card-exchangin' crowd eats up the retro-electric decor (figuratively) and the supper club fare (literally).

The Standard Hotel

550 S. Flower St. - Los Angeles

213-892-8080

You know those people in L.A. you’d like to see in skimpy swimsuits? They’re all here. Weekend parties at this retro-mod hotel get wet n' wild, with DJed music sets by the rooftop pool and drinks-a-plenty from the Rooftop Bar. If you can pry your eyes away from all the pretty people chillaxin' poolside, make sure to check out the jaw-dropping views of Downtown L.A.

Seven Grand

515 W. 7th St., 2 floor - Los Angeles

213-617-0737

Over a hundred varieties of whiskey – from $7 to $120 a shot – should keep your mouth busy and your wallet empty. Named after its Downtown address (the corner of Seventh and Grand... sort of), Seven Grand’s weekly DJ sets, killer jukebox and rare outdoor smoking patio bring the American Apparel-wearing, loft-dwelling crowd.

Library Bar

630 W Sixth St. Ste 116A - Los Angeles

213-488-1931

Downtown's Library Bar has solved the problem long presented by college: Where should I spend my evening, at the library or at the bar? With dark wood paneling, a sexy lighting concept and antler chandeliers (why not?), this the hippest place in L.A. to pretend you enjoy reading (outside the real library, of course). If you get the munchies, you can order gourmet(ish) pizza from the Wolfgang Puck Express next door.

Redwood Bar & Grill

316 W. 2nd St. - Los Angeles

213-680-2600

Landlubbers love this nautical-themed bar, which features some yummy grub courtesy of Cobras & Matador chef Jason Michaud. By early evening, the place is packed to the gills with pirate ship cannons, fishing nets and mermaid paintings straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean (the ride), and a clientele pretty enough to be in Pirates of the Caribbean (the movie).

Blue Velvet

750 Garland Ave. - Los Angeles

213-239-0061

Don’t come expecting David Lynch or Bobby Vinton; do come expecting high-end dining and lounging with a jaw-dropping downtown view. The spacious Blue Velvet has got your evening plans covered, whether you choose to linger at the poolside patio, check out one of the two sleek lounges or make a new friend at the unisex restroom.

Golden Gopher

417 W 8th St. - Los Angeles

213-614-8001

The Golden Gopher’s antique (but still valid) 1905 liquor license allows a rarity in L.A. - an alcoholic concession stand that allows patrons to take their booze "to go." Add an outdoor smoking area, a selection of old school video games (hooray for Asteroids!), some cheesy décor and some mighty strong mixed drinks, and by night’s end you'll be whispering all your secrets to the little gold gopher lamp by your table.

La Cita

336 S. HIll St. - Los Angeles

213-687-7111

This former Mexican restaurant and bar is now hip-kid-friendly, thanks to new ownership and indie-rrific DJ nights. First-timers should check out DanceRight, a weekly dance night that takes the Echo Park scene even further east. Bring your Jet Rag duds and your best ironic dance moves.

Tatou

333 S. Boylston St. - Los Angeles

213-482-2000

An enormous, perennially packed dance floor… A weekly burlesque show… A restaurant serving up Cal-Asian-Latin fare… Two massive indoor palm trees… Probably the biggest disco ball in town… And all this in the building that once housed Prince's Glam Slam club.

Broadway Bar

830 S. Broadway - Los Angeles

213-614-9909

The '40s are still alive and kicking in this Theatre District gem. A swanky 50-foot circular bar anchors the spacious, two storey interior, and early bird specials (Tuesdays through Fridays, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.) bring in the after-work crowd. Ornate chandeliers and floral print carpets, wallpaper and couches lend the place an old world charm with just a hint of grandma’s house kitsch.

J Restaurant and Lounge

1119 S. Olive St. - Los Angeles

213-746-7746

J Lounge is bringing swanky back with three floors of Mediterranean-chic décor and a huge outdoor smokers area with roomy cabana seating, all set up against downtown's metropolitan skyline. Signature cocktails include Mango Mojitos and the ‘Flirtini,’ and there’s a limited lounge menu with upscale pizza, upscale fries and an upscale-priced pretzel ($7). There’s no cover charge before 10:30 p.m., and no entry if you're wearing tennis shoes.

The Spot

S. Main St. - Los Angeles

This tiny Downtown L.A. dive bar is so under-the-radar, it's got no real hours, no phone number—and no real name ("The Spot" is just what locals call the space). Word of the joint as a secret hangout for pop stars (Prince, Nelly Furtado, Queens of the Stone Age) as well as the home to private, password-protected parties is just getting out, so we'd recommend checking it out fast before it gets packed with party crashers.

Bordello

901 E. 1st St. - Los Angeles

213-687-3766

The area definitely leaves something to be desired (like a can of mace), but inside is pure decadence; a hip, brothel-themed bar that’s decked out in sexy reds and blacks. At Bordello, burlesque dancers, indie kids and punk rock chicks can all pretend they belong. And while the interior may be a lazy drumbeat away from a White Stripes video, the jukebox bumps through time and space with a mix of rockabilly, African beat and jazz.

Bar 107

107 W. 4th St. - Los Angeles

213-625-7382

A dive bar with beautiful architectural bones, Bar 107 has become a neighborhood hangout for loft dwellers, the post-hipster crowd and the occasional Derby Doll. The once-super-classy joint is painted up in regal red and gold all the way up to its soaring 20' ceilings, and includes a popcorn popper, a photo booth, and a selection of retro arcade games. Count us in!

Mayan Theatre

1038 S. Hill St. - Los Angeles

213-746-4674

Like Indiana Jones for indie rockers, this gorgeous downtown theater has been completely restored to its original Roaring Twenties splendor, revealing the amazing work of LA architect Stiles Clements and Mexican artist Francisco Cornejo. The massive, Mayan temple-themed space lends itself to rollicking dance parties, and has hosted a cavalcade of great acts like UK dance heroes Basement Jaxx and Midwestern post-goth dance punks The Faint. Get lost on the immense dance floor or kick back in the seated balcony area. The bar area is strictly 21+, but the rock n’ roll knows no age boundaries.

Club 740

740 S. Broadway - Los Angeles

213-627-6277

In the heart of downtown, this former site of the beaux-arts masterpiece Globe Theater is now a three-story dance club complete with bottle service and go-go dancers. Make sure you get dressed up before you get down -- this packed music factory is full of the trendsetters and go-getters dying to dance 'til they drop.

The Smell

247 S. Main St. - Los Angeles

Although The Smell was born in NoHo back in 1997, our favorite lil' all-ages club has always had a DIY attitude and progressive aesthetic perfectly suited for Downtown. Home to experimental rock/noise shows, experimental art and film exhibitions and not-so-experimental (but tasty) vegan treats.

Elevate

811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st floor - Los Angeles

213-236-9600

Unlike The Smell, Elevate is all about showing high rollers a good time. This 6,000-square-foot club on the twenty-first floor of a downtown high-rise has the feel of a New York City loft. There are sleek VIP booths, a shiny dance floor, modern design elements and hot bartenders that attend to your every need. The best place in the house, however, is the glass-enclosed outdoor lounge that circles the perimeter of the club. There are views all the way to Hollywood and being that high up off the ground feels trippy.

Tranquility Base Restaurant and Lounge [Closed]

801 S. Grand Ave. - Los Angeles

213-404-0588

A downtown “space” lounge with stiff drinks, late-night snacks and a fire pit big enough to make you ditch your vintage fur.

Bacaro L.A.

2308 S. Union Ave. - Los Angeles

213-748-7205

Bacaro is like a wine bar you’d see in Venice—only you don’t have to hop on a plane to get there. The downtown bar offers small-production Italian wines that don’t forego taste for their reasonable price. And to make your wine drinking experience as authentic as possible, the owners went to great measures “studying” various bacaros in Italy. Their research found that small glasses of wine matched with fresh homemade snacks make for a good time. We totally agree.

Amir Kenan covers Bars & Clubs for Metromix Los Angeles.