Best Bars in DTLA

So guys, anyone who knows me knows that I love a good beer and a killer atmosphere. Lucky enough, living in LA gives me an infinite amount of options that surely never disappoint. However, there are a few that rise above the rest, and because it's so difficult to choose, I'm sticking to my top suggestions in Downtown Los Angeles for now! Next time you're looking to go out in the concrete jungle, make sure to check these places out! You won't be disappointed! ;)

1. clifton's republic (cABINET OF CURIOSITIES) 

648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

With it being within the shining lights of historic Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, there's no question that Clifton's is always my go-to. With a cafeteria on the main floor during the day to meet your friend's for breakfast at, a mid-day jazz band to swing dance into the night to, to four different themed bars amongst the three floors of this cabinet of curiosities - it's hard to not have a good time - no matter what your nightlife preferences are. Whether you're taking part in the California themed bar, The Monarch, the parlor that takes you back to Old Hollywood glamour and speak-easy style dancing, The Brookdale, getting down with the DJ in the purple and black, cathedral themed Gothic Bar, or do the art deco, map-themed tiki room in the Pacific Seas - you're in for a night to remember. Plus, it's in the heart of Downtown, so it's the best place to start and end. Don't miss out!

2. The Edison

108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Wow. This place blew my mind the first time I walked down a few flights of stairs into it's industrial and velvet swaddled glory. With it's award winning design, The Edison is the lavish embodiment of art, culture, science and commerce neatly placed within the walls of what used to be the first private power plant in Downtown Los Angeles. Themed after Thomas Edison (the place is decorated head-to-toe Edison bulbs) and the Industrial Revolution there are numerous rooms such as the Ember Parlour (for you to smoke your cigars or have a private party), The Lab and stage where all of the best discoveries happen (whether it be a new or flirty friend), the Game Room and the Tesla Lounge where private parties are also held and The Generator Room where there a few seats amongst the historical remains of the power plant, there is no shortage of space in this massive time traveling experience to make the memories of your wildest dreams.

3. The little easy

 216 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This Cajun-style speak easy takes you from Downtown LA to the heart of New Orleans. With its vintage elegance and southern charm, this place is full of spunk and endless character. On the street it looks like you're walking into a small yet sophisticated joint, only to turn the corner into a luminescent and charming veranda that opens up into a banjo-blaring party. The beer is unique and effective (if you know what I mean), the people are great, the service is always welcoming and lively - if you want a hidden treasure, this is the place to go. 

4. Cole's French dip

118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Talk about historic Downtown LA. Cole's is the oldest restaurant and bar in the City of Los Angeles that has remained open and continuously operating from it's original building since being established in 1908! How insane! Not only was the French Dip sandwich invented here, but several members of the mafia dined here on a regular basis AND their original speakeasy is still alive and kickin'- with a jazz band and dancing most nights after 7PM! If you are wanting a taste of history and a good time - Cole's is where you should be. 

5. seven grand

515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Are you a fan of whiskey and bourbon? What about playing pool and live music? Well my dear friends, Seven Grand is for you. This bar makes you feel like you're the richest son of a gun with a mustache and plaid hat wearing a monocle and riding boots getting ready to go stag hunting at the crack of dawn! Seven Grand is a home to the popular and unique membership program, the Whiskey Society. This program allows those involved to further educate themselves and experiment with the ever so wonderful spirit. This place is sophisticated yet extremely relaxed - think of your grandpa. He would love it here. Also, if you love whiskey, which you should, come to Seven Grand to immerse yourself in a plethora of options that will satisfy your whiskey needs beyond your heart's content. 

6. wurstküche

 800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

First of all..YUM...second of all...FUDGE YUM. Guys. This is one of my favorite places! Two words: Beer.Brats. That's all you need to achieve happiness my friends, and that is exactly what Wurstküche provides. Being from Wisconsin, these two items are a necessity, and when provided with over 19 options of sausages, and 50 different beer options both bottled and draft from Belgium, Germany, and a few from North America, I couldn't be a happier. I promise you will walk into this place beyond satisfied and walk out with your expectations exceeded. PLUS - it's in the Arts District, which is an amazing area with some pretty cool shops, sites, museums, and markets. Try to get over here for lunch on the weekends so you can catch all of the excitement! 

7. perch

448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

So the first thing I have to say about Perch, is WOWEE! This rooftop bar serving delectable French Cuisine and hand crafted cocktails gives you the MOST sensational view of the Downtown LA Skyline. You are immersed within the skyscrapers, sipping on My Fair Ladies, listening to chill and groovy live music, while soaking up the moonlight on this elegant rooftop secret garden-esque hideaway with the ones you love and hold dear. Whenever someone special is in town or it's time to celebrate a milestone - I bring them to Perch. It's simply irreplaceable and the views from all around are sublime. Not to mention, the food is absolutely to die for! But I swear to goodness, if you get the Bunny Frou Frou...we are no longer friends. 

8. Love Song

446 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Connected to the newly remodeled and infamous concert house, the Regent Theater, is the eclectic and nostalgic - The Love Song Bar. Inspired by various and classic tunes involving a little bit of the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol (cue Jamie Foxx and T-Pain), this place gives you the perfect blend of historic DTLA's aesthetic and the love of music that it's neighbor has shared throughout time. Also, this place is a pretty bomb pizzeria, so make sure before you hit your favorite show next door that you stop in here for dinner and a few drinks with your friends. It's cozy, quaint, and unforgettable. 

9. Preux and proper

840 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

This corner stone masterpiece filled to the brim with southern hospitality and all of the delicacies of New Orleans, also has some of the best blended drinks mixed within it's Cajun Elegance. Preux and Proper used to be right down the street from where I lived, and it's the best little hidden gem in downtown and is housed in what used to be the point of time-square of DTLA back in the 1920s. Their food is amazing. The atmosphere is perfect for small and quiet get togethers and is within historic DTLA, so you know it's going to be absolutely beautiful. For it being the last stop on South Spring Street, it should be one of the first places you check off your places to go when wanting to go out for a nice and relaxing night out with friends. 

10. Beelman's pub

600 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Catch a game at this high-end yet completely relaxed Irish pub ever so known as Beelman's. In the heart of DTLA, this place brings people together for any occasion, to sit back and enjoy each other's company. With it's welcoming presence brought to us in form of it's outdoor patio and all of it's string-lit glory, the service is fantastic, the energy is always up, and you will never be disappointed with the plate in front of you or the beer in your hand. If you're looking for a casual and relaxing night, but don't feel like parading in to a dive - Beelman's is always the place to go. 

Now that you have my top ten bars to go to in DTLA, keep an eye out for some of my other suggestions coming your way within the next few blog posts! Let me know if you stop by any of these crazy fun joints and send me a picture! Subscribe and send me all of your stories below! I want to hear about all of your DTLA bar hopping adventures! 

by: Mary gabrielle strause

A Traveling Artist living to inspire others to live their best lives by traveling the world and creating the art they've always dreamed of!