Best Places To Drink Downtown LA, California

Andrea Barreto

Downtown LA is bursting with all kinds of late-night watering holes. Cue this insider look at a couple of the most Instagram-worthy bars in the historic Bank District downtown.

Exterior of Sixth St Tavern

1. Sixth St Tavern

Bar, Gastropub, Butcher, Pub Grub, American

Salvage Bar & Lounge
©Yelp
Starting right above Pershing Square is the corner spot of Sixth St Tavern. Located next door to the famous Library Bar and a few steps away from the Central Public Library, this notably nonliterary-related gastropub has a clean-cut feel with just the right amount of table seating. The open-air side section is perfect for enjoying daily lunch offerings. It then conveniently turns into an enclosed area that offers a more intimate evening setting. Sip on the Blackberry Fizz for a sweet side of smooth with its combination of bourbon and honey.

2. Salvage Bar & Lounge

Bar, Pub Grub

Seven Grand
©Yelp
Like its name suggests, the trendy Salvage Bar & Lounge gives off a gritty, gothic vibe with industrial decor and menus placed inside vintage hardcover books. The building itself dates back to 1926 and much of the original materials remain as focal points for the lounge. With three different areas to choose from, including an outdoor patio with Thomas Edison-approved lighting, Salvage feels like a trip back in time. Try the 7th Street Mule – a refreshing choice with its mixture of lime and ginger beer.

3. Seven Grand

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, American, Pub Grub

Head down to one of the coziest whiskey bars in LA. Seven Grand offers a sweeping selection of whiskey set against what could pass for a log cabin in rural Wisconsin. Plaid fabric and mounted animal heads abound – just look at the coolest logo outside – but don’t let that stop you from settling in to what is an otherwise inviting atmosphere. A set of pool tables plays center stage while live jazz is readily available five days a week. Though something like the West Coast Whiskey options are definitely the main attraction in this second storey pub, bartenders are more than willing to whip up something different for those wanting a mixed drink. Hint – check out the restaurant just below it, Más Malo, for a quick bite.

4. Las Perlas

Bar, Mexican

The Love Song Bar
©10Best
On 6th Street lies the tequila paradise that is Las Perlas. This colorful bar provides a wide array of tequila and mezcal offerings. With its festive decorations, the tropical ambience makes drinking their five-dollar Monday margaritas during happy hour feel like a vacation on the Mexican Riviera. If you’re looking to heat up a nighttime outing, taste the spicy Poblano Escobar – a popular green drink that blends mescal, agave and pineapple with a poblano pepper.

5. The Love Song Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, American

A mere block away is the perfect destination to finish off your bar crusade. The Love Song Bar is warm and inviting with its reclaimed wood furniture and attention to details, such as an amazing ceiling decoration of intricate circular designs. The exposed brick wall contrasts well with the smile-inducing bright green accents. Take a shot at the Saturday Night Drip Drip Drip, named after iconic goth-grunge band The Cure – their spin on a Moscow Mule with lemon juice is sure to induce some favorable lip-puckering (hopefully).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article