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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown LA

Lively bars

Made for those who only drink where the energy is high and the room is loud.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
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Speakeasy-style wine bar offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with heaters and blankets on the patio. Atmosphere blends intimate warmth with groovy DJ music, creating a unique and exclusive vibe. Natural wine selection stands out alongside exceptional Italian-inspired food.

Great natural wines define the bar's selection. It feels authentic and community-driven, standing out among other wine bars in the area.

Energy comes from a mix of natural wines and simple Italian food. Music sets a lively, welcoming atmosphere that feels relaxed yet upbeat.

People are saying

"Ian and the staff provided fantastic service and a welcoming environment for wine."

"The bartenders here really know their stuff and share it without snobbery."

"It's a lively spot with exciting, unique wines."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The venue hosts monthly wine tastings featuring local winemakers.

3

Parking is available across the street for a small fee.

02
Wolf & Crane Bar image 1

Elegant Japanese whiskey bar offers eclectic decor and multiple seating options including an outdoor patio. Music ranges from 80s and 90s alternative to hip-hop, creating a fun and cool vibe that fills the space as it gets busy at night.

Offers a huge whiskey selection including unique whiskeys you can only find there. The bar has a clean, elegant interior with a lively atmosphere and a dance floor on one side.

Bar features a dance floor and gets very crowded on weekends. Ambience stays consistently lively throughout.

People are saying

"You'll find an impressive, huge selection of Japanese whiskey here."

"The cocktails here are fantastic and well balanced."

"It's a lively spot with great music for everyone."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great prices.

2

Whiskey flights are available only on Wednesdays.

3

Live DJ performances happen every Friday night.

03
L.A. Live image 1
Event venue

Event venue combines vibrant neons with electric energy and a lively vibe. Spaces range from comfortable theaters to an ice skating rink and bowling alley, offering varied entertainment. Atmosphere feels upbeat and socially engaging, with plenty of bars and restaurants adding to the buzz.

Many bars offer good drinks and a variety of food options like Lazy Dog's brunch and Smashburger's quick meals. Tom's Watch Bar provides a lively game day vibe across from Crypto Arena, while The Novo features sleek bars and comfortable decor for shows.

An upbeat atmosphere fills the area, making it feel very lively and exciting. Events change the vibe, keeping things fresh and fun.

People are saying

"I had a great movie experience watching movies here."

"It's a really lively place with an exciting crowd."

"I enjoyed people watching at the bar here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be expensive, with rates reaching $45 for a full day.

2

Cash is needed for discounts at some venues within L.A. Live.

3

L.A. Live hosts various events throughout the year, so check the schedule before visiting.

04
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Restaurant

Large space with beautiful decor and a tropical vibe creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Phenomenal DJs and a fire dancer keep energy lively with top-notch house music and captivating performances. Guests enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant setting that blends dining with entertainment seamlessly.

Atmosphere stands out with a tropical lounge design that creates a cool vibe at night. The bar area fits well within the beautiful restaurant setting, making it a chill spot to hang out.

Dim lighting sets a lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning music. An exotic dancer performs with fire sticks, adding an exciting touch to the night. Service stays attentive during this fun, energetic vibe.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The Picanha here is perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender."

"The bar staff here are so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Fire dance performances start at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for weekend events.

3

The fire dance show lasts about 15 minutes and is a highlight of the evening.

05
Perch image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop bar with a breathtaking cityscape view and live music that enhances a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The space feels crowded, requiring reservations due to limited capacity. Cocktails stand out as a distinctive feature complementing the setting.

A rooftop lounge offers a spot to enjoy drinks and chat with friends. The bar inside the restaurant serves drinks that can be taken up to the rooftop. Bartender Luis stands out for his service.

Live music sets a soulful ambiance that keeps the atmosphere lively and upscale. Inside feels energetic while outside offers a quieter vibe with gorgeous views.

People are saying

"The rooftop view here is amazing, especially at night."

"The rooftop bar has amazing views."

"The rooftop views here are stunning, especially at night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary due to high demand, especially for brunch and dinner.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Live music occurs from 6-10pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

06
Zaya image 1
Restaurant

Large bar area with plenty of seating and small intimate tables creates a cozy setting. Live music and a vibrant Latino bartender add energy, while the atmosphere stays pleasant but stuffy due to poor air circulation. The venue blends elegant decor with a cosmopolitan vibe for a lively night out.

Upstairs lounge offers comfortable couch seating. The bar is lit, making other downtown bars seem dull in comparison.

Great live music sets a lively night out with a polished downtown vibe. The spot stays bustling throughout the day.

People are saying

"The live music here creates a really polished, downtown vibe."

"The bartender Oscar makes outstanding drinks and gives great recommendations."

"The Italian-inspired food here is flavorful and served hot."

Good to know

1

Salsa and bachata dancing happens every Monday at 8 pm, followed by social dancing.

2

Happy hour runs from Wednesday to Friday, 5-8 pm with discounted drinks.

3

Comedy shows take place every Tuesday night, providing a fun midweek option.

07
Javier's DTLA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive space with multiple bars and high arches creates a posh lounge atmosphere filled with loud energy. Design blends stunning decor and comfortable seating, evoking a vibrant Mexican vibe. Crowds gather for lively dining rather than quiet meals.

Multiple bars inside create a massive space with plenty of seating and great music. Bartenders like Jesus and Joey provide awesome and attentive service with solid recommendations.

Busy and upbeat atmosphere fills the space with good vibes flowing everywhere. The energy feels vivid and exciting throughout.

People are saying

"The guacamole here is creamy and tasty."

"The bartenders at the bar offered excellent service and recommendations."

"The food here is amazing, especially the fresh chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand at this new location.

2

Valet parking costs $45, while self-parking is available for $20 nearby.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for enchiladas, which some may find expensive.

08
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Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers beautiful city views with a cool atmosphere enhanced by heated lamps and fire pits. Cocktails stand out as phenomenal, complementing the relaxed yet vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, comfortable setting.

Rooftop lounge offers awesome views of downtown from the 15th floor. It serves a cold drink or a good glass of wine in a cute atmosphere perfect for weekend lounging.

A lively rooftop vibe sets the tone with a stunning view of the downtown skyline. The atmosphere balances elegance and energy, making it a vibrant spot for a night out.

People are saying

"The views here are amazing and breathtaking."

"The rooftop bar has breathtaking city views."

"The rooftop vibe here is lively with stunning city skyline views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

09
Berenjak image 1
Persian restaurant

Modern, elegant Persian restaurant with chic dรฉcor and an open kitchen showcasing grills. Lively, energetic Persian music fills the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor courtyard offers a hidden urban retreat with a relaxed vibe.

Cocktails here set a new standard with exceptional mixology and excellent service from the bar team. The bar offers a cool atmosphere with cozy indoor and outdoor seating, making it easy to enjoy a drink before dinner.

Music includes lively Persian songs with a mix of upbeat and somber tunes. The menu stays limited and simple.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the kebabs."

"The bar service here is exceptional, truly crafted with artistry."

"The ambiance here is truly amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinner service.

2

A stick of kobedah costs $36, and a cup of rice is $10.

3

Valet parking is required, even if street parking is available nearby.

10
Camphor image 1
Restaurant

Michelin-starred French restaurant occupies a restored warehouse with high ceilings and all-white decor creating a refined, modern atmosphere. Open kitchen adds lively energy as diners watch chefs at work. Space feels upscale and comfortable, blending style with thoughtful details throughout.

Cozy seating at the bar invites interaction with staff. The menu offers a variety of creative cocktails. Staff responses sometimes focus more on tipping than communication.

A restored warehouse with high ceilings and stylish decor creates a lively vibe. The cozy, crowded setting makes it great for people watching.

People are saying

"The Dover sole and sea bream at these dinner spots are phenomenal."

"The food here is a work of art, bursting with flavor."

"The atmosphere here is beautiful and lively."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $20 with a $2.50 convenience charge.

2

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual is preferred.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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