From OG neighborhood joints to hidden spots glowing behind neon signs, these local-favorite LA dive bars are serving up strong pours, retro charm, and serious main character energy. Whether you’re craving karaoke, tiki mugs, or just a killer plate of wings, we’ve got you.
The Roost Cocktails – Atwater Village
Red neon glow? Check. Worn-in leather booths? Check. The smell of Thai curry wafting through the air? Say less. The Roost is a cozy, cash-only dive that hits every comfort note. Come through early for happy hour, claim a booth, and let the night take you where it will. Bonus: their drunken noodles and yellow curry go crazy.
The Short Stop – Echo Park
Just a short walk from Dodger Stadium, The Short Stop is where the pregame turns into the main event. Grab a drink, shoot some pool, and hit the photo booth before the DJ cranks up the volume. Once the disco balls and paper lanterns kick in, it’s good vibes only on the dance floor.
Tony’s Saloon – Downtown LA
Tucked in the Arts District, this 1940s-era bar brings all the quirky vintage feels—think taxidermy, twinkle lights, and board games at every table. Sip an old-fashioned, challenge your friends to ping pong or pool, and hang on the turf-lined patio for an effortlessly chill LA night.
Blue Room – Burbank
Glowing blue neon outside and in, the Blue Room is a full-on time capsule (open since 1949). Slide into a turquoise booth, order whatever cocktail you’re vibing with, and let the retro aesthetic wash over you. There’s live music some nights, but honestly, the jukebox slaps just as hard.
The Drawing Room – Los Feliz
Open at 8 a.m. daily (yes, you read that right), The Drawing Room is where late nights and early mornings blur together. With glowing red walls and strong pours, this no-frills fave feels like your best-kept secret. Karaoke Sundays are a thing, but even just chilling under the dragon mural feels iconic.
Ye Rustic Inn – Los Feliz
Wings that go absolutely feral (get ’em extra crispy), cold beer on tap, and a crowd that keeps things lively—Ye Rustic Inn is the divey sports bar of your dreams. Inside is high-energy, especially on karaoke nights, but if you need a moment, the patio out back is perfect for relaxing with a drink.
HMS Bounty – Koreatown
HMS Bounty is straight-up nautical nostalgia, anchored inside the historic Gaylord Hotel. Dark and cozy with wood-paneled ship cabin vibes, this Koreatown gem pours stiff drinks and serves up a legit steak dinner. Hit the jukebox for a Sinatra moment or throw it back to ’90s punk—whatever the mood.
The Frolic Room – Hollywood
Once a speakeasy, now a certified Hollywood icon, The Frolic Room is dripping with old-school glam. Vintage lamps, framed photos of screen legends, and a mural of Monroe and Gable watching over the bar set the scene. Order a classic cocktail, soak in the history, and pretend you’re on set for a noir flick.
Tiki-Ti – Los Feliz
Tiny but loaded with personality, Tiki-Ti is a maximalist fever dream in the best way. The walls are decked out in tiki mugs, the drinks are unapologetically strong, and the tropical vibes are off the charts. Seating’s tight, so pull up early and toast to island energy—without ever leaving LA.
