Living in Los Angeles where the idea that everybody loves to be seen, it’s nice to be able to go and sit in a dimly lit bar, where the drinks are cheap, and everybody knows your name.  Grab a seat at the bar at any of these classic establishments, snag a basket of fries and take a load off from your heavy work day and enjoy a $5 well drink.

Mom’s Bar – Santa Monica – @momsbarla

I’m gonna open strong here and recommend their CapriSun; Pink Vodka and a Pineapple High Noon, served in a pouch!  How much more convincing do you need?  With a happy hour from 4pm – 8pm, this no frills, all fun bar is the place to be in the West Side.  Need more activities than drinking?  They’ve got ping pong and a classic photo booth for you to enjoy as the night continues on, and if you’re in need of food, The Wing Stop across the street can deliver to you in no time at all.  Come for the mules, the happy hour, and the shots created to support the sports team of your choice!  It’s always a great time at Mom’s!  

Powerhouse – Hollywood – @powerhousebarla

Powerhouse is the king of the dive bars in LA.  Beer, shots, and their Dirty Dozen classic cocktails, Powerhouse has long been a staple in Hollywood.  Located in the heart of Hollywood, Powerhouse is the perfect place for pre-gaming before the Hollywood Bowl or even a visit to the El Capitan Theatre – listen, adults need to have fun before viewing a vintage Disney flick.  Established in 1947, this gem of a bar doesn’t have designated parking, but has easy access via the red metro line and lots of local street parking.  

Ye Rustic Inn – Los Feliz – @yerusticinn

Mozzarella sticks for the win at this quaint establishment, Ye Rustic Inn has a surprising selection of higher quality liquors at affordable prices.  With a food menu that keeps the basics on hand; from wings, a build your own burger, even chicken soup.  Ye Rustic is the perfect place to watch the game, chill in a quiet corner booth, or meet up for a low key date. An added bonus, they have a whole parking lot for you to enjoy, making Ye Rustic a definitive choice for your quiet night out.

Brass Monkey – Koreatown – @brassmonkeykaraoke

Every other year or so I hold my birthday karaoke party here, and it is chill as all hell.  Best advice is to go on Sunday when they open at 5pm…ish.  Barely anyone there, appropriately priced drinks, and a short karaoke line.  From Queen to Broadway and everything in between, Brass Monkey comes through with its perfect dive bar vibes, yet still holds support where everyone is kind as you take turns getting up to sing.  When you’re hungry,  Brass Monkey has a classic basket of fries and other snacks you can wolf down in between various renditions of “Life is a Highway” and “Let it Go”.  

Short Stop – Echo Park – @theshortstopechopark

Dancing.  Drinks.  DJ’s.  Short Stop is your one stop for whatever vibe you want!  With an overall younger vibe that knows how to party, SS still knows how to throw down with its Motown Mondays.  Wanna watch the big game?  No worries, Short Stop has you covered.  Wanna pregame before the Dodgers?  It’s only a 15 min walk to the stadium where you won’t pay $20+ dollars for a beer.  Good vibes  and a superb liquor list make this a must on your list. 

La Cita – DTLA – @lacitabar

Oh man, this place is a vortex in the best way.  Hard drinks, live dancing, and an amazing patio that you can enjoy as you drink the night away!  The best thing about them, they have two happy hours!  Regular happy hour prices run until 7pm every night, and then they have daily themed happy hours!  From Angry Hour on Fridays (Punk Rock) to Afternoon Delight on Saturdays (Yacht Rock), La Cita has what you desire for a great time.  When you’re hungry after multiple shots of mezcal, feel free to bring food in from Grand Central Market which is just next door, to keep the party going all night long…or 2am.

Tony’s Darts Away – Burbank – @tonysdartsaway

Serving up all California craft beer, Tony’s Darts Away has been playing the vegan game since day one.  Their amazing vegan (and non-vegan) sausage options include the Buffalo Wrap or the crispy Chili Dog; make TDA a fantastic way to unwind at the end of your stressful day.  Nice and quiet, and not too dark inside, TDA has a quaint outdoor space for you to enjoy the SoCal eternal sun.  Feel free to grab one of their dozens or board games or card decks to pass the time away.