The Arts District in DTLA is by far one of our favorite places to hang out with a group of friends or explore on a little solo trip. Once abundant with warehouses that backed the agricultural & artisanal businesses of Los Angeles, The Arts District is a great area to grab a drink, dance, and play. Bordering Boyle Heights to the east, and Little Tokyo to the west, this trendy hub has a gritty, lived-in attitude that’s been absorbed into its culture and citizens. We love gallery-hopping at Hauser & Wirth, feasting at Bestia, or a casual happy hour at some of the best Arts District Bars. The bars are literally the BEST! So when you’re trying to decide where to go for an unforgettable night out, be sure to land on one of these essential Arts District Bars.
1. Death & Co.
Location: 818 E. 3rd, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Oh Death & Co. — we’ve raved about your decadent drinks and bites before, so we can’t imagine L.A. nightlife without you. ICYDK – this is one of the most influential bars in NYC and luckily they’ve synced their East Village veins into the Arts District by setting up shop on Hewitt St. Crowded every night of the week ( a line begins to form right before opening), this Arts District bar offers unforgettable drinks and memorable service at their elegant bar top or in cozy leather booths. Order the strawberry “Dreamsong” or a boozy “Paris in Flames” from suave bartenders in white-collared shirts and gray vests. They’ll answer any questions you have about their world-famous cocktail list and hors d’oeuvres-centric menu. We recommend their mouth-watering cauliflower or chicken liver mousse. Death & Co. has a timeless ambiance that feels both lived-in and pristine. This combination is the kind of oxymoron that few bars offer, but only hot girls know about.
The LA Girl’s Pick: The “Tears of Gold” w/ Don Fulano Reposado Tequila, Cold Brew Coffee, & Mole Bitters
2. The Let’s Go! Disco & Cocktail Club
Location: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Let’s go girls! Tucked behind De La Nonna on Alameda St, The Let’s Go! Arts District bar is a disco-drenched time warp to the 1970’s with a European twist that all the locals love. Under fuchsia LED’s and disco balls, this late-night spot hosts Euro-techno and signature margs to partygoers from Tuesday to Saturday. Their bar program offers straightforward drinks, disguised under sassy names like the “Donna Summer Dress” (aka ‘paloma’). Regardless, all of their drinks cost $17, and their bold flavors are well worth the price.
The LA Girl’s Pick: “The Rita 2.0″, which is “the best margarita in L.A.” according to many locals.
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3. Arts District Brewery & The Study
Location: 828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Local beers on tap, classic pub games, and a secret speakeasy are just three gems you might uncover at this essential Arts District bar. Order something affordable, like their $5 happy hour stout or a $10 daiquiri’s from their wrap-around bar top. The classic brewery has a come-as-you-are vibe, and delivers accessibility, affordability, and ambiance, with finesse. With over 30 craft beers on tap, beer-lovers are in for a treat. After your brew, play some skee-ball and ping pong in the back by the photo booth. But if those games aren’t enticing enough, arrive during the day so you can go axe-throwing on the patio outside. Need some more convincing? They have a speakeasy stashed behind a staircase by the patio called The Study. For signature cocktails (like their Dirty Martini), this is one of the most charming places to grab a drink in the area.
The LA Girl’s Pick: “Daily Affirmation” Arts District Brewing Bohemian Pilsner 5.1%
4. Girl & The Goat
Location: 555-3 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
If you love Cabra in DTLA, you’ll love visiting the bar at Girl & The Goat. Owned and operated by the same owner, Chef Stephanie Izard’s cuisine draws on Peruvian, Californian, and Middle Eastern flavors at her sophomore Los Angeles venture on Mateo St. Obviously there’s a lot to rave about on the culinary end, (confit goat belly & bluefin tuna poke anyone?) but let’s talk about their beverage menu. Their “farmer’s market margarita” (w/ tequila blanco, raspberry, & chamomile flowers) is balanced to perfection. And it tastes even better with the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling window treatments and warmly-lit wooden interior.
The LA Girl’s Pick: “Spa Day” w/ nat kidder vodka, pandan leaf, & lemongrass
5. Truly LA
Who doesn’t love an ice cold Truly on summer nights? The thought of a Truly-themed bar is like heaven on earth. Unlike most artificial seltzers, Truly uses tasty vodka and sugar cane bases that make for excellent cocktails. That’s why Truly built this open-concept patio & lounge space for the enjoyment of Truly-based cocktails. In partnership with Live Nation, Truly LA hosts a myriad of events like concerts and artist markets. With plenty of sofas , TV’s, and bar space, gossip with 3-4 of your closest friends over Truly Mojito’s & Mules to round out your Arts District bar adventure.
The LA Girl’s Pick: Yuzu Lemon Drop-Style w/ signature Truly Base, Yuzu Marmalade, Lemon Juice, Honey & Simple Syrup
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And for more of the best nightlife in L.A, check out the best bars in Hollywood.
Feature image courtesy of Girl & The Goat Instagram
