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ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Downtown LA
Best Happy Hour Wings in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Redwood Bar & Grill
7.8
A pirate-ship-themed dive bar on 2nd Street in Downtown LA that doubles as a nightly live music venue covering folk, punk, and everything between—with a scratch-made pub kitchen that takes the food more seriously than most music bars bother to. The beer-battered fish and the burger hold up as actual meals, not afterthoughts to the drink menu. Best suited for nights when you want to eat real food, catch a band you haven't heard of, and not care what time it is.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Beer Battered Fish Taco, Redwood Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Pirate-ship dive bar in DTLA with scratch-made pub fare and nightly live bands across genres from folk to punk rock
Who should go: Live music fans who want real food with their show
When to visit: Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm; weekends for live bands
What to order: Start with the wings, lock in the fish and chips as your main — the cod is beer-battered fresh, portions are hearty, and the burger is massive if you're starving
Insider tip: Arrive before the cover charge kicks in on show nights and grab a captain's table in the back for the best sound
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Downtown LA area—metered and competitive. Nearby garages start around $8/hr (World Trade Center lot on S. Figueroa) with 180+ options within walking distance
Dress code: Casual—it's a pirate-themed dive bar, so jeans, tees, and boots fit right in
Noise level: Moderate baseline, but loud once live bands start—expect raised voices near the stage, quieter if you grab a seat away from the music area
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Menu includes salads and non-meat options alongside the pub fare
Vegan options: House-made vegan burger available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your idea of a great first date is adventurous rather than traditional. The pirate-themed dive bar has dark, intimate lighting, cozy captain's tables, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that scores high on ambiance. The catch: live bands play nightly spanning punk, rock, folk, and more, so noise levels rise significantly during sets. For conversation, aim for an early dinner before the music kicks in or grab a booth away from the stage. It's a memorable, character-filled spot that works best for someone who'd appreciate a quirky, creative date over white-tablecloth romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. Standard reservations are not available through typical booking platforms; the venue operates on a waitlist basis. Given that it's a casual dive bar open 11am to 2am daily, you can generally walk in and grab a seat, especially during lunch and early evening. On nights with popular live bands, the venue can fill up, so arriving before the show starts improves your chances. Happy hour (Mon–Fri, 4–7pm) is a reliable window for walk-in dining before the music crowd arrives.
Is it kid-friendly? Conditionally — during daytime and early evening dining hours, all ages are welcome and it's a casual enough environment for families. However, after 10pm minors must be accompanied by an adult, and live shows are typically 21+. There is no confirmed kids menu or high chairs available. The pirate-ship decor (skulls, crossbones, nautical art) may entertain older kids, but the dark dive-bar atmosphere and bar-forward setup make it better suited for teens than toddlers. Best for families before 7pm; call ahead at (213) 680-2600 to confirm high chair availability if needed.
Is it good for groups? Yes, for small-to-medium groups. The venue features captain's tables and whiskey barrel tables that can accommodate casual group dining. For private events or larger parties, they accept bookings via email. However, this is an intimate, cozy space — not a sprawling restaurant — so very large groups may find it tight, especially on nights with live music when the back room is configured for performances. For groups of 6+, contact the venue in advance to coordinate seating. Specific maximum party size is not published online.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited outdoor seating is referenced as available (listed as al fresco dining on some platforms), but specific details — number of tables, whether it's a patio or sidewalk setup, covered or heated — are not confirmed online. Given the venue's location on W 2nd Street in Downtown LA, it is likely a small sidewalk arrangement rather than a full patio. Call (213) 680-2600 to confirm current outdoor seating availability and configuration before relying on it.
Best For
Better for: Catching live punk/rock bands over cheap drinks in a no-pretense dive with pirate decor—open until 2am daily, with happy hour Mon–Fri 4–7pm
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet dinner conversation—nightly live music makes this a listening room, not a talking room
Hours
Monday11am - 2am
Tuesday11am - 2am
Wednesday11am - 2am
Thursday11am - 2am
Friday11am - 2am
Saturday11am - 2am
Sunday11am - 2am