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Baar Baar - LA
Master Critic Review
Baar Baar - LA
8.5
New York import Baar Baar brings chef Sujan Sarkar’s modern Indian cooking to a dramatic DTLA dining room, pairing richly spiced small plates with serious cocktails. It’s the upscale Indian choice near Crypto.com Arena, better for composed dishes and drinks than a quick curry-and-rice fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baar Baar Butter Chicken, Cheese & Jalapeño Naan, Gulab Jamun Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-design Downtown room serving polished, cocktail-friendly takes on regional Indian dishes.
Who should go: Date-night couples and groups wanting elevated Indian and cocktails.
When to visit: Evenings before or after Downtown shows and games.
What to order: Baar Baar Butter Chicken, Cheese & Jalapeño Naan, Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
Insider tip: Hit the early happy hour at the bar to sample snacks and cocktails for less.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the building for around $12–$15; street parking is limited and competitive on event nights near Crypto.com Arena.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge — stylish jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for the dramatic dining room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but the bar energy and music make it vibrant rather than quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on game or concert nights.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday early dinner tends to have minimal waits with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Plenty of options, including creative small plates and mains built around vegetables and Indian regional flavors.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — usually 2–3 dishes can be prepared vegan; best to alert the server.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes; staff can guide substitutions, though no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic lighting, modern Indian flavors, and strong cocktail game make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar area is your best bet for walk-ins, especially early evening or after major events. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult and date-night oriented. Older kids and teens who enjoy bold flavors will be fine, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative, cocktail-friendly Indian small plates in an upscale setting, perfect for nights out near Crypto.com Arena.
Skip if: You want a fast, traditional curry-and-rice meal, a quiet dining room, or budget-friendly pricing.