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The Escondite
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Escondite
8.0
Tucked on an industrial side street east of Skid Row, The Escondite is a roadhouse-style bar known for over-the-top burgers, loaded tots, and one of downtown’s most relaxed happy hours. Since 2011 it has pulled locals to its patio for discounted drinks, bar-food specials, and live music under the skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Captain Kangaroo Breakfast Burger, Nashville Hot Breakfast Sando, Baja Fish Taco Ensenada Style
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A hidden, live-music roadhouse with indulgent burgers, long happy hours, and a downtown skyline patio.
Who should go: Burger lovers and bar-hoppers chasing cheap drinks and music
When to visit: Early evening into night for happy hour and live bands
What to order: Captain Kangaroo burger, loaded tots, Baja fish taco
Insider tip: Check the music calendar and arrive early to claim a patio table before the band starts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the primary option; availability varies by block but is usually manageable before 7pm. Expect tighter competition later at night. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Very casual. Think jeans, tees, and jackets—bar-forward comfort over style. No need to dress up unless you're coming from somewhere else.
Noise level: High once the live music starts; conversations are easier on the patio earlier in the evening but become loud during peak sets.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for patio seating during peak hours, especially when a band is scheduled.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night spot; early evenings on weekdays typically have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including veggie burgers, salads, and loaded tots; customization available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modified dishes may work, but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: A few naturally gluten-free items (tots, some salads). Burgers can be ordered protein-style, but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys dive-bar energy, live music, and casual food. It’s fun and unpretentious, but not ideal for intimate conversation during band sets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive early for patio seating on nights with live music or popular happy hour specials.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; it's a bar-first environment with loud music and late-night crowds. Suitable only for older teens early in the evening.
Best For
Better for: More relaxed, live-music-heavy happy hours than most DTLA bars, plus oversized burgers and a hidden, locals-only vibe competitors can’t match.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, polished service, or a more refined cocktail program—choose a DTLA rooftop or upscale lounge instead.
The Escondite
8.3
The Escondite is a roadhouse-style bar on an industrial block east of Skid Row where 50-cent wings, strong drinks, and nightly live music fuel one of downtown's most dedicated happy hours. Regulars come for heaping baskets of crispy wings, towering burgers, and a patio that looks back at the DTLA skyline long after sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
50-cent Buffalo and BBQ wings, Captain Kangaroo burger, Loaded tater tots with bacon and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Daily 50-cent wings with a full bar, live bands, and downtown skyline views.
Who should go: Wing lovers who want rowdy bar energy and live music.
When to visit: Weekdays 5–8pm for happy hour then stay for bands.
What to order: 50-cent wings, Captain Kangaroo burger, loaded tots.
Insider tip: Sit on the back patio for skyline views and easier conversation during sets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on Boyd St. and surrounding industrial blocks, but it can be limited during live music nights. Meters are free after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual bar attire. Jeans, tees, and jackets are totally fine. No need to dress up unless you're heading somewhere after.
Noise level: Loud once bands start. Conversation is easier on the patio or before 7pm.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but tables can fill by 7–8pm on band nights. Patio spots go first.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the kitchen opens later in the day and happy hour is the main draw.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like loaded tots, salads, and some bar snacks. Wings and burgers dominate the menu, so choices are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited. Most items contain dairy or meat; not ideal for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program, but some salads and unbreaded items can work. Cross-contamination is likely in a bar kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys divey, music-filled bars. The energy is lively and fun, but conversation can be tough once bands start. Best for casual, low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It's walk-in only. Arrive before 7pm for the best chance at snagging a patio table with skyline views.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. Loud music, bar-focused service, and late-night crowds make it more suitable for adults.
Best For
Better for: Lively bar energy, cheap wings, strong drinks, and live local bands in a hidden, industrial setting.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, vegan-friendly menus, polished service, or refined cocktails. Choose alternatives nearby in the Arts District for those experiences.