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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
8.2
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Downtown’s Karl Strauss outpost anchors the Wilshire corridor with a full brewpub menu, rotating taps, and a big indoor-outdoor footprint built for groups. Guests come for shareable appetizers, burgers, and fish & chips that pair naturally with the house beers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Fat Pretzel Bites, Fish & Chips, Food Truck Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Craft beer–driven DTLA brewpub with a broad, beer-friendly New American menu.
Who should go: Office groups, beer lovers, and casual after-work meetups.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or early dinner before downtown events.
What to order: Duck Fat Pretzel Bites, Fish & Chips, Food Truck Burger.
Insider tip: Ask staff for a small beer flight built around your food order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garages along Wilshire and Flower are the most reliable; limited metered street parking opens up after 7pm but fills quickly during events.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; office attire blends in, and jeans are standard for after-work groups.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at booth tables, but bar-area chatter picks up during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small parties; groups may wait longer during peak games or events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though nearby offices can cause a brief rush between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—salads, veggie starters, and customizable burgers or bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but present—look for modified salads and a rotating plant-based entrée depending on the season.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-marked items including salads, bowls, and certain mains; staff can guide on beer-friendly GF pairings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date—plenty of seating, upbeat energy, and good beer flights—but it’s more laid-back brewpub than intimate dining spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Larger groups should plan ahead during happy hour or downtown event nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early meals; the large space and approachable menu work for families, though the bar-focused atmosphere gets louder later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Great for group-friendly seating, beer flights, and pairing comfort classics with house brews—stronger for gatherings than more upscale downtown spots.
Consider Alternatives If: If you want a quiet, romantic dinner or chef-driven tasting menu, choose a more intimate DTLA restaurant instead.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 8pm
Tuesday11:30am - 8pm
Wednesday11:30am - 8pm
Thursday11:30am - 8pm
Friday11:30am - 9pm
Saturday12pm - 9pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm