Best Live Music Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
A 1928 Art Deco landmark turned supper club with live big-band nights.
Notable Picks
8.8
A glamorous Art Deco supper club in the historic Oviatt Building, Cicada is built for dressed-up date nights with live big-band music and Italian-leaning fine dining. Couples come for the soaring 30-foot ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and white-tablecloth service that turn dinner into an old-Hollywood experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Linguine, New York Steak Osso Bucco, Chocolate Lava Cake
What Makes it Special: A 1928 Art Deco landmark turned supper club with live big-band nights.
8.8
This Beverly Hills institution sets the standard for upscale steakhouses with its signature warm service and live piano bar creating an electric atmosphere nightly. Silver carts deliver perfectly aged beef while the lobster mashed potatoes have achieved legendary status among locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in Ribeye, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Shrimp Cocktail
What Makes it Special: Three-story steakhouse with Beverly Hills' most energetic piano bar scene
8.7
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Live Music Showtime
Operating out of El Coraloense on select evenings, The Paella Concept turns the dining room into a reservation-only Spanish paella tasting experience built around a fixed-price menu. Courses move from tapas and sangria through large-format paellas and dessert, making it one of the most focused tasting-menu nights anywhere in 90201.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jamón ibérico paella, Seafood paella with lobster, Torrija Spanish-style bread pudding
What Makes it Special: Spanish-run paella tasting nights with multi-course set menus and sangria.
8.7
Established in 1990 inside the historic 1906 First National Bank building, L'Opera features Chef Walter Cotta's award-winning Northern Italian cuisine with live opera performances on weekends. The stunning restoration showcases marble columns on mahogany floors with an exhibition kitchen, while the Wine Cellar basement offers intimate private dining in the original bank vault.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Piccata, Homemade Ravioli, Butternut Squash Ravioli
What Makes it Special: 35-year institution in stunning historic bank with Chef of the Year
#5
El Compadre
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since the mid-1970s, El Compadre’s Hollywood location has been the classic Sunset Blvd choice for combination plates, fajitas, and its signature flaming margaritas. Candlelit rooms, colorful tiles, and a lively bar make it a go-to for celebratory Mexican dinners that lean loud and festive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fajitas, Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo, Carne Asada Plate
What Makes it Special: A long-running Sunset institution known for flaming margaritas and big combo plates.
8.6
Heavy metal-themed burger destination relocated from Alhambra to Bay Shore Beach in 2024, serving half-pound patties with rock-inspired names. Food Network's Great Food Truck Race winner brings creative toppings from chimichurri-blue cheese to peanut butter-strawberry jam-bacon-sriracha, all served with craft beers and ocean views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ozzy Osbourne Burger, Napalm Death Burger, Long Beach Dirtbag
What Makes it Special: Only beachfront heavy metal burger joint with rock memorabilia and ocean backdrop
#7
La Traviata
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Operating since 1997 in the historic Willmore Building, La Traviata delivers award-winning Nuevo Italian cuisine with live piano music on weekends. Owner Mario creates an operatic dining experience with ornate nineteenth-century opera house décor including crystal chandeliers and silk drapes, while the kitchen turns out fresh pasta and theatrical presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass, Chestnut Mushroom Ravioli, Linguini de Mare
What Makes it Special: Historic venue with live piano and operatic ambiance since 1997
#8
Iki Nori
8.5
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Live Music Showtime
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Status Restaurant & Lounge brings a Caribbean lens to Hollywood dining, serving jerk chicken, curry shrimp, fried snapper, and crab alongside cocktails in an upscale lounge setting. It leans into nightlife energy, so seafood plates often share the table with bottle service, DJs, and a dressed-up crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caribbean curry shrimp pasta, Fried or escovitch red snapper, Curry crab legs weekend specials
What Makes it Special: Caribbean restaurant-lounge where jerk meats and plated seafood share space with DJs and bottle service.
8.5
Glamorous Japanese brasserie fusing traditional techniques with French culinary flair, transforming into a buzzy nightlife destination after dark. The Instagram-perfect space features dramatic lighting, live DJs, and show-stopping presentations like the 467 Carat Dragon roll with gold leaf.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diamond Roll with Caviar, Wagyu Carpaccio with Uni, 467 Carat Premium Dragon
What Makes it Special: Japanese-French fusion with nightlife atmosphere and live DJs.
8.4
Family-owned since 1999, this Belmont Shore mainstay follows Mama Rodou's traditional recipes using first cold-pressed Greek olive oil and hormone-free New Zealand lamb. The Friday night Kleftiko special features lamb slow-roasted for eight hours, while Thursday evenings bring live Greek music from local legend Sotos Kappas.
Must-Try Dishes:
New Zealand Lamb Chops, Kleftiko (Friday Special), Saganaki Flaming Cheese
What Makes it Special: 26 years of family recipes handed down from grandmother to daughter Nicky
8.4
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Hamburger Mary’s pairs drag shows and loud, campy energy with a full bar and a menu that includes classic hot wings alongside big burgers and shareable platters. It’s a go-to for pre-show happy hour drinks where wings, cocktails, and entertainment all compete for attention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Hot Wings, Queen Mary Burger, Mary's Handbag Sampler
What Makes it Special: Drag shows, boozy specials, and hot wings in a loud, playful room.
8.4
Members is a reservations-only Mediterranean restaurant and nightlife space where candlelit tables, DJ sets, and a sultry room blur the line between dinner and lounge. Couples start with mezze and cocktails before the lights dim and the energy shifts toward a late-night scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Baba Ghanoush & Crudités, Dry-Aged Beef Tartare, Grilled Branzino
What Makes it Special: A moody, Mediterranean-leaning restaurant-club hybrid where dinner naturally runs into a night out.
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Miceli's is Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant, a red-sauce institution where multi-layered lasagna is baked under a canopy of wine bottles and show-tune-singing servers. The trio of Aunt Angie’s Original, chicken, and spinach lasagnas makes it a go-to for hearty, old-school comfort before or after a night on Hollywood Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aunt Angie's Original Lasagna, Chicken Lasagna with spinach and pink sauce, Spinach Lasagna with marinara
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Hollywood institution serving multiple house lasagnas with live piano.
8.4
Inside The Goldfish, Sticky Rice’s Highland Park kitchen turns out Thai-style Sticky Rice Wings alongside street food favorites, all backed by $10 cocktail happy hour. Neon-lit decor, a checkered dance floor, arcade games, and regular live music make wings and drinks here feel like a full night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky Rice Wings, Panang Curry Fries, Boat Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Thai street-food wings with full bar happy hour, arcade games, and live music under one roof.
#15
Olive & Grill
8.3
Modern Mediterranean restaurant featuring an enchanting outdoor terrace beneath olive trees with live music and belly dancing creating a romantic atmosphere. The Lebanese-influenced menu emphasizes shareable mezze plates and grilled kebabs, with hookah service adding to the authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops, Chicken Kebab, Fattoush Salad
What Makes it Special: Romantic olive tree terrace with live entertainment and authentic Lebanese cuisine
8.3
Located on the third floor of Parkers' Lighthouse since 2011, this supper club-style steakhouse offers unmatched 360-degree views of the Queen Mary, Long Beach Harbor, and downtown skyline. Live jazz performances Tuesday through Sunday nights complement prime steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, creating a scene reminiscent of classic mid-century dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Porterhouse for Two, Dry-Aged Ribeye, Bacon-Wrapped Dates
What Makes it Special: Rotating panoramic harbor views paired with nightly live jazz in elegant supper club setting
8.3
Beachfront beer garden with BOGO-style happy hour windows and tacos on the all-day menu. Sunset timing brings a lively crowd for shrimp or veggie tacos paired with easy-drinking drafts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Veggie tacos, Chips and guacamole
What Makes it Special: Oceanfront HH energy with taco options and rotating drink deals.
#18
Au Lac
8.2
A 24-year pioneer in plant-based Vietnamese cooking, using shiitake and king oyster mushrooms to recreate seafood textures that consistently fool even skeptical diners. The Downtown space offers an upscale, conversation-friendly atmosphere with weekend piano—positioned well for pre-theater crowds from the nearby Ahmanson. Expect $25-35 dishes with generous portions that justify the price point for refined vegan Vietnamese execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus, Pho, Ravioli
What Makes it Special: Upscale vegan Vietnamese cuisine in a historic Downtown LA building with live music programming
#19
Britannia Pub
8.2
This authentic British pub serves hearty lamb burgers and classic beef patties alongside pints until 2 AM nightly. The Beatles tribute nights and karaoke create a lively atmosphere that keeps locals coming back after the tourists clear out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Burger, Classic Pub Burger, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Only spot serving burgers until 2 AM in downtown Santa Monica
8.2
This historic venue transforms dining into an experience with its enchanting garden patio, live music, and belly dancing performances. The fire-grilled kebabs and authentic Middle Eastern dishes are served in a romantic brick-walled garden setting with water features.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fire-Grilled Lamb Kebab, Mixed Grill Platter, Stuffed Grape Leaves
What Makes it Special: Live entertainment in historic garden setting
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Palms Thai is a sprawling Hollywood institution pairing a giant Thai menu with a lively, often late-night crowd. It’s where groups come for curries, noodles, and papaya salad at big round tables, sometimes with live music adding to the room’s energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Papaya Salad, Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Chicken
What Makes it Special: A big, boisterous Thai dining room known for late hours, live entertainment, and crowd-pleasing flavors.
#22
Townhouse
8.2
Century-old Venice cocktail haunt offering a daily 5–7pm happy hour upstairs, with the Del Monte speakeasy downstairs on show nights. Strong classics, a lively bar, and proximity to the Venice Sign make it a dependable meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Espresso Martini, Mojito, Negroni
What Makes it Special: Daily HH in a historic cocktail space steps from the Venice Sign.
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Outdoor Dining Oasis
California-inspired contemporary Italian anchoring Tujunga Village since the early 1960s with housemade pastas, fresh branzino and salmon, and an upstairs jazz lounge. The restaurant underwent a modern redesign while maintaining its classic Italian warmth, offering outdoor dining on the village sidewalk and weekend jazz brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Branzino, Frank's Favorite Meatballs
What Makes it Special: Studio City landmark with jazz club upstairs and California-Italian fusion cuisine
8.1
Florence Osteria & Piano Bar is a Tuscan-focused dining room where wood-fired meats, pastas, and seafood meet cocktails and live piano in a warmly lit space. It’s a natural fit for romantic dinners or special-occasion steaks with an Italian accent on Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone Marrow Risotto, Fettuccine al Tartufo, Porchetta-Style Pork Belly
What Makes it Special: Tuscan wood-fired cooking with steaks, risotto, and live piano on Beverly.
#25
La Boheme
8.1
For over 30 years, this romantic institution has charmed West Hollywood with French-American cuisine served beside a roaring fireplace or under string lights on the enchanting patio. Weekly burlesque shows and live music add theatrical flair to the already dramatic dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Confit, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup Gratinée
What Makes it Special: LA's most romantic restaurant with weekly cabaret performances
#26
La Cuevita
8.1
La Cuevita is an Old World-inspired Mexican grotto bar known for its deep tequila and mezcal list, long daily happy hours, and free Tuesday tacos with drink purchase. Dark cave-like interiors, a busy back patio, and strong, affordable cocktails make it one of Highland Park’s liveliest after-work and late-night Mexican-leaning happy hour stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold Gin Thyme & Again cocktail, Irish Mule happy hour cocktail, Free Tuesday tacos with drink purchase
What Makes it Special: Agave-centric bar with long happy hour and cave-like vibe.
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Sports Bar Central
Open since 1969, The Warehouse Restaurant is a kitschy, Polynesian-themed steak-and-seafood house overlooking the marina, known for big portions, strong drinks, and party-friendly energy. It’s a nostalgic choice for prime rib dinners, family gatherings, and waterfront celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib, Shrimp Scampi, Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: Retro marina steak-and-seafood institution with tiki décor and big portions.
#28
Yahir
8.1
A Mar Vista tapas bar where chef Matteen Khalifian layers Spanish small-plates with subtle South American and Persian accents, creating a menu that feels both familiar and personal. The room leans moody and social with a strong cocktail program and regular live jazz, making it a neighborhood night-out anchor. Best for sharing a spread at the bar or settling in for a late dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al Ajillo, Croquetas, Seasonal Paella
What Makes it Special: Spanish-style tapas filtered through the chef’s Iranian-Latin heritage.
An old-school Italian-American supper club that trades on Rat Pack-era atmosphere and a deep-cut comfort menu built around red-sauce classics and stiff martinis. West LA regulars have relied on it for decades as the kind of place where the toasted ravioli and the dim lighting do equal work. Expect supper-club volume on weekends — quieter tables come earlier in the week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Sauce, Toasted Ravioli, Martini
What Makes it Special: Old-school Italian-American supper club with a Rat Pack atmosphere that has kept West LA regulars coming back for decades
#30
Casa Sanchez
8
Vibes:
Live Music Showtime
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A full-service Mexican dining room anchored by Mariachi Voces de Mexico de Raul Sanchez, who perform live six nights a week—making the music as much of the draw as the mole poblano or chamorro de puerco. The dinner-club energy runs loud between sets and louder during them, which is exactly the point for birthdays, group celebrations, and couples who want a night out with substance. Valet parking and outdoor seating round out a place built for lingering, not rushing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon al Tequila, Chamorro de Puerco, Mole Poblano
What Makes it Special: Mariachi Voces de Mexico de Raul Sanchez performs live six nights a week alongside fine Mexican cuisine in a full-service dining room.
#31
Cipriani
8
The legendary Venetian export brings Harry's Bar glamour with Bellinis flowing freely and carpaccio served as it was invented. Michele Bonan's nautical design features Murano chandeliers while the Jazz Café offers sultry live performances Thursday through Saturday.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Carpaccio Original, Risotto Primavera, Vanilla Meringue Cake
What Makes it Special: Home of the original Bellini and carpaccio recipes
#32
Rock & Reilly's
8
This Irish pub on the Sunset Strip boasts the largest Irish whiskey selection in Los Angeles alongside crispy wings available in ten flavors including Nashville Hot and Lemon Pepper. The elevated pub grub approach delivers wings with multiple sauce options during their 5-7pm happy hour, while rock and roll vibes and extensive craft beer menu make it a solid destination for both game days and casual weeknight gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whiskey Bingo Wings, Nashville Hot Wings, Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese
What Makes it Special: LA's largest Irish whiskey collection paired with rock and roll atmosphere
#33
The Escondite
8
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
What Makes it Special: A hidden, live-music roadhouse with indulgent burgers, long happy hours, and a downtown skyline patio.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A 1954-era Italian steakhouse and jazz club that trades on its preserved vintage interior—red leather booths, iron chandeliers, wood-paneled walls—and a menu of old-school Italian American steaks and pastas priced well below comparable LA spots (porterhouse at $25, filet at $26). The kitchen delivers strong nights and off nights, with dish preparation swinging noticeably between visits, but 72 years of continuous family ownership and a recent turn as an HBO filming location keep Eagle Rock regulars coming back for the atmosphere as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porterhouse Steak, Calamari, Chicken Parmesan
What Makes it Special: A 1954-era Italian steakhouse and jazz club serving old-school Italian American fare with live music seven nights a week in Eagle Rock.
#35
El Paseo Inn
7.9
A sprawling open-air Mexican cantina on historic Olvera Street that leans into the full festive experience—tableside guacamole, mariachi on Sundays, and a patio that fills up with multi-generational tables sharing enchiladas and margaritas. Operating since the 1930s, it draws on atmosphere and tradition more than culinary precision, making it the right call when the occasion matters as much as the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cadillac Margarita, Chicken Enchiladas De Mole, Tableside Guacamole
What Makes it Special: LA's oldest Mexican restaurant, serving on historic Olvera Street since the 1930s with live mariachi and a sprawling open-air patio.
7.9
A 70-year family operation that runs an unusually wide lane—California comfort plates like waffle chicken sandwiches and funnel cake French toast share the menu with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas, all served from a strip-mall storefront on Reseda. It draws weekend brunch crowds for the creative egg-and-griddle combinations, but the all-day depth means weekday drop-ins rarely feel like an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
Waffle Chicken Sandwich, The Stuffed Frenchie, Short Rib Benedict
What Makes it Special: Family-run since 1955, Emle's merges California comfort cooking with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas across an unusually deep all-day menu.
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Trendy Table Hotspots
Fiesta Mexicana Banquet Hall in Bell/Bell Gardens is a full-service event hall with onsite Mexican catering, bar service, and decor packages tailored to weddings, quinceañeras, and milestone birthdays. The large ballroom, high ceilings, and built-in dance floor create a true party atmosphere with DJs and bands built into most events. It’s less a casual dinner spot and more the place locals book for once-in-a-decade celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banquet-style chicken plates with rice and beans, Carne asada party platters, House celebration cake served with coffee service
What Makes it Special: Dedicated banquet hall with onsite catering, full decor, and dance floor built specifically for big celebrations.
#38
La Golondrina
7.9
A century-old Olvera Street institution serving straightforward traditional Mexican plates — combo platters, burritos, and house salsa — in a setting where live mariachi is part of the deal, not background noise. The draw is the location and the history more than any single dish, which makes it a natural stop for families walking the historic plaza. Expect a loud, festive atmosphere and limited parking; Metro to Union Station is the practical move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito, Combo Plate, Salsa and Chips
What Makes it Special: The oldest Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, serving traditional recipes on historic Olvera Street since 1924
#39
Lares Restaurant
7.9
A long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot built around traditional preparations—mole, chile verde, lengua—served alongside nightly live guitar and weekend mariachi that set the tempo for the whole room. It draws families and large groups who want festive, communal dining with outdoor seating and enough noise to let the table get loud. Expect to raise your voice during peak hours, but that's the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas, Mole, Chile Verde
What Makes it Special: Long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot where live mariachi accompanies traditional dishes like mole and chile verde
#40
Louie’s on 2nd
7.9
Relaxed American eatery balances comfort food classics with contemporary touches like triple smash burgers and garlic noodles with shrimp. Wednesday wine specials and live music create neighborhood gathering spot atmosphere. Craft cocktails and bourbon selection complement accessible menu that satisfies without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
Triple Smash Burger, Garlic Noodles with Shrimp, Steak Frites
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood newcomer earning quick loyalty with solid execution and Wednesday wine-music nights
#41
The Dresden
7.9
Iconic Los Feliz supper club since 1954 serving classic prime rib and steaks in oversized white leather booths. Live jazz nightly and famous Blood & Sand cocktails transport you to Old Hollywood glamour, though food quality plays second fiddle to vintage atmosphere and entertainment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Prime Rib, Hand-Carved Ribeye, Tomahawk Steak
What Makes it Special: LA's oldest family-owned restaurant serving prime rib with nightly live jazz
#42
Tuning Fork
7.9
Cozy gastropub tucked on Ventura Place serving California craft beers and seasonal comfort food with Buddhist, Caribbean, and Moroccan influences. The intimate space features skylights, heavy wooden tables, and occasional live music creating a neighborhood gathering spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Truffle Burger, Marrakech Meatballs, Jerk Chicken
What Makes it Special: Hidden gastropub blending global flavors with craft beer expertise
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Two-time OpenTable Diners' Choice Award winner since 2015, this 11,000 square-foot Mexican destination features indoor-outdoor seating, private banquet hall for 200, and live Latin music Friday-Saturday. The expansive menu highlights Añejo-style carne asada, whole branzino for two, and festive weekend brunch with bottomless options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Añejo Style Carne Asada, Whole Branzino for Two, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
What Makes it Special: Valley's go-to celebration spot with private event space and live entertainment
#44
Baltaire
7.8
A Brentwood power steakhouse with Flannery dry-aged beef, live jazz Thursday-Friday evenings, and a dining room that draws the designer-bag clientele. Steaks arrive properly hot and sizzling when the kitchen is on; some visits report inconsistency with temperature and cut quality. The lounge energy works for business dinners where atmosphere matters as much as the ribeye.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in Ribeye, 48-Ounce Tomahawk Ribeye, Dry-Aged Flannery Kansas City Strip
What Makes it Special: Brentwood power steakhouse with Flannery dry-aged beef and live jazz
#45
Bigfoot West
7.8
A rustic log cabin whiskey bar in Palms built around 100+ whiskies and craft cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and in-house infusions—the drinks program is the main event, with bar food like tacos and empanadas filling a supporting role. It runs loud on live music nights in a small room, so plan for early arrivals or off-nights if conversation matters. Works best as a group outing destination where the whiskey flight does the talking and the cabin atmosphere sets the tone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toasted Marshmallow Cocktail, Whiskey Flight (60+ Small Batch Bourbons), Tacos
What Makes it Special: Rustic log cabin bar with 100+ whiskies and craft cocktails made from fresh-squeezed juices and in-house infusions
#46
Café Tondo
7.8
A Mediterranean-Latin café-bar in Chinatown that functions as much as a cultural venue as a restaurant, with weekly jazz and bolero nights spilling into an outdoor parking-lot stage. The kitchen runs a Latin-leaning menu anchored by milanesa de pollo and ceviche de camarón, served in a space where metro trains overhead and salsa dancers on the patio set the tempo. It draws date-night couples and creatives who want dinner and a show in the same seat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Milanesa de Pollo, Pan de Elote, Tuna Tostada
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-Latin café-bar in Chinatown doubling as a cultural venue with weekly jazz and bolero nights
#47
El Compadre
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Sports Bar Central
Since 1975, this hacienda-styled institution has served family recipes in a space adorned with wrought iron lanterns, stained glass chandeliers, and Mexican artifacts. The lobster enchiladas and flaming margaritas define the experience, while live mariachi and red tufted booths create the festive atmosphere that makes it a reliable Dodger Stadium pre-game destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Enchiladas, Carne Asada, Chile Relleno
What Makes it Special: 50-year institution with theatrical flaming margaritas and old-school LA Mexican charm
#48
La Cita
7.8
La Cita is a decades-old Latin nightclub and dive bar just off Hill Street, famous for its daily 4–9pm happy hour, micheladas, and weekend cumbia and DJ nights. While the focus is music and drinks, the bar food—think burgers and hot dogs—helps soak up rounds of discounted beer and cocktails on the patio and dance-floor-adjacent bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bison Burger with Fries, Michelada with House Mix, Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary
What Makes it Special: Long-running Latin dance bar with one of DTLA’s longest happy hours and a patio built for loud nights.
#49
Re/creation Cafe
7.8
A farm-to-table cafe that doubles as a live music and live painting venue, pulling its menu from Mid-City's cultural mix with dishes like calle grilled fish tacos and cornbread waffles. It draws creatives and freelancers who want to eat well in a room that shifts between daytime workspace calm and Saturday night energy. Expect street parking headaches on weekends and a volume spike when the bands plug in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calle Grilled Fish Tacos, Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table cafe doubling as a live music and live painting venue where the menu draws directly from Mid-City's cultural diversity.
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
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