Los Angeles bars are a dime a dozen. We love that. However, there are certain bars that have become synonymous with LA nightlife. Not to mention, after the restrictive lockdowns, we’re only too happy to pay these legendary Hollywood bars a visit like old times.
Let’s take a look at our top 5.
Location: 6425 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM-2:00 AM
Famous for its jukebox, the Frolic Room’s walls are adorned with photos of movie stars and caricatures of Groucho Marx and Albert Einstein. Ultimately this is one of the most popular old Hollywood bars in LA, Frolic Room opened in 1930 and has since enjoyed a reputation few bars can live up to.
However, you’ll recognize it as the location for Film Noir and Hollywood Murder Mysteries. It was frequented by Henry Charles Bukowski, the influential American poet and writer, singer Frank Sinatra, and actress Judy Garland. Along with its neighbor, the Pantages, the Frolic Room is easily one of Hollywood’s favorite haunts.
In conclusion, dim lighting, great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, great music, and strong drinks are the essence of this historic LA bar. Customers can buy drinks here without creating a massive dent in their bank accounts. It’s just one of the charms of this old-school bar.
Location: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States.
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
The Polo Lounge opened for business in the 1930s. This makes it one of the historic LA bars that has stood the test of time. It can be found in the iconic 5-star luxury hotel: the Beverly Hills Hotel. Once described as “Hollywood’s commissary,” this epicenter for LA dining is steeped in history and amazing decor.
The lounge has been a celebrity hotspot for some of Hollywood’s greatest stars. Think Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlene Dietrich to name a few. It also has pictures of sports legends Will Rogers and Darryl Zanuck playing polo.
In conclusion, The Polo Lounge serves lunch and cocktails in an atmosphere that’s been dubbed by some as “power dining.” Beyond it, you’ll find there’s something intriguing about its green walls, fancy mirrors, piano, and light jazz that keep us coming back for more.
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Location: 840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Operating Hours: 4:00 PM-11:00 PM Thursday to Monday
An Irish pub, Tom Bergin’s has been operating since 1936. Ultimately this unpretentious and laid-back tavern is one of the oldest pubs in Los Angeles. With that said it’s no wonder that the property was declared a historical and cultural monument by the Los Angeles City Council.
Also, this bar is open on a limited schedule, this tavern is popularly referred to as the “House of Irish Coffee.” This pub experiences a steady flow of visitors sneaking in for a drink, a quick lunch, or a snack throughout the day.
Julia Roberts, John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Kefir Sutherland, Tommy Lasorda, and Cary Grant are only some of the A-listers who are known to frequent this establishment. The names of famous patrons such as these are etched in some 1,300 shamrocks that hang inside.
It’s a running joke that getting into Harvard is easier than getting a shamrock with your name on it at the prestigious Tom Bergin’s.
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Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm-11:00 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Want a taste of Hollywood’s finest cuisine? Musso & Frank Grill has you covered. Established in 1919, Musso & Frank Grill has a history as colorful as Hollywood itself. The red leather seats and the red jackets worn by the waiters are a throwback to another era.
The ambiance, the excellent food, cocktails, and service are impeccable at Musso & Frank Grill. Not to mention their martinis and their menu will leave you satisfied and satiated. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving for one of their old-school dishes after sampling some of their food.
If you aren’t able to book a reservation, there are seats at the counter where you can easily enjoy their cuisine.
Furthermore, Musso & Frank Grill meets expectations. It’s one of the reasons why Johnny Depp, Keith Richards, and Sean Connery make up their list of famous diners. Visiting this gem of a steakhouse is hands down one of the best experiences you can have in fabulous LA.
Location: 131 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am-1:00 am
One of the longest-standing bars, King Eddy is an old-school bar with a century’s worth of history. It was established in 1906 as a bar for the posh King Edward Hotel and is the last original Skid Row Bar in operation.
Located in downtown LA, King Eddy has a diverse history. It mainly acted as a cover for illicit activity and alcohol bootlegging during the Prohibition Era. It’s no wonder that locals generally knew it as “The Wall Street of the West.”
Also, this is one bar you won’t want to judge by its cover. The bar is an eclectic mix of people from various backgrounds and embodies the diversity and rich culture of Los Angeles.
It’s believed that King Eddy was the favorite bar of Dez Cadena, Black Flag’s guitarist and singer as well as Charles Bukowski, John Lennon, and a host of business tycoons.
Stepping into King Eddy is like stepping into a different period, providing those who visit with a nostalgic glimpse into the past. However, it’s currently closed for construction so we may see some noticeable changes in their interiors.
Many LA bars are still in transition from the global pandemic but we’re happy to see many of them re-opening as things hopefully go back to normal. Consequently, there has never been a greater need for connection, good drinks, and good food — thankfully, these legendary Los Angeles bars have these in good supply.
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