Golden Gopher
(213) 614-8001
417 W Eighth St
Los Angeles,
CA
90014
34.0447
-118.256
Neighborhoods: Historic Core, Central LA, Downtown
Last updated 6.13.09
What People Are Saying About Golden Gopher
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
If Liberace and the Rolling Stones got together in the '70s to do an extreme makeover of a downtrodden dive bar, the result may have looked something like this luxurious lounge. The same people behind Three Clubs, Liquid Kitty and North extensively remodeled the onetime speakeasy, adding sparkling glass chandeliers, wide-panel windows, wraparound couches and gold-crusted gopher lamps. Two cushy couches bookend the narrow, alley-like outdoor patio, adding to the club's kitschy yet classy charm. And as the proud owner of one of the oldest liquor licenses in L.A., Gopher is also allowed to have an in-house takeout liquor store.
The Draw
Downtown denizens, from corporate suits to loft-dwelling artists, come here because it has something for everyone: cheap Pabst beer and fine scotches, a jukebox with Sammy Davis Jr. and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and old-school video games like Ms. Pacman, Centipide and Asteroids.
User Reviews
v735
June 21, 2009
awsome place to hang out no dress code just be your self and enjoy the night and pick out some tunes with friends you'll have fun. Not trendy at all
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jadeelectric
January 14, 2009
I discovered the GG about one year ago and its now my favorite all around bar. It may look a little shady from the outside but on the inside it's a whole different world. I love how everytime I've gone (mostly on Friday nights) there is never a line outside and they don't charge you cover. It does get pretty crowded, and it is a pretty small space but the eclectic crowd gives you a great opportunity to mingle and chat. Every person I've brought here loves it. The bartenders are great and friendly and drinks are reasonable (although they can be a little stingy on the liquor). The music they play is great and the overall ambience is wonderful. Such a change of pace from the usual Hollywood trendy scene.
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Anonymous
March 17, 2008
You never know what you're going to find inside the Gopher. Some nights it could be your group, a few others and the bartenders, and you'll have a fantastic time. The bartenders are awesome, and lots of fun. Other nights, a concert or Lakers game has just let out and it's you and a hundred others, the eclectic jukebox is roaring, some USC students have a tournament on the Galaga video game systems, and the side patio is packed with smokers discussing their latest screenplays. Or whatever. They will let you order in pizza if you're hungry, and the Liquor to Go kiosk also sells smokes, candy bars, and condoms, depending on your mood!
read full reviewThe Details on Golden Gopher
The Extras:
The liquor store offers moderately priced bottles of liquor and beer, cameras, mints and cigarettes.
When to Go:
Happy hour runs weekdays, 4pm-7pm. There are weekly drink specials and regular discounts on beer and well drinks. No food, but guests can order pizza in.
What to Drink:
The Blue Angel, an ode to the Dodgers and Angels, contains mandarin vodka, blue Curacao, sweet-and-sour mix with a sugar-coated rim.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Funk, Soul & R&B, Rock & Pop, Punk
Bar & Club Special Features:
Minimum Age:
21
