Hank's Bar

11/19/07

A real bar downtown

by call_it_like_i_see_it at Citysearch

Attempting to find a place to grab a beer downtown prior to a game at Staples that didn't cost an arm & a leg, my friend and I found ourselves coming up short. I recall wondering aloud "Why can't we just find a frickin' dive bar around here?!" Then, like a gift from heaven above (errr something like that) we looked across and saw a dimly lit sign reading "Hanks" and "Beer" in a shady little section of a sleezy looking hotel. Could it be? Really? Exactly what we were searching for??

This was too good to be true. The place looked closed from the exterior (my friend literally crossed the street just to check on the hours of the place and realized it was actually open). We wandered inside. Jackpot. Don't be mistaken- this place is a dive bar. Eclectic pictures, old random beer paraphernalia sits crowded up next to the dusty bottles of liquor.

The crowd was not huge, but a good mix of randoms sit at the bar.

This place is perfect for a chill spot to kick back and enjoy a beer after work or before a staples center event.

One of the best dive bars I've found in lala land.

01/01/07

Downtown Dive

by groknix at Citysearch

This place is a dive and small at that, but if you are adventurous, give it a shot. It is in the Stillwell Hotel which looks to be a SRO/tourist/economy hotel with generally low ratings at various online sites. I wouldn't bet this is anyone's primary destination downtown, but it will fulfill the thirsty traveler in their journey.

• Pros: Good service
• Cons: Dive, run down

10/30/06

Grab a stool and a drink and pretend it's 1957 New York at this homey downtown bar.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Despite the overly obvious signs proclaiming it "the last of the great neighborhood bars" with "yesterday's charm ... what's not to like," Hank's is still the real deal. Outfitted from stem to stern in dark wood, globe lights and a vast array of New York memorabilia, this is like "Cheers" set in L.A. with a Brooklyn accent. This joint never fails to deliver with the cheap highballs and good ol' bottles of beer (perfect for washing down the free salty popcorn).

The Draw
If the Lakers are playing, the game will be on and the bar will be lined with loyal fans who couldn't get into the oh-so-close Staples Center. Otherwise, an affable crowd of hard-working joes and incognito film crews from local shoots will be happily downing drinks and occasionally singing along with the jukebox.

11/27/03

Hanks Drinking Institution

by vitorocco at Citysearch

Hanks has been a Downtown LA institution for years. I been to Hanks since 1986. Each time I visit the bartenders are allways friendly and ask where have you been. This is a great place to drink before walking over the Staples Center where you learn the new meaning of sobriety with the expensive drink prices. Hanks you can allways get a drink and food from the Indian Restaurant located in the Hotel. I highly recommend for all those sports,theatre,clubbing people looking for a drink to start your event off

• Pros: Atmosphere, Stiff Drinks
• Cons: What!!