Top Dive Bars in L.A.
By Tara de Lis, Los Angeles
Who needs velvet ropes, guest lists and dress codes? Sometimes a stiff drink in a bouncer-free bar is all you really want. So slip that bill back in your pocket and save the stilettos for another night. We've rounded up a list of our favorite down and dirty neighborhood joints for a no-frills night on the town.
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Boardner's
1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood's landmark hole-in-the-wall is a potent-pour oasis in the land of weak $10 drinks. -
Roost
3100 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Red, scuffed and approachable, this Atwater Village bar is a refuge from see-and-be-seen hot spots. -
Del's Saloon
12238 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Hipsters and barflies coexist in boozy harmony at this Westside dive. -
Frolic Room
6245 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Low-key Hollywood landmark bar is equal parts dive, hip hangout and theater-crowd watering hole. -
Snake Pit
7529 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
There's nothing fancy about this simple bar situated on trendy Melrose--and that's the point. -
Coronet Pub
370 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
Young crowds looking for low-key fun cozy up to this quintessential neighborhood bar. -
Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
Popular beach dive bar offers sawdust and suds to local characters and the occasional tourist. -
Frank N Hank's
518 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Every hour is happy hour at this Koreatown institution, where a hodgepodge of regulars gather for cheap beer and cocktails. -
Colorado Bar
2640 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Beyond Old Town's sparkle, this cheap and dark dive bar attracts college students, veterans and artists. -
Spotlight
1601 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Notorious gay dive offers eccentric Hollywood atmosphere. -
Freddie's 35er Bar
12 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Old Town Pasadena's signature dive bar's recipe for success: fried food, flowing beer and friendly faces. -
Power House
1714 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA
No dress code, no guest list--escape the glitterati at this rockin' and raucous Hollywood dive bar.
