Expert Article

Tick tock, it’s time for a shot!

Looking for a good time tonight? Aren’t we all. Everyone deserves a night on the town and a well deserved drink after a 40 hour work week. But where are the hottest spots at the moment and the the most deserving of our time?  Luckily for you, Downtown LA is full of energy and the taps are always full. Downtown Los Angeles has recently gone through a revival.  A modern day gentrification for our time. It's become THE place in town to put back a few drinks and your worries along with them.

Downtown has a ton of exclusive biergartens, rooftop bars, and underground cocktail bars. By attracting the young and lively twenty somethings of LA, the venues are playful and unpretentious. How and where can you stay hydrated in drought-stricken Los Angeles? Well you are about to find out…

The drunk list

Here are my top must-drink-at bars for anyone looking for the perfect night to (maybe not) remember.

1. The Standard. A classic upscale rooftop bar for those who are looking for a classy DTLA experience. Located on the roof of The Standard Hotel, there is always a crowd gathering at the elevators, waiting for their ticket to the real party upstairs. The Standard is the perfect place to cool down with a drink in your hand. Known for their large beautiful pools, waterbeds, and electric decor The Standard is ready to impress. The Standard arguably has one of the best views of DTLA.  Weekend afternoons are reserved for lounging and drinking cocktails. The Biergarten makes this rooftop especially unique. Boot steins and Pints of craft beer alongside sausage served daily make this place all the more special. Hint: It is important to beware of the $20 dollar cover after 7pm.

Address: Standard Hotel, 550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hours: M-S 12:00 pm - 1:30 am

Food: German food

2. Upstairs, The ACE Hotel Bar. Have a cocktail high above the city of Angels. This trendy hotel has been discovered by most as the spot to be. A year after opening, this rooftop bar has attracted the masses. It is the perfect place to stop at before or after a show at the Ace’s theater. It sports a moroccan decor with a fireplace and heat lamps to keep warm as well as a modest sized pool. Frozen drinks among other delicious cocktails are served. Stop by to take an Instagram of the “Jesus Saves” sign from above.

Address: 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hours: M-S 11:00 am - 2:00 am

Food: Upscale full menu

3. The Library. Looking for a do-over for your college experience? The Library is the place for you! Complete with a unique layout of wall-to-wall bookcases, this place has all the drinks you wish your school's library served.  There are multiple couches to curl up on and catch up with friends.  On Saturday nights this place is jam packed. Thier specialty drink is called “Old Fashioned.” This cocktail will cure your sweet tooth with a sugar cube soaked in bitters and topped off with an orange cherry. Cocktails are priced between $10-$12 dollars.  Drink specials include $5 cosmos, Library Lemonades, and margaritas. There are also $4 Angel City IPAs and Scrimshaw Pilsners.

Address: 630 W 6th St #116a, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Hours: M-F 3:00 pm - 2:00 am, S-S 7:00 pm - 2:00 am

Food: Gastropub bites

4. The Famous 901 Bar and Grill. Right in USC's backyard, it is the perfect spot to stop on game day, or any day! Established in 1947 the “Nine 0” has been home to generations of USC students and alumni. It is the perfect college bar that celebrates the Trojan spirit. The 9-0 offers a celebrated happy hour deal of 2 for 1 drinks (4pm-9pm.)Don’t forget to order their most popular drink the “AMF!” There are also multiple tvs to catch up on the latest sports games. On thursdays make sure you get there early or you will be sure to be waiting on a long line. You can even buy one of their legendary t shirts to sport around university campus.

Address: 2902 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Hours: M-F 11:00 am -2:00 am, S 11:00am - 12:00 am

Food: American bar bites

5. Casey’s Irish Pub. Looking for a chill vibe tonight? Head to Casey's, a semi authentic Irish pub. Whether you are looking for an Irish Car Bomb or the best Guinness in town, you won't leave Casey' disappointed. This is the best Irish dive bar in downtown LA.  Located below street level, the place is decorated with wood booths, tin ceilings, and cool secretive rooms. There's even a separate pool room and a ping pong table to challenge your dearest friend at the outside patio. Casey’s offers 30 kinds of Whisky for those Whisky lovers out there. Happy hour is offered daily from 3-7pm and mondays all night which feature $3 Pabst and $5 Jameson pickle back shots.

Address: 613 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Hours: M-F 11:30 am - 12:00 am, TH-F 11:30 am - 2:00 am, S 1:00 pm - 2:00 am, S 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Food: American fare

Why?

Why these bars? Why not? It's time to create a bucket list and create some memories. Put on your finest shoes and send out that group text. The time has come to have a drink.

Works Cited

Top 10 bars in downtown L.A. Carreon, Mary. 2013, October 21

http://www.laweekly.com/music/top-10-bars-in-downtown-la-4168902  

Downtown: The 11 New Bars You Need to About. Caroline. 2014, February 21 http://www.lamag.com/digestblog/downtown-the-11-new-bars-you-need-to-know-about/

10 Great Downtown LA  Bars http://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/food-drink/Downtown-LA-Bars-106558038.html

Bars with a view: LA’s best rooftop bars

http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/bars/bars-with-a-view-las-best-rooftop-bars-and-oceanside-drinks.