Great neighborhood watering holes populate just about every corner of this massive city, playing to locals who know when to follow the neon lights and weekend karaoke sounds. Best of all, these dependable haunts are frequented by true regulars who have often been working the jukebox for decades and know everyone in the place by name — though there are always plenty of first-timers and wandering souls around, too. Sure, they’re called dive bars, but the truth is these places are all about low-key fun, stiff drinks, a sense of community, and — on the right night — a little bit of anything-can-happen magic. Here are 20 of Los Angeles’s best dive bars.
Read MoreThe 20 Essential Dive Bars in Los Angeles
Low-key places to drink with the local set
Copper Bucket
The Copper Bucket is a Reseda staple, first opened in 1951. Drinkers still come through to this family-owned dive for the delightfully kitschy wood paneling, neon signs, shuffleboard, and weekend crowds. Drinks are what you might expect: draft beers or brews by the bottle, and plenty of affordable well cocktails.
Hinano Cafe
Hinano Cafe is a staple beachside dive bar, the kind of sandy spot that visitors and locals love equally. From the simple burgers and hot dogs griddled behind the bar to the friendly staff and proximity to both sun and surf, Hinano is pure Los Angeles. On weekends, it can be a scene, so prepare accordingly; keep in mind that it’s cash only.
Tiny's Hi-Dive
Chicago transplants and fans of the show The Bear will feel right at home in this dive by the owners of Santa Monica’s Craftsman Bar & Kitchen. Congregate with other Chicago Bear die-hards while tucking into cheesesteaks and washing them down with martinis. The bar, which took over the old Arsenal space on Pico Boulevard in West LA, leans into its divey vibes with kitschy decor, year-round Christmas lights, and, of course, a jukebox. On Sundays, the doors opens at 9 a.m. Every other day? 11:30 a.m.
Prince O' Whales
While there’s no shortage of beach city bars with high prices and a scene, this bar, in the small beach enclave of Playa del Rey, has neither. It’s simply an unpretentious destination for locals and those looking for a chill place to catch the game, any game. Said to be the oldest sports bar in LA — built in the ‘50s and christened “Prince O’Whales” in 1972 — it features 17 TVs, two patios, ping pong, and darts — the makings of a fun night out with friends. On Mondays, score a burger and two draft beers for under $10.
Cozy Inn
Culver City’s Cozy Inn lives up to its name: This is the cozy local spot to shoot pool, hang out with friends on the patio, or sip drinks under the twinkling lights inside. The jukebox is always filled with songs, and the drinks are cheap and flow fast — what else could one want from a classic Westside dive?
Ercoles
With its twinkling lights, cheerful bartenders, and burgers made behind the bar, there’s a lot to love about this Manhattan Beach favorite, which dates all the way back to 1927. In addition to the drinks, find burgers, hot dogs, and more available.
Fox Fire Room
For a dive bar that looks like it’s right out of a 1970s television sitcom, drop by this Valley Village lounge that’s replete with saloon doors, wood-paneled walls, well-lit dart boards, and even a cushion running along the edge of the bar top to rest weary barfly elbows. Locals flock here to enjoy strong pours while watching a game and singing karaoke. For those looking for an early start, the saloon doors swing open at 8 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends.
The Bayou
West Hollywood can get expensive, but there’s always the Bayou where drinks are impressively cheap and strong. The bar is small and gets busy on the weekends, so be prepared to be one of many who are starting or ending their night.
The Kibitz Room
Historically, the cocktail lounge attached to Los Angeles landmark Canter’s Deli on Fairfax is where one ends the night. That’s the way it’s been here since it opened in 1961. And everyone who’s anyone has performed on its tiny stage including Joni Mitchell, Guns N’ Roses, and Lenny Kravitz. Grab a beer and Reuben, chat up some locals, and stick around for an impromptu jam session.
The Living Room
Don’t overlook the magic of this longtime South LA haunt. Stationed next to Chef Marilyn’s on the border of Jefferson Park and West Adams, the Living Room keeps the vibe chill as DJs spin old-school grooves. Make sure to swing by on Sunday nights when a jazz band performs the blues.
Frank 'n Hank
This historic hole in the wall off Western Avenue, established in 1933, has long been the go-to for Angelenos pregaming before a Wiltern concert or ending a night out in Koreatown. Apparently, even Charles Bukowski was a regular. A diverse collection of patrons connect over jukebox picks, a game of pool, and $4 happy hour PBRs, but make sure to also scan the curated selection of mezcals and whiskeys.
HMS Bounty
This Koreatown classic seems to be lifted straight out of the late ’60s, with a convivial after-work and early evening crowd. The food is solid and the menu has more options than one would expect including steak, pasta, and onion rings. Plus, the drinks are super affordable and the old maritime vibes will feel just right while taking down a few beers.
Ye Rustic Inn
Head to Los Feliz for the wings at Ye Rustic Inn, which are some of the best in Los Angeles. Open nightly during the week, with daytime hours on the weekend, Ye Rustic is always a great choice to gather a group of friends and settle into an oversized red booth for a round of beers paired with some really great bar food.
Tiki-Ti
The fun seemingly never stops at Tiki-Ti, the Sunset Boulevard cocktail legend that seats only a few dozen drinkers some nights, owing to its tiny space and customers’ penchant for lingering. They stick around for good reason: the drinks are strong and the atmosphere is unlike anything else in LA.
Crawfords
As the sign in front of this Westlake bar advertises, this is the place for fried chicken and an ice cold beer. But what’s unsaid is that this bar by Dustin Lancaster (Bar Covell) is one of the best fried chicken spots in town. And the beer selection ranges from Bud on tap to world-class craft beer, such as Bell’s Two Hearted IPA.
The Short Stop
Somewhere between a sports bar and a dive bar, the Short Stop is an Echo Park classic. There’s something for everyone with great drinks at the bar with a wide selection of liquors, a pool table in the backroom, and a disco ball over the dance floor where a DJ is practically always spinning. The best part? When the night is over, walk outside for some of the best late-night pupusas in the area.
The Mermaid
This low-key nautical-themed bar located in a Little Tokyo strip mall wants to be everyone’s neighborhood spot; it seals the deal with live music, Tiki Goth Mondays, karaoke Thursdays, and a daily happy hour that runs all day on Sundays. Order up Shot + Tots, a well shot and tots with ketchup, for $10. Even when it’s not happy hour, the drinks are affordable as well as approachable. Close out a night of high-end drinking Downtown with a tropical punch like Drink Like a Fish with rum and Earl Grey tea.
Permanent Records Roadhouse
Permanent Records Roadhouse is a dive bar, record store, and venue in the former Cafe NELA building. Find live music, vinyl for sale, and strong drinks in a dimly lit low-key space with red booths. Plus, there’s also an outdoor patio space off the garage that offers beer for as low as $2.50 during daylight hours.
Footsie's
Look forward to cheap drinks, good service, and a fun crowd at Footsies, a dive bar in Northeast LA. On any given night, find everything from games of pool, to dancing, to drag shows at this neighborhood gem. In addition to the indoor space, walk towards the back to find a small patio that often plays host to local markets.
Joe Jost's
Dive bars don't get much older (or more famous) than Joe Jost's, a Long Beach essential for going on 100 years. Yes, the place is that old — and that cool. Go for sandwiches, beer, and the famous pickled eggs.