Posted by As someone who used to work in downtown Los Angeles I can personally attest to the fact that a good happy hour should never be underestimated.
Whether it’s the desire to blow off steam with co-workers after a grinding day at the office, to use as a hub for networking, meeting with clients, going on a date, or just finding time to relax with a gorgeous view, the happy hours in downtown offer a myriad of options and utilities, whatever your preferences and needs are.
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[RELATED: 15 Bars for the Best Cocktails in Los Angeles]
To help us in our quest to identify the best of the best, we teamed up with Gwen Paja (aka The LA Girl) to investigate just where to find the best happy hour spots in DTLA.
Gwen is not only a downtown resident and worker, she’s also an event organizer, social media influencer and all-around networking superstar who has taken innumerable late afternoon meetings with cocktails in hand at local downtown bars and restaurants.
So basically, yeah, probably no one more qualified to speak on what destinations belong on a list such as this than Gwen. 🙂
That said, here’s the 12 spots we came up as our best, with some additional commentary by Gwen to guide you in what to expect.
Rundown starts after the jump!
The Library Bar
Technically a ‘cocktail hour’ instead of a true happy hour, The Library Bar offers a low-key, chill vibe that’s perfect for meeting a date or just relaxing after work. Drink specials include $4 Scrimshaw Pilsners and Angel City IPAs, plus $5 cosmos, margaritas, and Library Lemonades.
Gwen says:
This spot is right across from my office, so it’s so easy to get to! Their specials are insanely good, especially the margaritas!
When:
Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm
Where:
630 W 6th St
Ste 116-A
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Seven Grand
In terms of sheer value for quality of drink, you’re not going to do much better than the $5 whiskey cocktails supplied by Seven Grand. Favorites include the Gold Rush and the Kentucky Collins.
Gwen says:
I’m definitely a fan of Seven Grand, especially because I drink more whiskey and bourbon more than any other type of liquor. It’s just a few blocks away from my office, so it’s a great spot to head to after work. If you’re hungry, there’s always Mas Malo downstairs!
When:
Daily until 8pm
Where:
515 W 7th St 2nd Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Cerveteca DTLA
If you love Oscar’s Cerveteca in Venice, you’ll dig this newest expansion in the Arts District. The daily happy hour includes $1 oysters (and quality too!), plus $5 specials on L.A. street dogs, tacos (which are huge), and chicken wings. You can also find a $5 Angel City IPA and $3 PBR Tall Boy cans. So yeah, deals galore!
Gwen says:
This is the new kid in town and I was fortunate enough to go to their private opening. George, the owner was extremely friendly and insisted on me trying the ceviche and more than one dessert. I didn’t resist much. Their raw bar has one of the best selections I’ve ever seen!
When:
Daily from 3pm-6pm
Where:
923 E 3rd St
Ste 109
Los Angeles, CA 90013
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The Standard
Offerings include drinks deals for between $4-$7, but let’s face it the reason you come to The Standard is for the atmosphere and the view, and the fact that you’re able to save a few bucks by coming during happy hour means it gets a spot on this list.
Gwen says:
This is the spot where I take most of my friends who come in from out of town. They want the rooftop view, poolside vibe, and a dance floor after a few drinks. They usually charge a cover at night, so going to their happy hour is definitely a great way to avoid the cover and the lines.Â
When:
4pm-7pm
Where:
550 S Flower St
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Bar 107
A bastion of dive-bar-ness in the heart of the Historic core. They offer $3 well drinks ($5 top shelf), plus $1 off all beers except PBR (sorry hipsters). More importantly, a little birdie told me they offer free (yes FREE!) pizza at 5:00pm on weekdays to patrons who happen to be there.  That sounds…. awesome. 🙂
Gwen says:
This dive bar is definitely more “unique” than the rest of them, with  a photo booth in the back and a small dance floor.Â
When:
Daily 3pm-8pm
Where:
107 4th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Edison
If you’re looking to class-it-up for happy hour in DTLA then The Edison. Normally their drinks and food are going to be on the higher price point of the bars complied on this list ($14 cocktails) but happy hour includes $5 appetizers 40% off select bottled beers, glasses of wine, cocktails. Keep in mind the dress code (strictly enforced) if you’re thinking about just swinging by on a whim.
Gwen says:
I absolutely love the vibe at The Edison, or maybe I just like anything that has a 20’s feel. The Happy Hour menu is awesome and also includes food. My friends and I always go for an absinthe shot and love watching the silent movies they project all around the venue.
When:
Wed-Fri 5pm-7pm
Where:
108 W 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Takami
1/2 off appetizers $5 glasses of wine plus $7 specialty cocktails. Oh and EVERYTHING on the lounge menu is half-off during happy hour. If you dig Japanese food and want it in large, quality portions, this is your spot.
When:
Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm
Sat-Sun 5pm-7pm
Where:
811 Wilshire Blvd
Ste 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Perch
With $5 beers, $7 cocktails, and 10 discounted appetizers, you’ll find some great deals to go along with the incredible rooftop views (free!).
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Gwen says:
You can’t beat the view at this spot and the drinks are pretty amazing. Happy hour is definitely a better time to go than the weekends.Â
When:
Mon-Fri 4pm -6pm
Where:
448 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Cole’s
Cole’s is renowned for their French Dip sandwiches, and the happy hour doesn’t disappoint on that front. Discounts include getting a $5 French dip slider trio, a $6 Old Fashioned, and $1 fries or tots. Sold!
Gwen says:
I used to live in the lofts right across from Cole’s so this place was a very short walk away. It’s a fun place to hang out, have a drink, and snack on some cheap bites.
When:
Mon-Fri, 3pm–8pm
Tuesday All Day & Night
Late Night Happy Hour: Mon-Wed 11PM – 2AM
Where:
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Blue Cow Kitchen
***Awesome Happy Hour Food Alert***
Blue Cow boasts some of the best happy hour food selections in downtown (and we mean quality, not just price), with special discounts on their glazed Brussel sprouts, country fried chicken sliders, and shrimp ceviche (among others). Plus you can get $5 well drinks and $5 draft beers. Win!
Gwen says:
My favorite thing about Blue Cow Kitchen is the outdoor seating surrounded by tall buildings in the middle of Downtown LA. It’s a great spot for those who work near the area and they’ve got some great cocktails on their list.Â
When:
Mon-Fri 4:30pm-6:30pm
Where:
350 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Bottle Rock
What they we happy hour, they call rush hour, but same idea applies. Food wise you can get more than dozen discount on food items, the majority of which are $6 or less, highlighted delicious creations such as their pork sliders, red curry mussels, and chicken wings.
Wine lovers will dig this place because of the huge selection of glasses you can also get a few bucks off at during happy hour.
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Oh, and they offer these deals 7 days a week, including all day Sunday!
Gwen says:
I love getting a glass of wine here, there’s such a great selection! It’s a great place to stop by before a game or a concert at the Staples Center since I try to find free parking around those streets.Â
When:
Mon-Sat 3:30pm-7pm
Sun All Day
Where:
1050 S Flower St
Ste 167
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Border Grill
Need a little Mexican flavor in your downtown happy hour experience? Border Grill offers delicious tacos at $3 a pop, plus a range of other small bites all for $5 a piece. For drinks you can get $Tecate bottles for $3, other drafts ranging from $4-$5. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a margarita here for a very reasonable $5. Oh, and best and all for groups, they offer happy hour beer pitchers at $16 and margarita pitchers for $25.
Gwen says:
Though I love this spot for dinner, happy hour is still a great option – especially with their discounted prices for small bites. It’s an awesome way to sample the menu, while you’re drinking a delicious margarita!Â
When:
Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm
Sat 3pm-7pm
Sun 3pm-Close
Where:
445 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Where is your favorite happy hour in downtown L.A.? Let us know in the comments below about your experiences!
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