Johnny’s Bar
Highland Park’s nightlife would be nothing without Johnny’s Bar, a kind of rural “dive bar” with a taxidermy buck head on the wall, a foosball and a pool table.
Plus tons of cheap but good drinks. Some say it is the place to get a Bloody Mary, supposed to be the best one. Listen to the jukebox with songs of Prince, Bowie, Hendrix, various punk bands, soul music, and more. It’s not a typical biker hangout but has a grungy feel.
It’s also not the place for tourists; it’s the place to be loud and get your drink on. It gets crowded, especially on the weekend. The crowd is mixed and gave the local neighbor bar 4 stars.
Location: 5006 York Blvd, Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA 90042
phone: (323) 551-6959
no website but a FB page
- Mon, Wed-Sun 2 pm – 2 am
Tue 5 pm – 2 am
The Woods
Not all lounges are cozy especially not in LA. If you are looking for one, you don’t have to go as far as Big Bear, just go to Hollywood on LA Brea. The ski-lodge designed bar has become a popular dive bar with good and cheap drinks.
The Woods features a star lit sky and the interior’s is comprised of several different wood applications, from its Pecky Cedar walls to it giant teak cocktail tables and two Elk antler chandeliers. Some love it, some hate it. There is no grey zone. The dark dive bar is “in”, yes, despite the fancy neo-cabin decor, and gives you the feel of sitting in a forest. If you are lucky you might see Hollywood stars such as Emily Blunt who obviously likes the cozy atmosphere and the tree stumps tables.
Location: 1533 N La Brea Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028
phone: (323) 876-6612
email: thewoods@vintagebargroup.com
www.vintagebargroup.com
The Black Boar
Enough of California? Visit the Black Boar Bar and you think you are in a rustic Colorado lodge that is the meeting point of all handsome ski and snowboard instructors who cannot afford to mingle with the Aspen crowd.
Nightlife at the Black Boar starts later, you can bring your own pizza and warm your cold hands at the fireplace. You will meet an interesting crowd of Eagle Rock locals who are in general mellow and friendly. Sometimes the food comes via some food trucks which are parking outside. Black Boar’s specialty are English drafts, including Fuller’s ESB, Old Speckled Hen, Murphy’s and Strongbow Cider. All beers go for $5 a pull and well drinks cost $6 each. The Boar roars 4 stars.
Location: 1630 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA 90041
phone: (323) 258-8800
no website
Mon-Fri 5 pm – 2 am
Sat-Sun 7 pm – 2 am
(photo credit: Lina Lecaro)
