Downtown Los Angeles Bars

[whodini]

I was over there for Mother's Day. It's similar but not as extravagant as what you'd find down here. I thought all Peruvian places were like Pollo Inka, kind of how most Colombian or South American places are in general, and was shocked to see several upscale chains down here.

You need to hit Chichen Itza at that same location if you haven't already. Really great cochinita pibil tacos, maybe some of the best I've had.

 

[poly800rock]

Originally Posted by erictheobscure

Greetings from downtown. Just leaving the Library Bar--great place but packed in the evenings. You need to add the Varnish to your list. Best cocktail bar around these parts.

And I've found the crowd at 7 Grand intolerable.

varnish is awesome, best made drinks in LA imo. association used to be killer, but last time I went there it ******* sucked. library is ok, food is better than crowd. 7 grand is good if you can catch it on an off night. villans is **************. edison is a bunch of bro's. bar c is supposed to be weird french maid themed, but last time I went it was just awkward. i usually just head to far bar nowadays. know the bartenders and walking distance from my buddy's place.

 

[whodini]

Never heard of Far Bar. I'll put it on the list.

What do you guys think of La Descarga?

 

[s2kev]

Villains Tavern has been my new favorite downtown spot. They have really good house drinks, sometimes cool bands, no cover, free parking. I suggest arrive before 10:30 or so to avoid a long line.

 

[impolyt_one]

Just came back from 7grand where I met poly800rock - was fun, but they don't know how to make a drink, they don't even know how to find a bottle of whisky from their menu in their shelves based on the silhouette it seems.

 

[poly800rock]

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

Just came back from 7grand where I met poly800rock - was fun, but they don't know how to make a drink, they don't even know how to find a bottle of whisky from their menu in their shelves based on the silhouette it seems.

DUDE IT IS N0T KOREA, OR JAPAN. LA IS TAME! ASIA MEETUP IN FEB. i'm going back to nam

 

[poly800rock]

I'll drag out Ton/Analyst from bangkok, we'll have a splendid time

 

[whodini]

So no Japanese strip clubs?

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by Baron

Los Balcones is good but I don't have a huge frame of reference.

Sorry for the derail, but this is more along the lines of what I meant and it isn't even as interesting as their other dishes:

It's the Inka flank steak (folded over) with jumbo shrimp and some kind of Peruvian "salad" on top as a garnish.

 

[Baron]

Is that in CR? It looks like Los Balcones actually.

 

[whodini]

Yeah, it's a place called Inka Grill, a Peruvian chain that I think is in other countries including the US. There's another chain called Chancay that has a similar "upscale" take on Peruvian cuisine. Chancay is interesting in that their menu is Peruvian as Peruvian gets; it's loaded with not just the favorites but a lot of Chinese plates, too. Next time you're at Balcones, see if they have a causa Limeña. Easily one of my favorite appetizers.

 

[poly800rock]

Originally Posted by s2kev

Villains Tavern has been my new favorite downtown spot. They have really good house drinks, sometimes cool bands, no cover, free parking. I suggest arrive before 10:30 or so to avoid a long line.

Tony's is a far better crowd.

 

[Saltricks]

Los Balcones has dropped in quality after their renovation. It used to be a lot better. Still decent, however.

Mo-Chica has horrible customer service and the food there is either bland or sour. Chitchen Itza is in the same food court, so if you're going to be around USC, there is that choice.

Mario's is a ghettoish Peruvian food place that is delicious, but lacking on the ambience/cleanliness.

I get around LA alot so, if you have any specific other questions, I may be able to help.

 

[mordecai]

I like Mario's a lot.

 

[foodguy]

really disagree about mo-chica. the food i've had there has been brilliant. really amazing ... this little food court and these really high-finish dishes come out. there is no service to speak of ... you go up and order at a window. but the food is terrific. also looking forward to trying a new one, chimu, at the grand central market. we just reviewed it today so i'll probably give it a week or two to calm down.