Unique Bars in Los Angeles – Cool, Quirky LA Nightlife Guide
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If you’re heading to LA and looking for bars that serve up more than just a drink, you’re in the right place. I’m talking whiskey barrels you can walk into, fire-breathing cocktails, hidden entrances behind hot dog stands, and drinks that might just come topped with Pop Rocks.
Since my daughter moved to LA a few years ago, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time (and money) chasing down the weirdest, wildest, and most memorable places to eat and drink. No regrets. Whether you’re a local bored with your usual haunts or a visitor looking for a little flair with your happy hour, these quirky bars promise a night to remember, and probably a story to tell.
Idle Hour: Drink Inside a Giant Whiskey Barrel
4824 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles, CA
This barrel-shaped restaurant and bar has been around since 1941. It was part of a phase when people were whizzing by in cars (instead of walking), so establishments started creating eye-catching, memorable buildings to catch their attention. Who's attention wouldn't be caught by a giant whiskey barrel you could hang out inside?
The vibe inside is cozy and vintage, but step out back and you'll find a covered patio with a surprise: a replica of the Bulldog Cafe (another architectural oddity from LA’s past). It now houses one epic round table that’s just begging for a birthday brunch or late-night gossip session.
It’s the kind of place that feels like your local hangout… if your local hangout was shaped like a whiskey barrel and had architectural bragging rights. They serve pub food, along with two full bars. The Idle Hour also has a Sunday brunch featuring :
THE ELVIS $14
Crispy Bacon Strips on Toasted Sourdough with Bananas,
Reese’s Peanut Butter Sauce & Powdered Sugar
Lucky Tiki Bar: Hidden Drinks and Flaming Herbs
8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
This place has everything: a secret entrance, tiki cocktails, vintage LA lore, and a connection to The Doors. Yes, that Doors.
To get there go to the classic hot dog restaurant, the Tail o' the Pup. This place has a street facing giant hot dog, then a patio and a indoor seating. We didn't try the hot dogs while there, but did order a few orders of fries to go with our tiki drinks and they were excellent! Hot and crispy!
Extra cool tidbit about this location, there used to be a recordning studio onsite and this was where the Doors recorded “LA Woman”!
Be sure to make a reservation before you go to the Tiki Bar. They have indoor and patio seating, and the indoor seating reservations go quickly. You'll need to put down a credit card for the reservation and will be charged $20 per no show, so get your attendee count right.
On the left side of the Hot Dog place's patio you'll see a red door with a pickle barrel nearby. Open the mysterious door on the pickle barrel and press the button. You'll confirm your reservation, and the door will unlock!
Head up the stairs and you'll be led to your table. There's a fun menu of cocktails, and some appetizers you can order. Several of the cocktails at lit on fire when they arrive at your table.
I ordered “The Ghost of Jim Morrison” which came with a flaming sprig of rosemary that turned into a small forest fire in my glass! Quite an experience. 😊
Haley's Wines – Sip, Shop, and Support a Dream
5124 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood
Haley’s Wines had me at hello, and not just because there was bingo and chardonnay involved. This cozy North Hollywood wine bar is the passion project of one woman (yep, Haley herself), who dreamed of opening a space where locals could gather, sip something good, and maybe even adopt a dog.
We popped in and met Haley, and she’s as warm and welcoming as the space she’s created. The bar is lined with bottles from small producers (some she’s helped create!), and the walls showcase local art for sale. It’s equal parts tasting room, community hub, and creative space.
The event schedule is just as fun as the wine list: think Bingo nights, stand-up comedy, dog adoption events, and rotating food pop-ups. It’s the kind of place where you can come solo, play some piano, meet a stranger, and leave with a new friend, and maybe a bottle of something fabulous.
If you’re exploring unique restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, especially in the NoHo Arts District, don’t miss this hidden gem.
Scum and Villainy Cantina – Drink with Luke Skywalker and Captain Kirk
6377 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
This is a one-of-a-kind bar, calling itself “Your friendly neighborhood Geek Bar, serving the best drinks in the star system.” The interior has elements of Star Wars and Star Trek, along with nods to Lord of the Rings and other things I am not enough of a geek to recognize. 😀 There are tabletop arcade games in one section and cave-like booths (like in the Star Wars bar) in another.
The drinks are next-level theatrical. Think smoking, bubbling, glowing concoctions…sometimes topped with Pop Rocks, because: nostalgia. When I went, Sirius Black was mixing drinks and Indiana Jones was casually pouring shots. What's not to like?
By the way, Scum and Villainy Cantina is just one block away from the famous Hollywood & Vine intersection. There are lots of homeless folks in this area, so don't be surprised by that.
Planning Your Trip?
Cool Places to Stay in LA:
👉 Check out my favorite hotels and hidden gems
Things to Do in LA (Besides Drinking):
👉 Here’s my solo-friendly LA activity guide
Going North?
👉 Check out the quirkiest restaurants in Silicon Valley
Map of mentioned places
In Conclusion
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a lifelong Angeleno, these spots will add serious flavor to your LA nights. Which one are you adding to your list? Let me know in the comments if you visit one! Let me know in the comments if you go, and definitely tag me if your drink catches fire.
