Best Craft Beer Bars In Downtown Los Angeles
Barbara's at the Brewery
620 Moulton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 221-9204
barbarasatthebrewery.com
Long before the craft beer boom exploded in Los Angeles, there was Barbara's. Since 1999, this off-the-beaten-path legend which calls a former PBR brewery turned artist colony home has been serving up quality beers to thirsty locals. You'll always find something special on tap here but when it comes to featuring craft beer brewed in Los Angeles, Barbara's tap list can't be beat. Options range from popular favorites like Beachwood and Craftsman to hot newcomers like Homage and State.
Far Bar
347 E. 1st
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-9990
www.farbarla.com
A longtime Little Tokyo favorite, Far Bar remains one of the best beer destinations in the city. Offering two separate tap lists – one in the lounge, the other in the cozy patio – their selection always impresses, especially when it comes to Japanese craft beers. Aficionados shouldn't neglect the extensive bottle list which features some tough-to-find options such as beers from Bottle Logic's revered Stasis Project and Founders' recently re-released Canadian Breakfast Stout.
Modern Times Dankness Dojo
832 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 878-7008
www.moderntimesbeer.com
Popular San Diego brewery Modern Times has finally set up shop in Los Angeles bringing their vast array of innovative and award-winning stouts, sours and IPAs, not to mention their very own line of coffee (often used in the brewing of their beer) and a fully vegan menu. Best of all, they've taken a cue from what Firestone is doing in Marina Del Rey and opened an on-premises brewing facility which is already cranking out tasty treats like the Port Sunlight hazy double IPA. You can even get select beers to go via a freshly filled 32 oz. "crowler" can.
Mikkeller Bar
330 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 596-9005
www.mikkellerbar.la
This incredible, barely year-old Danish import fulfills every beer lovers' fantasy: a high-quality lineup of brews served in proper glassware at the optimal temperature. You'll always find plenty of Mikkeller's own beers such as their sour "Sponton" series and IPAs from their San Diego operation alongside rare and highly-rated gems from other notable breweries (even Cantillon has been known to pop up here from time to time). If the selection is too overwhelming, stop by on Monday or Tuesday when flights of any four beers on tap are available for $15.
Mega Bodega
1001 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.megabodega.la
You can spend all day at this hip South Park spot which features brews of both the beer and coffee variety. When it comes to beer Mega Bodega offers a dozen craft-centric taps but the real fun is exploring the multiple coolers which house some of the hottest bottle and can releases. Whether you want to drink local with neighborhood favorite Mumford or mess with Texas and enjoy some of the latest Jester King bottles, Mega Bodega has got you covered.
Yard House
800 W. Olympic Blvd. A-115
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 745-9273
www.yardhouse.com
A popular spot for Staples Center and L.A. Live patrons, this better-than-average chain restaurant features over 100 taps that include a diverse selection of beer from across the world. While the familiar macro names are provided real estate, there are plenty of craft options as well, including taps dedicated to local breweries such as Smog City and Three Weavers. Order a sampler flight, pint, or, if you're especially thirsty, a half yard of beer. Don't forget to check out the Chalkboard Series menu which includes unique and limited offerings that rotates every month.
