Best Hipster Hangout Spots In Los Angeles
A huge haven for hipsters, Los Angeles has been catering to this cool crowd, sometimes known by other names, for decades. These trend-watching, fashion-edgy identifiers tend to vibe on their world via their own brand of counterculture. Their top hangouts are not exclusive to their own group of friends, however, each place is sure to bring along a certain sense of "hipsterism" that provides a certain comfort zone. Following are five favorite hipster spots thriving in the City of Angels.
Harvard & Stone
5221 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 466-6063
www.hardvardandstone.com
Honky tonk, live music and burlesque acts lure hipsters to this hallowed haunt on some nights but there's always a good crowd even when special events aren't planned. A retro warehouse atmosphere catches interest in this Los Feliz hangout, as do the inventive cocktails like the tart Mandarin Sling, made with mezcal, Mandarin shrub and dill, or the popular vodka-based 21st Century, a real zinger boasting lemon, cinnamon and pineapple among other ingredients. If you visit Harvard & Stone, expect to meander through a darkened venue to enjoy your order and a chill vibe that can't be bought.
Little Joy
1477 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 935-8276
www.littlejoycocktails.com
On the East side, Echo Park has recently become hipster central with Little Joy the go-to being the number one neighborhood bar. A small space that enjoys a lot of witty chatter and a lot of wild dancing as the DJ spins, this spot's patrons enjoy dressing up even though some would call this gem a real dive, one that earned that moniker in certain circles in a good way. That said, the drinks in this joint are on the inexpensive side ($7 for wells) and the bouncers are more friendly than scary at a place that manages to mash up punk, rock and grunge vibes all at the same time.
Thirsty Crow
2939 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 661-6007
www.thirstycrowbar.com
This saloon is full of whiskey, so much so that the list has earned praise for Thirsty Crow, which has been called the best whiskey bar in Los Angeles. Whether or not that's a fact is another story, but hardy anyone complains after a visit to this hipster's house of pleasure where shucked oysters and a mean Manhattan become a great pairing on a fun night out in Los Feliz. Note: If you're looking to quench your thirst on a brew, try the homemade ginger beer.
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Good Time At Davey Wayne's
1611 N. El Centro Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 962-3804
www.goodtimeatdaveywaynes.com
Drinks that pack a punch are one reason hipsters hang out at Good Time At Davey Wayne's, a funky retro place circa 1970s where the entry is via a secret passageway that means going through a refrigerator door. This hipster's haven goes back in time with all kinds of vintage decor. A hammock is set up in the back where a barbecue is always going strong and, on a warm day (when isn't it?), clients like to sip spiked drinks that look like the classic Sno Kone. Inside, Davey Wayne's also promises a good time with crowds participating in deep conversation while savoring swell cocktails like the Cisco Kid, a jalapeno-infused reposado tequila boasting fresh raspberries and agave syrup among other novel ingredients. What a kick!
Villains Tavern
1356 Palmetto St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(323) 637-4153
www.villainstavern.com
Live music on an outdoor stage blasts edgy tunes out to an artsy crowd is a major draw at this downtown arts district venue where drinks are served in mason jars. Libations run from the Maker's Mark-based Bella Donna, made with orange juice, mint, lemon juice, bitters and blackberry bramble, to the Stan Lee, which employs gin that is infused with two different kinds of tea. Shots are almighty and simple grub, like fries and sliders, hits the spot in a place with a top level that somewhat resembles a courting parlor with tufted couches, saloon-type tables and and a wrought iron railing that looks down at the drinking hipsters bellying up to the bar below.
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