Best Bars On West Hollywood's 3rd Street

Mid-City's 3rd Street area between Fairfax and Robertson offers a number of shops, hotels and restaurants for tourists who'd become engulfed in regular L.A. life instead of perusing the major tourist haunts. On top of the fine dining and exquisite boutiques, the area is known for having some of the hottest bars in the entire city. A bit more low-key than what's offered on Sunset and over on Melrose, the 3rd Street scene is a mix of those swanky watering holes that Los Angeles is known for, and a few local places where locals go to unwind. Over the years, many bars have fallen by the wayside, but these not these places. Here are some of the best bars to grab a drink on 3rd Street.

The Phoenix
8480 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-5030
www.hephoenixla.com

The Phoenix that was once on La Cienega is no longer, but it has reemerged on the popular 3rd Street in West Hollywood with a new and improved look, menu and cocktail list. Creating a new experience for visitors, The Phoenix has re-invented itself as a prohibition style whiskey bar with a rustic interior. Serving over 200 types of whiskey, scotch, bourbon, and cognacs, they also offer unique cocktails, too.

The 3rd Stop
8636 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 273-3605
www.thethirdstop.com

Located in between La Cienega and Robertson, The 3rd Stop has been a reliable staple of the bar scene on West 3rd Street. What differentiates this bar from the bars to its east is that on any given day or night, you're likely to find as eclectic of a crowd that this neighborhood has to offer. With it's close proximity to Cedars-Sinai, you're likely to see doctors and residents hobnobbing as much as the twenty-somethings who populate the area. With it's outstanding happy hour menu and steady food offerings, it's no wonder why The 3rd Stop has been in business for as long as it has with no signs of slowing down.

Goal Sports Cafe
8334 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-5955
www.goalsportscafe.com

Usually sports bars rely on foot traffic of sports fans stumbling to see their favorite teams. Interrupting this formula can a risky proposition, yet the popular 3rd stomping ground bucks that trend. What makes Goal so different, besides it's celebrity clientele, is that it's as swanky as it is cozy. Lined by booths on its flanks with a series of standing tables in the middle and televisions from one end to the other, the room's dark ambiance, and intimate setting allows for the high end comfort that a regular bar doesn't offer. Add to that reasonably priced drinks and solid service, Goal has struck a chord with patrons for a number of years. But beware, if you don't make a reservation for a booth, you could be left out in the cold.

El Carmen
8138 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 852-1552
www.elcarmenla.com

Mexican restaurant by day, this tiny hidden-away bar churns out some of the best margaritas the city has to offer in a dark and romantic setting. While it may be tough to find for most, a bright neon sign lights up 3rd Street between La Jolla Ave. and Kilkea Dr. to signify it's presence. Offering many margaritas to choose from, El Carmen also features a tequila menu that rivals any bar in the city. And, whether you try their 'El Perfecto Margarita', their 'Cucumber Mint Margarita', or other with your favorite tequila, make sure to enjoy their incredible guacamole.

AOC Wine Bar
8700 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 859-9859
www.aocwinebar.com

For a more upscale experience, AOC Wine Bar & Restaurant is West Third Street's answer. Located closer to the Robertson end of the thoroughfare, AOC Wine Bar is mostly known as one of the city's most popular eateries, however it also draws a large crowd at night to sit by the bar and sample their great selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Offering a full cocktail menu including the "Cowboys & Indians" with death's door white whiskey, tenerelli peaches and maraschino, the bar is also known for their extensive and impressive wine list full of sparkling, white, red and rose options.

Article by Daniel Kohn.