Lucy Palmer
Los Angeles is known for its glamorous and celebrity-filled nightlife, but there are plenty of places to find cheap beer in the city. From dive bars to supermarkets, here are some of the best places to grab a bargain beer in LA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets/Grocery Stores | Vons, Costco, Trader Joe's, Walmart, King Kegs, Ramirez Liquor, Lento Market, Grocery Outlet |
| Bars | Tiki-Ti, The Frolic Room, Mom's, Frank N Hanks, Five Star Bar, Good Times at Davey Wayne's, R Bar, The Parlor, Barney's Beanery, Strength @ Numbers, The Woods, Cha Cha Lounge, The Edison, La Cantina, Citizen Smith, Bodega Wine Bar, The 3rd Stop, World Cafe, Ciudad, Mor Bar, El Texate, Monroe's Bar, Nic's, L'Scorpion, Daily Grill, Big Wangs, C-Frenz, Cabo Cantina West L.A., Hollywood Hills, Bennigans, Sardo's, Casey's, The Mexican Village, Hamburger Mary's, Señor Blues, Plaza, Back Bar, Wahoo Fish Tacos, Fiesta Cantina, The Gaslite, Cabo Cantina, Clancy's, Q's, Spaceland, Goldcoast, Bodega Wine Bar, Weiland Brewery Restaurant, The Well, The Palms, Cat and Fiddle, Moonshadow, Acapulco Restaurants, McCormick & Schmick's, Mango Tango, Motherlode, On The Waterfront, Carls Jr, Carneys, Red Rock, Silverlake Lounge, Eagle L.A., The Tiki Lounge, Finn Mc Coole's, Gyu-Kaku |
What You'll Learn
Cheap beer bars in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, but that doesn't mean you can't find a cheap beer in the city. Here are some bars to check out:
The Frolic Room
A Hollywood Boulevard bar with a rich history, having started life as a speakeasy in 1930 before becoming a legal bar in 1934. It was a favourite of writer Henry Charles Bukowski and played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. These days, you can enjoy a classic jukebox, regular cocktails, and beers like IPAs and Guinness.
Mom's
A neighbourhood bar on Santa Monica Boulevard that's been around since the 1950s. It's a classic college bar with dim lighting, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere. Mom's has a pool table, a photo booth, a smoking and drinking patio, a ping pong table, Pacman, a jukebox, and a dance floor. They also offer free shots in team colours for big games and complimentary homemade spicy-garlic-lemon potato chips.
Frank N Hanks
One of Koreatown's most beloved dive bars, Frank N Hanks has been serving locals since 1933. It's a dimly lit, wood-panelled bar that's become home to pool hustlers and cash-only drinkers. They serve domestic beers like Stone and Three Weavers, and a variety of pizzas and sides.
The Five Star Bar
An art and music venue in Downtown LA with metal-induced energy. The Five Star Bar has a solid beer menu, with Stella on tap for $5. They also grill up some of the best hamburgers in the area.
The Good Times at Davey Wayne's
A funky 70s-themed retro bar that's a tribute to David Wayne Houston, father to Mark and Jonnie Houston. The bar is decorated like a living room, with a fridge-door entrance, rugged ceilings, and garage sale decor. There's also an Airstream trailer and hammocks on the patio. Their most popular cocktail is the blackberry ginger, served with bourbon.
R Bar
This female-owned American-style pub and eatery in Koreatown is a speakeasy that requires a password for entry. They have karaoke in the evenings and a jukebox that plays rock. The kitchen serves wings, burgers, and vegetarian options, and they have a full bar with bottle and draft craft beers like PBR.
Yankee Doodles
Located on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this bar offers half-price domestic draft pints, selected appetizers, pool, and single well drinks during Happy Hour (Monday to Friday, 4:30 pm-7 pm) and Late Night Happy Hour (Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm-close).
Westwood Brew Co
A UCLA hangout spot on Glendon Avenue in Westwood that offers 24oz Miller Lite cans for 50 cents during Dodger Games until the seventh-inning stretch. They also have Happy Hour every weekday from 4 pm-7 pm.
Barney's Beanery
A West Hollywood classic on Santa Monica Boulevard, Barney's Beanery offers
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Cheap beer in supermarkets and shops
If you're looking to buy cheap beer in Los Angeles, there are several supermarkets and shops that can cater to your needs. Here are some options:
Costco
Costco offers great deals on beer, with 30 packs available for around $20. You don't need a membership to purchase alcohol, and they allow refunds on alcohol sold in California.
Walmart
Walmart offers competitive prices on beer, with a 36-pack typically costing around $20.
Vons
Vons occasionally has 30-packs of beer for $18+CRV, which is a great deal. Keep an eye out for their promotions.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's offers affordable beer options, such as their Simpler Times beer at $3.49 for a 6-pack.
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Outlet is a discount supermarket chain that often has a good selection of beer at low prices. You can find surprises like 6-packs of craft beer for $8.
Acapulco Restaurants
With various locations throughout LA, Acapulco Restaurants offer excellent happy hour deals, including $2.25 Cuervo Gold Margaritas every Monday and $3.75 drafts, well drinks, and margaritas Monday through Friday from 4-7 PM.
Carl's Jr
With a beautiful terrace overlooking the Downtown LA skyscrapers, Carl's Jr offers $4.75 beer pitchers from 4-6 PM, Monday through Friday.
The Well
Located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, The Well offers happy hour until 9 PM with $3 beer, well drinks, and wine.
The Palms
The oldest lesbian bar/nightclub in town, The Palms offers fantastic drink specials, including half-price domestic beer and well drinks during happy hour (5-8 PM) and $0.50 draft beers on Sundays from 4-8 PM.
Cat and Fiddle
With a beautiful patio on the Sunset Strip, Cat and Fiddle features daily happy hour specials with $3 beers and free food choices.
El Texate
Located just a block from the beach in Santa Monica, El Texate offers a great happy hour with $3 imported and domestic beers, $3.75 margaritas and well drinks, and free appetizers from 4-7 PM, Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they have a special with $2.75 Jose Cuervo Margaritas from 2-6 PM.
These are just a few examples of places where you can find cheap beer in supermarkets and shops in Los Angeles. Whether you're stocking up for a party or looking for a good deal on a six-pack, these options should help you save some money.
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Happy hour deals
Los Angeles has a lot of options for those looking for cheap beer and happy hour deals. Here are some of the best spots:
The Waterfront
This beach bar is located about 200 feet from the coastline and has plenty of space for large groups, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset with friends. Their happy hour deals include buy-one-get-one-free cocktails, with a focus on margaritas, specifically their tart calamansi version.
The Bamboo Club
The Bamboo Club combines the best of old-school dives and tiki bars. You can sip a mai tai next to a small waterfall and bamboo walls or play a game of pool. Their happy hour deals include $2 off cocktails, $5 well drinks, $5 beer, and $2 oysters (with a six-oyster minimum).
El Carmen
A longtime Beverly Grove bar, El Carmen offers a fabled happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm on weekdays. Their deals include $8 margaritas with chips, nachos, quesadillas, or ceviche. They also offer a late-night Sunday to Thursday discounted menu from 10:30 pm to 2 am with the same offerings.
The Misfit
A popular spot off Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, The Misfit has been a fixture since it first opened over a decade ago. Their happy hour runs daily until 7 pm and includes 50% off cocktails, wines, and spirits. They also offer a $23 bottomless mimosa special during weekend brunch.
Maple Block Meat Co.
An excellent barbecue restaurant in Culver City known for its brisket, spare ribs, smoked pork belly, and pimento cheese sandwich. Their happy hour deals include $5 house cocktails, $5 beer, $6 wine, and $8 wings. Happy hour is available on Mondays from 5 pm to 9 pm and Tuesday through Friday from 5 pm to 6 pm.
The Frolic Room
Once a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, The Frolic Room has a rich history, allegedly serving as the favourite drinking hole of American writer Henry Charles Bukowski and playing host to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. The bar offers a range of cocktails, including margaritas and martinis, as well as beers like IPAs and Guinness.
Tiki-Ti
A family-owned tropical drink bar, Tiki-Ti was opened in 1961 by master mixologist Ray Buhen. The bar has a unique atmosphere with only 12 stools and a handful of tables. They offer 94 tropical drinks, most of which are unique to the bar, served in antique mugs shaped like tikis, skulls, and bones. Their most popular drink, 'Ray's Mistake', includes passion fruit, lime, gin, dark Jamaican rum float, and a secret flavouring with a hint of vanilla.
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Dive bars
Los Angeles is home to many dive bars, each with its unique character and attractions. Here is a guide to some of the best dive bars in LA, where you can enjoy cheap beer and a laid-back atmosphere.
The Frolic Room
The Frolic Room is a historic bar that first opened as a speakeasy in 1930 and became a legal bar in 1934 after the end of Prohibition. It was a favourite of American writer Henry Charles Bukowski and has also attracted celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. The bar features a classic jukebox, cocktails, and a range of beers. It is located on Hollywood Boulevard and is open daily from 11 am to 2 am.
Mom's Bar
Mom's Bar is a classic neighbourhood college bar with dim lighting, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere. It offers free reservations, no cover charge, and cheap drink prices. The bar has a pool table, a photo booth, a patio, and a jukebox. Mom's Bar also provides complimentary spicy-garlic-lemon potato chips with drinks. It is located on Santa Monica Boulevard and is open Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 2 am and Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 am.
Frank N Hanks
Frank N Hanks is a beloved Koreatown dive bar established in 1933. It features a dimly lit, wood-panelled interior with pool tables, dart boards, and a jukebox. The bar serves domestic beers and a variety of pizzas and sides. It is located on South Western Avenue and is open daily from 6 pm to 2 am.
Tiki-Ti
Tiki-Ti is a family-owned tropical drink bar that opened in 1961. It offers a unique selection of 94 tropical drinks, served in antique mugs. The bar has a small, intimate setting with only 12 stools and a few tables. Tiki-Ti is known for its strong drinks and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It is located on Sunset Boulevard and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am.
Ye Rustic Inn
Located in Los Feliz, Ye Rustic Inn is known for its legendary chicken wings and pub grub. It features a classic jukebox, mood lighting, and TVs for sports fans. The bar has a mix of old-timers and a younger crowd, especially on weekends. Ye Rustic Inn is open nightly during the week and also has daytime hours on weekends.
Hinano Cafe
Hinano Cafe is a beachside dive bar that has been a staple in Venice since 1969. It offers cheap, frosty mugs of beer, free popcorn, and a popular burger (with a veggie option). The bar has a laid-back atmosphere with sawdusted floors, pool tables, a jukebox, and minimal seating. Hinano Cafe is cash-only and is located on Washington Boulevard in Venice.
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Bars with jukeboxes
Los Angeles has a wide variety of bars with jukeboxes, from old-school dives to hip late-night diners. Here are some spots to check out:
The Virgil
This Silver Lake bar has a well-stocked and eclectic jukebox, featuring artists from D'Angelo to The Smiths, and Otis Redding to Fleetwood Mac. The best part? It's totally free! The Virgil also has a stage for live bands, DJs, and comedy, as well as craft cocktails to enjoy while listening to your favourite tunes.
HMS Bounty
Located in Koreatown, HMS Bounty is an old-school bar with a maritime theme. They have both a classic 1960s jukebox that plays 45 rpm records and a newer CD-playing jukebox. You can expect to hear old-school hits from Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Big Band artists for just a quarter a song.
Tonga Hut
Tonga Hut is LA's oldest tiki bar, located in North Hollywood. Their jukebox offers a mix of Polynesian classics, 80s stadium jams, rockabilly, 60s lounge, vintage jazz, exotica, surf rock, R&B, and even The Big Lebowski soundtrack. Sip on a Zombie or Tonga Tea cocktail while enjoying the nostalgic tunes.
The Cinema Bar
If you're in the mood for some honky-tonk charm, The Cinema Bar in Culver City is the place to be. This dive bar has a jukebox stocked with country ballads from Patsy Cline and Merle Haggard, as well as local country singers Patty Booker and former LA resident Mike Stinson. You can also find golden oldies and jazz for a dollar for three songs.
Johnny's Bar
Johnny's Bar in Highland Park has a huge CD jukebox with a solid selection of musical gems. The catalogue leans towards old punk, jazz, and classic hip-hop, all curated by the owner and bartenders. You can follow up a James Brown cut with a track from The Cramps and then close with A Tribe Called Quest.
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room in Los Feliz is a dive bar that has maintained its grit over the decades while also curating an excellent CD jukebox. You'll find a wide range of styles, including soul, classic rock, punk, and old-school hip-hop. They also have CD mixtapes added by bartenders and loyal patrons, featuring deep cuts and musical gems.
The Colorado Bar
Located in Pasadena, The Colorado Bar has the feel of a small-town bar with neon beer signs, pool tables, and unfussy cocktails. Their CD jukebox features classic and reliable tracks from The Beatles, Van Morrison, ABBA, and Guns N' Roses. It's the perfect place to sing along with the whole bar.
Swingers
Swingers is a late-night diner in Beverly Grove that stays open until 4 am. Their jukebox has a little something for everyone, with a music selection that skews punk and new wave. You can find everything from The Jesus and Mary Chain to The Cure, The Stooges, Motörhead, and Al Green.
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Frequently asked questions
R Bar, a female-owned American-style pub and eatery, is known for its cheap drinks.
Costco sells 30 packs of beer for around $20, and you don't need a membership to buy alcohol.
Tiki-Ti, a family-owned tropical drink bar, offers 94 exotic cocktails and a variety of pizzas and sides.
The Parlor, a sports bar with over 50 LCD and plasma screens, has a happy hour every day from 4-8 pm with $3 beers.
