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    Hank's Bar

    4.0 (260 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars

    Hank's Bar Photos

    HANK'S BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Hank's Bar

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    Maricela S.

    Love this bar... Stillwell Hotels bar Stillwell 115 years old. People are friendly and drinks are strong! A have to visit if you are visiting downtown

    Victoria C.

    Dive bar in downtown LA open late. If you want to wet your whistle after a late night then this is your spot. Not the worst not the best.

    Monday shenanigans 2022
    Franklin M.

    This is one of those hidden gems stuck somewhere in the no man's land of downtown LA. The interior is old school decor that's dark and has a nice vibe. The music that they play is top notch and not loud. If my girl told me this is the best dive bar ever, then you know it must be nice.

    Danielle d. Jhonson @ Hanks Bar. A glimpse of Mari.
    Danielle J.

    I'm a very busy business woman. I've been extremely busy lately and decided to come with me roommate. We had such a fun time. Mari was friendly, did her job perfectly and was extra kind. The place was clean and operating splendidly. We had our shots, fun, and good conversation.

    And this is just the beginning ...
    B F.

    A great place for a secret rendezvous like your first meeting for a tinder date. This place has good drinks, fabulous atmosphere and excellent parking. The bartender knows her stuff.

    Storefront inside Stillwell Hotel (01/24/17). #DTLA #HanksBar #DiveBar #Drinking
    Jeff B.

    (Drank 01/24/17 TU @ 6:45pm): If you hankered for a place to chill while you sucked down libations and got away from it all...then this dive bar was for you! I arrived in Downtown L.A. surprisingly early for a meeting nearby, so I thought I'd kill some time - and a bit of my liver - at an old haunt...Hank's Bar. I've been a lover of dive bars before I was even legal to drink (that's a story for another time!), so was my interest still held at this no-nonsense watering hole!?: Newcastle Brown Ale Beer 4.7% ABV ($5.00) - A 12 fl. oz. bottle, this creamy brown brew had a light/medium body, no-known head, a nutty nose, followed by a weak coffee malt toffee palate, a flat watery finish, and a slight sweet aftertaste. This was a simple "ever-person" kind of beer always good in a pinch https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EbX3-cBl-gsUWtseNspSsQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Dos Equis Special Lager Beer 4.3% ABV ($5.00) - A 16 fl. oz. draft, this pale yellow brew had a light body, thin head, a faint malty nose, followed by a weak grainy palate, a vapid finish, and a slight bitter aftertaste. Certainly not the best of beers, but with an extremely limited tap selection this was their "best" to offer https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nBzQyJGcdlTmKKlhzMesog&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Service - Pretty painless and seamless. I entered through the side door that connected to a shared hallway/lobby of the Stillwell Hotel and was greeted by a cheerful woman bartender as I made my way to a corner seat at the bar in front of a TV. She quickly approached, took my order - and then another - before I had to skedaddle. I wasn't expecting much, but what I got was just right! Parking (Varied; FREE this instance) - I went Metro and got off at the 7th St. Red Line Staton. Otherwise, there was a paid lot next door as well as many throughout the city, as well as metered parking along the main drag of Grand Ave. and all surrounding streets (most are valid until 8pm). Atmosphere, décor, ambience - Your typical dive bar seemingly filled with locals and those who simply needed a drink, a medium-length bar lined with stools https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uIhG17jhwNj76UkLe8joyg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, random tables and chairs, and cushioned "fleather" booths towards the back. The place was dark with barely-glowing globes of electric ceiling and wall lights, and absolutely no natural lighting unless the front door was kept open. There were plenty of promotional sports banners and posters which hinted at a sports bar feel. There were several muted TVs https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xmWODnE52sUrnTsdmrE3jQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and a jukebox that blared background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bkbThYc-cF6yA-HX9NVkzA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Attire - Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. Overall, it was nice to return to Hank's Bar which was one of the last remaining true dive bars in the area! The familiar charm and comfort was still there for me albeit a bit "cleaned-up" from what I remembered. The prices were a touch higher than I expected...or maybe not since this part of DTLA has gotten more expensive over the years. Mostly a liquor joint, there was an unimaginative selection of bottled beers and an embarrassing three taps of third-tier beer. Alas, as with most dive bars this was a nice place to duck-and-hide from your troubles and the world outside. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $10.00 BEFORE any discounts or tip). And, although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS

    two glasses of alcohol on a bar

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    2 years ago

    Love this place. Arcy and Mari are both great, and the vibe is always laid back. Solid spot to watch a game too.

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    2 years ago

    Because Hanks. Is always classy place to unwind with friends after a long day at work food is always good and served with a good vibe.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Always a good time! Very nice bartenders! Beautiful building! There drinks and michis are delicious

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Someone edited their hours to midnight to 2am. Not very nice. They're open around 5ish to 2am. Fix it help! This place is great!

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    3 years ago

    Too dark to see much at all. Food is offsite. Only a few rando old guys inside. Wait staff wasn't very attentive.

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I don't remember much of the night, but enjoyed the time we spent here Saturday after the LA Beer Fest. String drinks and good atmosphere.

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    8 years ago

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    Hank's Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Hank's Bar

    Who's the best bartender at Hanks?

    The one handing me my drink !!!

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    Golden Gopher - Main bar

    Golden Gopher

    3.8(824 reviews)
    0.1 mi•Downtown
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    Friendly afternoon bartender, happy hour deals at 3pm, parking nearby is not easy. Uber is your…read morefriend for DTLA. Very cool old building the Garfield building that houses the Gopher. The building has been there since 1905 and the bar has the oldest liquor license in the county that allows them to sell liquor by the bottle to go like a store and sell liquor to consume on the premise. Not sure how they made it through prohibition perhaps a speakeasy? Originally called the Golden Sun Saloon. Should have kept that name lol Cheap drinks can be had even not on happy hour. Doorman and bartender were friendly. Arcade games and cool decor.

    This place has decent drinks, decent music, and a trash crowd…read more Witnessed a fight go down, where a man was literally beating a woman and no one, (security included) stepped in. In fact, security or bar staff chose to close the door instead of calling the cops or even attempt to intervene. I understand what happens on "the streets" is technically off-site, but these people were exiting this trash bar and yet the staff took no responsibility to the mess that was taking place in front of their door. I did not know any of the people fighting, but it was very evident that no one cared to protect the woman. I couldn't believe that the same men who check your ID and make sure you aren't bringing in "a water bottle" can stand there and watch a fight to that level happen. F this place.

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    The Slipper Clutch - Mezcal Negroni

    The Slipper Clutch

    4.2(153 reviews)
    0.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    Okay, so I'm biased cause my son's band, Institutionalized, just recently played here, but I got to…read morespend a lot of time hanging and talking with the booker, the owner, and his wife, and they are all super cool people. Me and the owner, who also does the sound, had almost the exact same interests and favorite bands. It was like meeting a new best friend. In addition, you can usually find street parking, and all the meters are broken so you don't even have to pay. LOL! There is a lot there that is cheap, too if you need to pay. There is a downstairs with a bar and upstairs is the other bar with the stage. The owner is a drummer in a band, just like my son, and thanks to that they have an amazing house kit and the guy does excellent sound. It's a small, comfy space. Drinks were outstanding. The owner and bartender make some amazing cocktails. The crowd was great for a Metal Monday night. Can't wait to have my boy play here again! Definitely a place worth checking out in Downtown LA! And follow the booker on IG - Blasphemy Made LA, as they do a bunch of shows here. It's a good chance if you like metal or punk or hardcore that you will catch a great up and coming band.

    The heavy metal band Withermoon was playing with other bands on a busy Saturday night. The vibes…read moreare very chill here and the bands play upstairs on the second floor. There's a bar upstairs that provides mixed drinks and bottled beer. If you would rather have beer on tap go downstairs to the Grayson which is attached to this bar.

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    The Slipper Clutch - Main bar.  There's another smaller bar in the back room.

    Main bar. There's another smaller bar in the back room.

    The Slipper Clutch - Sign inside The Slipper Clutch

    Sign inside The Slipper Clutch

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    Prank - Boneless Chicken Tenders

    Prank

    4.1(1.1k reviews)
    0.3 mi•Downtown
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    This is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends for a casual get together when in the…read moreDowntown LA area! It's conveniently located to the LA Convention Center, Crytpo.com arena, and LA Live which makes it a must visit before or after an event! I am obsessed with their happy hour, which offers healthy items at discounted prices with generous portions! I have been here so many times throughout the years but most recently found myself here during a busy World Cup match! Regardless, the service and quality of food was not sacrificed! I was greeted as soon as I got there and the bartenders were overwhelmed but still friendly and helpful. I was so tempted to get a margarita, since theirs are amazing, but decided to keep it dry and just get their vegan nachos. I was able to score a table outside on their lovely patio, which felt secluded enough from the main street. My food was brought out quicker than I thought and I was delighted, as I was famished! The vegan nachos here are fantastic and the happy price is only $10, which is a steal for what you get! They are costed in the most magical concoction of a bean puree, cashew cheese sauce, and guacamole which all have the most creamy, luscious and savory flavors. It's so hearty and well seasoned and not only filling, but you feel great after. Parking is pretty easy, as there are usually ample meters available nearby. I cannot wait to return again soon the next time I'm in Downtown LA! I am hoping to try more of their vegan options and next time I will for sure get a drink to go along with their delicious food!

    Prank has a fun atmosphere and a great location in DTLA, but my experience was a bit mixed. The…read morecocktails didn't quite live up to expectations. I ordered the Espresso Martini, and it tasted pretty watered down and lacked the bold coffee flavor I was hoping for. On the bright side, the food was definitely the highlight. The mussels were flavorful, the calamari was crispy and cooked well, and the fries were delicious. Those dishes really saved the experience . Overall, I'd come back for the food, but I'd probably steer clear from cocktails and order a real drink. Prank is a convenient place for dtla residents in surrounding apartments to come get some quick bites and drinks and catch a live game

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    Prank
    Prank - Nachos

    Nachos

    Prank - Happy hour marg

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    Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse - Cool bar area with fun lights

    Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse

    4.5(32 reviews)
    0.9 mi•Little Tokyo, Downtown

    What an incredible place! From the moment I walked through the door, the experience was top-notch…read more Security greeted me with a smile, and the staff upstairs at the entrance were just as friendly and welcoming. Every single employee I interacted with--from the bartenders to the rest of the staff--was genuinely kind, polite, and made me feel welcome. The atmosphere is amazing! Everywhere you look, there's something cool to check out. The décor is unique, eclectic, and full of personality. They have a great stage for live entertainment, arcade games, a huge bar, plenty of seating, and lots of room to hang out without feeling crowded. The music and overall vibe were exactly what I was looking for--fun, energetic, and just a great place to spend the evening. Whether you're meeting up with friends, grabbing a drink, or just looking for a cool spot with great energy, this place delivers. I had an awesome time and will absolutely be back. If you haven't checked out Penthouse yet, you're definitely missing out!

    Ollie's bar is discriminatory, ZERO STARS I came to meet…read moresome friends upstairs at the bar here Sunday night (it's actually a fun spot) but unfortunately I'm in crutches at the moment so I needed to take the elevator. When we asked the bartender he said the owner would need to turn it on, bartender called the owner & he was extremely helpful but the owner on the other hand was extremely rude from the beginning. First off who tf wears sunglasses at night? He came off irritated immediately that he needed to get up and actually do his job & run the elevator for someone who is handicap. The first words out of his mouth was "who needs the elevator" as I'm standing there with crutches, common sense isn't his strong suit... maybe had he taken off the glasses he could've used context clues to determine that answer. I simply tried to ask, in that loud environment, if someone was able to ride the elevator with me to accompany me because again I'm in crutches & he refused because there's a weight limit of 600 pounds (spoiler 2 of us in an elevator was definitely not 600 lbs). He absolutely could've said he would be the one to take me up and down that's fine as long as someone was there but instead he refused to run the elevator & proceeded to kick us out after we had just ordered a drink downstairs (mind you we waited approx 15 mins for him). He had security come and escort us out. Even after hearing the situation both the security & the bartender were apologetic on the owners behalf because they even knew he was wrong , I quote " sorry guys, yea thats not right but that's just how he is". I'm sorry as the owner you couldn't be bothered to keep a running elevator on at all times for your handicapped patrons (which is required by law). The way in which the OWNER handled this whole situation was unprofessional & humiliating.

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    Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse - Ceiling Ghosts

    Ceiling Ghosts

    Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse - DJ dance room

    DJ dance room

    Uncle Ollie’s Penthouse - Interior.

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    Interior.

    Hank's Bar - divebars - Updated October 2026

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