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    Kuduowl

    4.9 (97 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

    Kuduowl Reservations

    Kuduowl Photos

    KUDUOWL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    DJ
    Live music
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Kuduowl

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    Rainier F.

    I was in town in Southern California recently. My hotel was only a 5-10 minute walk from this bar. I decided to go solo and check out the scene after dinner. I arrived on a Wednesday night for an after dinner cocktail. The bar is located in a nice area in downtown Downey. Parking is accessible on the street parking and in the parking garage. Right away upon entering I get speakeasy bar vibes. The chill and classy atmosphere made it easy for me to feel right at home. I ordered a Limpia cocktail that was made with Remy Martin VSOP. My drink was refreshing and citrusy in a very pleasant way. There was a dope jazz band performing at the stage. Music was soulful and harmonic. The saxophone player stole the show though. Overall I enjoyed my experience at Kuduowl. The staff was friendly and accommodating. It was nice to explore and hang at this type of a joint. It was gratifying even for a Wednesday night.

    Luis F.

    First time here and we kept coming back. Service has been great each and every time. Tried their enchiladas suizas and had one of the best whisky sours out here in Downey. All bartenders are real mixologists. Cody was a reason we have kept coming back but Luis and Birdy have just added more to the experiencia. As recommendation do come before 10p because they do have a cover fee for the club which will also give access to upstairs which is Kuduowl. As for parking it will be on the street for the most part they have a lot to park at a cost as well. Great place overall and service.

    Lounge area
    Annette D.

    Celebrated my 55th birthday here! Had an amazing experience. The drinks were tasty, the service was A1. We danced the night away. Great food , music, and atmosphere as well as the entertainment. Seen my first Burlesque show too. 10/10 would recommend to all! We will be back as much as possible.

    From our reserved space at Kuduowl. Loved the decor, music, and vibe before it turned into Beso.
    Marcela O.

    I really liked the ambience and atmosphere of Kuduowl. I wasn't sure what to expect since it was my first time but I was surprised to see how large and spacious the bar/lounge was. I really loved the music they were playing as our group walked in (90's hip hop/r&b) and it wasn't extremely loud enough where my friends and I could still enjoy conversations without shouting over each other. That changed as it turned into the club Beso later and the crowd got a little more rowdy but overall it was a great time and I really enjoyed the ambiance and music (prior to Beso) that will be a separate review.

    Lounge seating area, or "The Library" as I heard one staff member call it.
    Mike W.

    First visit and had a decent time. We found out about Kuduowl from our waiter at Mandala Bar. This speakeasy is accessible from that restaurant through a "secret" door, which was very cool. There is an elevator, so you can avoid the long staircase, which was good because we had my 91yo mother-in-law with us. She enjoys bars, but not stairs. Parking is on street or there's a small lot across the street at the US Bank building, that we used in the evening, after the bank closed. We sat in the lounge area, rather than at the bar. Sadie waited on us, and the service was excellent. There was another staff member that also chatted us up after Sadie left for the evening, and even escorted us down in the elevator and out into the alley where I could pick up my mother-in-law, so she could avoid walking to the car. My wife and I both tried the Short Stack ($18), a blueberry and banana infused Evan Williams Bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and Nutella bitters. Like an Old Fashioned, but different enough to set it apart. It was well made, had an incredible nose, but not to our taste and probably wouldn't order it again. The craft cocktails are unique, but they can also make whatever you fancy. They have a short beer and wine list as well as non-alcoholic beverages. You can order some small bites, salads, meat, seafood, and skewers which come from the Mandala Bar kitchen downstairs. It was interesting enough to return. Would definitely try some different cocktails, along with some food on our next visit.

    This is one of the best cocktail lounges in the entire Southland. Decor & overall ambiance is a work of brilliance. Came in at opening & they were ready to go. Bad Birdy was there and working the bar. The lineup is full of amazing original creations & adaptations by Bad Birdy herself. Cocktail after cocktail was so delicious & each completely unique. I will be back over & over and if you want a incredible cocktail experience you will head to Kuduowl as soon as possible

    Delicious Niña Fresa
    Rosey G.

    I'd been wanting to visit Kuduowl for some time, and it did not disappoint! My husband had an old fashioned and I had a Julius and two Niña Fresas, and let me tell you, I was feeling very good by the end of the first drink We arrived as the bar was opening for the night, and I was so happy to see Amanda aka Bad Birdy, who whipped up our drinks (I could literally watch this all day long - Amanda is amazing!)..the music and overall ambiance was great and the bartenders did not disappoint. We will definitely be back for more!

    Luis showing off some snazzy clear ice with the Kuduowl stamp
    The House Mouse C.

    Kuduowl is your hometown bar inside a nightclub. Belly up to the bar, and you'll be treated like family. Not sure what to order? No problem. Luis, Mike, Cody, and Bad Birdy herself can help guide you in the right direction. Love this place and cannot wait to go back.

    Julius & Limpia
    Larry H.

    Great drinks. Ordered a Julius and a Limpia. 10/10 presentation & balance. Bartender even lit the sage and the vibe went up on another level!

    Fortune cookie  was unexpected and delicious!
    Noemi Z.

    All the aromatic compounds that were put into each and every thing we order was an amazing experience. The staff is one of a kind to execute top level service. To start we had the marinated olives that whipped feta tho?! Lamb riblet, tender had a rub that made you want more. Bone marrow is out of this world perfectly cooked And lastly the Bay Scallops, the marinated juice was mouthwatering of flavors. Highly recommended this place the people that brought all this together food, drinks, and ambiance gets a 5+ Cheers Kuduowl

    This Oaxacan old-fashioned is on point.

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    Amanda C.

    Thank you for the kind words Constance we appreciate your visit!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great service!! Will definitely come back! The servers are very attentive! I love how it overlooks Beso.

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    Amanda C.

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    2 years ago

    I love my bottle girl Jackie!! I will come to beso for her any day. Place is def lit Fri/sat nights

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    Amanda C.

    Thank you so much Lilian! We will see you again soon!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Amanda C.

    Thank you, Alfredo for joining us! We are proud to be in Downey!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Amanda it's a Star ! Love the place especially her drinks, always attentive and friendly!

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    Amanda C.

    Thank you Gaston! We can’t wait to have you again soon

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    This place had great drinks. Staff was friendly and the bar turned into a club later in the night.

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    2 years ago

    If you are into fresh ingredients and have a palate for top notch drinks then this is the place for you. Super cute place with a great vibe

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Kuduowl

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    The LKSD

    The LKSD

    4.1
    (2.5k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    I didn't get any food, but I did have a virgin coffee martini! Typically it is hard to make a…read morecoffee martini I was told however the bartender did an amazing job! It was delicious! The ambience is really cute and perfect for a date!

    Everything was good EXCEPT the STEAK.. No... Seriously…read more This was probably the biggest steak disappointment I've had in a while. The place comfy, the ambience is dark and bar-like, the drink vibes look chill, I have no complaints about the service. The service was good and the staff was nice. All this makes the steak disappointment that much worse for me. We ordered Ribeye and Shrimp Salmon Lobster Mac and Cheese Asparagus Lobster Roll (Sushi) A drink from the bar The Steak.. The steak came served on a cast-iron skillet. I ordered it medium-well. It arrived a little more medium than usual, but that was not an issue. What disappointed me was the puddle the steak was sitting in. Traditionally said puddle is a mixture of butter, thyme, and whatever seasonings you used on the steak when cooking it. In this case, that puddle was flavorless. It really tasted like the steak was just sitting in a flavorless oil. The steak was very bland, very difficult to think someone could send out a piece of meat out like that, especially when you find out what it costs. It was not worth it and not worth the final tab unfortunately. Really wanted to find a steak W for Downey but I don't see myself being interested in this place again.

    Photos
    Indoor Seating
    Indoor Seating
    New York Steak, Sweet potatoes Fries, Old Fashioned Original
    New York Steak, Sweet potatoes Fries, Old Fashioned Original
    Moruko roll

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    Mandala Cantina

    Mandala Cantina

    4.1
    (286 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    Speaks Spanish
    Locally owned & operated

    In order to honor Cinco De Mayo, with festivities that were okay for me, I went to Mandala Cantina…read morefor Latino beats and Loteria--- otherwise known as Mexican Bingo, which kind of takes the red, white and green flavor of the game. But quick understanding the term suffices. As I entered Mandala Cantina, I knew that I had stepped inside a vibe of Latin frenzy and buck--- it was replete with a sophisticated backyard boggie energy. Or in other words, the carne asada barbecue had adopted an elegant, glamorous and modern Talum motif that hit with bright mellow lights, beige beauty all around and a good time fueled by tequila shots and cocktails. I was sat at the bar, but I was warned that my sit would be bellow the regular bar line. So I sat alone, and I could look up at everyone else sat from by de-elevated sit. I was ok, I had arrived late, I was by myself with no reservation and on a whim, so I took my corner seat and did my best to forget that I sat below everyone's eye level. The party vibe was strong and palpable all across the bar. In fact, I have been to very few bars where the move was to sit, yet, the music and crowd almost demanded that we acted like we were on a club, but sitting down. More clearly, I wanted to move and dance but since there was no space, and we were playing Mexican bingo, we were implicitly required to sit and dance. For those who did not, the party still pulsed. There was this huge Cantaro (Mexican clay cup or vase) with six straws. So like a fishbowl drink that is commong in Tiki or Island theme bars, but in a large Mexican mug. This guy was moving it around while he was filmed in a way where he showed the drink for six like Mufasa showed Simba to the residents of Pride rock. So I am basically saying that all the people in the bar and crowd found a way to honor the old school hits of Reggaton and Banda that dominated the airwaves of the spot. I could not help but beat my head back and forth when Oye Mi Canto played and the lasers of the spot moved around wildly. In short, it was an experience that can be described as lit. The experience of game play was also electric. As soon as you entered, you were asked to pick a card from a large stack. You were also required to get some frijolitos-- small beans, that did not jump. I put all my beans into my card and removed them as my cards were called. I came close to winning, and maybe I did, but it was hard to focus amidst the noise and bop, so maybe I did win and did not register that one of my cards had been called so its frijolito remain on top of that square. Regardless, of the lack of victory I expeirenced I was still very happen I went here to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with appropriate festivities. After I soon sat, some tacos were placed in front of me. They were for my neigbor. I was honest and made them aware that they were not for me. After all a Mexico Hero-- Benito Juariez reminds us that respeto a lo ajeno es la paz. Or in other ways, respecting what is not yours equals peace.

    If I could give 0 stars, I would. I'm honestly disappointed with how disorganized Mandala was…read moreduring the Mexico game on July 5, 2026. I've tried multiple times to call and speak to a manager about what happened, but after receiving no response, here I am leaving a Yelp review. This wasn't my first time at Mandala, but it will very likely be my last. I made my reservation the same day Mexico won and reservations opened. I reserved a table for 8 people at 3:45 PM, which was the maximum party size available. I arrived around my reservation time, definitely before 4:00 PM, and security directed me to wait in the line designated for guests with reservations. By around 4:30 PM, the reservation line had barely moved, yet I watched other people walk up, give their names, and be let inside. At the same time, I could clearly see two reserved tables for eight sitting completely empty.I finally asked one of the waitresses, "I reserved for 8 people, and I see those two tables are empty. May I ask what the hold up is?" She asked for my name, looked up my reservation, confirmed it was there, and then told me, "It was canceled." I asked, "What was the reason? I've been here." She replied, "You never checked in before 4:00 PM." Which in fact I did, and security even confirmed that I had arrived before 4:00 PM. Despite that, no one was willing to honor my reservation. At that point I told her, "Only three people from my party of eight are here. Can we just get a table for the three of us?" She spoke with another waitress, and they came back saying it would be standing room only. I asked, "Why?" Again, they referred me back to my supposedly canceled reservation. By now I was beyond frustrated. While they spent another five minutes trying to "figure something out," I continued watching people walk up, give their names, and immediately be seated. Meanwhile, the two reserved tables for eight were still sitting empty. Then I was told, "The best we can do is standing room at the bar, or you can stand anywhere in the restaurant with one of the cocktail tables, but there's a $100 minimum per person." That requirement was never advertised or mentioned when I made my reservation. I reminded her, "This isn't my first time here." She simply replied, "Or you can stand at the bar. No minimum." At that point, it was so close to game time that I just wanted to get inside. We were never greeted--menus were simply placed in front of us. And throughout all of this, those two reserved tables for eight remained empty. The biggest lie I heard all afternoon was, "We're at capacity." I must have heard that at least 10 times. If Mandala was truly at capacity, how were people continuously walking in without reservations and being seated? Why were guests with confirmed reservations turned away while empty reserved tables sat untouched? Thankfully, the game was delayed until 6:00 PM, which gave us enough time to leave and take our business elsewhere. This was poor planning, poor communication, misleading reservation practices, and some of the worst customer service I've experienced. I wasted my time, my gas, and what should have been an exciting afternoon watching the Mexico game with family and friends. I expected much better from a place I'd enjoyed before. Instead, I left feeling ignored, frustrated, and completely disappointed. I rest my case.

    Photos
    Sin City refreshing
    Sin City refreshing
    Mandala cantina
    Mandala cantina
    Flan with a birthday candle

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    The Vandalist

    The Vandalist

    4.3
    (165 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    Had a great time!…read more From the greeter at the door to the bartender, we had an awesome time. Didn't get any food - we were stuffed - but the food sounded inviting. Nice atmosphere for talking and enjoying drinks.

    I'm new to Whittier and still getting a feel for the area, and wow... I'm so glad my friends put me…read moreon to The Vandalist. This place instantly became one of my favorites after just one visit. From the moment you walk in, the whole vibe hits you--the moody, neon-lit ambiance sets the tone perfectly. It feels elevated, a little edgy, and honestly just the kind of spot you want to spend your night at. The music is curated so well. Not too loud, not too mellow--just the right balance where you can vibe, have a conversation, and still feel the energy of the room. You can tell they actually care about the experience, not just throwing a playlist together. Now let's talk about the drinks... because that's really where they shine. Every cocktail feels intentional and crafted with care. You can taste the quality immediately--nothing watered down, nothing basic. They have a really cool mix of classic cocktails and modern twists, and even the familiar drinks feel elevated. It's the kind of place where you want to try something new every round because you trust the bartenders know exactly what they're doing. Service was on point too. Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They took the time to explain drinks and made great recommendations, which made the whole experience even better. I came in not knowing what to expect, and left already planning my next visit. If you're in Uptown Whittier and looking for a spot with great energy, amazing cocktails, and a full vibe--The Vandalist is it. Thank me later

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    Kingston Negroni
    Kingston Negroni
    Kingston Negroni
    Kingston Negroni
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    OLA Restobar

    OLA Restobar

    3.2
    (621 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    Went to Ola to celebrate my birthday and had the best time. Paola was our hostess and she was the…read moreabsolute best! She was constantly checking on us, making sure we had everything we needed, and she really went out of her way to make me feel special. I really appreciated her kindness, humor, attentiveness, and overall great energy. You can tell she genuinely cares about making sure her guests are having a good time, and she definitely made my birthday memorable. I woke up with the WORST hangover but that's proof of how much fun I had. Totally worth it Thank you, Paola!

    Ola, is a place I would go to frequently. I use to like the ambiance & the food. However, I went…read moreyesterday & walked out extremely disappointed. Our waitress, Ale didn't bother to check up on us until towards the end. Since no one was checking up on us, we asked another waitress, Paola for ketchup & sour cream. Paola, walked by various times & never brought it to us. I can understand if she forgot but it's hard to do so, since it was in the early morning & was not busy. Also, since she was walking by various times she could have asked if we're ok & or needed anything (in case she forgot). However, no one approached us. Ale, eventually brought us the sour cream and ketchup but we were basically done eating. I truly suggest to encourage their staff to be more attentive & friendly towards their customers. It will take some time to go back after this experience.

    Photos
    OLA Restobar
    Fried Churro
    Fried Churro
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    Kuduowl - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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