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Kuduowl

4.9 (98 reviews)
ModerateCocktail Bars
Fri • 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
Sat • 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
Updated 2 weeks ago

Kuduowl Photos

KUDUOWL ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Kuduowl

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Hugh duel screen from the lower floor expanding up to the ceiling on the 2nd floor

Amazing drinks & super knowledgeable staff! -Ambiance Cocktail bar is upstairs with different seating options including couches & comfy chairs. At 9pm the lower floor becomes a night club which we did not experience. -Drinks Sooooo good! Very well balanced & unique. Leaving us wanting more as soon as we finished a drink. Each one having a different elegant visual presentation. The owner/head bartender even came to our table to check in & get our opinion about our drinks. Even letting us know that there were new drinks being added to the menu soon! It's so cool to watch the creation of drinks on her Instagram @bad_birdy -Service Awesome service! Attentive & extremely knowledgeable about each drink. Taking the time to explain what made each of them special. Making the ordering process super easy. We went with a couple friends & they made it very easy to split the check by item which they did quickly on a hand held touch screen card reader. -Food Food is provided from local partners near by. My wife & I ordered Mexican food & both agreed it was only so so. We ordered the empanadas, queso fundito, chicken street taco & asada street taco. With the most bummer part of the meal being the queso. Despite it being served on a cast iron skillet the cheese combo they used ended up becoming hard & difficult to finish. It came with soft little tortillas instead of chips which we weren't expecting. Almost like making them into mini hard cheese quesadillas. The food wasn't a total loss though because there is another partner with a different menu that we are willing to try. Overall we will definitely be back for the drinks & other food options.

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.

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.

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.

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 years ago

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Amanda C.

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2 years ago

I love that they have jazz on Wednesdays so my vibe ! The drinks are so on point and I'm definitely bringing someone back here !

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Amanda C.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Fun, chill, wonderful place in Downtown Downey. Love coming here for the live music and the drinks are wonderful!

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Amanda C.

Hello Mario! Thank you for your kind words! Cheers!

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2 years ago

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Amanda C.

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2 years ago

Had so much fun with my friends for a Friday night out, I would definitely for anyone looking for a lit night

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Amanda C.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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Amanda C.

Thank you Omar! We look forward to seeing you again!

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5 years ago

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Amanda C.

Thank you Ismael! It is always our pleasure to!

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Ask the Community - Kuduowl

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Mandala Cantina

Mandala Cantina

4.2(304 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.

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OLA Restobar - Bourbon Burger

OLA Restobar

3.2(628 reviews)
0.0 mi
•$$

Drinks are on point!! Service is great and fast!! For you youngsters this place is loud!! Not too…read moreloud you can still hear eachother at the table lol! Food was great!

I had a disappointing experience at Ola Restobar on Sunday, and it had very little to do with the…read morefood. My friend and I ordered the camarones tatemados, tried them, and simply didn't care for the dish, so we asked our server to send it back. She quickly walked away. A manager, Alvaro, came over and stood silently behind me while I was mid conversation until my friends pointed out that he was there. When I turned around, I greeted him, and he asked what was wrong with the shrimp and why we didn't like it. I explained that we just didn't care for it and didn't want it. He then asked whether I had ever had the dish. When I asked what he meant, he clarified that he wanted to know whether I had ordered it at another restaurant before, essentially questioning whether I knew what it was supposed to taste like. As a Black woman in a Latin restaurant, the tone and implication of that interaction made me extremely uncomfortable. I've sent food back before and have even been asked whether I've tried a dish before, but never in a way that felt as condescending as this interaction did. I told him that I had eaten it before and briefly explained what I didn't like. He reached over me, took the plate without a word, and walked away. What bothered me just as much was what happened afterward: no one spoke to me again for the rest of our visit. Alvaro never came back. Our server never checked on me again. No one asked if I wanted to order something else, apologized that I didn't enjoy the dish, or even acknowledged me after my plate was taken. Not liking a dish happens. Maybe it was prepared exactly as intended and simply wasn't for me. My issue is how I was treated for saying so. A simple "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it, can I get you something else?" would have made this an entirely different experience. Also, our group was told we couldn't order drinks at the bar or pay for them separately at the table, which made something as simple as ordering a drink unnecessarily difficult.

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Kuduowl - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026

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