L.A. Bar and Grill is perhaps one of the last "dive" bars in Arlington; and I even hesitate to label this place a "dive" bar since while it's not fancy, it certainly isn't a dump either. Once upon a time when I lived along "the pike" (as it's affectionately known to area residents), this place was a regular haunt for me. Circa 2012, there were uncomfortable wooden booths, a mish-mash of sports memorabilia on the walls, music that usually was too loud, and the food was an afterthought. I recently met up with an old friend who still lives along "the pike," and I'm pleasantly surprised with the changes over the past several years. The old wooden booths have been replaced with more modern and comfortable tables/chairs, while still at bit dated, the design aesthetic is more 1990's Applebees as opposed to sports bar, and the food...the food is really good! And what I really love about L.A. Bar and Grill (the L.A. referencing "lower Arlington" before the area was rebranded into "North" and "South" Arlington) is the fact that it does not try to be one of the overly pretentious establishments which are commonplace is the Clarendon/Ballston/Court House sections of North Arlington. I used to hit those places up also in a former life, but nowadays, I'd rather spend my hard earned dollars in a place like L.A. Bar and Grill. And did I mention that it's not a super loud place, so you can ACTUALLY have a conversation without having to yell to be heard? Places like this are more intended for folks to hang out and chill while grabbing a drink and bite. For starters, they have one of the BEST and LONGEST happy hours in the entire DMV! Not sure when HH starts, but as of this review, M-F it goes until 8:30pm. It's not listed on their website, but my mental notes seem to recall $2 off appetizers and a good discount on draft beers and house wines. My buddy and I ordered the L.A. Chicken Quesorrito and the Spicy Chicken Mango bites. For so-called bar food, both dishes were really good. The Quesorrito was a ginormous portion of pulled chicken, jack cheese, rice, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a tortilla and given a quick sear on the flat top. Honestly, it could have fed three people. And the bites were nice deep fried breaded pieces of white meat chicken and then tossed in a sweet and slightly spicy mango sauce. And talk about value. Three beers and two appetizers came out to around $35; throw in a 20% tip and you're still leaving for under $45. L.A. Bar and Grill is definitely more a neighborhood joint with a good mix of regulars who walk over from the many apartments along the pike. As we were leaving around 9pm, a whole new crowd of folks were coming in, many of whom the bartender and staff were familiar with. It's been too long since I've been back to this section of Lower or South Arlington, but I was reminded that I need to make more of an effort to patronize places like L.A. Bar and Grill more often. read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Little hole in da wall place that unless you live around that area or know someone that knows someone that goes there, it's pretty hard to find Nice place for some drinks and perhaps a night cap after hanging out elsewhere. I wasn't too found of the environment, a little on the dark side and if you are not a local, you made feel a bit unsafe. Bartender was attentive and nice. The appetizers didn't look to appealing to me. read more

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Came in from California looking for a place to have a bite and watch the game. Took a few mins for anyone to even acknowledge us being inside. A "regular" said hello first. The food was decent, it's bar food so don't expect too much. We tried the chicken sandwich and burger. The place is tucked away in the back below another business. It was a bar, multiple tvs. The bar was clean from what we saw. Our bartender/waitress was really nice! read more

This is a cozy little bar that can be found behind some buildings, right next to a hookah joint. Ordering was swift and our waiter was quick to take our order when we were ready. We came on a weekday and while the place wasn't packed it was still surprisingly busy. That being said I ordered some ribs and they tasted good. Im not a huge rib eater, so I can't judge to hard, however I have no regrets ordering the full rack and being able to take some home for a mid night snack. Lastly, closing our check took a little longer then I'd like. I think it's just that the place might be short staffed, that being it's something that can be easily fixed. If your looking for a laid back environment and a menu with a good selection to choose from this might be the place for you. read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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There's karaoke on Friday and Saturday with Zack as the kj. Zack is why I'm leaving this review. I have to say Zack is likeable, energetic and just all around the best kj. You have to love him once you meet him. You'll see. read more

Not my typical joint. But a group wanted to meet up for trivia and this is the spot they picked. The staff appeared standoffish at first, but then were great honestly. The food was mediocre sadly. No sauce on the pizza, bad meat in chicken tenders, chicken Philly was just bad, etc. The restaurant was crammed with people all of which seemed like locals that attend trivia weekly. Wouldn't drive out of my way again. read more

Excellent specials. Tonight is 8 dollar sandwiches and 3 dollar Papua. Yummie read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - Old fashioned with paddy's Whiskey of the month - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I just got home to eat my food and opened everything up to see three small ass chicken tenders and instead of fries I got the mash potatoes...which I just dumped down the sink because it was all water base with no taste and I spent 14 dollars on this crap and a few dollars as a tip which this was not worth it by any means for the price. Freaking ridiculous. I will never recommend anyone to this place. Restaurants like this should do better or learn to serve descent food, point blank. read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Great food and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm- 1:30am. I've been going here on and off for the past several years. They've renovated and made menu changes -- changes have made it better. The food has gotten better by far with healthier and tastier options. The shrimp po' boy sandwich is great. Love the fried Mac & cheese balls! Hamburgers are a great go-to option. Their tacos are flavorful. It's usually a fun time at karaoke with a dive bar friendliness. Definitely check out their food! It's a great local spot that's open late daily with plenty of free parking around it. read more

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This is a "What will it take to Make you Smile" kinda place. Great kitchen staff that really wants you to enjoy your meal. On slow spots during the service day the Bartender covers the dining room and the Bar. The service flows as you barely sit and the menus are there and the offer of beverage. Spot on professional - Thank You all very much for the continued service to our community. I only wish I was closer. Feels like Home. read more

A local recommended this spot to us when we moved into this area a couple years ago. Been coming back here randomly ever since. Such a great spot to chill or get carry-out. The food, vibe, and staff are absolutely great. We love the Wednesday half off burgers (their burger portions are huge and delicious), Thursday Trivia Night, and Karaoke nights (some AMAZING singers out there~~) read more

Great food, great service, and great prices! This is our favorite neighborhood haunt.

We were visiting from Houston and needed a place to grab a quick bite to eat. LA was down the street from our hotel. It is easily accessible from the metro line. Upon walking in I was a little skeptical because I don't really eat at too many dive bars and that's what it reminded me of...a neighborhood dive bar. However, I am sooooo glad that I have gave them a chance. I had the plain Jane burger with cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, and tomato with a side of onion rings. It was one's of the best burgers I have had. It was char broiled and was seasoned very well. The onion rings are homemade and delicious. The service was A+. It was only the bartender tending to the bar area and then coming from behind the bar to wait on us. If you're in the Arlington area you have to go check them out. They also have karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights! They have a parking lot right in front of their door. I am Not sure if you have to pay to park there but there is also paid street parking close by. read more

Oh yeah karaoke time on Saturday night with some former colleagues was so much fun! I used to live down the street for 10+ years and I finally came to this place after moving away 3 years ago. What was I thinking? This is a total gem of a neighborhood bar. I totally missed out on coming where when I lived within walking distance as I literally could just walk here from my place. The bar food is pretty good here in which I've tried their wings, mozzarella and tator tots. Typically bar food and not all expensive. I've only had a diet coke here and never any alcohol. The mixed drinks however do look good. A couple of my friends also get beer so they have a variety of choices. So on to the karaoke, this is what's so awesome about this place..You an sign up for a song and then later on probably be guaranteed to sing within 45 minutes for less. This isn't typical at many other places where you are lucky to get in two songs in two hours. Also, I love how the bartenders also sing and get into it. They walk around with the mic, sing and engage the audience. What I also love about this place is that you don't feel the pressure to really hit the notes. The crowd is forgiving and cheers you on. That's a major plus. My only suggestion would be to turn down the lights as people are on stage singing. I think it creates more of an ambience and as someone that can't sing, I would love the anonymity as much as possible...lol! read more

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Hubby and I went in for quick little date night. Something simple and yummy ! I was a bit nervous but he always finds the good food spots. There was one bartender handling the bar and the sitting area. There was maybe 15 people total when coming in. Bartender quickly came in gave us menus very nice and attentive. We ordered pizza ,wings. Steak n cheese and fries. And of course beers. Everything was absolutely delicious ! I did not try the pizza till the next day because we had left overs and it was still pretty good and that saids a lot. Our toddler and I had the left overs next day and she loves pizza ! If you're around the area and want a quick bite and drinks nothing fancy come try it out. Parking available. Bathrooms nice and clean. Friendly bartender. read more

Love this place Good people and nice atmosphere The bartenders are the sh*t Always have sports on the tvs My wife and I love it read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - a man sitting at the bar - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Trivia night is the best around. Great food and the staff is phenomenal and they have happy hour all during trivia night. This is the place to be if you love trivia. read more

Look out, I think I may have a new fav karaoke spot! This place was awesome and we had so much fun. It's a small, dive-y spot in a strip mall-ish location off of Columbia Pike. Amble free parking so long as you arrive early enough. We arrived shortly after 7:30pm and the place was practically empty. Which means were were easily able to snag a booth. It's a seat yourself kind of place. Karaoke didn't just start on time, it started a few minutes early. And that like never happens in the karaoke world. But at 7:57pm, the host kicked off the night. And at this point, the place was still practically empty. So James O. was easily able to get his name on the list and sing several songs right off the bat. As the night went on, it got crazy packed. But it was never so packed that is was obnoxious or unbearable. It was just a fun, great crowd. It seemed to hit its prime around 10:00pm/11:00pm. We stayed until just after Midnight, and while the crowd was still going strong, it was starting to dwindle a bit. The beer list was quite meh. But they had Angry Orchard Cider and Sam Adams Seasonal, which while boring-ish, are nice drinkable beers that plied me with more than enough alcohol for the night. The menu was decent. Lots of a variety of offerings. Everything from crab cakes to chili dogs to hot wings. They even have wings so hot that you have to sign a waiver! I did not attempt those. All the food was reasonably priced and tasty enough. There's not exactly servers here. It was more like one guy running around like mad trying to take care of everyone. But we never had to wait long for anything we wanted and he always offered more drinks, etc. whenever he ran by. So for dive-y bar with quite a crowd, the service was pretty good. The $10 cover thing was confusing. To me, cover means you pay at the door. Instead, think of it as a 2 drink minimum. You've got to eat or drink at least $10 worth. If you don't, at the end of the night, you'll get a $10 bill you have to pay. This was no problem at all for us. Our table of 3, spent about $50 on food and drinks. So more on the karaoke... The host was great. The song list was extensive. The set-up worked well. It moved at a fast pace. Everyone rotated fairly. And there were boring breaks. Definitely one of the best karaoke nights I've done in the DC area. We will be back! read more

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I visited LA Bar and Grill for the first time and coming in , it looked divey which I do like , but since my coworker and were looking for a different vibe we decided to stay and check it out .. I'm so glad we DID!! The atmosphere was nice, the food came out piping hot and the portions were good.. We had nachos ( shared it) burgers, and margaritas and pineapple coconut drinks.. everything was good including the service. Karaoke night was a blast and I'm definitely coming back.. They also have outdoor seating . Love this place!! read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - Pineapple coconut rum .. delicious - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The weekend bartenders are extremely rude here. I understand we all have our off days, but this has been consistent the past 3 times my boyfriend and I have been there. It's always this one guy wearing a hat and a short girl bartender, both of whom have such an attitude. If it wasn't for the fact that this place is so close to where we live, we would never come back. Giving the place 2 stars for the prices - it's cheap for the area. read more

Had a great time at this bar! Yummy food, beer, and great service. I'm only leaving two stars, though, because during karaoke night they played "A Lap-dance is much better when the stripper is crying," an offensive song that glorifies nonconsensual sexual encounters. It jokes about women who are forced to give lap dances against their will in order to pay for baby formula/other expenses at home. What was even creepier, though, was the way that many people in the bar joined along and sang with glee and gusto. I have only been here once, and while fun, I cannot support the toxic environment this song and its supporters created for women, victims of sexual violence/exploitation, and others. Would love to chat further with bar management if they are interested. read more

New manager is one of the most unwelcoming people I've ever come across. Ruined experience.

My coworker and I visited LA Bar and Grill last night during happy hour for the first time and believe me when I say , I LOVED OT!! It's a dive spot which I love, the food was very good; typical bar food . We split the nachos because they were HUGE , and it didn't stop there, we had burgers , sweet potato fries, margaritas, pineapple coconut drinks oh and they had karaoke which btw was fun , hilarious and entertaining.. I'm definitely going back .. The guy who waited on us , given that he was not only waiting on us but the outdoor dining as well , he did an excellent job.. hope to see him again when I go back.. read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - Pineapple coconut and rum drink.. delicious - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Me and my sister went here on a Saturday night and they have karaoke! We were lucky enough to have Russell as our bartender and he was nothing but amazing. He made sure we were doing well the whole time and was a friendly person! I will definitely be back because the service and drinks were unremarkable!! read more

I liked the dive bar feel and easy going atmosphere. The food was also very good- philly rolls and onion rings were my favorite. The shoe string fries were tasty as well! read more

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Came here with my huband on our weekend getaway and we had an awesome time and our food was amazing!! Special thank you to the bartender Nick he gave us exceptional service !!!! Thanks LA Bar and Grill we will be back!!!!! read more

Now that I am no longer 21 years old, LA Bar and Grill has really grown on me. It's a spot where a high five is always met with another high five. Strangers buy you drinks with no pretension and everybody is seriously friendly! And talented to boot! Their Saturday karaoke night is one of the best in town. From Salt and Peppa to Willie Nelson, these locals will always keep you guessing with their unique song choices that will keep you grooving right until last call. For those looking for some food to go with their tunes, you can't go wrong with their burgers and onion rings (especially when they are half off and the bartenders are always happy to pour you another drink. This is honest to goodness simplicity at it's finest and one of the only working class bars left in Arlington. If you're looking for low key fun than I'll see you there! PS: I'm looking for a duet partner for "Love Lifts Us Where We Belong." Please inquire within. read more

Specials everyday!! This is a great neighborhood bar to hangout by yourself or with a group :) I always get the burger when I am here. Busy nights are trivia and karaoke nights, but if you are into burgers like me.... come on Wednesday it's half off! read more

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I love LA Bar & Grill. $4 mixed drinks. $3.50 beers. Super divey and non-pretentious with a great staff. Food is decent, too - I've only had their grilled chicken sandwich with fries, but it was good. I only hate karaoke night (Saturday), because I hate karaoke. read more

I've been here on a few occasions for karaoke on Thursday nights. It's dark in there. I'm not enthusiastic about eating my food in the dark. The food is kind of mediocre. The service was slow too. The main redeeming quality is the karaoke, but it's loud in there too. When it was suggested by friends for LA Bar for karaoke, I was never enthusiastic the place in general. There is nothing horrible about the place, but it's below average in every category except for the karaoke there is somewhat above average. read more

I come here way too often. Karaoke is a guilty pleasure of mine, and with being so close to where I live, it is hard to resist my wonderful LA Bar and Grill. They have karaoke on Saturday nights from 8-11. Typically if you don't get there before 9:30, you're likely not going to get to sing because so many people sign up early. It is a ton of fun to be the singer or onlooker. Turns out most people who do get the courage to sing are pretty damn good. You rarely hear someone who is totally off key. You're more likely to see people miss lyrics than sing horribly. Either way it is all in good fun. It is a small venue with plenty of standing room if you can't get a table. They had decent food and drinks with a vast selection for any sort of bar patron who rolls in. Trust me you won't have any complaints. Enjoy your visit when you're on the Pike! read more

Great neighborhood place with TVs and some good nightly specials (Wed: half price burgers, Thursdays until 8 Heineken and Moosehead bottles for about $2). Saturday nights brings in the Karaoke crowd. The food is solid for pub food. We've gotten chicken fingers, burgers, sandwiches and salads in the past. *For a bar, they offer non-wimpy salads- ie- there are real greens and vitamins to found, not just shriveled old iceberg. The owner is a friendly woman who is usually around checking in on patrons and helping the waitstaff. More importantly- this was our GO-TO place when we lost power for a few days in early June. Its relaxing and chill vibe was just what the doctor...errr...power company...ordered. read more

Reasons why LA Bar is the "best crappy bar ever" 1) It always has a good crowd, BUT it is not crowded 2) Darts! 3) The bartenders are great. One even went back to look up a shot online that he didn't know how to make. (And he made it very well) 4) Usually have some good live music. Sometimes pretty entertaining kareoke Really I agree with the other review that it is what it is. I think it's a great hole in the wall bar, hidden away in the back/underground of a convenience store. read more

This is not so much a dive bar as a dive-themed bar in Arlington, which means it's pretty clean. The drinks are cheap, and the bar food is consistently enjoyable. Think buffalo chicken tenders, greasy burgers, potato skins, and bacon cheese fries. The service is always friendly if not fast, and they're very accommodating if you want to substitute sides or get half orders of appetizers, which I really appreciate. They're also good about splitting checks however you want them. Parking is free and the strip mall has its own lot. It's not worth going out of my way for the food or drinks, but I enjoy their Monday night trivia and am always glad I went. read more

Huge stomping ground for karaoke fans. Small neighborhood bar, nothing fancy, very laid back and casual. The karaoke DJ does a great job keeping the energy up. He has tons of songs on file which you can make a selection from one of the i-pads loaded with all the song lists. This place can get super packed on a Saturday night. Better to go on an off night when the wait is shorter or early to get on the list. Low pressure and laid back. If you're into karaoke, this place is a must! read more

The burgers and fries are a real treat. This is a dive bar with excellent bar foods, and some healthy choices. This place is clean and has a feel like the sitcom Cheers. You'll get great service and drinks. They make a scrumptious Bloody Mary and have a nice selection of beers too. Indulge in some goodness! You deserve a treat and they don't break the bank. Get going. You'll be glad you did! read more

Half priced burgers on Wednesday. Best burger and fries combo in a setting that feels like the best safe dive. While the burgers are to die for -- and half price on Wednesday -- on Tuesday you can get the best street tacos outside of Mexico City at 3 for only $6! I just looked and the half price burgers are half price every day from 12pm-2pm -- what! Thursday night trivia night and Friday and Saturday there's karaoke! If you come in here looking for sports, including futbol, there's a good chance you'll be accommodated. Don't be intimidated: this is a real dive but it's not. It's a friendly dive with an average patron IQ of 130 (it's Arlington, after all) -- by real, I mean it's not a hipster bar. So don't worry. This place is cool. read more

L.A. Bar and Grill - The view from my driver's seat! - American Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Order was for takeout, mushroom burger was excellent, sweet potato fries were average. Ordering on line and picking up we're easy.

Can't really review for I didn't want to stay. The atmosphere....well there was none. Very bright lights and very loud at 8PM. It's tiny, at the rear and in the walkout basement of the commercial spaces on Columbia Pike. Most customers were in their 20's and calling out things playing a game of some sort at the tables. Those there seemed to not mind the noise they were creating and lights. Those there seemed to be having a great time. Gave two stars for others seems to like it read more

L.A. Bar used to be a dive bar. It still is. Now, L.A. bar is a dive bar that has some way-better-than-divey-and-still-super-cheap grub. Seriously, the food is GOOD. I've been a few times with a few different groups and always enjoy the cheap drinks, karaoke, street fighter game (RIP), darts, and the local "flavor". Now I go for dinner, and you should too. I love a deal and this place is the best deal in Arlington. The L.A. Burger was a fantastic messy delight cooked well for only $5! It had bacon, grilled mushrooms and onion, and Cajun sauce. $5 people! We also got wings and a huge spinach salad (also $5) and had really good service. All this plus the half off wine on Monday, made for an awesome deal. Its not a 5 star interior, and it shouldn't be. I don't want it to be. I'll go back for a great deal, good food, and some respectable drink specials. Plus, I'm dying to try the southern dog. read more