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    Library Bar

    3.9 (1.9k reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Library Bar Photos

    LIBRARY BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Library Bar

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    Valerie G.

    Great drinks and nice layout, but the music so loud, I thought I was at a club. So my party stayed outside.

    Shaneel R.

    This place is just so cute . Great drinks , nice small menu and good staff . I definitely recommend and will be back.

    French 75
    Navpreet K.

    We came here for their happy hour and all ended up just getting French 75's, which were very tasty! The bartender was nice and got us our drinks right away. This is a small bar that is attached to an actual library building, which was cool. It's very dark inside but it adds to the dark ambiance and gives a speakeasy vibe. I am looking forward to try their food items next time!

    Creative theme!
    Mark M.

    What a spot! We really liked the setting and theme of the whole place. The music was wonderful and the drinks were a hit! We even got to lounge deeper in the library and got a few sentences in with some of the books. The food menu looked great, but we just finished dinner at another spot, so this will be something to look forward to when coming back! I parked at a structure nearby, so everything, including this cozy speakeasy was walking distance. We are glad we came by here and loved the concept of it all!

    Cosmo for her, Old Fashioned for me!
    Greg T.

    The Library Bar offers a quality cocktail experience in downtown Los Angeles. It's address is on 6th, but the door actually faces Hope. The bartenders occasionally channel Tom Cruise in Cocktail- fun show when they do! The QR menu offers a range of literary minded specialty cocktails (Tequila Mockingbird anyone?), but the are happy to mix up anything you desire. Nice wine list an impressive list of draft and bottled beers, seltzers and ciders pretty muc covers every taste. Happy Hour 3p-7p weekdays, no cover DJ 10p to close Friday and Saturday. Way past my bedtime!

    Books! (And a half drank gin gimlet)
    Denise H.

    This cute little bar was a perfect way to end a long day. It's tucked inside a weird shopping area, so I thought it was closed, but it wasn't! The bar staff are so kind and willing to make a drink based on our indecisiveness. The prices are a little steep, but worth it for a good indoor library vibe and super tasty cocktails.

    The Black Manhattan ~ the classic with the addition of Averna... delicious.
    Kevin A.

    NOVEMBER 26.2025 I've been through many iterations of The Library Bar over the years... from small and cozy secret bar for those that work in the looming skyscrapers of Downtown LA to being some noisy urban hip hop affair that served godawful drinks (see my past review!), and on back to being a calm and casual neighborhood bar again. The interior never changes... dark... illuminated by candlelight... the bust of Shakespeare over the fireplace, the shelves of old books-- all of it remains intact. But this latest Library Bar seems to have finally dialed in what was always sorely missing in that it showcases a conscientious staff that all seem to know how to mix drinks while treating the customer well by leaving them be. On one night my date and I share a "Black Manhattan," basically a Manhattan with the generous addition of Averna, and it's terrific. On another night, I go for Happy Hour and a few pints of Guinness on draft that are surprisingly proper and go well with their excellent and, I'm told, homemade Hummus & Veggies Plate. The music at this current Library Bar is pretty much on point and is never so loud as to interfere with the conversations that patrons seem to come here for... something you should come here for too, and maybe at Happy Hour specifically if you're looking for a nice bump in your day and to spend an hour, well, happily.

    Of Ice and Mezcal
    Cody P.

    I love a bar with a concept and was obsessed over the library theme. Though not exactly hidden, the walls of books and intimate, cozy seating felt akin to a speakeasy. The contrast of the classic study aesthetic against the neon, almost cyberpunk-esque bar was surprisingly harmonious. Best of all, on a Thursday night at 7pm, this place was barely populated - which was wonderful because I got prime choice of seat next to the bookcase on the sofa and could take as many pictures as I wanted. The bartender was so nice and helpful in navigating my "reading list" for the night. My first "novel" was the "Adventure of Blackberry Finn," a blackberry infused vodka with lemon and blackberry smush. On said adventure with Finn, I fell off the raft and was doggy paddling in the vodka. Some cocktails coyly hide their spirits as they lure you into a sense of false security. Library Bar cocktails are not like that. They don't hide their spirits - they're leading the pep rally. They are upfront and honest about what they contain. Take a sip and it's undeniably VODKA. Despite that, I still thought it tasted good. Sweet, fresh, and bang for your buck with how strong it was. The burger was quite yummy for something served at a bar. Maybe (definitely) I was already quite tipsy at this point, but I liked the burger. My friend thought it was kinda dry, but I didn't. The fries were also nice and fluffy. I do wish they didn't run out of the poutine... that sounded good. It probably would've helped soak up the alcohol too. To be honest, I thought the literary drink names were so cute I couldn't resist ordering a second drink. Of Ice and Mezcal was, as the bartender described it, almost a straight up spirit. Sipping on it was actually quite pleasant - the smoky taste of the Mezcal paired well with the brightness from the grapefruit bitters. But it was definitely too much for my second drink of the night (I really should have listened oops). I would definitely come back! I see myself stopping by after work to bask in the ambiance and enjoy a nice drink - especially on weeknights on their off hours. What should I "read" next hehe...

    Best wings I've ever had
    Taylor N.

    The food here is so good. The wings are the best I've ever had. Every drink in our group was good. Reasonably priced bar with great food and service

    Mango beer, garlic fries
    Lupita M.

    At first I thought it was closed but it turned out it's a very cozy bar! The ambiance was great, I went early so it wasn't crowded. I would recommend and I can't wait to go again. So glad I found this bar! The drinks are a bit pricey but for DTLA is average price. They were good though so it's worth the money. I tried the garlic fries and they were pretty tasty! The bartender was really nice, very good service.

    Bar food but better... chicken so fresh and crisp with delicious dressing for dipping. Crispy cheesy garlic parm fries, big burger... the lack of selection of food choices was forgiven in light of the quality of what was served. My margarita was strong enough to drown all sorrows. Excellent choice for sure.

    Ambiance
    Vicky M.

    Went in on a weekday for some drinks and finger food. We weren't disappointed. Great food, service and ambience. I tried their tequila mockingbird and French fries. My friend ordered their wings and the ready player rum.

    Malinalli L.

    Great selection of spirits, small selection of food, great relaxing vice ambiance, bartender with glasses is friendly the young one , spiring actor is a diva

    House White Wine

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    1 month ago

    the lemon pepper chicken wings were great. kudos to the chef.... I most definitely will be coming back for some wings.

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    Page 1 of 49

    Ask the Community - Library Bar

    Do you serve food all night?

    According to their website, Last Call for food is at 8pm

    Is there parking for the place? If not how hard is it to find parking?

    No dedicated parking, typical DTLA street parking headache or expensive lots

    How can one get a reservation for the library?

    Is the Library bar open for dining in?

    They are requiring everyone to be fully vaccinated before entering.

    Is there a cover?

    Nope

    What about music?? What kind of music and which nights?

    Great music. Live DJ on certain nights.

    Is this a good place to study?

    Not at all. Very loud.

    How's parking around?

    It's DTLA, so parking isn't the best. Some parking structures nearby. But if you can Uber so you don't have to worry about the hassle, I would!

    Do you think if a group of 20 went on a weekday at 7 PM we'd all find space to hang together?

    On a weekday YUP!

    Is it quiet and chill enough to read and drink wine solo or more for friends/small crowds?

    I have never been in there when it is quiet enough to read. I agree with Tommaso if you went early you might be able to.

    Happy Hour offered? What is on the HH menu?

    We offer Happy Hour from 3pm-7pm every Monday through Friday! FOOD:… Read more

    Is this place good for dancing or more just chill?

    Def no room to dance in here, just a kick back chillax kinda spot

    I've been calling and emailing about reserving space with bottle service, but no response? Is it possible to do so?

    I do not believe they take reservations

    Is it okay for party of 10 or more?

    There are a couple sectionals that could seat 10, but get there early. Groups of 2 and 4 will take those seats instantly.

    Can you wear hats inside?

    Not sure, First week of June they told me to remove the hat. They were ok with it the following week. Maybe a different bouncer!

    View All 25 Questions

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    4.0
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    Pretty good meal overall!! The chicken wings had a really crisp exterior and a great crunch, but…read morethey did lean a little dry - but honestly felt like the trade off for getting them that crispy! The sauce helped bring some juiciness back and balanced it out. The bluefin tuna bibimbap was pretty enjoyable. The tuna tasted fresh and the textures worked well together, but the dish could have used a little more seasoning to make the flavors pop. The perilla was a great touch though. It added a slightly minty flavor that complemented the tuna without taking over the dish. The beef short rib was easily the standout. PERFECTLY cooked, incredibly tender, and seasoned just right. The richness of the meat paired so well with the lettuce wraps that it almost feels like they should automatically come with the dish. Service was good and everything came out smoothly. Would come back!

    Cute spot, dark ambience. Makes for a decent date spot, I'd think. Food is elevated korean fusion…read morewhich is worth a try, but I wouldn't come back unless there's an occasion. Made a reservation 1 week out, and only 9:45pm was available for a Saturday for a party of 6. Kind of odd that last call for their regular menu is at that time; luckily a few of us got there before that time to put in orders in time. Drinks: - GF & Plum Soda $8.00: refreshing! would get this again - Flower Sour $17.00: my fave; slightly tart and fragrant - Baesuk White Negroni $17.00: barrel fragrant and like an old fashioned - Plum Martini $17.00: medicinal lol Food: - Aguachile $19.00: mid, imo. in kimchi broth so it has that fermented aftertaste. - Beef Short Ribs $49.00: yuuum. oh so tender but only 6 pieces. worth a try - Pork Spare Ribs $36.00: also super tender, 6 ribs. worth a try - Bluefin Tuna Bibimbap $29.00: a decent amt of tuna, i would get this again - Spicy Braised Black Cod $41.00: not very memorable, nor was it spicy. nice and flaky tho - Chilled Acorn Noodle $22.00: salty and lots of seaweed - Fried Chicken Wings $23.00: not oily and good flavor. crispy but wouldn't get again - Hotteok $16.00: came with a sake like ice cream and it was nice! worth a try Street parking is kinda tough on this side of Sawtelle, esp since it's across the popular sun nong dan

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    The Obscure Distillery

    The Obscure Distillery

    4.5
    (213 reviews)
    1.6 mi
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    Stepping into the venue felt like crossing a threshold into a world that operated on a different…read morewavelength--and honestly, it was exactly the shift I didn't know I needed. It wasn't your typical corner haunt. There was an intentionality here that turned a simple evening out into a genuine education. The curation of spirits was nothing short of impressive, but what set the experience apart was the conversation. I arrived knowing the difference between a glass and a bottle, but left with a newfound appreciation for the nuances of rum, the craftsmanship behind a smooth whiskey, and the unexpected complexities hidden within a well-made vodka. Each pour came with a story, a history, and a level of expertise that transformed every sip into a lesson. The atmosphere was the perfect anchor for it all--utterly chill and devoid of the frantic, forced energy you find elsewhere. It was the kind of place where the music sits at just the right volume and the lighting invites you to actually linger. It was refreshing to find a spot that treats its craft with such respect while keeping the vibe completely grounded. I walked out feeling a little more cultured and a lot more relaxed. Consider this my official notice: I'll definitely be back.

    My friends and I recently visited Obscure, and overall we had a great experience…read more First, the venue itself is absolutely beautiful. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've been transported somewhere else. Every room is thoughtfully designed, and the atmosphere is immersive and unlike anything we've experienced before. The storyteller was welcoming, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. I really enjoyed learning about the history of alcohol and the stories behind each tasting. The cocktails were definitely on the stronger side, but you could tell they were crafted with high-quality ingredients. Unfortunately, our experience was somewhat tainted by our hostess. She came across as impatient and unwelcoming, which set the tone early on. When we first entered, we were each handed a small glass of liquid, and then she immediately walked away without explaining what it was or what we were supposed to do with it. We assumed it was a welcome drink, so we all took a sip only to discover it was actually a palate cleanser. A little guidance would have gone a long way. The next room had a beautiful bayou-inspired setting. While the historical information was interesting, I found myself wishing the experience leaned more into the mystical or magical themes that the venue seems to promise. One thing worth mentioning is the restroom setup. I don't mind coed restrooms, but there was no signage explaining that the restroom is shared with two open stalls. Some guests may appreciate a heads-up, especially those who might feel uncomfortable or triggered by that arrangement. After the tastings, you're taken outside. A few of us stopped to use the restroom first, and when we returned, our friend had already left the table and all of our drinks had been cleared away. We were disappointed because we hadn't finished them. Our friend had been told she couldn't take the drinks with her, but when we returned we could take them outside. She was told that they'd be there when we got back. We were disappointed. The outdoor portion of the experience also felt a bit rushed. We barely had time to enjoy our drinks, let alone take photos of the beautiful space. The beignets at the end, however, were absolutely delicious and a highlight of the evening! Finally, we were escorted to the members-only bar, which was stunning. It gave off major Harry Potter vibes with its hidden, magical atmosphere. One of my friends was still finishing her drink on the patio since we couldn't legally walk on the sidewalk with it. Our hostess told us she'd come back for us but she never did. After waiting quite a while, another staff member happened to walk by and kindly helped us. Once inside, everything turned around again. The bartender was warm, friendly, and helped us choose drinks off the menu. I ordered the piña colada, and while it was much stronger and different from the traditional version I'm used to, it was absolutely delicious!!! Despite some service issues and inconsistent communication, I would still recommend Obscure. The concept is unique, the cocktails are excellent, and the venue is truly one of a kind. I'm hoping our hostess was simply having an off day, because with more attentive service, this experience could easily be five stars.

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    The Green Room

    The Green Room

    4.6
    (686 reviews)
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    We really enjoyed our Friday evening here! It's a beautiful bar/restaurant with quite the view of…read morethe surrounding area; the decor is open and upscale and it's great! The service was friendly and pleasant and prompt, and our food and wine were great. Absolutely will recommend and return!

    As a lover of speakeasies and craft cocktails, The Green Room has been on my list for a while. What…read morebetter time to go than on my anniversary! Echoing what everyone else has been saying - the service is SO slow. It was about 45 minutes before we were able to order our second drink and our water glasses were empty. They have so many runners bringing the drinks out but only a few servers and, from the looks of it, one bartender (on a Saturday night - what?!). The server was saying he was trying to find a manager to help out but they were nowhere to be found. Clearly management is fine with these service times since they're still making $$$. The drinks were delicious, and I loved that there were heaters on the patio (though they did get very hot at times). Our server was so kind and brought us a celebratory drink. I do wish there were more explanations with the beverages, especially for the Paid Vacation as most people will not realize you're supposed to bite into the buzz button for the tingly sensation. I would come back, but need some time for my wallet to recover first, haha!

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    Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt

    4.4
    (265 reviews)
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    Matt B. and I are living with my parents these days, and one of the benefits of this arrangement is…read morethat we can leave the house quite easily after the kids go to bed. We decided to get a drink to celebrate Father's Day, only to strike out at the first two bars we tried--I guess a lot of places are closed at 9:30 on a Sunday. This is how we ended up at Thunderbolt, a buzzy bar in Echo Park, just far enough away that we'd never made our way over. I loved it immediately. Thunderbolt has the friendly, comfortable atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and the hip aesthetic and high-level cocktails of a millennial boozer destination. (Not that young people can't or shouldn't hang out here, but it seems especially geared toward people like us, who drank at Walker Inn a decade ago.) We ended up sitting next to a guy who regularly drives up from Palos Verdes. I guess the place gets pretty busy, but it was ideal on a Sunday night. Happening but not crowded, with just enough space at the bar for us to grab two seats together. The bartender was great, super helpful and welcoming. He also made excellent drinks. Thunderbolt is one of those bars with an encyclopedic illustrated book for a menu. Not a long menu, just a detailed one, with a lot of information available about each drink. We got a Liquid Picnic and a Barcelonnette--just one round to close out the weekend. Both were delicious. The Liquid Picnic was a smooth, savory gin martini made with London dry gin, tomato, citron, vermouth, rosemary, and black pepper. I learned from the book that it used clarified tomato water. (There was also further reading about the clarification process.) The Barcelonnette was a mezcal sour with Suze, passionfruit, and lime, the foam made without egg white through some geeky mixologist process. Thunderbolt is not our neighborhood bar, but we plan to go back when we can to check out the rest of the menu. It's a wonderful place, well worth a jaunt on the freeway.

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    The Wolves

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    4.2
    (429 reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    This place is a lot smaller than what it looks like on Instagram but the cocktails are fantastic!…read moreWe sat at the bar and watched how they made the drinks. The drinks can definitely get a little pricy but they are definitely worth it. I think I had 3 cocktails and 2 shots but everything was delicious as well as strong. Its a beautiful interior with an upstairs that I didn't get to check out but overall a very classy, old fashioned place. I would definitely come back here just for the drinks.

    This stunning Parisian saloon-style bar has been in my radar for quite some time. I was excited to…read moreattend an event here featuring mixologists from Mexico City's acclaimed cocktail bar Form+Matter. FOMA is a highly regarded, experimental cocktail establishment that has earned a reputation for blending science & creativity to craft innovative drinks that challenge the senses. Prepare to be in awe when you enter The Wolves. The elegant décor did not disappoint and the stained glass ceiling is amazing. The private event featured FOMA's top mixologist working alongside some of The Wolve's mixologists. I tried one of FOMA's signature libations - Isla Bonita (Milagro Reposado, Vanilla, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Lemon, & Milk). In addition to one of The Wolves specialty cocktails - Jamaiquita (Milagro Blanco, Hibiscus, Pineapple, Cinnamon, Basil, & soda). Both drinks were expertly crafted, perfectly balanced, and a delight on the palate. Since it was a party there was live entertainment and delicious food from the kitchen that was served buffet style in the charming loft area. I'm glad I finally got to check this place out and am looking forward to coming back. *Metered street parking or nearby lots.

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    Library Bar - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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