As I was doom scrolling, I saw an influencer state that even if someone did not enjoy soccer the World Cup only happens 4 times a year, and thus one should experience the noise and loud of a famed soccer game a la LA. I am not a sports fan but I do enjoy experience and raucous, and thus I decided to immerse myself in foreign territory: an octane Watch party. Of course there was no shortage of venues to see the FIFA games. But I went to Mal's bar to participate in two Mexico game viewings. I am not sure how I decided to visit Mal's Bar, but I was glad I did. It was the perfect combination for me: a strong party without the promise of intense desmadre/pandemonium. I saw that on television and although it seemed fun, if I were there I think I would have been scared by the intensity of the wild and unrelenting partying. This is not a chic place, thus do not expect valet. As soon, as I entered I was part of the crowd, due to lack of space, not my ability to blend in with people effortlessly. But honestly, for me that was part of the fun. I know that most of the time, people do not want to be a sardine in a packed canned. But here we were not sardines in packed cane, we were sardines in a cramped aquarium but we were alive, the oils of our bodies lubricated against each other in the name of a good time. And that filled me with joy, up to my gills! Thus this place is not spacious, and it was less spacious due to the crowd. I am not sure how it would be on a regular Saturday but I imagine less crowded, but still packed. On my first visit, I had a mango margarita. And I think I shot myself in the mouth when I ordered. I told the bartender I want a margarita but not with well tequila. He named the other tequilas, and I did not really understand their levels of quality so I told him I was looking to spend 25.00 dollars. I wanted taste that I could stomach because well tequilas usually have a back taste that my taste buds interpret as liquid fire. So he named a top shelf tequila and I asked how much is that, and he said 25.00 dollars. This is where the boom came to my mouth, not because of the quality taste of the margarita but because I had upsold myself. Especially, since when I went the second time to Mal's I ordered a well tequlila Mango Margarita and I could not tell the difference between the first and the second. The first time I went and Mexico scored I experienced the gift of a new experience: Being inside of a scream. When the Mexico team scored the blast of screams, and bullhorns, and other amped up voices swirled all around me. My body buzzed, my skin heard the noise and shivered. I did not expect that. It was off putting in a wonderful way, like feeling a winter's nip on the ears first time--- frosty but it reminds one that they are alive and able to feel! After that I went outside to settle my skin, and I could not come back. I was too shaken, just a little. The second time I went the energy was higher. Mexico advanced and thus its fans were more invested. As I saw the game with other fans, more devoted fans, I braced myself for the yell of a score. But this time, I did not just experience the yell of the score, I heard and felt different emotions: anticipation at near scores, disappointment when these did not come to pass, and the crowd just being present with the game. For instance, when Mexicans were called to make noise, the crowd went wild with national pride. When Ecuador were called to make noise, the boos were present, and not offensive in nature. They were still good sportsmanship just veiled in smack talking. When Mexico scored the yell I was afraid of came, but this time, I joined in the fun and excitement and the jumping and my own participation in the scream of celebration diffuse the anxiety that I received when I did not jump for a score. Mexico scored twice during the Ecuador game and I was in line for the restroom when it happened. I was able to catch a brief video of the celebration, which meant that I was not inside the scream but viewing it. It was a better way for me to enjoy it, at least for me. The DJ or promoter did an excellent job. During half time show the Reggeton beats dropped. And people started to dance but not fully, and he came on and he said with street confidence, "this is a party" encourage all of us to treat this as a club situation. Thus, people tried to meet people. There was a girl who was trying to meet a boy. The boy was talking to me. The girl was pulling him to get his attention. I fully expected for him to part from me because a girl was calling, so I was bracing myself for an abrupt end to the conversation. Yet he dislodged his hand from hers and she got the message. I told him how I much I respected his actions and decision. He then told me, "that will always be there," and then he said "watch" and went to hit on another girl. I was flabbergasted! He had a sure thing but continued searching. So both times I saw and experienced something new! read more

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30+ years of frequenting this local bar, it's ar a great location and very close to everything in Downtown Los Angeles. Many great varieties of cocktails and beers...Mr. Sevilla is the life of Mal's and has always served this community with great service and beautiful murals for decades. read more

We had so much fun!!! Great bartenders, joyful clientele--all ages. We had a blast...happy hour & we went to our concert at the Shrine Auditorium and came back for a nightcap! read more

Mal's Bar - From a seat at the bar... - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here after a concert to have a few drinks parking is street parking so park at your own risk we go in place is cool seems like a chill spot I Order a Red Bull and Belvedere vodka I get it and if has this funny smell and taste almost like cheese I could not drink it so I asked for a cranberry n vodka and the same thing not sure if their lines are dirty But it tasted bad so I dumped it and it kinda killed my vibe so we left probably won't be back read more

We've been to Mals Bar a couple of times now to watch Dodgers games. The vibe is super chill and everyone gets into the game. I do have to drop one star only because they don't serve any food besides popcorn. You can bring in your own food or have something delivered, which helps, but if they served food this would easily be one of our new favorite spots. Go Dodgers! read more

Vibes are great here. Drinks are really good and descent prices for the quality of drinks. Street parking is available and no entrance fee. Make sure you eat prior to coming they don't offer food and there isn't anything around to buy. read more

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I was in the mood for a new bar so I tried Mals bar on Hill and 24 it's in a dark area of Downtown LA so if you are Afraid of the dark or the Night Crawlers this is not the place for you but it felt like home to me with 7 dollar well drinks Free Popcorn with hot sauce if that is your thing and 3 dollar hotdogs. They also have one pool table flat screen tvs through out the location, there are tables outside to eat drink and socialize., there is also a jukebox with the latest music., so if you are looking for a place in Downtown for a drink I recommend you try Mals and the bartender is very accommodating read more

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Just south of DTLA in a low key quieter area, just a block away from LATC. Chill dive bar, well maintained with indoor and outdoor seating. Cocktails and beers are cheap and reasonable. No frills here, stiff well drinks and macro beers. The bartenders are quick and the vibe is pleasant. Easy to find street parking. We had a blast for Smiths/Morrissey night. I will definitely be back. read more

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Spent $100 on drinks and the Puto bartender wanted $3 for a Coca Cola. HORRIBLE. Not a sports bar music over NFL on a Thursday. $30 buckets...trash. Mal can't be a brother. Oh old was $3 hotdogs if you're starving read more

I love this place every 1 weekend of the month they have a goth night purgatory great music people it's a chill hang out no hater feel and if you want a good vibe goth night this is where to go , they also have a smiths night check for nights at mals bar read more

Came in on a Tuesday night. Pretty chill spot! Drinks are very reasonable. Bartender had a nice pour. There is a pool table and plenty of space. read more

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Came in really looking forward to this Bar based on the reviews. Apparently they do not have a DJ every Saturday, It is a nice Bar and good if you come with a big crowd because is not busy. read more

Chill bar, but always seeming to open later than advertised. I guess they feel they got it like that. Maybe need new management!

Drinks are great. Prices are the best!! I love to start my night at this bar when I go out.

Ben coming here for years. And it's always a great time at Mals Bar. This is an older Crowd. So the feel is different. No drama. Just dancing drinks and a good time. read more

This place is in such a random spot I did not think it would be cool. However, after going inside, I was surprised. There's plenty of space and a decent amount of tables. I watched a Lakers game here and there was a good crowd. I actually ended up going back a couple of days later. Beers are decently priced and you get free popcorn haha Definitely check it out if you don't feel like going into dtla. read more

Good service and a cool dive bar. Definitely recommend... good ambiance and friendly people! read more

Mal's Bar - Came to watch the Laker game and the bartender is nice and attentive! I recommend Mal's to anyone wanting to come. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We came in for Thursday night football, the galaxy vs lafc playoff game, baseball playoffs, and Clippers vs Lakers (home opener) all happening at the same time. Cool place, great drink selection, popcorn, friendly bartender. We were having a great time. But, by half time of the Lakers game we realized someone had completely, unnecessarily taken over the juke box and pumped like 39 slow, sad, country songs IN A ROW. It was THE DEFINITION OF A COMPLETE BUZZ KILL. There's literally 4 epic sporting events going on on the 4 TVs. And just THE SADDEST COUNTRY MUSIC BLARING in your ears. I understand like up to 3 songs in a row, but don't bogart the juke box dude, if you want to listen to luke bryan on repeat, do that at home. As staff you have to retake control of the jukebox/music when that happens and save the vibe. We talked to one of the other regulars and they said "oh yeah this happens all the time." I'll come back because it was a good experience up to that point... great TVs and pool table, and there is nothing else like it in the area. But my girl says she can't come back after the music killed the experience. Come on... the slow country music in an LA sports bar-- We're all Dodger fans here, and someone is making us feel like we're in Houston, Texas with the music, that's not right. We were going to stay for the second half for another drink or two, but we couldn't take the 16th Luke Bryan song in a row and we left. You got to take control of the music by the 10th straight song that nobody is vibing to other than 2 people in the whole bar. read more

Great service is amusing! I found this place a few months ago and I loveeeee it!! Great services by all staff! read more

Mal's Bar - Great service! Love this place! - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Attended a cover charge event with DJ. We stayed about 4 hours and had a great time. The sound and lighting were great! The patrons were in good spirits and friendly. Bartenders did great with service. The bar itself is clean and decor is warm. read more

Friendly service and great vibe! Would definitely come back again. It was an awesome night.

Love Mals been coming here for years. Always a great time . Place has been remodeled and is even better now than before.

I went to the bar area and waited for the bar tender to finish serving another customers drink. When they were done another groups of people came in who seemed to be regulars. The bar tender proceeded to ignore my boyfriend and I and went ahead and served those people first. This was the second time my boyfriend brought me to this bar as he use to be a regular there. I don't know how you operate business if this is normal to you guys or you give preference to friends but I found it rude. read more

Cover charge for a half empty bar on a Saturday night absolutely a bad start to my experience, bar is not big but not small,different crowds came in for the night, dance floor was actually Vibing for moments of the night, bathrooms are small so lines might be an issue on a busy night. Bartenders was attentive wouldn't say polite but didn't expect them to be. Will definitely come back the set up is nice seems like a chill place for a beer on any random night ... but COVER CHARGE to a half empty bar isn't leaving a good impression. read more

I don't know where to begin with the horrible experience I had here. First, my friend suggested this as something new so we tried it out on a Saturday night. When we walked up to the front door there was a cover charge of $8 dollars. We immediately decided to go somewhere else. The bouncer, trying his best after we decided to try elsewhere convinced us to stay...For a $5 dollar cover charge instead. When we decided why not because we were already there... it was cash only at the door and no atm in the vicinity. They let us in only after charging the cover to my tab. However, the bouncer/front door service insisted FOUR times if we had done so and didn't believe us. We didn't stay long after the 20 miniutes of bothersome bouncer. Drinks were made poorly. Service by the bartenders was slow. Crowd didnt have a pleasent vibe. The neighborhood is sketchy to say the least. Dont try this bar! read more

I have a bit of a problem. See, I'm from what many people consider the "ghetto" (aka Montebello). Thing is, I'm from the northside...the good side...and therefore, I'm kinda of a snobby bitch about things. This paradoxical situation lends itself to be rather confusing for those dealing with me. Basically, I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll. Which is why I kinda like Mal's but kinda don't at the same time. You see, they have good musical guests. Latin music bands, DJs who know all the best Rock en Espanol songs, the type of music that makes my little Montebello corazon go bum bum bum. Most of the people who I've talked to there are friendly and sweet. But then that snobby bitch side shows up and fucks it all up. Some of the chairs are so rickety that if my ample booty sat in them, they would fall to pieces. There tends to be a sizable amount of very drunk locos in the house. The sound system leaves a lot to be desired. But that all pales in comparison to my number one bougie bitch fit. They don't have ginger ale. Which is fine...except when I order my drink, a Makers and Ginger, rather than tell me, "Sorry chica, no hay ginger ale" I get this horrific concoction of sprite mixed with cola. Ew. But if I said I didn't dig this place I'd be lying. I'll just have to teeter on that paradox of ghetto and bougie and order a Makers and Coke instead. read more

The cover is usually minimal. The bartenders SUCK!!!!!!!!! It takes way too long to get a drink and when you do, it's not even potent. But, whenever I go to Mal's it's to see friends perform...Santos de Los Angeles, Latin Flavors, etc...so it's always fun thanks to them... read more

Mal's Bar - Always a good time @ Mal's - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Mal's Cafe is in DTLA, but a little bit on the outskirts. This means you will actually find street parking. ^_^ Cute little bar with an industrial feel. Saw some cover bands play there. Sound system was decent for a bar. Would go there to see live music again. read more

I had an absolute blast here, and you should too! Why? $5 for bottles, $6 for draughts. Other drinks are also really cheap. Like other people have said: the polished divey atmosphere Billiards is free and the pool shooting shimmy sheisters are friendly and will even give you advice if you are a horrendous at pool The popcorn machine The 80s music! There was a mashup of Kraftwerk and Grandmaster Flash that was fuego The service, fast and friendly. These guys want you to come back and they'll make sure you have a good time! The jury-rigged beer garden outside The murals painted on the warehouses adjacent to this lil watering hole Last, but not least, the clientele! They never judge and they are always quick with a joke. read more

Pretty good place to come and listen to live bands..Area is pretty grungy, but you can tell, remodel is underway. Came here last night with Geneva W. and some friends to listen to this Smiths cover band Louder than Bombs. Atomsphere was chill, service at the counter was fast, and oh they have the cutest bartender..Forgot her name, but she knows who she is. Places looks really nice and open, ever since the remodel. Restrooms were very clean. Would definitely go back...$4 buck Henie's. Cant beat that. read more

Came here for their happy hour in the afternoon. Prices were decent, I believe it was $4 for a pint for draft beer, They had on draft their own house brand hef, sierra nevada pale ale, fat tire and some blue moon. Cocktails started at $6 with a decent pour, although they didn't have lime juice for a gimlet the guy substituted for fresh lemon juice... It's in a rather incongruous place in the middle of a bunch of warehouses, but inside it's not too shabby. The place was practically empty when we went in but then again it was like 3pm. There seems to be shows here because there's a sign that tells people " NO MOSHING! NO SLAM DANCING!" ...... maybe it's a punk rock or metal place. Not bad, it's near USC, so if you want to go to a happy hour and it's not 4pm yet, you can go here instead of the 901 bar. read more

Cool spot, spacious, great service, Dodgers & live music. Will be returning for sure! read more

Mal's Bar - Dodgers on the TV - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Nice little joint for a drink after work, quick game of billiards or even when they feature upcoming community bands.

Cool little hole in the wall bar in South LA. This is one of those bars where you can hang out and relax with friends and listen to the state of the art jukebox, or play a few rounds of Pool. Good spot to catch Monday Night Football, it does not get super packed. * Friendly staff * Great drinks * Plenty of street parking * Bands on Friday & Saturday nights * Cool mixed crowd * Beer specials, hot dogs, and chips & salsa on Mondays read more

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If I can give it a zero I woUld, this place sucks. It's in the middle of nowhere and they have the audacity to charge 10$ cover charge. To top it all I waited 10 minutes to get a drink and I wasn't properly served, left after the incident and now to never return to this awful place ever again. read more

Great place to grab drinks with friends Always a great time. Bartenders are courteous and respectful, very professional.

A very Easy going atmosphere very fun it is a great local watering hole for the everyday joe also caterers to the the occasional club atmosphere honestly "i wish they had more night like that" but cool place period read more

Ghetto bar has a cover charge . Be careful when you leave your tab open !!! They will add drinks to your tab . This is the second time they added random drinks to my tab . So I kept track of my drinks once I closed it I noticed they added the drinks that my friend had paid for in cash to my tab . Fucking thieves. read more

If you want to go to a place where a bald, a**hole bartender will be rude to you, leaving you waiting, bill in hand, for 20+ min to order a drink and after he rudely asks "what you want?!" then gives you attitude about the drink you want, then by all means this is the place for you!!!!!! And no, I am not used to fancy, upscale bars. I'm a dive-bar kind of gal and this, by far, has offered me the worst service and treatment ever. My friends and I miraculously managed to get 1 drink each and left to NEVER COME BACK. read more

...what you're Mama gave ya. We've all been there before... You know: "Yeah, sure I'll go." "Where is it?" "Wait, what? "Where's it located?" "Yeah, ok, I'll go." Sometimes it works out and sometimes, well, you'll probably never go back again...for whatever reason. My time happened about a month ago and Mal's Cafe was the destination. I went to see Very Be Careful play and if you know anything about the band, you know that the females love them. VBC playing = myriad girls around shaking dat ass. Sooooo, onto the review... Mal's is in a section of town I don't regularly frequent. South Los Angeles. Yes, the area where the bar is located is a little seedy, but there is plenty of parking and if you get there when most people are arriving, around 10pm or so, there should be other people around looking for parking as well. So, no need to worry. Anyway, Mal's Cafe is a rather refreshing bar/ club. By refreshing, I mean, that it's an incredibly well run establishment. From the moment you arrive til you've had your last drink or dance, Mal's Cafe does it right...top to bottom. Let's start with the doormen. Professional, friendly and completely chill. While they do search you at the door it's just a simple pat down and not a TSA-like frisk. Immediately to the right of the doormen, is the smoking area where one can get their cancer on. It has a few tables and chairs where you can enjoy your cigarette. As you walk into the place itself, the bar is straight back, there's a pool table to the left and the dance floor/ stage is to the right. It's a good sized bar with a medium sized dance floor and a pretty small stage. The building itself is good sized and, I guess, could probably fit 100 people comfortably. The bartender's are all incredibly friendly and professional. All of them, which a lot of times is a rare experience now-a-days. They were quick with the drink orders and attentive at your approach to the bar. Like most bars, they had both hard liquor and beer. Not sure if they had wine, but it's safe to assume they did. I remember there being quite a decent collection of Mexican beers. Definitely not your craft beer type venue, but they got in where they fit in. What was also very cool, literally, is that when the music was going and the people were dancing, at no time did the place get muggy and hot. The A/C was going and the temperature was comfortable. That alone was surprising and welcomed. Needless to say, the show was a success and I even got to cut a rug to a few songs. If the opportunity presents itself, I would definitely go back. read more