As one of the world’s cultural and artistic centers, Los Angeles, in addition to breathtaking modern architecture and popular fashion trends, also has many retro bars quietly standing in the streets and alleys of this city, carrying the style and feelings of the last century. From old jazz bars to charming 1930s-style bars, each bar is like a time machine, taking you back to those classic times.
There are many classic retro bars in Los Angeles. Visit these places where time flies, taste the taste of history, and feel how those popular classic styles are rejuvenated today.
1. The Edison: A luxurious bar back to the 1920s
Bar Overview
The Edison is a retro bar located in downtown Los Angeles, like a time capsule, taking you back to the luxurious world of the 1920s. The bar is located in the basement of a former power plant. The original industrial style is combined with luxurious decoration to create a unique charm. The lights here are dim, and the retro metal elements are intertwined with early electrical equipment, as if traveling back to the industrial revolution in the early 20th century.
The bar is known for its exquisite cocktails and intoxicating atmosphere. It is one of the most historic bars in Los Angeles. When you enter the bar, you will see bartenders wearing retro clothes, as well as beautifully decorated old-fashioned bar counters and original electrical equipment, which are very visually impactful. Edison hosts jazz and classical music performances every week, full of retro charm.
Bar Features
Environmental atmosphere: Retro industrial style, dim lights, nostalgic music, and retro decorations make people feel like traveling back to Los Angeles in the 1920s.
Signature cocktails: Such as “Current” cocktails (Current), “Old Fashioned” cocktails (Old Fashioned), etc. These classic drinks are reinterpreted with modern innovation and traditional flavors.
Transportation route
Edison is located in downtown Los Angeles and has very convenient transportation. You can choose to take the subway red line and get off at the “7th Street/Metro Center” station and walk to it. You can also choose to take a taxi or use a shared travel service (such as Uber or Lyft).
Reservation Platform and Cost
Edison usually does not require reservations, but if you want to reserve VIP seats or participate in special events, you can make reservations through third-party platforms such as “OpenTable” or “Resy”. Drinks here usually cost between $10 and $20, depending on the wine list and the type of cocktail you choose.
2. The Varnish: An ideal bar for jazz fans
Bar Overview
The Varnish is a secret bar located underground in downtown Los Angeles, full of mid-20th century jazz music and retro style. The entrance to the bar is very secret, hidden inside a restaurant called “Cole’s”. When you enter here, you will instantly feel a private and warm atmosphere. The design of The Varnish is inspired by the bars of the 1940s, low-key luxury, elegant and full of history.
At The Varnish, you can enjoy a very professional bartending experience. The bartenders here are very skilled, and every cocktail in this bar is an art. The bar’s classic cocktails, such as “Negroni” and “Pisco Sour”, are regarded by many as first-class works.
Bar Features
Environmental atmosphere: black leather sofas, dim lights, retro decorations and melodious jazz music give people an extremely comfortable retro feeling.
Signature cocktails: Each cocktail has a sense of history. The Varnish is famous for its “classic cocktails”, especially “Old Cuban” and “Varnish Mule”.
Transportation route
The Varnish is located in Cole’s restaurant in the city center. Take the subway to “7th Street/Metro Center” station and walk to it. You can also take a taxi or taxi service, which is very convenient.
Reservation platform and cost
Although The Varnish does not require reservations, there will be a lot of people in the bar on weekends or during peak hours. If you want to ensure a seat, you can make a reservation through “Resy” or “OpenTable”. The price of cocktails is about 14 to 20 US dollars, depending on the alcohol you order.
3. Tiki-Ti: The perfect fusion of tropical style and retro cocktails
Bar Overview
Tiki-Ti is a retro bar located in the East District of Los Angeles, which is a perfect combination of tropical style and retro culture. Since its opening in 1961, this bar has been famous for its exotic cocktails. The bar’s unique decoration style is a mix of Caribbean style and Hawaiian elements. The walls are covered with coconut trees, colorful decorative paintings and retro bar supplies, giving people a warm and leisurely atmosphere.
Tiki-Ti’s signature cocktails “Mai Tai” and “Zombie” are widely acclaimed, and it is also one of the representatives of tropical bar culture. If you like the wonderful mix of fancy cocktails and tropical fruits, Tiki-Ti is undoubtedly a must-go place.
Bar Features
Environment and atmosphere: The colorful tropical style is combined with retro bar culture, full of exotic atmosphere.
Signature cocktails: “Mai Tai” and “Zombie” are the signature drinks here, with rich taste and full flavor.
Transportation route
Tiki-Ti is located in the East District of Los Angeles, about 20 minutes’ drive from the city center. You can choose to take a taxi or a shared travel service, and the taxi fare is about 15 to 20 US dollars.
Booking Platform and Cost
Since the bar is relatively small, you usually have to wait in line, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the line, you can reserve a seat by phone. Cocktails cost about $12 to $18.
4. Clifton’s Republic: A retro bar that travels through the era of classic movies
Bar Overview
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Clifton’s Republic is a historic bar known for its huge decoration and retro atmosphere. The interior design of the bar is inspired by the bar culture of the early 20th century, with large-scale natural elements and the decorative style of early American bars. The forest theme design here makes people feel like they are in the depths of the forest. The heavy wooden decorations, bright plants and retro lights create a mysterious and nostalgic atmosphere.
Clifton’s is not just a bar, it also has a wealth of dining and entertainment venues, attracting a large number of tourists and local residents. The bar’s classic cocktails such as “Manhattan” and “Tom Collins” are the most popular drinks in the bar.
Bar Features
Environmental atmosphere: The forest theme decoration and retro bar design make people feel like they have entered a fantasy world full of a sense of the times.
Signature cocktails: “Manhattan” and “Tom Collins” are very popular, and the classic taste is unforgettable.
Transportation route
Clifton’s Republic is located on Broadway Street in downtown Los Angeles, with very convenient transportation. You can take the subway to the “Pershing Square” station and then walk to it. You can also choose to take a taxi or share travel services.
Booking platform and cost
Seats at Clifton’s Republic usually do not need to be reserved, but if you want to experience a special scene or have a large group, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance through “OpenTable”. The price of cocktails is generally between $10 and $15.
5. Seven Grand: The perfect collision of retro and modern
Bar Overview
Seven Grand is a classic bar in downtown Los Angeles. It combines retro and modern elements to bring you a unique drinking experience. The decoration in the bar is full of history, and the wooden bar counter, low-key lighting, and high-end wine display all exude the charm of a retro bar. At the same time, Seven Grand also provides very modern cocktails and a diverse wine list to meet the needs of all kinds of drinkers.
Bar Features
Environmental atmosphere: The combination of old wooden decoration and modern wine list creates a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Signature cocktails: “Whiskey Sour” and “Old Fashioned” are classic choices here.
Transportation route
Seven Grand is located in downtown Los Angeles, just a few minutes’ walk from the “7th Street/Metro Center” subway station. Taxis and shared travel services are also very convenient.
Booking platform and cost
Seven Grand recommends making seat reservations through “Resy”, especially during peak weekend hours. Cocktails are generally priced between $12 and $18, suitable for drinkers with different budgets.
Through the retro bars in Los Angeles, you can get a deep understanding of the city’s unique bar culture. From luxurious bars full of industrial style to warm bars with tropical atmosphere, each bar has its own history and unique story. These bars are not only places to taste classic cocktails, but also spaces where history and culture are intertwined. You will feel the atmosphere of the mid-20th century here, and the retro decorations and music make people feel like traveling back to that golden age.
Each bar has its own unique personality. For example, some bars retain the traditional decorations of the past, combined with jazz and classic bartending techniques, giving people a feeling of going back in time. If you are a fan of retro culture, these classic bars in Los Angeles will give you an unparalleled experience. They are the perfect place for you to understand the history of Los Angeles bars and explore bar culture.
