Happy Hour Hop: Downtown

Downtown LA has been undergoing a renaissance of sorts for some time now.  What was once nothing more than something to stare at while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic en route to the Staples Center is now a major destination in its own right.  Navigating the rush-hour gridlock to get there, however, can be a nightmare.  So, if you don’t work downtown, we suggest you ditch out early one day this week (Summer Tuesdays?) and make the journey truly worthwhile by partaking in the Downtown edition of our BGG Happy Hour Hop: 

Drago Centro:  Though technically not considered a “happy hour” since the deals are available all day, we couldn’t bear the thought of excluding Drago Centro’s bar menu offerings from this list.  Discounted items include $5 - $8 specialty cocktails that pack a lot of punch and $4 - $10 sizable snacks.  We especially love the I Due Kobe Hamburgers ($6) and La Pizza al Pesto ($5).  When we’re feeling fancy, we pair the Park Avenue cocktail ($5) with the truffle-laced Il Calzone ai Funghi e Tartufo ($10).

When to get happy: 11 a.m. - Close, Monday - Friday; 5 p.m. - Close, Saturday and Sunday
Address/Phone: 525 S. Flower Street, (213) 228-8998

Chaya Downtown:  Another all-night, every-night happy hour...in the same building?  Where have you been all our lives, Downtown LA?  Chaya offers $7 cocktails,  $6 wine, and $4 beer, but it’s the food (for once) that really gets us happy at Chaya.  Sushi rolls range from $4 - $7, and signature appetizers, such as the Kobe Beef Short Rib Melt and the Jalapeno Ponzu Fish ‘n’ Chips, range from $6 - $12.

When to get happy: 4 p.m. - Close, Monday - Friday; 5 p.m. - Close, Saturday - Sunday
Address/Phone: 525 S. Flower Street, (213) 236-9577

Library Bar:  To mourn the slow and painful death of actual libraries, we prefer to pour one out for our hardcover homies over at the Library Bar.  We’ve read (the happy hour menu) extensively, and would like to include the $4 beers along with the $5 margaritas, Library Lemonades, Grapefruit Greyhounds, and cosmos to our report for your review.  It’s important to note that there are no food items included on this menu, so we suggest you study up on the hazards of an all-liquid diet (and/or eat something) before you go. 

When to get happy: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday 
Address/Phone: 630 W. 6th Street, (213) 614-0053

Mas Malo:  This downtown version of the Silver Lake resto offers the same killer happy hour as its OG counterpart.  During “Hora Feliz,” house margaritas and well drinks are $5, and El Valientes (cans of Tecate with a shot of Milagro Silver) are $6. The $2 fried tacos should help balance out your tequila intake -- or at least that’s how we think basic nutrition works.  

When to get happy: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., daily 
Address/Phone: 515 W. 7^th Street, (213) 985-4332

Seven Grand:  Seven Grand’s proximity to Mas Malo (they share an awning, in fact) ensures you’ll miss nary a minute between sips on this particular hop.  Look for a $5 classic cocktail list and $4 rotating beer specials, and be sure to toast downtown LA for making your happy hour hop so convenient! 

When to get happy:  5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Wednesday; 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday - Friday 
Address/Phone: 515 W. 7th Street, (213) 614-0737

Broadway Bar:  Make your stop at Broadway Bar a quick one, unless you’re interested in a little clubbin’ -- this spot’s atmosphere pulls a quick-change maneuver when the sun goes down.  Grab a $3 beer, or a cocktail discounted by $2, and knock it back fast: happy hour is definitely over when Broadway Bar fills up with short skirts and long lines.

When to get happy: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday - Friday
Address/Phone: 830 South Broadway (213) 614-9909

The Perch:  Even the seediest areas of DTLA twinkle from this altitude, and everything just tastes better when consumed with a view.  The long list of appetizers discounted to $4 - $10 during Apertif Hour include Individual Sliders or Mini Hotdogs for $2.50, Baked Brie for $6, and -- our fave -- Truffle Mac ‘n' Cheese for $9. Savor the view -- and the bites -- with bubbly and your choice of Liqueur in $6 Royales, or opt for $7 cocktails, $6 wine, or $5 beer.

When to get happy: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday
Address/Phone: 448 S. Hill Street, (213) 802-1770

The Gorbals:  We vehemently protest the recall of The Gorbals late-night happy hour, but our boycott can only extend so far when regular happy hour offers wine and beer at half-off. Although food is full-price, the $7 Bacon-Wrapped Matzoh Balls are a must.  

When to get happy:  6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday 
Address/Phone: 501 S. Spring Street, (213) 488-3408

The Edison:  Our flirtation with The Edison happy hour began with a sampling of their dinner offerings for under $10 at the bar. Our affection grew while enjoying drinks discounted by 40% in the industrial chic space that maintains much of the original architecture and mechanics from its days as a power plant. And finally, it blossomed into true love when we at long last enjoyed the 35-cent cocktails offered on Thursdays with the purchase of another cocktail. 

When to get happy: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesday - Friday 
Address/Phone: 108 W. 2nd Street, (213) 613-0000

Little Bear:  We have a hard time considering something to be a happy hour if it doesn’t involve booze, but the teetotalers among us might want to make note of the fact that Little Bear’s happy hour includes 50% off select appetizers. 

When to get happy: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m, Monday - Friday
Address/Phone: 1855 Industrial Street, (213) 622-8100

Lazy Ox Canteen: This spot has been a favorite of ours since it opened.  If we could make it to the restaurant before 7 p.m. every single day for $5 small plates and $3 drinks, we would.  

When to get happy: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Friday
Address/Phone: 241 S. San Pedro Street, (213) 626-5299

written by Caila Ball