The Best Reverse Happy Hours in Los Angeles
Many restaurant happy hours in Los Angeles have taken on whole new style. No longer is it considered a time to get "not very interesting cheap eats"— rather, if you choose your destination carefully, you may very well find some favorite dishes at a lower price. A number of restaurants are now shaking up the traditional happy hour model with a twist, adding late night happy hours to the mix. Although some fall late in the evening, others could very well replace a meal at a more reasonable time. With that in mind, check out some stellar "reverse" happy hours that will appeal to every taste.
Bar Ama
Super Nacho Hour reigns at Bar Amá, Josef Centeno’s Tex-Mex-inspired eatery in Downtown L.A. Available at the bar only Monday to Friday from 10 p.m. to close, small plate offerings run $5 to $7 and include: Super Nachos of course, done three ways—vegan, vegetarian, and carnivorous (chorizo); guacamole and chips; bean and cheese quesadilla; chicken or fried Kielbasa tacos; short rib taquitos; and the classic Nana’s Frito Pie done with a Centeno twist. Drinks range from $4 for a Negra Modelo to a $5 Michelada and $9 for a glass of wine or a Margarita.
Barbrix
Sunday through Thursday, the wine bar at this sleek, cozy Silver Lake restaurant with a lovely patio is the place to be from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For $3 to $4 a plate, enjoy a late night tete-a-tete sharing shoestring French fries topped with a fried egg; blistered shishito peppers; cantimpalitos (roasted, tiny Spanish sausages with Dijon mustard dip); fried calamari; and market radishes. High roll it with the $7 pork belly bao or the Barbrix burgers and fries for $8. On Monday nights, get oysters from $1. Then sip away on select wines by the glass at half-price.
Bodega Wine Bar - Santa Monica
With locations in Santa Monica and Pasadena, this intimate wine bar/lounge serves late night happy hour fare Sunday to Thursday from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Enjoy $3 beers, $5 wine, and $6 soju drinks. The food specials will quickly cure any late night munchies with bruschetta and olive tapenade, hummus with pita and roasted potatoes for $6; or a margherita, pepperoni, or mushroom pizza for $8. Special events run nightly, including game night on Sundays and tacos on Tuesday.
Crossroads Kitchen
Acclaimed chef-author Tal Ronnen’s Melrose Avenue restaurant is the antithesis of what most people associate with a plant-based establishment. Stylish, sophisticated and trendsetting, Crossroads attracts a wide range of palates. The Late Night Bar Menu ($3 to $12) is served daily from 10 p.m. to close and changes seasonally. Expect specialties such as the ever-popular “meatball” pizza, buffalo maitake mushrooms with house bleu cheese, or the irresistible old school sundae with hot fudge and butterscotch cashew praline. Imbibe on cocktails like the Dirty Deeds (tequila, curacao, orange bitters) for $8; wine by the glass for $8; and $5 beer. Elevate it all with beer and a shot of whiskey for $10.
Jones Hollywood
For more than two decades, this West Hollywood fixture has blended rock 'n' roll and vintage Hollywood into a buzzy, classic Italian restaurant with red and white checkered tablecloths, booths, and celebrity photos covering the walls. The late night Beggars Banquet menu is available Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hearty eats include pasta Bolognese and spaghetti pomodoro ($9.50), pizzas for $7.50, and a classic Caesar salad ($6.50). The house cab and chardonnay is $5.50 a glass, while beer is a steal for $4.50. Specialty cocktails like the Dirty Sue, Keith Moon, Go-Go, and Groupie are served up for $8.50.
Mohawk Bend
A good time will be had by all at this very coolly designed hipster-brewpub in Echo Park that serves up locally-sourced seasonal cuisine with choices for carnivores and vegans alike. You can’t beat a choice of 15 personal pizzas, including Banh Mi pepperoni and the new Angry Vegan, or snacks such as nachos, house-made chips and dips, and garlic herb twists. Beer and cocktails range from $4.75 to $8 and wine is $2 off a glass. It all happens Sunday to Thursday from 10-11:30 pm; and Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Tipsy Cow
With two locations in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills, this self-described “urban eating house” specializes in gourmet burgers, brew, craft cocktails, and some interesting small plates for good measure. The late night menu is offered daily from 10 p.m. to close—and might be one of the best deals in town. Favorite eats and drinks run $4 to $6, and include: Tipsy Burgers served on mini-brioche buns; short rib cheesesteak, beef tacos, smoked wings, basil hummus, deviled eggs, buffalo blue haystack fries, buffalo cauliflower, and the Drive-Through Burger. On the libations side, sip well drinks, wine, beer and select cocktails, such as the Tipsy Mule and an Old Fashioned.
Yamashiro
Yamashiro's regal presence looms large: 250 feet over Hollywood with panoramic views. What could be more perfect - or so very L.A. - than a nightcap or a late night bite at this iconic restaurant? The popular Lucky 7 Happy Hour is available Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to closing in the restaurant's indoor lounge. The $7 menu includes craft cocktails, sushi, and light Asian fusion dishes. These bites include ahi poke, crispy chicken, salt and pepper fried calamari, and banana leaf baked pork spring rolls, as well as truffle hamachi, spicy tuna crispy rice, pistachio salmon, and the "Reclining Buddha." Vegans will enjoy marinated grilled vegetable skewers with peanut sauce, teriyaki tofu and vegetables, and steamed vegetable dumplings. Specialty cocktails include the refreshing "Japanese Slipper" and "100 Year Mai Tai," along with red and white wine, prosecco and draft beer.