50 Best Bars near Altadena

“Great neighborhood hangout, as the name implies. Inside there’s a cool cocktail bar, but my favorite is the dog-friendly outdoor patio, a chill spot to hang out with your friends, dog, and - yes - neighbors.

Outside is a map showing the destruction of the Eaton fire. It’s sobering and sad, but I’m glad it’s here. Thank you.“

“Altadena Ale & Wine House is easily one of the best spots in Altadena. The staff know their wine inside and out and love helping you discover something new. They’re welcoming, laid-back, and create an atmosphere that feels more like hanging out with friends than just grabbing a drink. With a great wine list, solid beer and food selection, and a classic old-school vibe, this place is a must-stop. Can’t wait to come back!“

“An absolute must-visit in Downtown LA for cocktail lovers. 🍸✨

I have obsessively been coming to The Wolves whenever I’m in LA, and it never disappoints. The Agua Buena is hands-down the best cocktail I’ve ever had in my life.

Their other cocktails are just as impressive… my friends always order different ones, and every drink has such unique, inventive flavor profiles that just work. The small bites are delicious too.

Friendly staff and the setting… don’t even get me started! It’s stunning, atmospheric, and makes the whole experience feel extra special.“

“Great analog music and excellent drinks. The bartenders and dj's are top shelf.“

“Super cute spot with tasty food and a karaoke bar upstairs. The inside is a lot nicer which surprised me cause of the neighborhood but definitely enjoyed it. The mentaiko pasta was delicious along with the salmon crispy rice. The curry crispy rice was very spicy.“

“Fantastic location and an outstanding staff!
After a rough week at work, we decided to unwind with some happy hour drinks and bites at the bar. Moni greeted us warmly, took our drink order, and instantly made us feel like part of the regular crowd.

Moni crafted the best martini I’ve ever had in the U.S.—hands down. The Bad Bunny cocktail was also incredibly flavorful and fun to drink.

We ordered the sliders, fish and chips, and a side of fried pickles. The fry batter they use is absolutely divine! No exaggeration—the pickles and fish were bursting with flavor, and the sliders were spot-on.

The food and drinks here truly stand out thanks to the professional staff and their commitment to getting everything right the first time. I’ll definitely be coming back—again and again. I cant wait to bring my friends, this will be a great place to meet up. You won’t be disappointed!“

“The Angeleno Spritz was just what I needed after a long day of minor disappointments, that and the genuine smile from the tattooed guy working the bar this evening who was refreshingly upbeat and worked the room like a pro. So glad I stopped in!“

“This is totally a hidden gem. Im glad I came across and finally got to enjoy. The vibe here was fantastic. Its a dark mellow fun atmosphere. Perfect for drinks and chatting. The staff was so friendly . One of the reason why this is such a great place to be able to still socialize while there music and other people is cus the surround system is vintage and was personalized to be played up high over everything which makes the place more comfortable. The food was marvelous wasn't expecting a Mediterranean twist but definitely loving it gave the food a special kick to the flavors . The combination of the spices and texture made the food amazing. I tried the steak and fries 10/10 and the shrimp roll be cause I love shrimp. And I loved them both . Personally I like dillso I was ok with the shrimp roll but for my ppl that dont like to try new thing I would recommend to stay away. The drinks were delicious. I had mexican can shots and Jennifer gray . Both I highly recommend. Also a mango cart cocktail but which was delicious also but it has a habanero taste to it thats not my favorite. But still enjoyed it. Something else I learned was the mixers are made natural from all the spices or fruits . Naturally extracted with also give the drinks that extra flavor. More natural and not processes. This is definitely a place to come and enjoy with friends. There was actually a birthday being celebrated and they show movies on a roll down projector this is event worthy for people looking to host an event here.“

“Went here on a Sunday afternoon (LSOB). Not too busy and parking on the street isn't hard to find.

Im from out of town, but I've been coming here for years whenever I'm in town. Always a great selection of breweries from HPB, Green Cheek, Santa Adarius, Occidental, etc. Can and bottle selections are solid. The workers there are very nice. Dim-lit, dive bar interior vibe with a small outdoor patio with darts, ping pong and board games.

Overall, one of the top taprooms to visit in the greater L.A. area for craft beer. They offer 16, 10 ounce and flights, so you'll get to try a little of everything. Definitely worth a stop.“

“I'm def not cool enough to come here but IDC I'm still going!!!! My hubs and I like to grab a seat at the bar, start with a spritz and a snack, and read together. Obviously we follow up with a glass of wine or a frosty beer. The service is impeccable, no one have us crap for hanging out sippin our drinks and reading our books. The last glass of wine I had was such a stunner. I love coming here.“

“La Fe’s On’ry menu is one of the most exciting dining experiences we had lately. It’s the kind of spot where every dish feels intentional ... bold flavors, thoughtful textures, and a touch of surprise. If you’re someone who likes to explore beyond the usual, this is absolutely the menu to go for.

What We Ordered & Loved:

Bread Service
Don’t skip this. The cultured butter comes whipped into silky ribbons, sprinkled with smoked salt, and served with warm bread. It looks simple but the flavor is next-level. The butter is so good you’ll probably want to finish every last smear. The chef made a mango jam and it goes so well!

Deviled Blue Crabs
One of the most eye-catching presentations of the night....served inside actual crab shells over rock salt. The filling is smoky, savory, and layered with richness from the tomato butter and a lift of Meyer lemon. It’s indulgent but balanced, and definitely a conversation starter at the table.

Kanpachi Crudo
This was one of my personal favorites. Fresh kanpachi paired with radish, cucumber, mushrooms, and a touch of chili heat. The bee pollen kosho and chamomile oil give it a delicate, floral note that makes it stand out from the usual crudos. Bright, clean, and perfect to share.

Tea Leaf Salad
Easily the most surprising dish. It comes loaded with herbs, crunchy shallots, toasted nuts, tomatoes, and romaine. Every bite is different.. crunchy, tangy, fresh, with that slight umami depth from the tea leaves. If you like texture, this is the dish to order.

Mussel and Potato
A heartier plate that’s still elegant. Mussels in a silky sake lees broth, paired with tiny potatoes that soak up all the flavor. The broth itself is so good you’ll want bread on the side just to scoop it all up.

Cherries and Cream
Dessert here is not an afterthought. What looks rustic turns out to be layered and complex — cherries with cream, brown butter crumble, hibiscus, and even fresh herbs to cut through the sweetness. It’s creamy, crunchy, tart, and fresh all at once. A perfect ending.

A final thoughts....

Service is warm and unpretentious — the staff clearly knows the menu well and seems genuinely excited to walk you through it. Dishes come out thoughtfully paced, and the presentation strikes that perfect middle ground between rustic and refined.

Insider Tips

Start with the bread service — it sets the tone and the butter is unforgettable.

The deviled blue crabs are a must if you want something show-stopping.

Save room for dessert — the cherries and cream will surprise you in the best way.

Portions are made for sharing — come with at least 2–3 people so you can try more plates.

Don’t overlook the tea leaf salad — it’s easily one of the most unique and refreshing dishes ...

Also the menu changes so its an adventure...“

“amazing food, service and home feeling“

“Great place for a late night hangout with friends. Love music!“

“We had Uber drop us off before a concert so we could eat/drink and walk to Dodger stadium. This place was so much cooler than we could have imagined.
Punk rock blasting over the speakers. 👨🏼‍🎤
Dodgers baseball on TV. 🏟️
Really cool memorabilia on the walls. ⚾
Amazing food. 🍔
Delicious beer. 🍺
We had the Caesar Wrap, Bird Bites and Old Bay Tots 🤤
Needless to say I ate too much and felt like a giant slug at the concert.
The place isn't real big so prepare yourself to squeeze in, maybe share a table and have a blast!“

“Beautiful bar. Modern with a home feel. The ambiance is very chill. Large and wide open window on one side gives you a good view of Sunset Blvd. opposite is the patio that has the food. You can order via a QR code and get a text when your food is ready. Drink menu is great! Bartenders are friendly.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Couldn’t Ask For a Better Night Out
I stopped into this bar on a whim and was blown away by how great the experience was. The vibe here is warm, welcoming, and effortlessly cool — it hits that perfect sweet spot between lively and comfortable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely seemed happy to be there, which makes such a difference in the atmosphere.
The drinks were top-tier — creative, balanced, and clearly made with care. You can tell the bartenders actually know their craft. I especially loved that they were willing to make personal recommendations and tailor drinks to our preferences.
The crowd was relaxed and fun, the music was on point, and everything just felt… easy. No stress, no pretension, just a great place to unwind and enjoy yourself.
This is exactly the kind of neighborhood spot you end up coming back to again and again. Highly recommend — easily 5 stars“

“Great beers and wine, great food, even better staff. Truly a great spot. I went on my dog's birthday to get him a burger and the staff was so helpful. They made sure his was free from salt and onions, and ours were made the way we want. The staff is fantastic and the drinks are well curated. The fried pickles and jalapenos are great too!“

“Hidden inside another batlr that also hidden inside another bar.

Great place to see a show as the only way to know about this place or find it is to be a cool kid in the know.

💯 Worth catching a show here.“

“Great place to come and hangout.“

“A great place to be in Los Angeles‼️“

“Well, this is my first time here and apparently, according to a buddy, it's changed a lot!

This place has a Japanese cocktail bar aesthetic to it, heavy wood paneling, well made drinks, Japanese whiskeys. Keen and detail oriented eyes oversaw it's restructure....

I like the ambiance here, the drinks are reasonably priced for LA and kudos to the barkeeps for the evening, a woman with the best hips and a man with a chiseled jaw and a smirk slung well-made drinks. I'd come back.“

“What a Great Pub!
Was fortunate to have been served by Stephanie both evenings I've been.
Met some really Cool locals, had a blast playing Pool and there's a massive patio in the back. Best bang for the Buck 💵!
Fun Place🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“😁wonderful place!! lots of fun“

“Simple fun, relaxed atmosphere, great little place“

“We had a fine dining experience at Katsin restaurant. Food was delicious, creatively chosen menu, service was very good, entertainment made our dining festive. Thank you to chef for such creative and unique dishes. Will come back again to celebrate high taste and service of very caring staff.“

“Best bar in Hi Fi Perhaps the world.“

“the best service you'd ever get in a small bar. love them!“

“The OffBeat is very on beat!

This bar nightclub in Highland Park hosts a wide array of events including karaoke nights, drag shows, live band concerts, and more.

I attended an event on a Sunday, Bear Garden: LABussy, a vendor mart and body positive event. Drink are good and the signature cocktails are unique for sure. There's a bunch of seating inside and some limited seating on their patio.

They open at 5pm daily, but for Bear Garden they opened a little earlier at 4pm. So events have covers, but they're reasonable.

Restrooms are clean and easy to access.

Parking is street and can be a journey as they like to say. Service is great and the bartenders are outstanding.

An open to all cool divey nightlcub bar meets event space.“

“We went in search of the @losdoradosla truck and found it parked in front of La Cuevita. We ventured in at around 6p and discovered that it was still Happy Hour. My husband ordered an Old Fashion and said it was one of the best he’s ever had. I ordered a specialty vodka drink and it was refreshing. We’re definitely going back soon with friends!“

“Good enough for Richard Pryor, good enough for me!“

“Amazing place for drink and food . The vibe is super chill. They always have amazing DJ and the cherry on top they have a pill table ? $1 each game 🥰🥰🥰🥰“

“Was super happy with our dinner at Hippo. Every dish was delicious. The brussel sprouts and cauliflower starters had excellent flavors. All the pastas we tried had incredible depth of flavor without being overly heavy or greasy. The hippo rolls and table focaccia were excellent and the chicken thighs were to die for. Only thing that was lackluster was the passion fruit gelato. Fun vibe, lots of seating, and great service!“

“Did my popup there on a Saturday and it was super fun!!! The whole Verdugo team were slammed but kept it together and stayed super positive and welcoming. The clientele were very friendly and patient. Everyone was mingling and the DJ was doing pretty good. I need to go back and dance!“

“Amazing food. Plate licking sauces, organic,locally sourced food. Korean fusion. Did I mention organic pickled everything. Enzyme rich food. Beyond healthy. Humble little hope in the wall run by a husband and wife team. Dude went to Korea to study with the most famous vegan nun chef in Korea. A must go to for anyone who loves food and especially loves fusion with organic and very well priced. He should charge Much more but they don’t.“

“Came here for the dodger game. So good getting by mind off things.
Want a place to unwind and great food… La Chuperia on Mission can’t go wrong👏.
Bartender (Think her name was Marisa) was running 100mph… she’s on it. Now that’s a hard worker. Wish more workers were like her.
Anything you need she gots you., the best Tacos… They were awesome. Pastor was the best. Found a new home.“

“The atmosphere is very good, it feels very domestic, and the band performance is also very exciting. The price of bartending is not expensive. I ordered a lot of food. My favorites were the mutton skewers and duck neck, which were delicious. Suitable for chatting and drinking with friends“

“Nativo is a small Spanish tapas joint off a side street in Highland Park. The paella sampler was well done—seafood was fresh, saffron flavor was balanced, and the socarrat crust was crisp. I also tried a jamón croqueta and grilled octopus, both of which were flavorful. The wine list is modest but thoughtfully selected. The ambiance is dim and cozy, with candles and exposed brick. The only thing is noise — during peak hours it gets loud, but that’s part of the energy.“

“Great choice of beers and exceptional service in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Room to sit and relax outside with heaters and exquisite foliage. The bar is a great place to hang out and try out new beers.“

“Love love love it. Get the wild shrimp, Mac and cheese and wagyu ribeye.“

“Loved this place! Great vibes! The music venue is great and I love that the bar area is separated so you could talk at the tables and hear one another, yet you could still hear the music in the background. The Thai food was an unexpected bonus and super delicious. All around a fantastic experience.“

“Scotch whisky flight custom made all from the Isle of Skye was a tremendous ask! Laphroaig made my heart melt. So smoky, smooth & peaty! Lagavulin was a wee bit lighter with the same delicious flavours. Ardberg tasted like moonshine & a hard pass. Wonderful! Cozy atmosphere, comfy booth & tremendous service! THANK YOU!“

“Come drink here and enjoy yourself“

“Nice place ro drink and have fun“

“I dont know what you are looking for when you get the cheapest beers in town and the least expensive billiards game at the same time....but just in case those were the two things you sought out tonight....this would be the place. People come and go and the regulars are awesome welcoming and understanding. What else can I say about a place????“

“Cool place to hang in Old Town Pasadena. Live music and a chill atmosphere.“

“I want to thank Donegan for his fantastic help in finding a commercial property for lease. He is a true professional and a genuinely great person to work with. His expertise made the process easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend Donegan to anyone looking for commercial real estate. Thanks again, Donegan!“

“Great place to come eat, drink, have a great view of Downtown LA from the East of the river. Located in the heart of Boyle Heights historic Mariachi Plaza and the Metro station. Plus some great art! The showcase of local artist is amazing plus events hosted there including a monthly Paint & Brunch by Liliflor Art that I facilitate plus other goodies in and around the area.“

“This post is not about the food because without a doubt this place is great. Today I will say i came in and me and a group of coworkers were all having a great time, food and drinks were amazing but I cannot get over one gentleman's attitude tonight. Didn't catch his name tan fellow with a curly top. I understand if you guys are busy but he was very rude to one of our older coworkers. Uncalled for but like I said food was great. Haha wings were hittin too 🫶🔥🔥“

“Their Old Fashion is delicious and paper plane as well. I love that it isn't extremely loud and the music is a great mix that always compliments the ambiance. You need a password to get in, but that shouldn't be a problem. Screw Flanders.“

“Dope spot. One of a kind. Can't wait to play here.“