50 Best Bars near Marina Del Rey

“Walking into Old Lightning feels like stepping into Pablo Moix’s private whiskey collection—rare, curated, and full of bottles you’ve only seen in photos. Hidden behind Scopa, the bar features an incredible lineup of high-end spirits: single cask Springbanks, rare Willetts, unique Balvenies, and other bottles you’ll probably never see again. Prices are high (sometimes maybe a bit too high), but you're paying for access to some truly special stuff.

What really makes this place stand out, though, is Oscar. He’s not just pouring drinks—he’s setting the tone for the whole experience. Super knowledgeable, but never pretentious. Inviting, energetic, and clearly passionate about what he does. He listens to what you like, asks the right questions, and then somehow nails exactly what you were in the mood for—whether that’s a rare pour or a killer cocktail you didn’t even know you wanted. His energy really brings the whole vibe together and makes it feel less like a fancy bar and more like a personal tasting experience.

If you're into whiskey or just curious to try something you won’t get anywhere else, it’s definitely worth visiting.“

“Delicious and inviting ambiance.....the place is very nice“

“I enjoyed the food, decor, and service. If you want a quiet place to dine though, this isn't it..“

“I swear this is the best food I’ve ever eaten at any restaurant I usually don’t like restaurant food but this place is A1 gravy and the waiter ms ROIX is the best in the building..definitely recommend going there can’t wait till next time THANKS ROIX“

“From out of town and wanted to stop somewhere and have a beer. So glad we picked this place! Joel and Kata the bartenders were fantastic. No waiting to get served. Beer was ice cold. Very welcoming to out of town guests. Highly recommend“

“I got a ticket. Everything was great. They need to validate. No one is looking at the sign entering we’re focusing on the brunch advertising“

“Tasty good food, great cocktails and the indoor/outdoor dining area has a cool vibe that makes this a great dining experience“

“Real nice enjoy seeing the beach while I ate“

“Was just there week ago food always fresh hot staff always great helpful. 10-10 for sure“

“Since Or Bar opened in the old Gold Coast space, it has become my favorite local place. Good drinks, great people. I love all of the staff here!“

“Good time for my family when we visit L.A“

“Great service, tasty food, and amazing views. Good brunch spot.“

“Fabulous staff here with very affordable prices on food AND drinks! The new happy hour now starts at 2pm EVERY DAY till 8pm!!!! Love the upgrade draft beer options to a boom sh size for only $3 more!!!! Great new local neighborhood bar. Fantastic games room with something for everyone.“

“Wonderful place Great drinks and food“

“My favorite place to hang in LA. The staff is super sweet, the food is fantastic, the drinks are amazing, particularly the Ginger Margarita, the atmosphere is gorgeous—whether you’re inside the stunning deco bar or outside on the beautiful patio. It’s a true gem.“

“Cute stylish bar with good music!“

“Brought some friends there to watch playoff football and a ufc fight. Ended up having the best filet mignon of my life. So tender you could slice through it with the side of your fork. Had fresh oysters from Virginia, which I was told are only $2 on Tuesday or Wednesday (have to fact check here). And probably the best thing on the menu is the bacon wrapped plantains, not a lot of food, but every bite is heaven. Wife loved her fancy drinks, but I prefer scotch.“

“After searching for the top burger spots in town, Benjamin quickly made it onto the list of visiting restaurants. Among them, Benjamin stands out with some of the best burgers around. The burger was very tasty and made with high-quality meat. Although it’s a bit pricey, I think it’s definitely worth trying. The service and atmosphere also contribute to a great overall experience. We weren’t sure if they took walk-ins, so we decided to make a reservation just in case.“

“Locals hangout. Locals often avoid the touristy trendy restaurants, buit love to meet and hang out at this super fun dive bar. Recommended by a local.

The food (burger, chips & beer) was good. A nice selection of beers on tap and by the bottle. Watch sports, play pool/billiards, hang out with friends, have a PTA meeting,etc.

As we were leaving, the local ladies, all meeting together Sunday night, were super friendly and waved hello/goodbye. Fun place.“

“We visited the restaurant for their brunch buffet and had an overall enjoyable experience. The food was good and delicious — everything was fresh and well-prepared. However, we felt the menu leaned more toward the classic side and didn't offer anything particularly unique or standout. It was satisfying, just not especially memorable in terms of creativity or variety. The ambience was lovely — comfortable, stylish, and welcoming — a great setting for a relaxed weekend brunch. The service was good as well; the staff were courteous and attentive. That said, drink service was a bit on the slower side that day, but it didn't take away too much from the overall experience. If you're looking for a solid brunch option with a pleasant atmosphere and reliable food, this is a good choice. We'd consider returning, especially for a laid-back group outing or family get-together.“

“A perfect stay!! Celebrating my husband’s 60th! From the time we arrived, the service and attention to detail was impeccable! The entire staff was so welcoming and went out of their way to make sure my husband was enjoying his birthday celebration. It was our first stay at the Maybourne. It will be the only place we stay from now on. Thank you so much to the entire staff for making our stay so special.“

“It's a great place to enjoy great people.“

“El Carmen is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles. They offer a happy hour menu Monday to Friday from 5–7pm with incredible prices ($8 margaritas, $3 tacos) that make it easy to stop by after work without breaking the bank. The drinks are delicious, and I had some of the best shrimp tacos I’ve ever tasted here—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The chips, salsa, and guacamole are also a must-order, with everything tasting homemade and vibrant. It’s a cozy spot with great energy, and I can’t wait to go back.“

“A combination of classic and delicious.“

“😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍“

“We had a great time! Thank you for making it so special I.“

“Amazing. I was surprised the first time I went. Such a beautiful decoration. Just amazing. The food is 100% healthy and hygienic. The staff's behavior is unparalleled. When I was confused the first time I went, they helped me very nicely. The owner's behavior is also amazing. Really very nice“

“Old Man Bar is a great spot for couples and small groups of less than 4. Seating can be limited but staff is very attentive and quick. I recommend cash. Drinks were so well crafted and delicious, I super enjoyed the ambiance. Highly recommend for an casual yet elevated occasion!“

“Came across the on a walk back from Venice Beach. Highly recommend.“

“What a cozy welcoming atmosphere it has.. comfortable seating and friendly staff.. looking forward to going back soon“

“Delicious and great service“

“We just held our company holiday party at The Corner Door and had the best time!

We were a group of about 40 and from the very beginning, Liz made the entire process so easy and stress free. She was always available with quick replies to questions, flexible with any requests we had made, and genuinely excited to have us and was just wonderful. I got to meet Zach the night of the event and he was exactly the same way. They both understand hospitality and made us feel so welcome and taken care of. The staff that night made amazing drinks and the food was delicious. On top of that, the room itself is already a beautiful space, but when we walked in and saw it decked out in the holiday lights, we knew right away we made the perfect choice in Corner Door. Everyone remarked on what a great time they had so thanks Corner Door for making it so special! We will be back!“

“Wolfgang Puck is a world-renowned chef whose restaurants are known for their high-quality cuisine, and the steaks served at LA Michelin Steak are appreciated by guests for their excellent meat quality and unique seasoning. Ingredients on the menu are sourced from top suppliers to ensure freshness and quality. The decoration and atmosphere of the restaurant are very comfortable and elegant, providing guests with a pleasant dining environment. A professional service team greets guests warmly and ensures their dining experience is hassle-free. The restaurant has an extensive wine and cocktail selection, allowing guests to match the perfect flavor combination. LA Michelin Steak's menu also offers a range of other food options, such as fresh seafood, delicious side dishes and exquisite desserts, to satisfy the tastes of different guests. Conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles, the restaurant is ideal for business dinners or special occasions. Guests have spoken highly of the restaurant's food quality, service level and overall experience. The restaurant has a good reputation and popularity, attracting many celebrities and socialites“

“The Manager is the best, wonderful to guest. The food delicious. The plates are big. The place clean and the vibe is peaceful and classy. Each spot with it's own music so you don't miss out. The apple delicious desert. Took me back to Virginia, known for the apple pie's. 🍎“

“These bartenders are wizards, alchemists, Jedis of the cocktail Force. No menu, just chat with them and enjoy the cocktail they invent. The music is classic rock n roll. Go to this place, or just be boring.“

“Fun! Fun! Fun! With a VIEW! Owned/run by the same guys who own/run iconic Bar Chain MR. FURLEY’S — which just had it’s grand opening in my hometown GLENDALE on Brand Blvd. — DEFO CHECK THEM OUT!!! 🙌🏻“

“Walked and found this little gem ❤️“

“Drink menu at the bar was decent. Wish the receipt would of been shown when they charge you at the bar. Since the drinks plus tax in my head didn’t add up. So would of been nice to know if they include a service fee to their checks. It’s a great spot in the community. Food looked great. Defiantly made me want to check it out again. Great place for an event or private event since there were so many open spaces.“

“Always great times! Wonderful people, fabulous world class live music & sweet vibes. A real community feel. Filled with music lovers. Definitely a staple LA hott spot. Keep Supporting live music! 🔥🎶“

“4.5 stars

The Alibi Room is the ultimate hangout spot, especially when you're reunited with old elementary school friends and teachers (yes, you read that right—grade school reunions are a thing). The service was friendly and on point, despite our large group.

Parking is classic LA—street parking, so be prepared to circle the block for 5-10 minutes. But once you're inside, it’s all good vibes. The drinks were spot-on: I had the Watermelon Margarita and the Gold Rush, both deliciously refreshing. And let’s not forget the Kogi tacos—I always go for the short rib beef and spicy pork. They never disappoint.

With bar seating, cozy couches, and outdoor tables, The Alibi Room is a fun, chill spot for drinks, tacos, and a good time with friends.“

“One of my favorite restaurants authentic Latin cuisine. I have been coming here for over 30 years and was so sad when it closed down during the pandemic. So glad it reopened! Can’t wait 😜 to go back. I give it 5 stars for sure!“

“Wow have such a great time at Plaza last night (birthday celebration) love the crowd, ppl has such a good vibe, you feel welcome such you come in Waitress very pleasant and the Music is great (besides the DJ) that is a Hottie, definitely highly recommended for a night of dancing“

“We celebrated my wife's birthday with several friends and the experience was amazing. The airline history vibe, service, staff and the quality of the food & drink were first rate and we enjoyed every minute! Highly recommended!!“

“First let me say I gave the food 5 stars but actually I didn't try it so I just kept everything five stars. I was in town for a funeral and I needed somewhere to go and have a drink shoot a game of pool and relax. I stopped by this place and everyone was very friendly including the bartender Michelle and they made me feel like I was a regular. When some of the guests found out that I was in town for a funeral some of them offered drinks to me and my family for our loss. This is a friendly place and I felt at home and I would definitely come back here and recommend that you try it as well.“

“Great experience with a great staff and the owners are super welcoming! Had an amazing time!“

“The food is great and can’t forget the greatest service ever!!“

“Amazing decor, killer bands, great staff… When I come down from Vegas, SS is a must stop.“

“Good vibes, amazing drinks, awesome music, and top-notch service, what more could you ask for?“

“Scranton, Pa is my home!! Must say the surly goat is a must stop when in LA!! One of they only Bats in LA that carries Pliney the Elder!! I will Always visit this spot Whenever I’m in LA!!“

“This place is a haven for ALL of geekdom. As a fan of the show, Fatman Beyond, we HAD to visit the Scum and Villainy Cantina during our SoCal vacation. It was even better than we imagined! It was smaller than expected, but what it lacked in size, it made up for with ambience. It was obvious how much heart went into it's creation. You could see J.C. Reifenberg's passion for sci-fi/fantasy in the decor. In addition, the staff was so incredibly friendly, going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The menu was creative and the food/drinks were delicious. To top it all off, Bamf Man, himself, came to our table and talked to us while we were there! Incredible experience! (Tell Jen we're sorry we kept you away from your work that night ?) - THE IOWA FAMILY ?“