50 Best Bars near Universal City

“Called ahead they opened the table for me. Thank you so much. Didn't end up staying the first time, pool table was busy, family stopped by once we ate outside though, pretty good. Quiet with a friend at night and loud mid day. Went solo played a few shots and left. Was pretty much empty. It was mid week and around evening time before hours changed for longer daylight. 8 ball was dropped in so the match ended short. Honor of the game. We don't end early. And we don't do bets. Hope to make it back one day.“

“Highly recommend the burgers and of course the drinks especially the MOJITO! Appetizers weren't impressive...dont recommend the fried pickles or the chips and Guacamole since they really weren't worth the price. The kids meal was moderate but the burgers is what will bring me back!“

“Fresh food 100% recommend“

“#AmazingBar #ORBarWEHO 🥰“

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

“I don’t know how ‘hidden’ of a gem this is - but it is a gem. Such a unique place seeing as the only other one in the world is in London. Food is stellar and there are both British and American options on the menu. The display of motorcycles creates a fun atmosphere. There is a shop, barber, tattoo parlour, and display room for motorcycles as well as many other places to hang out here. Must visit if you are an auto or motorcycle enthusiast while in LA“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Cool dicey bar feel with great drinks and fabulous bartenders! Loved it when it was Oyster Bar, and still loving it as Oy bar!!!“

“Wonderful place Great drinks and food“

“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...“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“This is one of those places where when no one knows what to do, come here. It never dissappoints. Came here late friday, had delicious drink that, although served in one of those fashionable tiny glasses, actually took me 30+ min to drink because it was hot and spicy in the best way-you actually HAD to sip it. Thank you, Wolves, for finally giving me a tiny glass cocktail I felt was worth the money. Oh, and what everyone else says about the ambiance-awesome-and you don't feel clausterphobic, even if it is busy because of the high ceilings.“

“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!“

“Had a great experience here. The service was great, someone was over at our table cooking our food frequently. We had unlimited Kbbq, access to the buffet, and sides. The premium option was worth the money. They also have a great selection of cocktails. Definitely recommend.“

“Such a vibe! Had an amazing experience. Highly recommend.“

“Unique & Friendly, for motorcycle lovers“

“A combination of classic and delicious.“

“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.“

“Cracking little restaurant.

Great food and friendly servers.

Skirt steak was to die for, would definitely get again.

Friendly and I didn't feel rushed.

Would recommend.“

“I've been there once and it was fine last time. The cocktails were quick and the atmosphere was good. Overall, it was pretty good“

“Great atmosphere and the food was great!“

“😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍“

“I've searched for months to find a place like this. Absolutely amazing vibes here. Beautiful interior and comfy seating. Unique music and chill atmosphere. Food was SOOO good, but they don't have ranch 😫. Either way... my new favorite spot in LA!!“

“We got there when it opened on a Saturday. Greeted when we came in. Not crowded yet.The drinks were great and it was happy hour so the price was right. Had fish and chips which were plentiful and delicious. Did not leave hungry. Would definitely come back. Highly recommended!!!“

“Delicious and great service“

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

“affoi draft cervezas 🍼🦈 dododo that hat that. friendly 😉 I love L A . and Baja I live in Both sides of the Exodus I magic art. God bless all. 6.16 I In the morning 🌞🌄 I need a cold beer I'm shaking and enjoy the Sunset 🌇🌆. is around the block. sunset both Blvd of the unbreakable Corazones. I'm feeling like . sleep well all day I'm tired to loose weight and enjoy life. looking for my soulmate. love 👠😘 is a Fantastic job to get done. I go back to sleep 😴😴“

“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“

“Cute stylish bar with good music!“

“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.“

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

“This was my first time here and I was pleasantly surprised with everything! Their food was so good! I had the Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Southwest Chili. The chili was a bit saltier than I would have liked but it still worked. It came with a slice of corn bread and even that was amazing! 🤤

The bartenders were super nice and attentive, the decor is cool and the vibe was perfect. They have a patio in the back where you can play pool and board games. However, there's no music back there to respect the residents in the neighbourhood.

I will definitely come back to try out their other dishes!“

“A great place to be in Los Angeles‼️“

“The DJ it’s excelente it has a great sound and all kind of music“

“Been here twice with my daughter - Got my husband the chai tea latte and I got the day dream, both delish. Great service everyone’s been super friendly. I even left my phone the second time and the girl came outside to give it back to me before I walked too far. Will be back!“

“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.“

“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 ?“

“Come drink here and enjoy yourself“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Do they have dj what kind of music they play“

“My friend told me this is a great neighborhood spot so I strolled over an hour before sunset.... I wanted to relax after a high-stimuli day of work and looked forward to winding down from work mode... Unbeknownst to me... a group of 30+ people came for a film networking event (!) a few minutes after I walked in. I had to leave much earlier than I wanted to b/c the atmosphere was not what I wanted or expected (but I am glad this film networking group was so well-attended - none of them knew each other!).

I had the chicken skewers - they were tasty!

Matt and Miguel were wonderful. Very friendly and attentive.

There are very cozy and comfy velvet couches... I look forward to coming come back with friends and/or a date :)“

“Just tried MIRATE Restaurant the food was amazing! Definitely worth checking out if you love great flavors.“

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