Adjacent to downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, Koreatown offers a buzzing nightlife scene of destination-worthy restaurants and bars.
1. Art Major
Fine art meets boozy bar offerings at this unique Koreatown hot spot. Find playful artwork from NYC-based artist Gosha Levochkin plus an array of creative activities like board games, adult coloring books, Instax Mini 8 rentals and more. Tu-Th 5 p.m.-midnight, F-Sa 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 636 S. Mariposa Ave., 213.221.4093. artmajorla.com
2. Here’s Looking at You
With a bookshelf-lined bar and warm glowing lights, Lien Ta and chef Jonathan Whitener’s Koreatown staple is here to welcome you home with a fresh, evolving fusion menu. M-Th 6-11 p.m.; F-Sa 6 p.m.-midnight; Su 6-10 p.m. 3901 W. 6th St., 213.568.3573. hereslookingatyoula.com
3. Mamma Lion
Head to the heart of Koreatown for a swanky, upscale nightlife experience with a culinary twist. For those rolling on a budget, take a seat at the bar during Happy Hour to enjoy food and cocktails priced at $6.01, or settle in after 10 p.m. for a specially priced Late Night Menu of savory and sweet bites. Tu-F 5:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m., Sa 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 601 S. Western Ave., 213.377.5277. mamalion.com
4. Master Ha
Tucked in a small plaza, this casual and bright destination shines a light on Korean food classics prepared with the freshest of ingredients. Bonus points go to Master Ha for not using MSG, creamer or any other additives in its broth. M-F 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sa 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 1147 S. Western Ave., 323.998.0427. masterhala.com
5. The Normandie Club/The Walker Inn
The easiest way to bar hop in Koreatown? When you don’t technically even have to leave your locale. Such is the case at The Normandie Club where you can find the not-so-secret door in the back leading to the freshly revamped Walker Inn. 3612 W. 6th St., 213.263.2709. The Normandie Club: Open nightly 6 p.m.-2 a.m. thenormandieclub.com; The Walker Inn: Su-Th 7 p.m.-close. thewalkerinnla.com
6. Paper Tiger Bar
A moody, secluded ambiance sets the evening tone for revelers at this K-town destination. Expect strong libations, a small sampling of finger foods and DJ tunes to keep the dance floor popping all night long. W-Sa 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 4574 Beverly Blvd., 323.844.3716. papertigerbar.com
7. Sun Nong Dan
Ringing in at number 37 on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants of 2017 list, locals and visitors alike flock to this 24/7 Koreatown eatery for the galbi jjim (short-rib stew). Not a fan of lines? Stop by Sun Nong Dan’s new outposts in the San Gabriel Valley and Rowland Heights. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. 3470 W. 6th St., Suite 7, 213.365.0303. sunnongdan.com
8. The Venue
Craft cocktails, tapas-style plates and entertainment meld together at this fairly recent addition to the neighborhood. Advance reservations for the 13 private karaoke rooms (accommodates 2-50 guests) is highly recommended. M-Th 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m., F-Su 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 3470 Wilshire Blvd., 213.221.1251. thevenuela.com
Mama Lion photo by Jakob Layman.
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