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Villains Tavern
(Now Closed)Bar and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Arts District, Los Angeles
98 Tips and reviews
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Adrian PhillipsJanuary 13, 2015Great cocktails and a wide selection of beers on tap. Plenty of seating outside for larger groups. Come here for live music, it's usually pretty great with no cover.
EvanAugust 29, 2013This bar is a stone's throw from Skid Row. The crowd, music, and vibe feels like Brooklyn and I like it. But they don't make negronis and I quickly realize I'm in LA and order a rye-whatever instead.
BollareMarch 30, 2012Live music, cool people, strong yet imaginative drinks, and amazing food (try the carne asada tacos)! The bar is reminiscent of a 1940's big tent circus and everything has a vintage feel. —Yasmine
HeatherJuly 8, 2013came here on a saturday night and sat outside, enjoyed the live music and catching up with friends (it was great that we could actually hear each other!) free parking and creative mixed drinks
Becherovka VoyagerSeptember 4, 2013The lovechild of a beer garden, a southern speakeasy, and a parking lot, this little gem is made for the eclectic, the outgoing, and the daredevils of classic herbal liquors like Becherovka.
D BJanuary 7, 2013I really dig the walls and overall atmosphere here, the backdrop for live bands makes you feel like you're in the middle of no where. The Shot/Beer deal is awesome and upgradable too!
KatrinaNovember 20, 2014Awesome very hidden speakeasy cocktail bar. Decor is awesome. Drinks yummy. Drop by if u find it!!
On the GridNovember 21, 2016Feeling distinctly like a 19th century apothecary, Villain’s decor is dark and moody. Order a drink from their menu, or ask the bartender to whip something up just for you. Read more
Alex De la torreAugust 26, 2014Easy, inexpensive parking. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Downside? Drinks are expensive compared to other downtown bars ($12 and up).
Doug de WetNovember 12, 2015If you're a whiskey sour enthusiast, try the BellaDonna topped with blackberry bramble. It's easy to enjoy and refreshing. Cheers!
Steven ValdezDecember 19, 2012Corn on the cob! And if your worried about the authenticity of their Mexican dishes, don't be worried at all! Ceviche was some of the best I've had. Chef is definitely Mexican.
@JaumePrimeroNovember 9, 2012Zero attitude, live music every night, and creative cocktails served in mason jars. If you want to escape the scene in West LA, this is a great bar to go to.
Dave WhittonFebruary 22, 2013Lunch Beers starts at 2pm!!! Happy Hour all day / 50% off food until 7:30pm. Tap Takeover from Blackmarket Brewery in San Diego! Amazing Speciality Beers all week...Live Soul and Blues DJs all day
Victor VelascoNovember 21, 2012Totes hipsters. I did have fun. However, to pay $15 for a Moscow Mule, I'd like to see cuter hair n both men and women. Best thing about this bar: the awesome mirror piece above the bar!
Rachel MercerMarch 31, 2013Can be crowded on a Saturday night but the venue is oh-so worth it. The Ilium cocktail is a personal favorite and the fries, they are to. die. for. (Muahahahaha )
Syndicate Media GroupNovember 16, 2011LA [Drink] Hearty live music and Gothic decor makes this place feel like a circus from the 1920s. Well-crafted libations; try the Bella Donna--Maker's Mark, orange juice, blackberries and shaved ice.
Amazing drinks and a great vibe. Ask Lauren the blonde bartender to surprise you with one of her mixed drinks and you won't be disappointed. I will be coming back.
JAZTERIX M.October 6, 2012Really cool motif. Drinks are expertly crafted and delightfully aromatic. Live music. Open space. Pretty awesome
nikkiDecember 10, 2016Giant Jenga and live americana music out back. intimate lighting and seating amid victorian decor upstairs
Belinda FrancoJune 15, 2015The decor, the vibe, the originlaity, and the live band is great! The bar food was delicious. But I wouldnt come here for drinks. The drinks were okay n the bar service was horrible!
Lane RettigOctober 13, 2013Check out the great live music (blues, rockabilly etc.) in the intimate "backyard" venue. There's a second smaller bar in this area.
Jace BSeptember 9, 2010Best to arrive slightly early if you don't want to wait at the bar. Since the drinks are truly "made to order" concoctions that are both dazzling in display and taste, less of a crowd is best better
Joshua CasingalOctober 17, 2014Live band and very relaxed atmosphere. Drinks ate pretty good. Reminds me of a New York speak easy.
Wesley Wolfbear PinkhamMarch 18, 2012Wrap around bar makes it easy to find a drink. And they have Stone Brewery's Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale on tap (10/10!)- Joey BerumenNovember 15, 2013I dig this place, sometimes the line can be a little nuts. they also have great live drinking music.
Simon FosterOctober 9, 2010Two brilliant venues in one...inside with slick cocktails and smooth decor...outside wih cool bands and beers,shots and bacon bourbon caramel corn...
Jojo R.July 21, 2014Um, yeah. I'm gonna need to go here again, if only just to devour another delectable grilled cheese with tomato and avocado. DELICIOUS.
naveenJanuary 22, 2012a fav: it feels like two bars in one: in the back, a speakeasy; the front and outside – a place to kick back with beers
TV Food MapsSeptember 14, 2014Check out Villains Tavern as it was featured on Best Bars in America for Creative drinks, not your typical LA bar. Read more
Call ahead and reserve a table. Or sit at a "reserved" table and hope you don't get bumped.
There are 3 bars one up front one by the stage and a mini one out back in the smoking section.
Curt RollisonFebruary 12, 2012If ur looking to save $. Opt for the punch bowl special. They've got 3 signature cocktails from the menu at the cash bar.
Alex StockhamOctober 23, 2012Place can get crowded, but a shot of great bourbon and a nice craft beer should help you.
The Pharaoh Salad (Farro, Roasted Beets, Tomatoes, Feta) is a nice healthy & tasty alternative to the other bar-ish food. And the portion's generous!
Evan JonesAugust 27, 2011Due remember that there are also restrooms out back. Specifically for the dudes...skip the line inside and go out back!
Jessie BustinDecember 4, 2011Cocktails take about an hour to make. And bartenders decide the beer that you get even if you order what you want.
You gots to try the Downtown Btown w/a shot of Blackheart Spiced Rum.....and some Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn....its so darn good!!!!
Alicia QuainiDecember 13, 2018Based on all this attractive info, I went, to find out that the Tavern has been closed for a couple of months.
Vignesh RamJuly 26, 2010Opening night was a blast! Grab a seat outside and enjoy the beers in mason jars.
495 Photos
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Villains Tavern
1356 Palmetto St (at S Santa Fe Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
United States
Los Angeles, CA 90013
United States
"If Jimi Hendrix and Jack the Ripper had opened a bar in the Haight in the 1860’s, this is what it would look like"
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Tue–Sat
- 5:30 PM–2:00 AM
(213) 613-0766
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Parking
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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Places people like to go after Villains Tavern
- 8.8
"Hi-brow cocktails in a comfortable, low-brow setting. They use excellent, large, clear rocks of ice in their well made Old Fashioned."
Doug de Wet - 9.1
"Delicious! Really great food. I'm a fan. Spicy Italian sausage and crispy fries. Mmmm"
Nicole Franzen - 8.5
"wasabi fries, mac n cheese lollipops and chorizo pizza! yum yum yum yum"
Lina A.
