Top 10 Hidden Gem Bars on Hollywood Boulevard

If you find yourself craving a buzz along Los Angeles’ famed Hollywood Boulevard, you’re in luck! The area is known for its history, but is also home to a selection of cocktail bars. These neighborhood drinkeries are frequented by locals as well as travelers in the know.

If you’re staying in the area, or are an Angeleno looking to explore, don’t write off Hollywood Boulevard for being “too touristy.” There are plenty of places to grab a drink that might just surprise you. Check out our picks for essential hidden gem bars on Hollywood Boulevard.

1. Frolic Room

If you’re looking to experience a piece of Hollywood history, Frolic Room is the place to go. This unassuming bar right next door to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre has been in operation since 1930, originally as an illegal speakeasy.

The former celebrity hangout had regulars like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and was briefly owned by filmmaker Howard Hughes. Today it gives a neighborhood dive bar feel, with film history and memorabilia adorning its walls.

2. Boardner’s

Just a few steps south of the Boulevard, Boardner’s has been a local favorite since it opened in 1942. They’re known for their impressive, daily happy hour and friendly staff.

If you’re into an edgy night out, you’ll also want to stop by their adjoined nightclub space. There you’ll find events catered to throwback, alternative, goth, and punk music.

3. The Bourbon Room

This incognito hideaway is the definition of a hidden gem. The Bourbon Room is a historical bar and event space right on the Boulevard. It boasts an impressive attached theater where you can see plays, comedy shows, live music performances and more!

They’ve also got a spacious lounge with vintage vibes where you can sip a drink in an atmosphere that feels like a grandparent’s stylish attic.

4. Tramp Stamp Granny’s

This sparkling locale is literally a hidden gem in Hollywood. Owned by Glee alum Darren Criss, Tramp Stamp Granny’s is a glam piano bar that offers daily performances from talented musicians.

Request a song for their exceptional pianists and enjoy a quality cocktail under the disco ball in a shimmering, art deco space.

5. Tropicana Pool & Café

The Hollywood Roosevelt is pretty much the crown jewel of Hollywood Boulevard. But did you know their poolside bar Tropicana Pool & Café is open to the public for cocktails?

Grab a drink and lounge by the iconic swimming pool with a DJ on weekends to set the tone. Rest and relax at this property known for its former celebrity clientele including Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe (whose ghost has been said to haunt the suite named after her).

6. The Spare Room

The Spare Room, also located inside The Hollywood Roosevelt, might possibly be one of the coolest bars in Hollywood. Only those in-the-know are aware that a chic bowling alley bar is hiding just upstairs above the hotel lobby.

Reserve a lane for an exclusive bowling date, or come by with friends to show off your skills. Either way, you’ll enjoy thoughtful craft cocktails hidden behind a clandestine speakeasy entrance.

7. Te’kila

One of the most lively bars on Hollywood Boulevard, this Mexican dive bar and restaurant isn’t exactly hidden. However, they do have food and drink specials that are easy to miss.

Stop into Te’kila for Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, or Fajita Thursday to enjoy affordable drinks and bites on the Boulevard. Believe it or not, you may have to make a reservation for a seat on their highly coveted discount days.

8. Lost Property

Even locals might not know this hidden gem exists. Stop into Lost Property right on the corner of Hollywood & Vine for quality cocktails made by talented bartenders.

This neighborhood watering hole is a bar industry favorite and makes for the perfect hideaway in Tinsel Town. The vintage feel creates an ideal vibe for cozy conversation.

9. Black Rabbit Rose

You could easily walk right past Black Rabbit Rose without realizing how much entertainment lies behind its doors. This lounge and attached theater offers one-of-a-kind magic shows and live music performances throughout the week.

Have a cocktail and bites at the bar before taking in a performance in the mystical, vintage-inspired space. (Also, if you walk a little further up Hudson, you can explore Dirty Laundry, Madame Siam, or No Vacancy, all run by the same owners).

10. Scum & Villainy Cantina

If you’re a Star Wars fan and you’re planning a Los Angeles vacation, you probably already have Scum & Villainy on your list of spots to visit.

This unique, themed bar was inspired by the franchise and prides itself on being a “geek bar” for those with a taste for sci-fi. The spacey design and innovative cocktails (and mocktails) make this neighborhood watering hole a must-see.

BONUS (because why stop at 10?):

Zero Lounge

This recently opened bar right off the Boulevard is y2k themed, transporting you back to the peak of the 2000s. A custom LED bartop stretches along the ceiling lighting the space along with neon lights and a talented saxophone-playing robot DJ.

Delicious themed cocktails at Zero Lounge include the “Friends Frappe” and the “Limewire” tie everything together in this one-of-a-kind hideaway.

Desert 5 Spot

You’ll have to walk just a block off the Boulevard to find this bustling rooftop destination. Head to the top of Hollywood VOLUME hotel for a Western-inspired bar called Desert 5 Spot.

They’ve got live music daily and an open-air layout that gives you a panoramic view of Hollywood below. Stop by during one of their many events for cowboy karaoke, line dancing, or football game watch parties.

Mama Shelter

Just a block down Wilcox Avenue you can find MAMA Shelter, a hotel rooftop hideaway that offers beautiful views of the city.

It’s a staple for locals thanks to its lounge-worthy daybeds and vibrant color scheme. This day drinking paradise fills up quickly on sunny days so plan ahead to sip under the sun.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

Now it may seem silly to call this a hidden gem, being that it’s one of the most popular bars in Los Angeles. But if you didn’t know any better, you could easily walk right on past El Centro without knowing it’s home to this ’70s-themed, speakeasy staple.

There’s usually a long line on weekend nights, but it opens at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday for easier entrance. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a perfect place to end a daytime bar hop along the Boulevard.

Sunset & Vinyl

If you’re willing to take a short walk a block and a half south of Vine St., you’ll be in for a treat. Sunset & Vinyl is one of the coolest speakeasies in LA thanks to its tucked away location above an 800 Degrees Pizza restaurant.

There’s no signage for this “if you know, you know,” cocktail bar. Just walk to the back of the restaurant and climb the stairs to visit a music-inspired haven for vintage record lovers.

You should also check out:

• Dance the night away at the best nightclubs in LA 🕺
• Los Angeles disco bars to get into the groove 🪩
• Rooftop bars for a drink and a view 🌃

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