The Hollywood Bowl doesn’t sell alcohol inside the venue, which surprises many first-time visitors. You can bring beer and wine into the amphitheater, but if you want cocktails or a proper bar experience, you need to go before or after the show.
The surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of drinking options within 10-15 minutes of the venue. Some bars cater specifically to Bowl crowds with early happy hours and late kitchens. Others are neighborhood spots where locals hang regardless of concert schedules. Here’s where to drink when traveling for music events at the Hollywood Bowl.
Pre-Show Bars
Getting drinks before the show requires timing. Most concerts start between 7-8 PM. You want to arrive at bars early enough to avoid crowds but late enough that you’re not killing hours.
Yamashiro Farmers Market Bar
The outdoor bar at Yamashiro sits on the same property as the restaurant, offering the same spectacular views without the sit-down commitment. It’s about five minutes from the Bowl entrance.
The bar serves creative cocktails with Japanese influences. Think yuzu margaritas and sake-based drinks. Prices run $15-18 per cocktail, which is steep but expected for the location and views.
Arrive around 5-6 PM for the best experience. Watch the sunset over Los Angeles while sipping drinks. The atmosphere feels special, making it worth the splurge for music travelers planning a memorable evening.
- No reservations needed for the bar area
- Full restaurant menu available at the bar
- Valet parking available
- Gets crowded on Bowl nights but moves faster than the restaurant
The Dresden
This iconic lounge in Los Feliz became famous after appearing in the movie Swingers. The vibe is pure retro with red leather booths and dim lighting. It’s about 10 minutes from the Hollywood Bowl.
The Dresden serves strong, old-school cocktails. The bartenders know what they’re doing with classics like martinis and Manhattans. Prices are reasonable at $12-15 per drink.
Marty and Elayne, a lounge duo, perform several nights a week. Their show has become a Los Angeles institution. Check the schedule because their performances make the visit extra special.
What to order: Stick with classic cocktails. The Blood and Sand is excellent. Avoid complicated modern drinks that aren’t in their wheelhouse.
The bar opens at 5 PM, which works perfectly for pre Bowl drinks. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists who’ve done their research.
Davey Wayne’s
Hidden behind a refrigerator door entrance, Davey Wayne‘s delivers a 1970s basement party vibe. Located in Hollywood about 15 minutes from the venue, it’s a fun stop for groups.
The bar sprawls across multiple rooms with different vibes. The backyard patio has an old van converted into a bar. Inside rooms feature vintage furniture and kitschy decor. Everything feels Instagram ready.
Cocktails lean tiki and tropical with rum heavy options. They’re sweet and strong, designed for a party atmosphere. Expect $14-16 per drink. The crowd skews younger and social.
- Opens at 5 PM on weekdays, earlier on weekends
- Often has a line after 7 PM
- Cash only at some bars, cards accepted at others
- Great for groups who want a scene
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
The outdoor expansion of Davey Wayne’s (technically a separate bar) offers a more relaxed vibe. The backyard setup works well for warm LA evenings before heading to an outdoor concert.
Service is faster here than inside the main bar. Same drinks, less wait. It connects to Davey Wayne’s so you can bounce between spaces.
Post-Show Bars
After Bowl shows end around 10-10:30 PM, many bars are still serving. Some get flooded with music travelers, while others remain local hangouts.
Barney’s Beanery
This West Hollywood institution has been serving drinks since 1920. Multiple locations exist, but the original on Santa Monica Boulevard sits about 15 minutes from the Bowl.
Barney’s is a dive bar with decent food and cheap drinks. Nothing fancy, just a solid place to decompress after a show. Pool tables and sports on TV keep things casual.
The kitchen stays open late, which matters when you’re hungry after a concert. Burgers, chili, and bar food hit the spot. Beer selection is extensive with many craft options.
- Open until 2 AM
- Full food menu until late
- Multiple TVs if there’s a game on
- Parking lot available
- Budget $8-12 per drink, $15-20 for food
No Vacancy
Another Hollywood bar with a theatrical entrance and multiple themed rooms. The aesthetic leans Victorian bordello with red velvet and ornate details. It’s about 15 minutes from the venue.
Cocktails are carefully crafted and strong. The bartenders take their work seriously. Prices reflect the effort at $16-18 per drink. The atmosphere justifies the cost with its elaborate design.
The bar gets busy on weekends but moves well. Staff are efficient even when slammed. It’s a good spot for couples or small groups who appreciate craft cocktails.
Burlesque and variety shows happen on select nights. Check the calendar because these performances add entertainment beyond just drinks.
Frolic Room
This Hollywood dive bar next to the Pantages Theatre has served drinks since 1934. The neon sign and vintage interior make it a piece of LA history. It’s about 12 minutes from the Bowl.
Drinks are cheap and strong. This is a real dive with regulars who’ve been coming for decades. The bartenders are characters who run things efficiently. Cash is preferred though cards work.
The crowd mixes old Hollywood regulars, service industry workers, and tourists who’ve read about the place. Everyone coexists peacefully. The jukebox plays quality selections from past eras.
Travel for music tip: The Frolic Room represents authentic old Hollywood better than most tourist spots. It’s worth experiencing if you appreciate dive bar culture and history.
- Cash preferred
- No food, just drinks
- Opens at 4 PM, closes at 2 AM
- Cheap drinks, $7-10 range
- Small space that fills up fast
Sassafras Saloon
This Hollywood bar brings New Orleans to LA with Southern cocktails and decor. Located about 15 minutes from the Bowl, it offers a fun contrast to typical LA spots.
The frozen drinks are the specialty. Hurricanes, daiquiris, and other frozen concoctions flow freely. They also serve proper New Orleans style cocktails like Sazeracs and Ramos Gin Fizzes.
Food menu includes po’ boys and other Louisiana standards. The kitchen runs late on weekends. It’s a good option when you want drinks and food in one stop after a show.
- Live music some nights (check schedule)
- Outdoor patio available
- Moderate prices, $12-15 per drink
- Gets crowded but has space to move around
If you are looking for a place to eat lunch or dinner before a music event at Hollywood Bowl, check the restaurants near Hollywood Bowl.
Los Feliz Neighborhood Bars
Los Feliz sits close to the Bowl with several excellent bars that don’t cater specifically to concert crowds. These maintain their neighborhood character even on show nights.
Ye Rustic Inn
A proper dive bar that’s been serving Los Feliz since 1963. Strong drinks, cheap prices, and a no-nonsense vibe. It’s about 10 minutes from the Hollywood Bowl.
The bar runs cash only and proud of it. ATM available inside. Bartenders pour heavy and remember regulars. The crowd leans local with some music travelers who’ve discovered the place.
Pool tables and a small patio provide entertainment beyond drinking. Nothing fancy happens here and that’s the appeal. Sometimes you want a cheap beer and shot without the scene.
The Roost
Another Los Feliz option with a laid back atmosphere. The bar has a neighborhood feel with friendly staff and regulars who chat with newcomers.
Drinks are fairly priced at $10-14. The space is small but comfortable. A solid jukebox and good beer selection make it work. They don’t try too hard, which is refreshing.
West Hollywood Options
If you’re staying in West Hollywood, several bars work for post Bowl drinks without driving back into Hollywood proper.
The Abbey: This massive gay bar and restaurant is a WeHo institution. Multiple rooms, outdoor patios, and strong drinks. It’s always busy but there’s room to move. Open until 2 AM with a festive atmosphere.
Surly Goat: Craft beer bar with an extensive tap list. Quieter than most WeHo spots. Good for beer enthusiasts who want quality over scene. The bartenders know their products and offer solid recommendations.
The Roger Room: Upscale cocktail bar with skilled bartenders and creative drinks. More expensive ($16-20 per cocktail) but worth it for quality. Reservations recommended on busy nights.
Making Your Choice
The best bar depends on your vibe and timeline. Pre show drinks work best at places near the venue that open early. Post show options multiply since you have more time and flexibility.
Groups traveling for music events often prefer places like Davey Wayne’s with space and energy. Couples might choose The Dresden or No Vacancy for atmosphere. Solo travelers fit easily into dive bars like Frolic Room where conversation flows naturally.
Consider transportation to Hollywood Bowl when picking bars. If you’re using rideshare, bars further from the Bowl work fine. If you took shuttles and need to return to your park and ride lot, stay closer to Hollywood.
Practical Bar Tips for 2026
Most bars don’t take reservations except for table service at upscale spots. Arrive early or be prepared to wait on busy nights. Friday and Saturday Bowl shows create the most bar traffic.
Drink prices in LA run higher than many cities. Budget $12-18 per cocktail at most places. Dives and beer focused bars offer cheaper options around $7-12.
Tipping is expected at 18-20% for good service. Bartenders work hard on Bowl nights when crowds surge. Take care of them and you’ll get better drinks and faster service.
Many bars card everyone regardless of age. Bring ID even if you’re clearly over 21. Doormen and bartenders don’t play games with this.
The Hollywood Bowl experience extends beyond the music. The bars near this legendary music venue help create the full evening. Whether you’re toasting before the show with views over LA or unwinding afterward at a classic dive, these bars make traveling for music events in Los Angeles more memorable. Choose wisely, drink responsibly, and enjoy the night.
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