Although many people know Los Angeles as being the entertainment capital of the world and one of the top nightlife destinations, the City of Angels is home to over 100 colleges, including the University of Southern California and UCLA. The city offers college students plenty of fun places to get drinks on the weekend or after midterms near many college campuses. If you’re attending any of the city’s finest universities, check out this list of the best college bars in Los Angeles you shouldn’t skip.
Mom’s Bar
12238 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 820-6667
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If you’re looking for bars that appeal to college students by Los Angeles’ Westside, consider stopping by Mom’s Bar for a great time out. Its atmosphere is old-school yet casual. Highlights include pool tables and ping-pong tables, a photo booth, TV screens for watching sporting events, and live DJs every Thursday through Saturday. They serve some of the most affordable drinks in the area, from specialty margaritas and mules to whiskey and beer. I recommend ordering their Coconut Mate or Kentucky Mule.
901 Bar and Grill
2902 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (213) 745-7900
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901 Bar and Grill is one of the best college bars in Los Angeles near the University of Southern California. Its laid-back ambiance makes it a favorite destination for many college students. Like most bars in the area, they have TVs for watching local sports. Their bar serves refreshing cocktails and whiskey that taste with their pizzas, wings, burgers, and sandwiches. I usually order a Dirty Shirley Temple with a grilled chicken sandwich or boneless BBQ wings.
Cha Cha Lounge
2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone: (323) 660-7595
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Don’t know where to get a drink in Los Angeles’ Eastside? Consider visiting Cha Cha Lounge if you’re looking for fun places to go out. This casual destination has dim, red lighting, leather booths, a thatch-roof bar, and Tijuana-themed ceiling decor. Guests can play foosball anytime, but they host tournaments every Tuesday. Cha Cha Lounge’s drink menu includes tequila and draft beer. I usually order their Cha Cha Lager with a shot of Old Crow on Sundays.
Hayama
1803 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 235-2000
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Another one of the best college bars in Los Angeles is Hayama, located in West Los Angeles, about three miles from UCLA. Students love stopping by for its casual, modern atmosphere. Their outdoor seating features fire pits that enhance the space. Enjoy their sake, cocktail, and wine options with their finest sushi and Japanese specialty dishes. I prefer ordering their Gekkeikan Hot Sake and Grapefruit Chu-Hi Cocktail with a spicy tuna roll or vegetable tempura.
AVALON Hollywood & Bardot
1735 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 462-8900
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Located near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, AVALON Hollywood & Bardot is one of the top places to go out for college students offering the city’s best nightlife experience. The bar area has a stylish and upscale vibe, emphasizing its Hollywood-inspired setting. This venue is perfect for unwinding after dancing and listening to live music. Their extensive drink menu is one of the city’s best. Their Bengal Hotfoot and Jezel Blanc pair well with Cobb salad.
Basement Tavern
2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 396-2469
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If you prefer sampling quality drinks in a hip and sophisticated setting, one of the best college bars in Los Angeles you should consider visiting is Basement Tavern. It’s in the Ocean Park neighborhood, overlooking Venice Beach. Live jazz music sets the mood while patrons sample drinks in a chandelier-filled space. Their menu features wine, cocktails, and beer you can enjoy with small bar bites. I recommend their Whiskey Kissed Collins or Gold Rush with truffle fries or cocktail nuts.
Gold Diggers Bar
5632 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: (323) 546-0300
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Nestled within Melrose Hill, Gold Diggers Bar is one of the best college bars in Los Angeles that appeals to university students of all kinds. The bar’s dim lighting and candlelit tables emphasize its intimate ambiance. The venue includes a stage for live music performances most nights and a DJ booth. Don’t miss out on their great draft beer selection, wine by the glass or bottle, and cocktails. Consider treating yourself to their Hollywood Rose or Gold Fashioned.
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