It’s mid-afternoon and you need to get some work done, but you already hit your local coffee shop and your couch’s quotas for the day. It might not be five o’clock yet, but no one’s judging if you need a beer to help you power through that last scene in your script. But which bars have wifi in your hood?
After working and drinking our way across the city, we’ve narrowed down the best laptop-friendly bars from east to west.
Little Bear
Arts District, $$
From the ambiance to the food, Little Bear is trés magnifique. With an art installation along the ceiling and a few TVs lining the bar, consider Little Bear your average sports bar's chic, Belgian older sister. Cop a corner booth, order a side of truffle fries and allow the work to begin. Stressed about parking? Don't be—there are plenty of free spots available along the surrounding streets.
Image courtesy of @littlebearla
The Escondite
The Escondite transports you to a Chicago dive bar sans the unbearably cold weather or shvitz-inducing humidity. With brews straight from Illinois and all-American teams dominating the screens and decor, this is the spot for Midwesterners living in the city of Angels. Truth be told, sometimes the wifi going strong and mighty, but on occasion it has totally gone down the shitter. So, don’t plan to build your next website here. Stick with convincing yourself you have every disease on WebMD and other light research.
Image courtesy of @_shred_nugent
Image courtesy of @analouiserix
TOMGEORGE
Downtown, $$
Take a step inside a chic time machine where 70s interior meets outdoor European bistro at TOMGEORGE—Budapest’s favorite Italian restaurant that has landed in LA. After you’ve ordered a drink and cracked open your laptop, do yourself a favor and order a porchetta pizza or a housemade pasta dish. Once you've satisfied your savory tooth, take a walk on the sweet side. The panna cotta is just the right combination of sweet vanilla and tart blueberry.
Image courtesy of @tomgeorgela
Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel
Downtown, $$
Upstairs is for our homies who can't stand being enclosed in concrete from nine to five. The go-to spot downtown offers a sprawling view of the city, a swimming pool, a drinks from our hangover guru Mary Bartlett, and wifi out the wazoo.
Image courtesy of @tessabicard
Sunset Beer Company
Echo Park, $$
Stacked with more board games than we’ll ever learn to play, Sunset Beer is not for the easily distracted. With 12 rotating beers on tap and over 800 bottles of beer to take home, you’re bound to leave smiling and slightly buzzed. Just be sure to crank out your to-do list prior to knocking back the booze and starting a never-ending game of Catan, alright?
Image courtesy of @eatdrinkvegan
Image courtesy of @taylor.bescoby
The Semi-Tropic
Echo Park, $$
Semi-Tropic supports your hustle during the day but politely asks you to shut it down after dark to allow for the chill daytime atmosphere to evolve into a sultry date night spot. Between the $1 movie popcorn and $5 house wines and craft beers, the transition is always seamless. In the morning, don't forget to order the delicious scone paired with fresh fruit, homemade jam and whipped cream; it's straight magic for your mouth.
Image courtesy of @superwater
Mohawk Bend
Echo Park, $$
We were sold after we heard about the full bar, vegan eats galore, cushy indoor and outdoor seating and, of course, wifi. Happy Hour is the real draw, with delectable pizzas and $5 beers. Try the PB&J Pizza if you’re feeling saucy; it’s decked with pineapple, bacon and jalapeno. If that’s not your flavor, the buffalo cauliflower is a close second and fan favorite. Pro-tip: if you cop a seat in the bar area, you can skip the line.
Image courtesy of @mohawkla
Hyperion Public
Silver Lake and Studio City, $$
The only thing better than bottomless mimosas is Hyperion Public’s mix and match bottomless mimosas, which are served until 3 p.m. Pick between a peach bellini, Hyperion surprise, The Rock or Lilosa. Now, for a message from Hyperion Public: "While our champagne cocktails are bottomless, your ability to drink them may not be. We reserve the right to put the bottom back on your mimosa." You’ve been warned, ya filthy animals.
Image courtesy of @hyperionpublic
The Black Cat
Silver Lake, $$
Time to drop some knowledge. The Black Cat was an LBGTQ bar that underwent a series of police raids during the 60s. In protest, a slew of Sunset Strip Curfew Riots began and The Black Cat Tavern offered a safe space to discuss intersectional issues relating to the criminal justice system. In 2008, the establishment was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. For the next four years, it operated as a gay bar under several names before becoming The Black Cat once again in November 2012. So, why not crank out that fancy press release in a building rich with a food, drink, wifi and, most importantly, history?
Image courtesy of @theblackcatla
Image courtesy of @theblackcatla
Jay’s Bar
Silver Lake, $$
This gastropub serves up whiskey drinks, craft beers and comfort food with a twist all cozied up in the same tiny strip mall as Garage Pizza. It's the best spot to crank out work all day and eat $5 happy hour food from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. From Jay's Burger or a smoky tempeh melt to vegetarian sloppy joes and Carolina style chicken wings, there’s something for everyone.
Image courtesy of @jaysbarla
Messhall Kitchen
Los Feliz, $$
Dedicated to using only local, sustainable and organic ingredients, MESSHALL is a healthy twist on classic American favorites. If that's not enough to get you in the doors, they serve brunch until 3 p.m. and have an outdoor patio with a fire pit where you can cozy up with your laptop. Talk about living the dream!
Image courtesy of @messhallkitchen
Image courtesy of @messhallkitchen
Tabula Rasa Bar
Thai Town, $$
Tabula Rasa is a diamond in the rough on Hollywood Boulevard. Housed in a commercial building from the 20s with exposed brick and dim lighting, this wine bar is simple yet sophisticated. The sommeliers are laidback, knowledgeable and offer tastes prior to commitment. Don't let the fancy wine speak scare you off, Tabula Rasa also throws down great bar grub and laptops are welcome. This spot is perfect for your next chill business meeting, whatever that means.
Image courtesy of @tabularasabar
Art Major
Koreatown, $
Art Major is the dream destination for adults who are still kids at heart. Owners Jessica Park and Brian Lee created a place for adults to thaw out their creativity and wonder. With art scattered on the walls, soju behind the bar and a vending machine filled with candy, crayons and cards, you're in for a real treat. Note: Art Major is BYOF (bring your own food) and exclusively for those of us who are 21 and up. So, leave the tiny humans at home, but the laptops can come along for the ride.
Image courtesy of @artmajorla
Image courtesy of @artmajorla
BiergartenLA
Koreatown, $$
What happens when a beer hall lands in K-town? A korean-fusion beer hall, that’s what. With craft beer on tap and walls lined with TVs and delectable bar eats, you've hit the jackpot. Chomp on the Chosun Burger:, 7 oz Angus chuck, American cheese, grilled spam, kimchi, pickled daikon, gochujang aioli and mustard, for a unique burst of flavor while you analyze that data.
Image courtesy of @biergartenla
Thai Angel Bar
Koreatown, $$
Thai Angel is a dark hole-in-a-mall that, back in the day, didn't really get going until after 2 a.m. when all the surrounding bars were saying goodnight. Now, like a respectable adult, it peaces out alongside its fellow establishments with typical bar hours. Plus, you’re here to work, not play … remember? So crack open your laptop and a cold one while enjoying homestyle Thai food like spicy, ground pad krapow over steamed rice or pork rat na noodles covered in gravy.
Image courtesy of @jazsolstice
The Know Where Bar
Hollywood, $$
A visit to The Know Where Bar is a visit to 1930s tropical paradise. The vibrant sea foam green walls lined with potted plants know how to put us in a productive mood and the mixologists sling drinks left and right with style, humor and flair. Hell, if you come in on the right night you'll be crooning to live jazz and cravin’ a Cuban. Note: your laptop is groovy to use during the day, but frowned upon 8 p.m. and later. So get your shit done before dinner time.
Image courtesy of @nickiraegeous
a Simple bar
Hollywood Hills, $$
What more does one need to get shit done than a cozy spot with ample seating and a great selection of booze? We recommend ordering The Hemingway, a concoction of Havana Club Rum, grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, simple syrup and a grapefruit twist. #keepingitclassy
Image courtesy of @my__shell
Restoration Hardware
West Hollywood, $$
Step into decor galore only to skip straight to the rooftop, baby. With 10,000 sq ft decked out in olive trees, decomposed granite walkways and fire pits, this is the ideal tranquil garden space to grind and/or meditate. Talk about living a life of luxury for free .... That’s right, you don’t have to purchase that tasteful but expensive mid-century ottoman to enjoy the views— it’s open to the public! Enjoy!
Image courtesy of @lord.hancock
The 3rd Stop
Beverly Grove, $$
This dope local pub has a superb selection of beer and grub. From double barrel Maui rings and housemade pretzel puffs to short rib grilled cheese and braised short ribs, your jeans might not thank you but your tastebuds are what really count, right? Hop up to the bar for happy hour because beers are only 4 buckaroos. Disclaimer: the wifi is only aiiiiight, so don’t plan on uploading videos or mining ethers here.
Image courtesy of @3rdstopla
Bodega Wine Bar
Santa Monica & Pasadena; $$
With wine served by the glass, small plates to fuel the hunger and a stacked menu of lattes and cappuccinos, Bodega is a groovy place to work from sunup to sundown … or at least until you're politely asked to put your laptop away. Be sure to keep an eye out for the daily specials! Tuesday’s are dedicated to tacos and $5 beers.
Image courtesy of @peter_queen
Zinqué
Venice, $$; West Hollywood, $$
Zinqué serves up delicate French pastries, flatbreads, instagrammable salads and carefully selected wines. With doors opening in the wee hours, you have the full day to crank out as much work as possible because once 6 p.m. hits, it’s time to unwind from the grind. The loveable coworking space transforms into a chic bistro perfect for a first date or a relaxing night with the homies.
Image courtesy of @imabagslut
Header image courtesy of @theknowwherebar
