Best Late Night Legends American Restaurants in Downtown LA
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Escondite
A hidden, live-music roadhouse with indulgent burgers, long happy hours, and a downtown skyline patio.
Notable Picks
8
Tucked on an industrial side street east of Skid Row, The Escondite is a roadhouse-style bar known for over-the-top burgers, loaded tots, and one of downtown’s most relaxed happy hours. Since 2011 it has pulled locals to its patio for discounted drinks, bar-food specials, and live music under the skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Captain Kangaroo Breakfast Burger, Nashville Hot Breakfast Sando, Baja Fish Taco Ensenada Style
What Makes it Special: A hidden, live-music roadhouse with indulgent burgers, long happy hours, and a downtown skyline patio.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A pirate-ship-themed dive bar on 2nd Street in Downtown LA that doubles as a nightly live music venue covering folk, punk, and everything between—with a scratch-made pub kitchen that takes the food more seriously than most music bars bother to. The beer-battered fish and the burger hold up as actual meals, not afterthoughts to the drink menu. Best suited for nights when you want to eat real food, catch a band you haven't heard of, and not care what time it is.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Beer Battered Fish Taco, Redwood Burger
What Makes it Special: Pirate-ship dive bar in DTLA with scratch-made pub fare and nightly live bands across genres from folk to punk rock
#3
464 Burgers
7.8
A no-frills late-night burger counter that’s become a Little Tokyo regular for messy, satisfying American comfort. Burgers skew indulgent, and the kitchen’s best work is in char, melt, and sauce balance. Ideal for quick hits rather than lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic smash burger, Loaded fries, Milkshake
What Makes it Special: Late-night burgers that nail char-and-melt comfort.
#4
Far Bar
7.7
Little Tokyo’s late-night hang for wings, whiskey, and bar burgers in a brick-and-neon setting. Kitchen hits best on shareables that match the beer-and-cocktail flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Far Bar Wings, Sapporo Burger, Whiskey Flight
What Makes it Special: A dependable Little Tokyo bar with legit late-night food.
7.6
A legacy late-night carvery and beer hall that’s pure old-school LA in both vibe and menu. Come for the prime rib and comfort sides, stay for the kitschy, time-capsule atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib Carvery Plate, Roast Turkey Dinner, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
What Makes it Special: One of DTLA’s last true carving-house night owls.