The Friendly Neighbor hood Bar, Feel Like a Local
Holiday Bar
Los Angeles, CA
Drinks, Dancing & Beer
Cruising down the streets of downtown LA, I was soaking in the city vibes when something caught my eye—a stunning mural of the late Kobe Bryant. As I admired this beautiful tribute, my attention was drawn to a red, lighted arrow and a line of people eagerly waiting to get in. At first, I figured it must be for the taco stand nearby (because, let’s be real, LA loves its tacos), but to my surprise, it was for the Holiday Bar.
Initially, I thought this spot had to be some exclusive pop-up or a speakeasy where you’d need a secret passcode to get in. But nope! It turned out to be a local dive bar—a wildly popular one, at that—hence the line. Obviously, I had to check it out.
I joined the line and waited patiently. Props to the security for keeping things moving smoothly, only pausing when the bar hit capacity. But as soon as folks left, the line started moving again.
When I finally got inside, I noticed it was dark, but not in a creepy way—more like mood-setting dark. The first thing you see is the main bar with a few booths up front, perfect for groups. The place was decked out with Mexican-American (Chicano) and Los Angeles-themed decor, featuring Día de los Muertos accents, plenty of spirits to choose from, and even a slushy machine. And let me tell you, that slushy tasted exactly like the paletas I used to get from the ice cream vendor in my neighborhood growing up—El Paletero would be proud!
“Get to the dance floor! The Holiday disco ball hangs in the middle of the bar.“
There were two bartenders handling the crowd like pros, serving drinks with a smile and ready to give you the lowdown on their specials. FYI, they’ve got their promos displayed on the sidewall for easy reference. The dance floor was poppin’, complete with a disco ball, and people were clearly having a blast.
While exploring the place, I discovered a small but charming patio with chairs and tables. It had a unique religious touch that I won’t spoil for you, but it definitely added some culture and history to the spot. Occasionally, there’s a local food vendor in the patio area—a major plus if you get hungry after tearing up the dance floor.
Now, let’s talk about the restrooms—a crucial aspect of any dive bar experience. They’re pretty much what you’d expect from a local dive: nothing fancy but perfectly functional.
As the night went on, the bar did get crowded, especially on the dance floor and in the main area. It felt a bit cramped, but everyone was there to have a good time, so the vibe stayed friendly and fun.
The drinks are strong and tasty, and the occasional food vendor outside or inside is a nice touch for when you need a quick bite.
Holiday Bar is a must-visit spot. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but trust me, you’ll be glad you found it. I felt totally welcomed, and the vibe was spot on—super fun with great drinks, a DJ, a dance floor, and outdoor seating. What more could you ask for? I can’t wait to go back and bring newcomers, so they too can feel like a local!
Let us know what you think of The Holiday Bar in Los Angeles and if you want more information and details about drinks, reviews, and merch, see the links below.
The Holiday Bar
2471 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023
Drink Highlight : Craft Beer On Tap
Sometimes, it’s not about recreating a cocktail—just enjoying a great drink! Here are the details we’ve gathered to help you savor it to the fullest.
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Craft beers are unique, small-batch brews made with high-quality ingredients and lots of creativity. Unlike mass-produced beers, craft beers often feature bold flavors, innovative recipes, and distinct styles.
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Each craft beer is crafted with care by passionate brewers, offering a wide range of tastes—from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, fruity ales, and everything in between. Perfect for those who love exploring new and exciting flavors, craft beers are all about quality, variety, and a personal touch.
We are constantly looking for new venues to check out. If you want to know more about our "Upcoming Vibes" check out the full schedule. In addition, you can read other reviews on similar venues or feel free to visit our “REVIEWS” page. You can also make recommendations by contacting us.
Are you interested in learning how to make some of these drinks yourself? Check out our drink recipes and start enjoying them today.
