5 Best Nightlife in Atwater Village, Los Angeles

Don’t be turned off by the glaring log cabin theme (which is intensified by signature cocktails called Scout’s Honor and Roasted Marshmallow). Bigfoot Lodge is beloved by Eastside denizens, and despite appearances, it’s every bit a low-key, unpretentious neighborhood bar that specializes in shots and beer and welcomes the occasional tourist that happens to stumble inside.

Sustainability and support of local community has always been a big part of this L.A. brewery’s ethos, but more important, so is making great food and, of course, excellent beer. With several core brands, as well as a few specialty and seasonal brands, this is a must-stop for any craft beer lover vacationing in the City of Angels.

Forget all your misconceptions about dive bars and walk into the Roost, whose comforting elements—a jukebox that comes fully loaded with Tom Petty, Springsteen, and the Allman Brothers Band, cozy leather booths, dimmed lights, and decent hearty food—will make you feel like you’ve flown back to your hometown for the holidays. The cocktails aren’t too shabby either, but do bring cash.

It’s hard to decide whether the best thing about this place is its selection of 20 craft beers on tap and menu of enticing cocktails or the large beer garden furnished with picnic tables. Be warned, this place can get crowded, but it's worth it, especially on a hot, sunny day (so pretty much every day).