Bars and bites near the Bootleg Theater

You'd probably never notice this bar was here—only a tiny sign and a few locals coming in and out of the closed door on Temple might tip you off. The place has a laidback, discreet vibe and regular live music acts—not to mention an impressive beer and wine selection. Liz, the owner, is a perfect mix of sweet and aloof, and always has tamales on hand (from the delicious Tamales Alberto nextdoor) on Thursday evenings. Thursday is also the Old Time Jam, where you can bring in your instrument and play old-timey tunes with other musicians at every level. Lately, the spot has become more popular and is getting a bit crowded... it looks like the bar's hush-hush days are numbered.

Revamped, refurbished and under new management, this former dive bar brings a little bit more joie de vivre (and upgraded digs) to Echo Park. There are concrete floors, a pool table, newly lacquered parquet wood bar and very clean bathrooms. For locals, this watering hole might be the best pickup spot on the Eastside. When the bar’s coveted seats (14 in total) are taken and the only two booths in the joint are at capacity, standing room allows for old-fashioned mingling in the fairly small space and a game of pool—get your name on the signup chalkboard early. The drink menu is straightforward—full bar with standard bottle selections—with eight beers on tap, including a brew called the "Glutenator" ($12 for 22oz) for gluten-free imbibers. Don’t ask if they make "cocktails"—you’ll be met with a blank stare before the bartender turns to take someone else’s order.

This cozy beer and wine bar in Echo Park offers a well-culled selection of (often local) beers, red, white and sparkling wine, as well as small bites—think olives, pita and hummus, etc. Exposed brick, a wood bar and tables and soft, yellow glass light fixtures give this place a comfortable feel without sacrificing style. The music here comes from an old-school record player and an ever-changing vinyl collection, which adds to that warm, homey feeling. For smokers, there's a small wood patio out back. Weekends can get crowded, but weekdays are usually pretty mellow—except for Tuesdays, when Origami Vinyl hosts its Record Club at around 9.

This beer store and bar offers a gigantic selection of brewskies, from West Coast microbrews to rare Belgian ales and small production specialty bottles. (There's also wine, and a pretty good little selection, but we rarely see anyone drinking it here.) There are refrigerated cases from which you can grab bottles to go, or get one opened at the bar (for a small corkage fee) and hang out with a plethora of Eastside beer nerds. There are always local brews on tap, and the space hosts special events such as a beer and cheese tasting with Stone Brewing's master brewer. Join the "mug club" and corkage fees are waived for a year, with each pour you buy going into your very own mug (well, more like a stein) that's kept behind the bar. The staff are super knowledgeable and friendly—no beer snobs here—and the atmosphere is cozy, with communal benches, comfy plush chairs and a smoking area outside. There's also a decent pizza place next door, to help you soak up all that delicious booze.