You’re walking down East 1st Street in Little Tokyo, and if you aren't paying attention, you'll walk right past it. Seriously. It’s tucked away at the end of a brick-lined alleyway that feels more like a scene from a noir film than a modern California street. Far Bar Los Angeles doesn't scream for your attention with neon signs or a massive storefront. It just sits there, waiting for people who actually know where to look. Honestly, that’s exactly why it works.
In a city where "speakeasy" usually means a $25 cocktail and a dress code that makes you feel underdressed in a blazer, Far Bar is refreshing. It’s gritty but polished. It’s historic but doesn't feel like a museum. It occupies the ground floor of the historic Chop Suey building, which has been a staple of the neighborhood since the early 20th century. If these walls could talk, they’d probably tell you about the jazz era, the shifting demographics of DTLA, and a whole lot of late-night secrets whispered over glasses of Japanese whisky.
The Vibe Shift: From Alleyway to Patio
The entrance is iconic. You walk through that narrow corridor, pass the red lanterns, and suddenly the space opens up into one of the best patios in the city. It’s got this industrial, lived-in feel.
Most people come for the atmosphere, but they stay because the place actually has a soul. You’ve got the front bar, which is more of a traditional pub vibe with TVs usually tuned to a game, and then you’ve got the back bar and patio. The back bar is where the magic happens. It feels tucked away from the chaos of the city, even though you’re just blocks away from the 101 and the towering skyscrapers of the Financial District.
What’s wild is how the crowd changes. On a Tuesday night, you might find local residents from the nearby lofts grabbing a quiet pint. By Friday night, it’s a packed house with a mix of Japanese culture enthusiasts, craft beer nerds, and people who just wanted a spot that wasn't a pretentious Hollywood club. It’s a rare "everyone is welcome" kind of place.
Why the Drinks Matter (Beyond the Hype)
Let’s talk about the bar program. Far Bar Los Angeles isn't just a "beer and a shot" joint, though they’ll gladly serve you that. They were early adopters of the craft beer movement in Los Angeles. Before every corner store had an IPA on tap, these guys were sourcing interesting stuff.
- The Whisky Selection: They take Japanese whisky seriously. We aren't just talking Suntory Toki. They often have hard-to-find bottles of Nikka, Yamazaki, and Hibiki. If you're lucky, you might catch a rare single malt that hasn't been marked up to astronomical prices like at the hotel bars downtown.
- The Craft Beer List: Usually featuring about 30+ taps. They lean heavily into local California breweries but always keep a few Japanese imports like Hitachino Nest on hand. It’s a curated list, not just a random collection of whatever was on sale from the distributor.
- Cocktails with a Twist: They do a Wasabi Bloody Mary that will absolutely clear your sinuses. It's bold. It's spicy. It's probably the best hangover cure in a three-mile radius.
The bartenders here actually know their stuff. You can ask for a recommendation based on what you usually like, and they won't give you that blank stare you get at high-volume dive bars. They understand the flavor profiles of their sake and the bitterness units of their IPAs. It makes a difference.
The Food: More Than Just "Bar Grub"
Most bar food is an afterthought. It’s frozen mozzarella sticks and soggy fries. Far Bar Los Angeles flips that script by leaning into its Little Tokyo roots. You’re getting Asian-fusion that actually makes sense.
The Wasabi Fries are the stuff of legend. They are tossed in a wasabi seasoning that hits you right in the back of the nose—in a good way. Then there’s the Ming's Wings. They’re sticky, savory, and exactly what you want when you’re three drinks deep into a Saturday night. They also do a solid lineup of sliders and sushi rolls. It’s a weird mix on paper, but when you’re sitting on that patio, a spicy tuna roll and a craft lager just... works.
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I’ve seen people complain that the menu is "too varied," but honestly, it reflects the neighborhood. Little Tokyo is a blend of old-school tradition and modern urban life. The food at Far Bar mirrors that perfectly.
Navigating the History of the Chop Suey Building
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the building. The Far East Building (where the bar gets its name) was built in 1896. It survived the 1994 Northridge earthquake, though it was red-tagged for years afterward. For a long time, it sat vacant, a ghost of the neighborhood's past.
When it was finally renovated and Far Bar opened, it was a huge deal for the revitalization of 1st Street. It wasn't just another business; it was a sign that the history of the area was being preserved rather than paved over. Look up when you're inside. You can see the bones of the old structure. There's a weight to the air here that you don't get in those "built-yesterday" bars in the Arts District.
What Most People Get Wrong About Visiting
People think because it’s in an alley, it’s always going to be a "hidden" experience.
Nope.
If you show up at 9:00 PM on a Saturday during a Lakers playoff game or a holiday weekend, it’s going to be loud. It’s going to be crowded. You might have to wait for a table on the patio.
The trick is the "sweet spot" hours. Go on a weekday around 4:00 PM for happy hour. The light hits the alleyway just right, it’s quiet enough to have a real conversation, and you can actually appreciate the architecture.
Another misconception? That it’s expensive. Look, it’s Downtown LA. You’re not getting $3 beers. But compared to the $22 cocktails at the rooftop bars nearby, Far Bar is remarkably reasonable. Their happy hour deals are some of the most consistent in the area.
The Social Fabric of Little Tokyo
Far Bar Los Angeles serves as a bridge. On one side, you have the historic Japanese American community that has called this area home for generations. On the other, you have the "New LA"—the young professionals moving into the expensive lofts and the tourists coming in for ramen.
It’s one of the few places where those two worlds actually collide and get along. It’s not uncommon to see a table of older guys who have lived in the neighborhood for fifty years sitting right next to a group of 22-year-olds in "ironic" t-shirts. That kind of social cohesion is rare in a city that often feels very segregated by age and income.
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Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind. Parking in Little Tokyo is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a street spot on 1st or 2nd Street. Just bite the bullet and pay for the lot under the Japanese Village Plaza or, better yet, take the Metro. The Little Tokyo/Arts District station is a very short walk away.
Pro-tip: Check their social media or website before you go. They occasionally host private events or have specific "tap takeovers" from breweries that can change the vibe of the night.
- Dress Code: Non-existent. Wear a hoodie. Wear a suit. Nobody cares.
- Best Seat: The corner of the back bar if you’re solo, or the long wooden tables on the patio if you’re with a crew.
- Must-Order: If it's your first time, get the Wasabi Fries and whatever local IPA is on the "rotating" handle.
The Verdict on Far Bar Los Angeles
Is it the fanciest bar in LA? No. Is it the cheapest? Definitely not. But Far Bar manages to be something much harder to achieve: it’s authentic.
It hasn't sold its soul to become a "concept" bar. It’s just a really good place to get a drink, eat some wings, and feel like you're actually in Los Angeles, not some sanitized version of it. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a required stop for anyone who wants to understand the grit and beauty of DTLA.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Target the Happy Hour: Usually runs Monday through Friday. Check their current times as they can shift seasonally, but it's the best way to try the high-end whiskies without the high-end price tag.
- Use the Metro: Avoid the $20 parking fees and the stress of the 1st Street traffic. The Gold and Regional Connector lines make this one of the most accessible bars in the city.
- Explore the History: Take five minutes to read the plaque on the outside of the building. Understanding the struggle to keep the Far East Building standing makes the drink in your hand taste a little more significant.
- Check the Tap List Online: They often update their "Untappd" profile or website with what's currently pouring. If you’re a beer geek, do your homework before you arrive so you don't hold up the line.
The reality is that places like Far Bar Los Angeles are what keep the character of our city alive. In a world of cookie-cutter developments, the alleyway bar remains king.