Apt 503

So many Instagram-​worthy areas in this place. The originality of the artwork and overall concept set this place apart from the usual ktown bars and lounges. It’s easy to see why this place has been «exclusive» and packed with large crowds. Some other reviews have talked about how the lines and not being able to get in. My response is that it’s not a large place — they have to turn people away eventually. When I was there, we held a large, private birthday party and saw people outside waiting. But thanks to the crowd and line management, we had a great time. Good music, good drinks, and service was excellent. Will definitely come back again!

The short of it:
— cute lounge concept
— good music
— interior is a bit small
— large outdoor space
— guestlist is a must
The long of it:
This was an interesting place, I loved the cute cartoon doodle concept all over the walls. Fun for photos. The crowd was mostly azn… not too much diversity but we were in Ktown after all. They are very strict about guestlist here and at one point the list closed and our friends almost didn’t make it in. Can’t believe that happens here in LA, made me feel like we were in Vegas. It’s a bit annoying when you have to be on a guestlist, but I guess that’s to just avoids crowds. I felt like there was plenty of space for everyone, it was not too packed. The music was great, lots of 90s hip hop and R&B. The crowd seemed older, late 20s, 30s, even 40s. One thing that needs to be addressed is the women’s restroom! One restroom is not enough for ladies… come on! The line was always long and since there’s only one toilet, girls end up going in groups inside the restroom which of course takes longer. Overall, I had a fun night here but I think I also spent a majority in line for the restroom…

This place is a complete joke. They advertise this place as a super exclusive, invite-​only venue for «friends» but rather, it’s full of pretentious people who puff up their chest and power-​trip because they’re part of the newest spot in Ktown.
Once you enter into the main building, there’s a line to get into a line to get into a line. Is that really necessary? You’re not Vegas, nor will you ever be so stop wasting people’s time and get it right from the get-​go. I swear, that night all I kept hearing in my head was security guards screaming «MOVE TO THE RIGHT!» all night long.
To be honest, I wasn’t going to write this review until I read through a few other reviews and saw the douchebaggery rebuttals coming from an Apt 503 «roommate.» Take a look for yourselves. Rather than owning up to the flaws and inconsistencies of the establishment’s policies and procedures, the «roommate» goes on the defense, belittling former patrons for their lack of recognition and respect for the space/​music. And sadly enough, they’re only going to use these negative comments not to improve upon themselves, but to become even more pretentious than they already are. Eat a slice of humble pie, roommates, and remember where you came from.
I can’t stress enough how this place offers nothing more than photo-​ops for instagrammers, and for that, you get 1 star.

Never. Ever. Coming. Back. That is all. HA!
Let’s be honest. This is the same crowd as the Line Bar, but just upstairs and across the street. Everything about this place is not cool. The décor is weird. The crazy lights are a no go. Oh, there’s multiple lines to get in.
I came here for a friend’s birthday and once she said she had to put everyone on a guestlist and that everyone had to get there by 9:30pm, I knew it was going to be one of those places. Pretentious.
About the lines. You have to get in a line to go up the elevator, and once you get upstairs, the bouncers will ask you if you’re on the guestlist. If you’re not, you’re definitely not getting in. Anyway, there’s a list for general guestlist and table guestlist. Luckily, my friend had a table so we got in right away.
Once you get inside, it already calls for a fire hazard. It’s a narrow walkway from the entrance to the bar and then it goes all the way around to another bar. There’s an outside patio and a very small dance floor. One side of the bar is very cold since it opens to the patio, but then when you get to the other side with the dance floor, it’s very humid and no air flow. GROSS.
This place is not diverse. So don’t come here if you are a well-​rounded person who wants to explore their options! :)

The DJ spinning is a really pretty and young upcoming dj by the name of Celinerrr. She played all good music from throwback 90s and 200s r&b and hip hop to present. She most definitely kept the crowd going from beginning to end, with never a dull moment in between her set. I found her soundcloud! It’s CELINERRR. Her mixes are there for you to preview!
This lounge is definitely the newest and hottest spot to come with either just a friend, or all your friends. There’s so much to enjoy here. You have innovation and creativity at play here with all the cool pop and wall art, urban décor, and really good looking people. The lounge is also on the top floor of the building so you get a beautiful view of KTown while dancing the night away.
The crowd is well rounded with an attractive age group of 20s-​30s. The attire is definitely trendy casual. The spot is screaming Instagram/​snapchat/​selfie worthy.
Lastly, the bartenders were impressive. Coming from someone who worked in the food industry, I noticed very quickly that the bar where my boyfriend and friends and me were ordering had at most 2 bartenders. We came in on a Sat, 1/​23, and the place was packed. The bar was flooded with thirsty people ordering complicated drinks, and my boyfriend and I waited calmly for them to take our orders because we were ordering a couple round of tequila shots, and then a number of mixed drinks. Mind you, the place is brand new and they are still improving, as any place that just opened. These bartenders at APT 503 kept their sh*t together because they made those drinks with a smile on their face that hid really well any signs of anxiousness. I believe that they did VERY well for what was being thrown at them. I’d really like to applaud them, especially for the guys who worked in the bar by the dj.
S/​O to the bodyguards that let me be funny and a little crazy because my boyfriend just asked me out earlier that day so I got pretty tipsy, but they were hella chill, especially cool guy Mike!

This place is trying way too hard to be the new hot spot. It’s pretty cool inside, with nice wall décor and everything but it’s one of those places that if you stand anywhere for a second some dumbass bouncer shines a flashlight in your face and tells you to keep it moving.
The people at the door have no idea what the hell they’re doing. They randomly try to enforce a dress code on people and power-​trip on folks. They let in dudes wearing Jordans but then tripped on a guy wearing a blazer with chucks. After some back and forth, I shit you not one of the hostesses (who was like 21) asked Mr. Blazer «would you wear that to a job interview?»
Wtf does that even mean? Do they want people to come to APT 503 dressed like they want a job as Wells Fargo teller? Has the hostess ever been to an actual job interview that requires more skills than writing people’s name on a guest list? Jesus Christ, get over yourselves.

Loveee this place! What an awesome concept and venue. My friend knows one of the owners so we got inside easily on a Thursday night. Yes, you have to RSVP. It’s on the 5^th floor of one of the ktown buildings. They didn’t change the venue name on the elevators yet, but just click 5^th floor. Went in around 10pm and was pretty empty but it got packed quick. This is definitely the new «it» place to be.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there’s a lot of hand-​drawn art on the walls to resemble the space as an apartment. Super super cute. Perfect for Instagraming selfies. The furniture and two bars are modern and chic.
Their signature drinks are delicious. I don’t remember the names (drank too much haha), but the fruity vodka and the tequila with a hint of pepper were my favorites. The bartenders were friendly and fast. There’s a large smoking patio outside, DJ mixing hip hop, and overall good vibes. This may just turn into my new weekly hangout spot.

If you’re looking for a cool place with drinks, a good atmosphere, and good music, check this place out.
DJ Celinerrr I believe was the one DJing when I got there and she played all our favorites. From old school Ashanti to the latest RnB music. It just made us love this place even more. Not sure what kind of music they play on other nights, but if it’s similar to what the DJ was playing last night, we’ll DEFINITELY be back.
Also, I really need to mention that Apt 503 is so creative and original. You’re automatically welcomed in with amazing and fun wall art alllllll over the place. It’s located on the 5^th floor of a building in Ktown. On one side of the lounge there are glass windows that give you a nice little view. There’s also a big outdoor patio with garden lights. Such a beautiful spot. I really have to give them that.
I have to admit, the bar could have moved a TINY bit quicker, but I couldn’t blame them, people were ordering 2 – 3 drinks at a time. However, when we DID get to ordering our drinks at the bar, the bartenders were super nice & friendly & thankfully knew how to smile amidst being slammed with drink orders lol.
Thanks Apt 503!!! We’ll be back :)

There is a parking structure. $ 12 but you can get validation. You still pay a few bucks though.
Go to the 5^th floor (golf range) and cross over to the other building.
My party got the outside tables so I don’t know how much anything costs.
The deco was cute in the pictures. Couldn’t see any of it because it was too crowded. Didn’t want to be in everyone’s business just to take selfies.
The outside has heat lamps, but only your forehead gets warm as hell. And beware its an outside area for other people too so if they crowd towards your table be aware that they might take your drinks or dessert you brought for your party.
R U EEEEEEEEE
[[[[edit]]]] I want to leave an advice for this part. I want to suggest the venue to actually have some dividers of some sort: plants or fences for the outside table area. I know it’s an area for other guests too, but it’s way too hectic and uncomfortable. We paid for the area, but it feels like we are sharing the area with EVERYBODY. I mean the outside area is fairly large so I think having dividers won’t be the problem at all.
R U EEEEEEEEE
The music is def good. Not a lot of EDM so if ya’ll sick of EDM come here (I personally love EDM).
I would say try this place out.
It’s a very very very mixed group which I like. Old and young. All races. Hipsters, Kanye wannabe’s, Fashionistos and Fashionistas, etc.
Definitely would come back… maybe. I’m too old for it though. Haha

Worse place ever. So pretentious. This place is for people who thinks «look at me I am so cool». I would rather spend money going somewhere else.
What happened to Ktown? :(
Would never come again. Bouncers to staff were rude and arrogant.

Super exclusive, guest list only. Staff was rude when the place was at capacity. Seemed a little overwhelmed and stressed. Chill out. Part of me is a little bitter, but the situation definitely could have been handled better. Saw a few friends on their way out after being inside and they said it wasn’t anything special. Why so exclusive? On a positive note, they validated my parking.

Really cool lounge that’s not too small or gigantic. Great atmosphere. So many cool décor that you want to take selfies at every 3 feet. Each table section is uniquely decorated. One big main bar where the dance floor is and a smaller bar towards the back. Everything is white, chic, and modern. Resident and special guest dj’s are really good and play a good assortment of hip hop from the 80s to current. They really try to switch it up, cover everything, and cater to the crowd. *please don’t request songs from the dj. Nothing is more annoying. If you really want to hear your jam, go back to your car.
If you got a group, I highly recommend reserving a table. It’s so worth it in the end. You get to sit and have a place to put your stuff down. It’s great to get a table near the dance floor, but the music and vibe is so close, even if you’re in the back, just make your own dance floor.
The outside area is bigger than indoors! So there’s plenty of room to get fresh air. When it gets warmer, it’ll probably be better to rsvp tables outdoors order in the back.
In attendance were A LOT of females! I’m sure the ratio was 8:1 maybe 12:1! Dress code seemed to be relaxed. Some dressed up, dressed casual, dressed sexy… crowd is mostly Korean, however there was a good mix of the Asian continent, Hispanics, and Blacks. I did not see one white person. This was a Friday night.
You can park in the garage, $ 2 with validation. Good luck finding street parking. Elevator entrance is inside bldg lobby. Take it to the 5^th floor. Don’t be surprised that it looks like a banquet hall. Never judge a book by its cover! Have fun!

The concept of this lounge is especially cute and very instagram ready. I went on a thursday night with some friends and it was pretty empty. We originally got a bit lost finding it because we tried to enter from the front. Actually, enter from the back of the building where the doors are open. The bouncer at the door asked if we were on the guest list, which surprised us because I didn’t know that we had to call ahead to be put on the list. Nonetheless, he was quite nice and just had us add our names to the clipboard.
The space is tiny and its bar even tinier. There is only two bartenders and it took them each a while to make the specialty drinks. I liked how modern and «Asian» it was. A lot of interactive art underneath bad lighting. There was an outside area for the smokers but the lights weren’t on, so it was basically smoking in the dark.
I liked it best to spend time with friends, just chilling and taking pictures. The dance floor is a lot smaller than other clubs I have been to, but it is a lounge so I don’t think people here do too much dancing.

I came here with a fairly large group for NYE last week. We did Über here, but from the my past experience, there is a parking garage on the first floor. Just remember to get your parking validated so it’s only $ 2! The entrance is on the 5^th floor (take the elevator, make a right).
I’m not really into the whole «artsy fartsy» stuff, but everything is decorated very uniquely. It gave off a vibe I’m not accustomed to, and I liked that. It’s not your typical Korean lounge/​bar, and since this place is fairly new, that’s a good thing… there are enough of those. The inside is fairly intimate, so don’t expect a huge layout. But this made it easier to not get lose and be able to meet people (+ for me).
There is an outside area, which was pretty cold at night, but manageable… and I can see huge potential for spring/​summer coming up! With the outside included in the mix, the place is actually pretty spacious.
For my recent visit, we had a table for the NYE party they threw. This was really nice being able to put our stuff down (purses for the ladies and jackets for everyone else), and as we were off to the side in a corner, made it feel more secure as well.
They do have only two restrooms (one male and one female), but I didn’t seem to have to wait for the restroom long. And for the size of the venue and the crowd, there isn’t a need for a huge restroom IMO.
For drinks, an Old Fashioned will always be a good choice here. There are two bars, and I’d say they work at a fairly decent pace. Just don’t order 5 different drinks with 5 different ingredients in each and you’ll be fine. They also have a decent selection of good beer! I think one of my gripes about many bars/​lounges is the scarce offering of beers… especially with the boom of so many great breweries!
Side note: My female friends were actually happy to find that the amount of creepers was very limited, not something (as a guy) I’d ever think about.

Definitely one of the cutest bars I’ve ever been to! The décor is perfect for cute Instagram photos with your girlfriends on a girl’s night out. If you’re a guy reading this thinking it’s too «girly» for your taste, just keep in mind that cute décor + IG worthy photos = LOTS of girls.
I’m personally not a fan of typical Koreatown bars and just sitting around drinking soju, snacking, and getting fat. I like to drink and burn off my calories on the dance floor and every time I’ve been to Apt 503 the music has been amazing.
I love that Apt 503 brings a new vibe to the Koreatown nightlife so I’ll be here a lot! If you hear an Asian girl screaming for Grey Goose shots, it’s probably me. Come by and say hi!

Cute concept, horrible layout, slow bartenders, not enough seating and ONE EL BANO for each man and woman.
1. Get some seating for the patio
2. Move the two rectangular tables at the walkway in front of the bar to the right when you walk in
3. Hire more bartenders especially if you’re going to have specialty cocktails that take 15 minutes to make
4. Stock some bottled waters
5. Have more napkins available at the bar
6. The 5^th floor bathrooms should be allowed to be used
Those are all the complaints.
I thought the place was so adorable until it got crowded and the bar took forever. Love that the lighting is brighter too.

super cute semi roof-​top bar located on the 5^th door (old sky bar) with great drinks! really love the whole hand-​drawn design of the entire bar. it’s totally insta-​worthy esp for girls lol.
Parking is available on the street or validated garage.

Such a really cute lounge for drinks and dirty dancing if you’re in that kinda mood :)
I really liked the layout of Apt 503. It’s on the corner of the 5^th floor and feels like you’re walking into someone’s really nice penthouse. There’s also so many cute photo opportunities everywhere that you go.
The crowd seems between late 20’s to mid 30’s. The dj was playing music from the 90’s when R. B was golden, which I was getting flashbacks of my early High School days. When we went it was invite only, so not sure when they will be open to the public but I’m sure you can just email them to get on their guest list. I will definitely come back w/​my girls next time and have a round of drinks and gawk at all the pretty people :)

Parking is available on the street or $ 2 validated garage. Reservations are required so make sure to get on the guest list & arrive on time. Otherwise good luck getting in since Apt 503 fills up fast. It is an apartment after all, not a condo!
This semi-​rooftop bar is located on the 5^th floor of the Aroma building that houses Starbucks, a Korean spa, gym, and golf range. Walk inside the building to find twin elevators, NOT the outside elevator that leads to the golf range.
Décor is tres chic, picture perfect backdrops galore. Drinks were flowing and music was a good mix of old and new hip-​hop and EDM.
I saw some dance moves on the patio later in the night, but there were plenty of nooks to sit down inside the lounge. Will be back after my next date night or for GNO!

This place is brand new. My friend is the owner so there was an unofficial opening party for friends and family. If you want something out of the ordinary, not just a simple bar to get wasted but candy for your eye as well, then this bar will please you in every single aspect.
Let the photos speak and may you find all the hidden things in the wall.
The bar is located on the 5^th floor with DJ, outside area and plenty of space for you to dance. It’s even bigger than some clubs.