The Mandrake Bar

My friend and I came here on a Friday night, and yeah I like it. It has many qualities I like in a bar: cool artsy décor, good drink specials, and a picturesque patio. They play weird clips on a big projector in one room, which makes the interior more interesting.
I got whiskey sours and the Moscow Mule, both of which tasted great. I felt like they cost a bit too much though, since I don’t wanna pay $ 11 for a whiskey sour, which is often considered a well drink. My other complaint is that the patio, which is the only place you can really hear another human being, closes at 11??? Then everyone from the patio floods the bar, which is pretty claustrophobic. The bar echoes and you have to scream at the person next to you to be heard.
The music was on point though, with old school hip hop and an awesome remix of Blood Orange. There’s a «no dancing» sign above what I assume to the dance floor, which would be funnier if anyone in the place actually danced.

Super divey and hipster bar! Was in town visiting family and my cousin suggested this place. It’s super casual and they have a really fun shuffleboard table! We ordered some beers and cocktails, but the best part were the free pretzels! How many bars offer free ANYTHING (besides water)?! Bartenders are super chill and not obnoxious at all. We also ordered the dolma as a snack and they were delicious. The music was mostly throwbacks which are really fun to sing along to when you’re buzzing! Overall, I’m a fan and I’m glad that we came here.

One of my favorite bars to enjoy cool environment and friendly people. I have never had a bad experience here in any way whatsoever. I have brought several friends & everyone has liked the place just as much. They have a good happy hour if you’re a beer /​shot person. Jessica & Travis are the coolest people in town, show them love and tip them well!

The male clientele at this bar are fucking HOT. Perfect place to go out and get your hoe on.

I still love this spot just as much as I loved it four years ago :). I like the fact that it’s fairly low key. The lighting is perfect for the bar scene. The DJ was playing some awesome jams. I had a group of friends come to the Mandrake and we were fortunate enough to get a spot to sit at. The music was pretty loud but it’s a great place for a gathering. Check it out if you haven’t already been!

I had been meaning to come here for a while. It came highly recommended by some friends. Driving down La Cienega, you would probably miss it in the blocks of art galleries masquerading as crappy warehouse buildings, but if you look you will find an alcove with a shy little neon martini glass. Once inside you will see a full bar with bench seating in a dark room, head back to the middle section and cult classic movies play on a projector. They alternate DJ’s and have some pretty amazing local talent come in. There is local art on the walls and tavern style tables and benches. Through the back door is a nice softly lit patio. The ambiance is amazing. The prices are what you would expect from a bar. You can find parking on the street or off into the neighborhood. I will definitely be returning.

This is by far my favorite bar in Los Angeles. It feels like a great mix of dive, neighborhood bar, hipster/​loungey bar, and unique bar that has something distinct to offer. The drinks are reasonable and strong, always a positive to start with at a bar. The layout of the bar is perfect because you can hang at the bar, hang in the back while a movie plays, or go outside and kick it. The art inside is tasteful, and they’re usually playing something interesting projected on to the back wall. I don’t usually spend weekend nights here so it’s either moderately full or not full at all, so there is always space to hang out. Great for dates and for get togethers with friends where you want to catch up with people. I’m a HUGE music fan and usually go out nowadays to see house and techno DJs in a warehouse vibe. Given that, the music here is always good to great — it’s never bad, and ultimately isn’t the reason you choose to go or not go. They usually lean towards funk and soul, sometimes garage, and if you lean in any of those directions, you can’t really go wrong.

Would have loved to have danced to the great DJ, but the music was so loud, there was absolute no way I could enjoy my friends birthday party. I would have needed hearing aids by age 35 if I stayed. I left my friends party early.

This place looked like where regulars would come. Everyone was dressed pretty casual. It’s definitely you’re hole in the wall kind of bar. If you want to go get a drink and just chill, I think this is the place to go but it was a little to blab for my taste.

+ Cool hipster bar
+ Nice music, vibe
— Gets pretty damn crowded easily
— $ 5 for a CAN of beer lol
Came here after my friend’s birthday dinner, and I have to say. it’s cool, but nope. It gets so crowded that it takes forever to order some drinks here. I’ve had my fair share of waiting at bars, but this one was pretty ridic. Not only that, but it’s a really small place. Last time I was there, they were playing music along with Ong Bak 2 (movie) being projected onto the wall.
It was weird, some people were just there watching the movie, while others were sitting in a corner analyzing what others were wearing. Typical hipster stuff lol. Nice to visit, but not really a place I’d drink at.
Onto the next one.

arty, pretentious, affected, and just a tinge of hollowness. all that is fine with me because i was told this was a hipster bar before stepping in, and it absolutely is.
there are three areas to mandrake. (1) where you order drinks from bartenders who are way too cool to show that they care about tips (but i’ll still tip), sit around, and try to have conversations with rando drunk neighbors. (2) the dance room that says «no dancing», because hipsters are ironic and you’re supposed to dance –it makes you feel like a rebel when you take a dancing selfie under the «no dancing» sign. also, people try to talk in this room because of all the benches and tables, but come on, we all know you’re really just doing some poor lip-​reading and nodding in confusion at that point. (3) the outdoor area which seems nice for summer but once LA drops below 70 degrees, everyone panics and no one goes outside.
i am an anti-​hipster, which basically means a person who wears clothes that fit me just normally. so why do i even like this place? well, they actually do play legitimately good music to dance to, from old school hip hop to underground rap, to the newest drake. lots of drake.
the music itself and all the room from people NOT dancing, makes this a venue that I love because it means more space for me: D i would come here again as a 2^nd or 3^rd spot for the night, but probably not start my night here.
PS. there should definitely be more than 1 bathroom stall for women, though!

Mandrake is your fun, neighborhood bar! The place is divided into three sections — you walk in to the bar to hang out, talk, grab a drink, then there’s a dance floor further in, and it ends with a cute patio area outside.
Drinks are very affordable — I bought 3 drinks and the bill was only $ 21! They have an amazing happy hour Monday through Friday from 5−9pm. The bartenders are super friendly and we didn’t wait long to get drinks like most bars.
I loved the crowd here! Everyone was super laid-​back and you don’t get the pretentious vibe like most of the fun bars in LA. Good-​looking group too!
I’m for sure coming back — had such a great time :)

This place is a total hidden gem! Drove past on a Saturday night en route to a party. Saw a group of people walking in as well as people coming from across the street so we made sure to bookmark it! We came by later that evening and had a blast! Cant comment on the drinks bc i just had an classic Corona ($ 6). The music though!!! Awesome! Love a bar with great music, the DJ was blasting the best old school jams. Will definitely come back here soon again!

LOVE.
A friend and I drove by and saw some cool people walking inside so we thought it must be a good time. Let me tell you, GREAT time. Shoutout to the DJ for playing one of my favorite Rick Ross songs as I walked in. You real. Very spacious and an eclectic crowd all around. Can’t wait to bring friends back here.

The quintessential dive bar with amazing $ 5 deals of PBR and a shot of whiskey or a Tecate and Tequila. Can’t go wrong there.
Great little outdoor seating area and coll vibes inside with always random and wonderful cult favorites projected on the wall.
Nothing better than opening this place up when it’s good and empty to get your favorite seat!

I would give a half star if I could. Rude staff and an unenjoyable environment. Stay clear of this establishment.

This place is just perfect all around.
Mandrake is exactly halfway between my office and home. It’s a pleasure to go here after work and it’s often popping on the weekend as well.
The staff are friendly and inviting and the service is great. The happy hour is M-​F from 5pm to 9pm and the shot and beer special is only $ 5. I recommend the Tecate/​Tequila combo as the Tequila is typically hangover & gag free. A great upper after a long day of work!
There is also a surprisingly large seating area behind the bar on the way to the patio by the DJ booth. The DJ usually plays ‘70s/‘80s music and the projector is frequently old cartoons or «Miami Vice» episodes.
If you get to know the bartenders they will give you free shots and community cigarettes. Perks of being a regular!
FYI: There is no parking on the street outside the bar until 7pm — so you have to search a bit to find a spot.

This is a small dive bar with a good vibe. There is the bar area in the front and tables with a DJ in the back. There is also a patio but it closes at 11PM. Although I enjoyed the overall vibe I found out quickly it’s not conducive for conversation once the patio closes. The music is jacked up and people are there to dance. Drinks are good and you don’t have to wait all that long to get one and it helps that the clientele is pretty cool.

My first time here was for a friend’s birthday on a Saturday night around 9:45. Although the bar wasn’t packed and we had tables reserved I had to wait in line. Not a huge deal, it only took ten minutes or so.
Got my first drink, no problem. We had some tables in the middle room. The music is really loud, so you can’t really talk to people without screaming.
Around 10:20 it got pretty packed. I was right at the bar, but had to wait 20 minutes for a drink. The bartenders were serving one section of the bar, not moving along the bar as one expects. However, the bartender recognized how long I’d been waiting and bought my round.
I’d like to come here on a weeknight. As it is, I wouldn’t come back on a weekend.

Came here the other night for drinks. On a Monday night, there was a street parking. By 730 or eight the bar counter was completely filled but the rest of the place was empty. The bartender was really nice and friendly. The music is not so loud that you have to yell so that was nice. It’s a simple plain bare bar but you’re there to drink.

I love the Mandrake. It has consistently been my favorite bar in LA since I moved back in 2011. Whether I’m popping in after a show at an gallery on a Thursday night or shaking it at their Saturday night Bashment boogie (Thanks Merc!) I’m never disappointed. The drinks are great and the bartenders are friendly. Jessica is the most gorgeous, awesome bartender I’ve ever encountered. She can make a MEAN Caipirinha Royale and is always smiling. Seriously, it’s such a hassle finding someone who can make my drink they way I’d make it at home. Strong and Delicious. She’s a godsend. That’s probably another reason I feel so at home when I’m here. They don’t have a tv but you can trust the projector to be on playing anything from your favorite Spike Lee Joint to old animated episodes of Batman and no matter who’s Dj’ing, if you have an ounce of rhythm, you’ll be dancing. They’re playing Rock With You by MJ as we speak! (Thanks Sundy!) They also have great snacks. The Manchego, honey and crackers is TO DIE. $ 6. Free pretzels if you’re feeling cheap. Great patio, open till 11pm if you’re smoking.
There isn’t a sign, just a flashing martini glass outside. Come in, dance, have a good time and tip your bartender!

Great mellow neighborhood bar.
They make excellent cocktails but stock house beer too.
Killer outside smoking area.

This place is the bomb ‘diggity. The weekends here — avoid! Parking is bad, and I saw several cars parked where it looks ok but is a tow zone and they were getting towed on the side of the street where the bar is!
Luckily I can walk here. The bartenders are rad — no attitudes, great cocktails, cigarettes at the bar, an awesome patio.
This place sometimes turns into a weird dance club.
One time when I came here Rosamund Pike was staring at me at the bar and when I turned at looked at her and recognized her I thought she was going to kill me like in Gone Girl.

Hipster scene. check. Hot Hot Hot bartender (the dude) check. (don’t worry, I was there with my husband, and he thought the lady bartender was equally as attractive) good drinks and canned beer such as PBR, Tecate, and Red Stripe.
I like the different areas, if you want to talk more, stay in the bar area. Though the back is pretty empty, they really pump the music and you can’t hear your friends saying anything. There is also an outside area in the back where I assume you can smoke.

I really want to like this place. In a decent area and there is plenty of parking nearby. Inside is a really nice space. Bar in the front with a good amount of seating, a second seating area in the back, and a nice outside area. The bartenders were very nice and attentive to everyone in our group. They close the outside area at 11 but kicked us out an hour beforehand. It’d be nice if they could keep it open all night, but that’s their prerogative (I didn’t have a problem with it but some other people did). The secondary sitting area is a pretty chill spot. Problem is they played the same movie three times in a row (they were playing «She’s Gotta Have It,» not the best bar movie) and the speaker system is pretty awful. They’re definitely not about having any base at all. Liked the music they were trying to play at least.
Definitely a place I would go to but as soon as the music starts and they close the outdoor patio, I’m heading out.