When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Bacari W. 3rd
Why Bacari W. 3rd is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bacari W. 3rd stands out as a premier Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant nestled in Los Angeles, making it an exceptional place for friends to meet and enjoy a memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with rustic Mediterranean decor, featuring a comfortable indoor dining room, a spacious indoor-outdoor bar, and a beautiful garden patio that enhances socializing and relaxation. The culinary experience is crafted by Chef Lior Hillel, focusing on Mediterranean-influenced tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing among friends, encouraging interaction and communal dining. Highlights include a rotating selection of small-production wines, eclectic beers, and unique craft cocktails and mocktails that complement the diverse menu. Bacari W. 3rd is also renowned for its distinctive 90-minute open bar special, which adds a lively, fun element to gatherings. Whether hosting large parties or welcoming walk-ins on busy nights, the restaurant's friendly and attentive hospitality ensures every guest feels at home. This combination of exceptional atmosphere, diverse and delicious small plates, and curated drink options makes Bacari W. 3rd an ideal destination to catch up and celebrate with friends.
Here's what people think of Bacari W. 3rd
As of recent, Bacari W. 3rd holds a 4.6-star rating based on 627 reviews.
Users consistently praise Bacari W. 3rd for its flavorful and well-prepared Mediterranean small plates, highlighting the creativity and quality infused by Chef Lior Hillel. Positive reviews often commend the restaurant's inviting ambiance, especially the charming garden patio and comfortable bar area, which enhance social experiences. Many guests appreciate the diverse and thoughtfully curated drink menu, particularly the small-production wines and cocktails, as well as the unique open bar special that provides excellent value. Hospitality is frequently mentioned, with patrons noting the warm, attentive service that balances professionalism with a welcoming feel. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional wait times during peak hours and variability in service speed, which could impact busier nights. A few guests also mention that while the menu is diverse, some dishes did not meet their expectations for seasoning or portion size. Nonetheless, these critiques are far outweighed by the overall positive experience shared by most visitors. In conclusion, Bacari W. 3rd enjoys a strong reputation for delivering quality Mediterranean small plates, excellent drink selections, and a cozy, social atmosphere, making it a favored spot for friends gathering in Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Andréa Araujo
Wow, what a surprised to see how popular Bacari has become over the years! The food is tremendously delicious, light, and affordable, and the service stays friendly even when it's busy. The only downside is that it can get pretty loud inside. If you want a fun place for a date or to hang out with friends, this is a great choice. Just be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting.
Rob Idle
We visited Bacari whilst visiting from the UK. In one word… wow. This was an incredible experience and the food was simply exceptional. Even better than the food however was our server Erika. An absolute star and made the already great experience even better. All the staff were excellent and the food is just on another level. Next time we are in town we absolutely will be back!
Faith C
While visiting Los Angeles, my sister Charity highly recommended Bacari — and I’m so glad she did! Being from out of town, I was excited to try something new. We arrived about two hours before closing and were warmly welcomed. Our server, Justin, was training Manny this evening. Both were exceptionally accommodating, providing outstanding customer service with genuine smiles and friendliness. Justin truly went above and beyond to ensure all our needs — and taste buds — were perfectly taken care of. I had several questions about the menu and potential substitutions. The way Justin described the dishes was not only informative but made me even more excited to try them. When the food arrived, it was clear why certain ingredients were paired together — everything complemented beautifully. I truly appreciated how eloquently Justin explained the menu, making the entire dining experience even more enjoyable. We ordered the following dishes: Rainbow Beets Lentil Stew Stuffed Mushrooms Green falafel Grilled chicken breast Sea Bass Salatim Baguette with butter and olive oil with garlic Some menu items can change. I highly recommend Bacari to anyone visiting Los Angeles — it’s a must-visit for a memorable dining experience!
debra jones
Tapas-style restaurant with seating in the gardens. Enter through the tunnel into a beautiful, park-like setting with the ceiling open to the sky. The A/C kept the temperature comfortable on a warm day. Recky, our server, was amazing. We started with a lemon drop martini and the warm baguette with garlic olive oil. Our food included the petit filet with zucchini, octopus with slaw, mac’n cheese, and the bacon and brie pizza. And for desert the bread pudding with ice cream. All were delicious. I can't wait to go back to try other items on the menu. This place is a gem! Awesome food, service and relaxing setting to have dinner with friends.
Jared Z.
Honestly really pleasantly surprised by this find. Keep in mind, the food portions are SMALL, the chef is correct that each person will need 2-3 plates minimum. Overall food were well-cooked and the inner courtyard created a nice and relaxing atmosphere.
How to reach Bacari W. 3rd
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Why Bacari W. 3rd may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bacari W. 3rd with your friends? Because it offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that’s perfectly tailored for group socializing, whether you’re catching up with longtime friends or celebrating a special occasion with family. This Venetian-inspired restaurant located in Los Angeles brings the warmth and conviviality of Mediterranean dining to life through its small plates, also called cicchetti-style dishes, which are perfect for sharing and sampling. With a solid 4.6-star rating from over 600 reviews, Bacari W. 3rd has proven itself as a go-to destination for those seeking a lively spot where good food, drinks, and company come together seamlessly. The mix of rustic Mediterranean décor, cozy indoor/outdoor seating, and a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails creates a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and connection. Add to that their unique 90-minute open bar special, which adds a fun, interactive element to your meetup, making Bacari W. 3rd not just a meal but an experience that fosters bonding and celebration.
What activities can you enjoy at Bacari W. 3rd that make it ideal for a group meetup? First and foremost, the menu revolves around shared small plates featuring Mediterranean and Venetian-inspired dishes by Chef Lior Hillel. This format encourages communal dining—the perfect setup for groups to try and share a variety of flavors and dishes, from fresh crudo barramundi and shrimp ceviche to house-baked baguettes and lamb hummus. The ability to mix and match plates means everyone in your party can find something they love while enjoying the joy of tasting others’ picks. In addition to food, Bacari W. 3rd boasts an extensive wine list focusing on small-production bottles that are harder to find elsewhere, along with an eclectic beer selection and inventive craft cocktails. This raises the experience beyond a typical dinner into a curated tasting adventure. The restaurant also features a 90-minute open bar special, a lively event where groups can enjoy bottomless drinks in a festive setting, creating a fun environment that’s perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers.
How does the ambiance at Bacari W. 3rd enhance your group experience? The restaurant's design combines rustic Mediterranean aesthetics with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both intimate and lively. The dining room includes a lovely garden area and spacious bar that extends indoors and outdoors, accommodating larger parties while maintaining a cozy vibe. This blend of indoor/outdoor seating means groups have the flexibility to choose their preferred setting, whether basking in a warm evening breeze or enjoying the buzz of the bustling bar inside. Several reviewers note the friendly, attentive service that elevates the experience, making large groups feel welcome and well taken care of, with dedicated staff ensuring your space is comfortable and your needs are anticipated. The ambiance is not only about decor but the energy of the place — it tends to be bustling and “popping” on weeknights, setting the stage for dynamic conversation and memorable moments.
Why is the food at Bacari W. 3rd perfect for sharing during meetups? The Venetian small plates style naturally lends itself to communal dining, which is ideal for groups because it encourages interaction and discovery. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and Mediterranean influences, making for an elegant but unpretentious dining experience. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available, which means everyone in your party can enjoy without dietary restrictions being an obstacle. The menu features diverse options, from cold dishes like shrimp ceviche and herbed crudo to warm plates such as shawarma tacos and lamb hummus paired with fresh pita. This diversity allows groups with varying tastes to coexist harmoniously, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Additionally, the kitchen’s attention to flavor balance — from tangy sumacs and za’atar seasonings to rich olives and nuts — keeps your palate engaged throughout the meal, sparking conversation about favorites and discoveries.
What beverages can groups enjoy at Bacari W. 3rd to complement their dining experience? Bacari W. 3rd prides itself on a thoughtfully curated beverage program that specializes in small-production wines, offering varieties that are both unique and reflective of Mediterranean terroirs. This approach means wine lovers can embark on a tasting journey, trying bottles they might not encounter elsewhere. For those who prefer mixed drinks, the bar crafts inventive cocktails that pair well with the light, flavorful Mediterranean bites. The beer selection is similarly eclectic, providing options that appeal to a wide range of tastes. One standout feature is the popular 90-minute open bar, which offers an all-you-can-drink format on selected beverages, making it an economical and interactive way for groups to indulge and keep the good times flowing. This vibrant beverage scene helps transform a simple dinner into a lively social event, facilitating laughter, toasts, and extended conversations.
How does Bacari W. 3rd accommodate groups and ensure everyone has a great time? From the moment your party arrives, the staff works to provide warm hospitality that makes large gatherings feel special and cared for. The restaurant’s layout supports groups with ample seating options, including private or semi-private spaces that allow for intimate conversations without loud distractions. Reviewers praise the staff’s attentiveness, highlighting servers’ ability to handle large parties smoothly while maintaining personalized service, which is crucial for group satisfaction. Bacari W. 3rd also accepts reservations, which is essential for groups looking to ensure togetherness without long wait times. Accessibility considerations like wheelchair access and family-friendly options such as highchairs mean everyone, from children to older adults, can comfortably join the celebration. Additionally, the combination of day and evening hours, including a weekend brunch option, provides flexibility for meetups at different times of day.
What makes Bacari W. 3rd unique compared to other group dining spots in Los Angeles? Unlike many restaurants that emphasize large entrées for individual orders, Bacari W. 3rd’s Venetian small plates style perfectly encourages sharing and discovery within groups, creating a more connected dining experience. It's also part of a growing family of restaurants by the Kronfli Brothers, known for high standards and a consistent commitment to quality. The elegant yet unpretentious Mediterranean design sets a warm, rustic tone that contrasts with many modern minimalist venues, making it feel like a welcoming gathering spot rather than just a place to eat. The inclusion of special offerings such as the open bar and an unusual focus on small-production wines equips Bacari W. 3rd with unique experiences unavailable in many other Mediterranean or tapas-style restaurants in the area. This combination of exceptional cuisine, beverage curation, and attentive hospitality makes it an irresistible choice when planning any social outing.
Why is the location of Bacari W. 3rd convenient for group gatherings? Situated in Los Angeles’ West Third Street area, Bacari W. 3rd is accessible via street parking and also offers valet options, which is a significant convenience for groups traveling together by car, a norm in LA. Its location in a lively neighborhood ensures that your group can easily plan additional activities before or after the meal, such as visiting nearby bars, shops, or entertainment venues. This makes the restaurant an excellent anchoring point for a full day or evening of socializing. Proximity to major thoroughfares simplifies arrival and departure, especially important for groups coordinating multiple schedules. Having both day and night operating hours, including brunch on weekends, adds flexibility for meetups, allowing groups to choose the time that best fits their plans.
What can you expect from the overall service and hospitality at Bacari W. 3rd? Guests frequently commend Bacari W. 3rd for its attentive, friendly service that makes big groups feel accommodated without losing the personalized touch. Servers like Leia and Oko have been praised for their helpfulness, attentive nature, and pleasant demeanor, exemplifying the level of service the restaurant prioritizes. The staff’s ability to handle large parties smoothly ensures that orders come out efficiently, space is arranged comfortably, and special requests are managed gracefully. The welcoming approach combined with professional execution means groups can focus on enjoying each other’s company while feeling confident their dining experience is in capable hands. This elevated hospitality is a cornerstone of the restaurant’s reputation and key to why it remains a favored meetup spot in Los Angeles.
In conclusion, Bacari W. 3rd excels as a destination for hosting meetups with friends or family through its enticing Venetian small plates, vibrant bar scene, warm Mediterranean ambiance, and outstanding group-friendly service. Its unique blend of shared dining, curated beverages, and thoughtful hospitality creates an environment that transforms ordinary meals into memorable social events. Whether you are gathering for an intimate dinner, a festive celebration, or a casual night out, Bacari W. 3rd offers everything necessary to foster great conversation, culinary discovery, and joyful togetherness.