When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
La Cita Bar
Why La Cita Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
La Cita Bar is a vibrant and authentic downtown Los Angeles dive bar that offers a perfect spot for friends to meet and enjoy a diverse nightlife experience. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich history dating back to 1897, this bar combines traditional Mexican music with late-night DJ sets, creating a dynamic and fun space. The bar features a large dance floor illuminated by red lights and a popular outdoor patio area that offers a refreshing escape from the high energy inside. Patrons enjoy a variety of music genres including Spanish rock, pop, cumbias, hip hop, and 80’s tunes, making it a hub for diverse crowds. The bar is appreciated for its welcoming vibe, great drink options like the popular michelada and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, as well as daily happy hours. The back patio provides a cooler environment for those wanting a break from dancing while still soaking in the lively scene. Whether celebrating special occasions or just looking for a casual night out, La Cita Bar’s energetic yet friendly setting makes it a great destination for groups and friends to gather and dance the night away.
Here's what people think of La Cita Bar
As of recent, La Cita Bar holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1850 reviews.
User reviews of La Cita Bar highlight a blend of energetic party vibes and authentic dive bar charm. Many patrons praise the DJ for creating an unbeatable dance atmosphere that keeps the floor packed with enthusiastic dancers, often spanning multiple hours of enjoyment. Positive feedback also focuses on the outdoor patio with its relaxed environment and high-quality cocktails, especially noting the female bartender’s excellent drink-making skills. Reviewers commend the bar for its diverse music selection and affordable entrance cover before 10 PM, adding to its appeal as a lively and accessible venue. However, some negative reviews mention slower drink service indoors and the back patio sometimes being smoky, which can detract from the overall experience. A few mention that the interior can become uncomfortably warm due to the crowd and music energy. Despite these downsides, the overwhelmingly positive comments about the vibrant vibe, good music, and quality drinks affirm that La Cita Bar remains a beloved local staple. This mix of charm, energy, and authenticity keeps patrons coming back, making it a top choice for a fun night out in downtown Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Fred Lodge
Excellent music, great drinks available, and dancing. Can be a bit edgy for some, alcohol and tempers, mostly. The security takes such things VERY seriously and quickly, so definitely come correct or attend elsewhere if you're looking for a more relaxed environment. Good times to be bad here for sure, I had a blast and the music was muy caliente, no doubt. 🕺🎶
Alex Rivera
Cover charge starts at 9pm. They have an early happy hour. It gets packed around 11pm-midnight. Great atmosphere. There is an outdoor patio area. It is a loud environment and outdoor is also pretty loud but you can have a conversation. Tables fill up quickly.
Rebecca Rodriguez
Pretty good bar in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Surprisingly large, with a large indoors seating and standing area, as well as a large outdoors seating area. My group arrived around 5:30pm and there was more than enough room for us. I heard the drinks are great. Didn’t see any food offerings, though. Recommendable for large groups.
C R
Dj’d here for the first time ever and it did not disappoint. Felt like a backyard party the venue is big and has a patio. Good times
La Sexci Femboi
Cool Downtown spot to come to. Plays good music with 2 different stages and vibes. I like the layout of this bar. You can vibe outback or inside the building. Me I like being on the outside.
How to reach La Cita Bar
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Why La Cita Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at La Cita Bar with your friends?
La Cita Bar offers a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere that makes it an ideal gathering spot for groups of friends or families looking to spend memorable time together. With a solid rating of 4.1 from 1,850 reviews, it’s clear that La Cita strikes a chord with its patrons, blending the buzz of a lively Latin music venue with the laid-back charm of a classic dive bar. Whether your goal is to dance the night away, catch up over expertly crafted cocktails, or simply enjoy the unique cultural vibe of downtown Los Angeles, La Cita delivers on all fronts. The bar’s spacious layout, including a large indoor area complemented by a comfortable outdoor patio, accommodates groups both large and small. The DJ’s passionate sets, mixing Spanish rock, cumbia, hip hop, and more, ignite the dance floor, encouraging everyone to get moving together. Despite occasional crowds, the energy and communal spirit here make waiting worth it. From birthdays to casual meetups, La Cita’s mix of music, ambiance, and welcoming environment makes it a standout venue to rally your friends and create unforgettable experiences.
What activities can groups enjoy at La Cita Bar?
At La Cita Bar, there’s no shortage of engaging activities tailored to bring groups closer and keep the energy high throughout the night. The primary draw is undoubtedly the music — the DJ curates an eclectic mix ranging from Latin classics like cumbia and norteño to vibrant mixes of Spanish rock, 80s hits, and modern hip hop, catering to diverse tastes and maintaining a lively dance floor. Dance enthusiasts will especially appreciate the ample space, though the popularity of the venue means the floor can get packed, boosting the electrifying vibe. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the outdoor patio offers a quieter retreat where guests can chat over excellent cocktails served by friendly bartenders. The patio atmosphere is often described as smoky but welcoming, perfect for cooling down and catching up away from the intensity of the indoor groove. Weekly events such as karaoke nights, bingo, and themed parties diversify the entertainment options, enabling groups to drop in on any given night for a distinct experience. Additionally, Sunday draws a larger crowd thanks to the live performances by the house band Doble Poder, who deliver seven-hour sets filled with continuous music segments, making it a cultural highlight ideal for those passionate about Latin sounds.
Why is La Cita Bar perfect for a group meetup?
La Cita Bar’s combination of size, ambiance, and cultural variety makes it a prime location for group meetups. Its layout accommodates both dancing and lounging without forcing groups apart, meaning friends can choose to be on the energetic dance floor or in the relaxed outdoor seating while staying connected. The affordability of drinks, especially during happy hours, encourages longer stays and socializing without breaking the bank. With excellent female bartenders crafting standout cocktails like spicy margaritas and famous micheladas, beverage service adds to the conviviality of the space. The rich musical programming ensures there’s something for everyone in the group, appealing across age ranges and tastes, from traditional Latin music enthusiasts to fans of contemporary beats. Importantly, La Cita’s reputation as a Downtown LA staple brings a diverse mix of patrons, creating a safe and inclusive environment where various groups feel welcome. Despite the sometimes long lines and bustling atmosphere, the shared excitement over good music and drinks fosters a communal spirit that makes group visits memorable and repeat-worthy. The bar’s historic roots and authentic dive bar feel contribute a sense of place and nostalgia that enhances the friendly ambiance.
What is the atmosphere like at La Cita Bar?
The atmosphere at La Cita Bar is a compelling fusion of laid-back dive bar comfort with high-energy Latin dance club excitement. The interior is described as a cozy, basement-like space with dark, red lighting which heightens the intimate yet playful vibe. This environment often transforms into an intense dance party as the DJ warms up, turning the room into a sauna-like space fueled by pulsating music and communal dancing. The outside patio contrasts this with a more chilled, smoky ambiance, providing an ideal spot for conversation and cooling down between dance sessions. The bar’s eclectic crowd spans a mix of locals, tourists, and diverse cultural backgrounds, enhancing its reputation as a melting pot of styles and energy. Despite fluctuating density, the service is generally friendly, with bartenders praised for their skill, especially on the patio. The mix of spontaneous celebrations like birthdays, themed nights, and consistent musical programming ensures the atmosphere is always fresh and engaging, making La Cita feel like a lively neighborhood gem that’s continuously evolving.
How does La Cita Bar cater to different music tastes?
La Cita Bar excels in catering to a broad spectrum of music tastes, particularly those aligned with Latin culture but also embracing other genres to appeal to a wide audience. The DJs often spin a rich blend of Spanish rock, cumbia, pop, hip hop, and 80s tunes, creating an energetic dance environment that keeps patrons engaged. Nightly playlists vary widely; some evenings highlight traditional Mexican roots and cultural music styles, while others lean into modern interpretations and fusion sounds. On Sundays, the bar hosts a live house band called Doble Poder, whose seven-hour shows keep an unbroken succession of Latin rhythms that celebrate heritage music deeply loved by the community. This diversity means that every visit can offer a new auditory experience, encouraging repeat attendance from different crowds. The presence of karaoke, bingo, and specialty event nights further diversify the entertainment palette, making La Cita a versatile venue that respects tradition but welcomes innovation, ensuring groups with varying music preferences can find something to enjoy.
What makes the drink menu at La Cita Bar special?
The drink menu at La Cita Bar is notable for its balance of classic dive bar favorites and specialized Latin-inspired cocktails, tailored to enhance the vibrant atmosphere. Popular drinks such as spicy margaritas and micheladas are standouts, with the latter celebrated as a “must-have” and often highlighted during daily happy hours, making it affordable to sample multiple times over a long visit. The bartenders receive high praise, especially the female bartenders on the outdoor patio, who are known for crafting drinks with skill and care that elevate the experience beyond typical bar fare. Though there are occasional reports of rushed service during peak times indoors, the overall quality, combined with reasonable pricing, keeps guests coming back. For groups, the availability of build-your-own Bloody Mary bars on certain days adds a fun, interactive layer to the drink offerings. The menu’s thoughtfully curated items complement the music and ambiance, helping create a sensory experience that aligns with the cultural richness of the venue.
Why is La Cita considered a Downtown L.A. staple?
La Cita Bar has earned its reputation as a Downtown L.A. staple due to its long-standing presence, vibrant cultural programming, and inclusive community vibe. Located just steps from Grand Central Market, its historic building, dating back to 1897, adds a sense of legacy and authenticity that appeals to both locals and visitors. Over the years, La Cita has adapted to the evolving tastes of downtown’s diverse population while maintaining the traditions rooted in Mexican and Latin culture. Its role as a Latin music hub with live house bands, DJ-driven dance nights, and social events like karaoke and bingo has solidified its place in the city’s nightlife fabric. Patrons appreciate the mixture of a dive bar’s unpretentious character with a curated cultural experience that feels both festive and welcoming. The bar’s consistent quality, wide-ranging music selection, and friendly atmosphere contribute to its status as a go-to meeting spot for social groups seeking an authentic downtown experience.
What tips should groups know before visiting La Cita Bar?
When planning a group visit to La Cita Bar, it’s helpful to arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekend nights when the venue can become very crowded. Cover charges are reasonably priced, typically around $5 before 10 PM and $10 after, depending on the night and events. Considering the high energy on the dance floor that transforms the indoor space into a warm, busy environment, bringing comfortable clothing and possibly a towel for those who plan to dance extensively can enhance comfort. Groups should also anticipate that drink service inside can be slow or rushed during peak hours, so taking advantage of the outdoor patio bar where service tends to be faster and drinks are crafted with more care is wise. Staying together as a group is important given the venue’s busy nature, and designating a meeting spot—often the well-known patio—is recommended. Checking La Cita’s daily schedule in advance allows groups to pick the event that best matches their interests, whether that’s a quiet night with cocktails or a high-energy dance party.
How does the environment at La Cita support socializing with friends or family?
La Cita Bar provides an environment that balances the excitement of a bustling dance venue with intimate, relaxed spaces ideal for conversation and connection. The indoor area’s energized, music-driven atmosphere encourages collective experiences, such as group dancing, celebrating occasions, or enjoying live band performances, which naturally foster bonding. Conversely, the outdoor patio offers a quieter setting where friends and family can talk away from the music’s intensity. This duality makes La Cita especially suited for groups with diverse social preferences who want to enjoy the same venue together—those who prefer to party and those who want to converse can do so without compromising the group’s cohesion. The friendly and diverse crowd contributes to a welcoming ambiance that often makes guests feel comfortable and open to mingling. Additionally, La Cita’s cultural richness, from music to drinks, serves as a common interest point for conversations and shared experiences that deepen relationships.
What unique features does La Cita Bar offer for group celebrations?
La Cita Bar shines as a venue for group celebrations due to its spirited atmosphere, ample space, and varied entertainment options that cater to large and small gatherings alike. Birthdays and special events frequently take place here, amplified by the electrifying energy of the DJ and live music which encourage guests to celebrate with dancing and laughter. The venue’s layout enables different activity zones, so groups can dance, drink, or relax simultaneously while still feeling connected. The famous micheladas and build-your-own Bloody Mary bars add a festive and interactive layer to party experiences. The outdoor patio, often hosting more intimate clusters of conversation, provides a perfect breakout area for quieter socializing. While it can get crowded, such a lively scene enhances rather than hinders the sense of joy, making celebrations at La Cita memorable. The friendly and skilled staff, known for crafting excellent cocktails, further elevates the event, ensuring that groups feel well taken care of throughout their visit.
What should visitors expect regarding service and crowd at La Cita Bar?
Visitors to La Cita Bar can expect a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, though the service experience varies depending on the crowd size. During busy weekends and late nights, bartenders may struggle to keep up with demand inside, resulting in slower service and occasionally rushed drink preparation. However, the bartenders on the outdoor patio receive consistent praise for being attentive and making quality drinks, making that area a favored spot for those seeking better service. The crowd is diverse and eclectic, ranging from Latin music lovers to hipsters and regular locals, creating a vibrant and multi-generational social scene. Lines to enter can be long past midnight, signaling the bar’s popularity but also suggesting that early arrival is beneficial. Despite occasional service trade-offs due to busyness, the overall experience remains positive, driven by music, good vibes, and the communal spirit that defines La Cita.
La Cita Bar’s rich cultural resonance, diverse musical offerings, energetic atmosphere, and welcoming environment make it an exceptional destination for hosting meetups with friends and family. It seamlessly combines the excitement of Latin dance culture with laid-back social spaces, providing something for everyone in a group. From compelling live music and dynamic DJ sets to excellent cocktails and a cozy outdoor patio, La Cita stands out as a memorable and versatile venue in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.