Beer Belly

Beer BellyBeer Belly
Beer BellyBeer Belly
Bar, Eatery

532 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, California, 90020-4208
United States

// CLOSED //

Beer Belly Koreatown closed on July 28, 2019.
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.14
Reviews:
13
Ratings:
37
pDev:
9.9%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mrcraft:
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Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.19/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
I finally got a chance to visit Beer Belly after hearing about them for awhile. I had to put in some hours at work in Downtown LA, so I hopped on the purple line and got off a block from this place. From the street you might miss it since the building is in the back of the parking lot. There seemed to be enough spaces here and in the parking lot next door. Once you find the building, you can't miss it since there's vibrant colors painted on the wall.

They had two outdoor patio area, one by the front entrance and another at the far end towards the small bar they have.

I sat at the bar and had a glass of King Harbor Brown Ale and duck fat fries with duck confit. I know the fries weren't healthy, but dang they were delicious. I wanted to try the grilled cheese sandwich, but they didn't offer it during weekend brunch.

I do appreciate that they support local breweries, but unfortunately, we don't really have high-end breweries around here in Downtown LA, so the tap list wasn't impressive.

My server was really nice and cool. My food came out pretty quickly even though they were moderately busy.

I did like the food a lot. If I'm in the area again, I'll try to swing by.
Dec 15, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of Mista_Carta
Reviewed by Mista_Carta from California

4.03/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Not a super huge tap list and most of the beers are local (LA area) with exceptions usually still from within California. Bottle list is a little more diverse but not much. Honestly a bit strange since you could probably just as easily head to the breweries that they serve... Catering to the Koreatown lunch crowd that can't make those treks?

Food was aaiight but fairly basic pub fare with rich (bacon, duck confit, etc.) beer sopping tendencies.
Aug 29, 2016
Photo of kinglouix
Reviewed by kinglouix from Pennsylvania

3.06/5  rDev -26.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2.75 | food: 3
Shocking how underwhelmed I am by LA beer bars. Am I missing something here? You walk in and there about 8 mediocre way over priced craft beers on tap. They are too pedestrian to even name. Had no quads or triples on tap, like 4 cans and virtually nothing in bottles. The "critically acclaimed" wings had good (far from great) flavor but were so small they were offensive. You are literally getting 4oz of chicken per a dozen wings. If I lived across the street I am not sure I would make the effort to return. Maybe these scores just reflect how bad the craft beer bar scene in LA is but in most other cities this place would be laughable.
Jun 10, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by fthegiants from California

Nov 12, 2015
 
Rated: 3.43 by adamranders from Wisconsin

Nov 02, 2015
 
Rated: 4.58 by sheenisgod from California

Jun 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4.2 by Beervana from Canada (BC)

May 20, 2015
 
Rated: 4.13 by J_K from California

Apr 14, 2015
 
Rated: 3.9 by Rumi from California

Feb 11, 2015
 
Rated: 3.88 by Stevedore from Oregon

Dec 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SirBentham from California

Nov 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Sumdeus from Indiana

Oct 09, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by GRG1313 from California

Sep 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ubiq3000 from California

Aug 20, 2014
Photo of Steve_Gonz
Reviewed by Steve_Gonz from California

4.23/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I came here before a concert at The Wiltern, I had never heard of this place. I just yelped it and it was decided. The parking was easy for LA so that says something. Walked up to the bar and only waited about 2 minutes to get my brew. The wait for a table was moderate for a Friday night, maybe around 20-30 minutes. The food was AMAZING, my buddy and I ordered an appetizer of Pork Belly chips which were awesome. We also decided to split our meals so we could sample a little of everything. Mac and cheese was spectacular and deep fried cat fish with duck fat fries were seriously good. If your from out of town I definitely recommend a trip here. They have rotating handles daily, hard to find stuff that goes quick, as well as a nice selection of craft bottles and cans.
Jul 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Fukuz79 from Hawaii

Jul 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by LakerLeith from California

Jul 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by LBittman from California

Jun 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by DarthKostrizer from California

May 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bnoise11 from California

May 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Mykol from California

Mar 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by bigjoe786 from California

Mar 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by SoCalBeerIdiot from California

Mar 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Fern13 from California

Jan 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by CampusCrew from Florida

Jan 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Jessburself from California

Dec 22, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by Megha_K from California

Dec 16, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by belgbeerdrinker from Colorado

Nov 05, 2013
Photo of TheSevenDuffs
Reviewed by TheSevenDuffs from Canada (ON)

3.98/5  rDev -3.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
This was a really cool place but had its ups and downs from my point of view.

The secondary elements were all fantastic. The atmosphere is really cool/trendy, the service was excellent and the food was not only fantastic but was very reasonably priced.

The beer selection on the other hand, didn't impress me. The tap list, which was 12 strong, was unimpressive. Firstly, there was not a single dark beer on tap, and only ONE in their entire bottle list. The 12 taps were comprised mostly of local LA-area breweries and nothing was all that exciting to me. There were lots of IPA/DIPA choices and a few saisons, but not much beyond that. We went before a Dodgers game and originally planned to go back after the game but decided not to on account of the beer selection.

I'd say this place is worth a visit, but make sure you go for lunch or dinner.
Jul 29, 2013
Photo of steeb
Reviewed by steeb from California

4.95/5  rDev +19.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
This place is my favorite craft beer bar in LA. Nice rotating tap list that makes sure to cover premium as well as more common and sessionable beers. I would say this bar is one of the best supporters of the LA craft beer scene. Their tap list is almost entirely comprised of local breweries (a few gems from other california breweries at times) and their tap takeovers, allowing patrons to try most of the offerings from a single brewery, . Their food is great, especially their Sunday brunch. The sausage McBelly is to die for.

In short... A great bar, friendly as hell staff, great food, showcasing the finest in local craft beers.
Feb 11, 2013
Photo of kluless59
Reviewed by kluless59 from California

4.28/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Will definitely visit again. Easy train ride (Red Line/Purple Line) from North Hollywood. Less than a block from station in Koreatown. Food was fantastic. They had a keg of Bourbon Barrel Age O.E. from Smog City Brewing which I loved. Went on a Saturday around 6pm by 7:30 or so no seats were available.
Feb 09, 2013
Photo of UCLABrewN84
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.03/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
I visited Beer Belly today on a small bar hopping trip. There is plenty of parking on the street (meters) and in the parking lot. Walking in, it's a pretty small place with a decent number of tables and some tiny wall spots around the perimeter. There are also 4 or so seats at the actual bar. This place has around 10 or so beers on tap as well as a bottle list and an elusive rare bottle list that I didn't get to see. They sell beer by the pint and also offer taster flights for the tickers out there. The quality of the beer was good but one of them came out really turbid and ugly and I'm not sure why. Service was pretty good as you order at the bar and they bring stuff to you via a number system. The selection of beer on tap was good and the bottles were also good but nothing you can't find locally for most of them. I had the grilled cheese sandwich with applewood smoked bacon and maple syrup and it was one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I have ever had. Prices are reasonable but it would be easy to drop a lot of dough here. Recommended for sure.
Jun 24, 2012
Photo of drewone
Reviewed by drewone from California

4.1/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Visited on a Friday night at 7:30ish, easy parking, busy but able to get a table.

Very cool design and overall vibe. A place that I would definitely want to go back to.

Beers seemed to be served in appropriate glass ware. Also appreciate that they had flights of 4 beers (3-4oz) pours for $9.

2 people plus background support working, very busy at times but seemed to handle it well. For my second order they had ran out of my first 2 choices but than comped me what I ordered.

A small but decent selection of 12 beers on tap (all from CA) - at least half of which I had never tried, including a few not listed on BA. Plus another 15 or so in bottles (1/2 from CA, the others from western US plus one from Belgium.

Ordered duck fat fries with death by duck,
Brussels spouts and Jidori chicken hot winds: All were excellent - Would have skipped the death by duck addition next time on a cost to substance ratio, but other wise was very happy.

Overall really enjoyed my self, and felt was not cheep but definitely with in the realm of reasonable. Plan on going back.
Feb 19, 2012
Photo of Jackskeleton
Reviewed by Jackskeleton from California

4.7/5  rDev +13.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
The parking area is a bit confusing and the location itself is a bit tight in space. Probably only standing room against the wall at peak times.

But if you brave the crowd and cramped space you're in for a great treat. The beer selection is all craft beer from as local breweries as you can get.

The prices are also great and getting happy hour deals ($1 off drinks) on stuff like Black Butte XXIII and other rare beers is always a plus.

The food quality is also top notch and generally under $10. Add in your 5-8 beer pour and you have a great meal for under $20 that you would expect to pay a lot more for.

The real gem to this place is that they seem to do a lot of Meet the Brewer events. From Lady Face to Craftsman brewery, this place has a lot of beer centric events and back it up with the great use of their taps.
Aug 17, 2011
Photo of billshmeinke
Reviewed by billshmeinke from California

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Located a block and a half north of Wilshire and Western is Beer Belly. It's amazing. Their focus is on local beers. As local as possible. Expect to find offerings from Cismontane, Eagle Rock Brewing, The Bruery, Craftsman, and the occasional Lost Abbey/Alesmith/San Diego brewery beer on tap. They also stock some bottles, and the bottle selection is solid, but don't expect anything too crazy. The food is also really fucking bomb. I believe the head chef helped start Grindhaus (might be wrong, if I am please BM me so I can correct it). Also, the owner, Jimmy, and his wife, Yume, are always there. Literally always there, and they are super rad and nice people. Get to know them, because they are awesome, and the food is awesome, and the beer is awesome. So if you are in LA, and anywhere near Korea Town then you should go there.
Jul 18, 2011
Photo of barrelroller
Reviewed by barrelroller from California

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
1st time in. Super easy freeway access from 101. Interior is small but very clean. 12 taps, all craft! Smaller menu but focused with quality beer food, duck fat fries, philly crab fries, smok'd salmon tartar and more. Employees were very nice and prompt. Cool art outside and inside through design. Will DEFINITY be back when in the area. Congrats to another good beer location in LA. Great parking next door at the bank in an area where parking can be tough. Tap list was:
craftsman tripel white sage
Bootleggers black lager
Bruery humulus lager
El segundo ipa, pale
Eaglerock manifesto
And a handful of Ladyface.
Overall an awesome place! Thanks Jimmy.
Jul 17, 2011
Photo of teamizm
Reviewed by teamizm from California

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
A - Open layout, industrial feeling joint right in the middle of LA's famous Koreatown. Parking lot is free (which is HUGE in k-town since parking is next to impossible) and also a block off of the Purple Line Metro.

S - Bit biased here, I know Jimmy (the owner) so I've always had exceptional service.

S - Good selection of very local craft beers (think Bruery, Cismontane, Bootleggers, Eagle Rock, and Ladyface). Not the blowout selection you see at Blue Palms or Surly Goat, but still a very god tap selection and also a decent bottle selection.

F - Former Grindhaus chef is the chef at Beer Belly. Delicious food - I call it elevated stoner food.

V - Decently priced pints and food, it's a LA craft beer must stop, especially if you happen to be near Downtown LA or K-Town.
Jul 10, 2011
Beer Belly in Los Angeles, CA
Place rating: 4.14 out of 5 with 37 ratings