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Little Bear
1855 Industrial St
Los Angeles, California, 90021-1200
United States
(213) 622-8100 | map
littlebearbar.com
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Reviewed by BREWS4LA from California
4.01/5 rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4 | food: 4
4.01/5 rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Been here few times always consistent a little nicer that you're typical gastro pub. I like the nice relaxing loft/industrial vibe which has become the standard here in downtown. The food is actually pretty good. They did run out of Duvel once.(ur a Belguim bar right?). Oh we'll first world problems.
I lived in area all my life and welcome the gentrification but so annoyed at all the uniform wearing skinny jean tight little plaid shirt hipsters you keep saying oh it's a seedy/sketchy bad neighborhood please stay in echo/park and silver lake or stick to urth cafe!!
Jun 26, 2014I lived in area all my life and welcome the gentrification but so annoyed at all the uniform wearing skinny jean tight little plaid shirt hipsters you keep saying oh it's a seedy/sketchy bad neighborhood please stay in echo/park and silver lake or stick to urth cafe!!
Reviewed by mrcraft from California
4.29/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
4.29/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
I've visited Little Bear a few times. It's located in the Arts District towards the LA River side of town. Over the years, the entire area has seen some resurgence.
I really like the atmosphere inside the bar. It's a Belgian-themed bar. There are tables for sit down brunches and lunches and a nice bar. The tap list varies from okay to rock solid. I've been following their tap list occasionally, but in my opinion it was much better earlier in the year.
They don't offer tasters which is a bummer when you want to try various styles. The prices for pours are okay - not cheap, not too expensive.
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about beers. I'll definitely return when I see something I like since they are very good at updating their tap list on their website.
Aug 16, 2013I really like the atmosphere inside the bar. It's a Belgian-themed bar. There are tables for sit down brunches and lunches and a nice bar. The tap list varies from okay to rock solid. I've been following their tap list occasionally, but in my opinion it was much better earlier in the year.
They don't offer tasters which is a bummer when you want to try various styles. The prices for pours are okay - not cheap, not too expensive.
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about beers. I'll definitely return when I see something I like since they are very good at updating their tap list on their website.
Reviewed by pmoore311 from Michigan
4.54/5 rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
4.54/5 rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
Stumbled on to this gem during my last visit to LA. Found out it is the same ownership as the Surly Goat (so it has to be good) but this place only focuses on the Belgian Style beers. Awesome tap list and endless bottle list. The burger is amazing and I was able to enjoy a Russian River Beatification last time I was there. A must see in LA!
May 07, 2013Reviewed by abrethanson from California
4.5/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
4.5/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Stopped by here on our way to my company Christmas party. Watched KSU, Optimus Klein, and his AutoCats defeat UT with my wife.
Location - located in DTLA Art's District which is just a dressed up version of Skid Row. Definitely sketchy looking but on the positive side makes hipsters feel a little dangerous. It is very cool to see places like this popping up and improving historic and run down neighborhoods. Very upscale eatery across the street.
Atmosphere: Very very chill. As a designer myself I dug the character. Well crafted, low lit, minimal crowd interior which felt very warm and set the relaxed mood we were looking for. The natural materials (wood, rope), warm colors (brown white), and lighting balanced well with the refurbished historic industrial building. I am tall and appreciated the high ceilings. A lot of seating / standing options. We sat at the bar and then moved to a standing area. Also a couple TVs which allowed me to scream silently every KSU score. At our visit the crowd definitely seemed more intimate and low-key. Frat boy need not apply.
Quality - Fit with what I expected; high end comforts. We did not try the food but the menu looked delicious. Even though it exuded high quality you would feel comfortable in a 3-piece or skinny jeans / v-neck.
Service - Fairly standard. Took a few minutes of sitting at the bar (no crowd) before we were noticed but after that they were on top of it. The barkeeps were very friendly and willing to talk beer.
Selection - Outstanding. Belgium style beers typical. Had a extensive bottle list (with many sours). The draft list was very good too and included; Pumpkin Lambicus (not good), Stillwater Saison, and Damnation. Probably one of the best tap / bottle lists I have encountered in SoCal.
Overall - If I lived nearby it would be our "go to". Would like to have been there when it is hoppin'.
Dec 02, 2012Location - located in DTLA Art's District which is just a dressed up version of Skid Row. Definitely sketchy looking but on the positive side makes hipsters feel a little dangerous. It is very cool to see places like this popping up and improving historic and run down neighborhoods. Very upscale eatery across the street.
Atmosphere: Very very chill. As a designer myself I dug the character. Well crafted, low lit, minimal crowd interior which felt very warm and set the relaxed mood we were looking for. The natural materials (wood, rope), warm colors (brown white), and lighting balanced well with the refurbished historic industrial building. I am tall and appreciated the high ceilings. A lot of seating / standing options. We sat at the bar and then moved to a standing area. Also a couple TVs which allowed me to scream silently every KSU score. At our visit the crowd definitely seemed more intimate and low-key. Frat boy need not apply.
Quality - Fit with what I expected; high end comforts. We did not try the food but the menu looked delicious. Even though it exuded high quality you would feel comfortable in a 3-piece or skinny jeans / v-neck.
Service - Fairly standard. Took a few minutes of sitting at the bar (no crowd) before we were noticed but after that they were on top of it. The barkeeps were very friendly and willing to talk beer.
Selection - Outstanding. Belgium style beers typical. Had a extensive bottle list (with many sours). The draft list was very good too and included; Pumpkin Lambicus (not good), Stillwater Saison, and Damnation. Probably one of the best tap / bottle lists I have encountered in SoCal.
Overall - If I lived nearby it would be our "go to". Would like to have been there when it is hoppin'.
Reviewed by Wowcoolman from California
4.33/5 rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.33/5 rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I went on a Sunday eve and found this slice of Belgium in downtown LA a pretty fun, chill, hang out. There was ample seating for my group and the large space had a nice artsy vibe with high ceilings and colorful ropes reaching across them. The area itself is called the Arts District and has an industrial feel from all the old warehouses. The old National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) building is directly across the street.
BAs may want to grab a seat at the bar, where they can be in close sight of the bottle collection. Personally my drinking experience is improved when there are bottles of Cantillon, De Ranke, Cuvee Rene, Drie Fonteinen, Red Poppy, and Oud Beersel all readily available and within my peripheral vision. And if you prefer a draft the tap list is a good mix of Belgian ales and lambics as well as Belgian inspired locals.
The food offerings are Belgian as well, with many variations of grilled cheese and of course waffles. There are more dinner type offerings like burgers, roasted chicken, and steak, but I didn't try them. Kitchen serves food until 10:00.
I'm a lazy Westsider but would like to make the trek out here to check out the scene at this Arts District area on a Friday or Saturday eve.
Oct 30, 2012BAs may want to grab a seat at the bar, where they can be in close sight of the bottle collection. Personally my drinking experience is improved when there are bottles of Cantillon, De Ranke, Cuvee Rene, Drie Fonteinen, Red Poppy, and Oud Beersel all readily available and within my peripheral vision. And if you prefer a draft the tap list is a good mix of Belgian ales and lambics as well as Belgian inspired locals.
The food offerings are Belgian as well, with many variations of grilled cheese and of course waffles. There are more dinner type offerings like burgers, roasted chicken, and steak, but I didn't try them. Kitchen serves food until 10:00.
I'm a lazy Westsider but would like to make the trek out here to check out the scene at this Arts District area on a Friday or Saturday eve.
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California
4.5/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Little Bear was the last stop on my mini bar crawl. Located in a somewhat sketchy area you can find the spot by looking for the vintage looking red doors. Walking in there is a pretty neat European cafe type vibe about the place. There are tables scattered around the space as well as some bar seating. There is an interesting set of ropes hanging from the ceiling that I believe I read was an art piece as well as a sound dampener. This place focuses mainly on Belgian beer and Belgian type food items. All of the beer was of great quality, served in an appropriate glass. Some of the glasses even have measurements on them so you get the advertised pour amount. Service was great and everyone who helped me was friendly. The selection is pretty great with all of the taps that is also supplemented with a killer bottle list. The only slightly negative thing is that the prices were a bit high but that's not a deal breaker for me. Check this place out for sure if you are in the area.
Jun 24, 2012
Little Bear in Los Angeles, CA
Place rating:
4.2 out of
5 with
18 ratings
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