Mikkeller DTLA permanently closed

Surprising but not surprising...

It was on a corner that didn't have much parking.

With the Lakers, Dodgers, Clippers, Rams, Kings, USC, etc playing either nearby or directly down the street for some strange reason these guys didn't have tv's in the building to show games.

I never hear of anyone who drinks their beers or makes an effort to go get one

 

Don't mess with California workers laws. Unionize. Visited Mikkeller 5 or 6 times in the past. Was my number 3 spot to visit when in DTLA. Average to good beers and overpriced food. But the food was better than Modern Times. HpB still my number 1 spot to hit. To many places closing shop in 2020. Is 2020 the year for the craft bubble to bust? Time will tell. I feel sorry for some of the breweries.

 

Bruh, the pozole at Modern Times is some excellent stuff.

 

The ADA lawsuits are a dime a dozen and routinely settled for a few thousand bucks. The wage dispute is more significant but still just a drop in the bucket.

Edit: Anyone that thinks this place shut down due to an ADA or wage dispute is kidding themselves.

 

I'm bummed they are gone but... it was empty most of the time, their prices really hurt them and (as mentioned) parking was impossible.

 

I’m not Vegan but the food at MT is actually solid. Wish there were some more options of lighter fare but I’ve enjoyed the Double “Burger” and Buffalo “Chicken” Hoagie. Birdie’s and Guisado’s are still my go-to’s if I have time to explore DTLA. Birdie’s visit were pretty much the only reason I even stopped in at Mikkeller since it’s next door.

 

Makes me wonder if Modern Times can last much longer being the ONLY thing over there. I know a lot of people who would only go to the area to hit up MT and Mikkeller together, but this makes it less of a destination for anyone who doesn't live in the area.

 

I doubt MT is next for a couple reasons. 1. I bet their lease is tied to their corporation so they would have to completely close up if it is before their lease expires (probably signed a 5 year lease with multiple options, but that is speculation as those are typical terms). 2. I believe I remember hearing they got a discount on rent (maybe it was tenant improvements) in exchange the owner became a partner in the location. So I’d be willing to be the property owner would work with their lease if they were losing money.
If anything MT would vacate the property after the lease expires IF they are losing money, and that is a big if as I’m not privy to their financials.

 

Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown is not more than 2 miles away, if that from MT.

 

Mikkeller was never a destination for me. Went there once and never went back. My DTLA trips from OC have always consisted of a Metrolink ride into Union station, The Dojo, Highland Park, (and occasionally Mumford). Combine that with a nice meal at one of the endless options in the DTLA area, and my trip is complete. Won’t miss Mikkeller.

 

MT employees at the Dojo have told me the downtown location is one of their best moneymakers through their locations. So I think they're doing alright

 

yeah, it's always busy enough, the food is fantastic (I don't even tell some friends it's vegan haha), the beer is great, the coffee is tasty. The staff there is always super chill. Outside of HPB, I really can't think of a better place in most of DTLA for great beers and solid grub. It's not going anywhere. I don't care about anyone outside my area. it's a great destination for ME. haha

 

I know I'll get roasted here, but i visited HPB Chinatown recently and thought the food was pretty crappy. Even the snack mix sucked - it was the same prepackaged mix you find at Whole Foods with chickpeas that I always leave. Beer was awesome though.

 

Fried Cheese Curds, Waffle Fries, Chicken Sandwich, Fish Sandwich, Burger. Hard to go wrong!

 

The cauliflower tacos we had the last time we were there were fantastic. Cheese curds are always a hit, and I think their burger is a-okay.

 

HPB has poutine now and it is delightful.

Judging a bar's food on their snack mix seems weird.

The fish sandwich, waffle fries (though the waffle fries just got replaced with the fries they use for the poutine now), chips and queso, chicken tinga tacos, and the burger are my go-tos. The fish sandwich being my favorite.

 

Do any bars make their own snack mix?

 

It’s funny that in LA two miles is nearby.

 

And still takes 20 minutes to drive those two miles !!!

 

But what a beautiful drive it is. Stunning scenery.