Golden Gopher image

Golden Gopher

Bar

Comfy hangout with cocktails, microbrew beers & vintage arcade games, plus beer & liquor to go. People often mention nice, great, drinks, good, atmosphere, patio, pool, table, friendly, Great,


Address

417 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Website

goldengopherla.com

Contact

(213) 614-8001

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (598 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Friday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 3 PM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nice (10) great (10) drinks (9) good (8) atmosphere (7) patio (6) pool (6) table (6) friendly (6) Great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 D M. 2 years ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Richly restored clean with classic and iconic atmosphere. Neat patio area and seriously stiff drinks!!! If you love a nice bar go here. Crowd is mixed but generally hip, kool vibes, juke box and a pool table
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew E. 11 months ago on Google • 97 reviews
    This is a bar. Not a dive bar like the person who sent me there described, but a REAL bar. This is the bar you want to go to in the down town area. No BS and no pretentiousness. I was in town for business and although myself unfamiliar with the city, when I walked into this place, I was immediately at home. I have been in some places that only wished they could be this place, and that is really annoying, because for the folks here it was so effortless. Those places are easy to spot because you can see how hard they are trying to be THIS PLACE. The staff was great, the crowd was friendly and lively and the drinks were PERFECT!! Great music, great atmosphere, super conversations with many many like minded people and never once did I feel like I wanted to leave for any reason or felt anything except like I was in the perfect place at the perfect time! Go for a visit, you will not be disappointed!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beau Von H. 8 months ago on Google • 182 reviews
    One of the very best cocktails in town. Whiskey Sours made to perfection are such a wonderful thing. Also, a great place to just dance and be amazing as their music is wonderful and their lighting dim. I cannot wait to return, it's phenomenal. A great happy hour!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ioannis A. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice bar a really like it. The girl at the host was really kind and helpful and the waiters also. Normal prices for LA. The view was amazing and the location really good. You have to visit it. I didn't like the burger so much and the thing that they asked my card exactly when I was order.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ava L. 1 year ago on Google
    come here with my friends all the time and love it. they have everything, pool table, outdoor seating, little arcade game, photo booth, and an awesome taco truck outside. drinks are reasonable for LA and the people are always super nice. great vibe, be back soon.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ariel M. 1 year ago on Google • 42 reviews
    Great place. It's spacious but the way it's set up makes it feel really cozy. Real nice smoking area in the back so bring a cigar.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dakota K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great stop in for a happy hour. Friendly staff and a fun atmosphere
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea M. 9 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Good place for a date or a more chill evening, lots of comfortable seating and a pool table. There's also outdoor seating with the same nice leather couches and benches. Quarter machine was broken when we went so we couldn't play galaga, but otherwise 100%
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry S. 4 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Good selection of beverages. The staff is very kind and friendly. The patio and the inside of the bar are narrow so I imagine when it starts to get busy it might feel a little cramped

  • 5/5 Ponka P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails, tasty and strong! Love the music selection and an interior
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Crystal B. 11 months ago on Google
    I was alone and I was treated with so much love Met two young ladies from Chicago Found I knew their Aunt....# small world Drinks were delish!!! Plus they have pool and an outside patio. ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaleb D. 1 year ago on Google
    This is both the spot your grandpa went to and your grandson will hope to go. One of the oldest, most memorable dive bars in DTLA. Come for the history, stay for the picklebacks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tito M. 1 year ago on Google
    Classic bar Gets packed and hard to get drinks sometimes but the vibe is A1
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kay Jay (. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice drinks, authentic and well made. Decent prices. Nice ambience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian L. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean, relaxing bar in proximity to The Theater at the Ace Hotel. I enjoyed the friendly service, comfortable bar stools, and happy hour prices.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ankit C. 6 months ago on Google
    I tried their whiskey sour, it was really good
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lolita n. 1 year ago on Google
    Evan was great with service at the bar. The bouncers were funny and respectful and the other patrons were all inviting and lively. Definitely a great spot to stop in and stay awhile.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Corazon P. 1 year ago on Google
    💕Ladies restroom makes for a stellar photoshoot opportunity!💕 Drinks are good, I had the bee's knees, yes indeed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laethaka 1 year ago on Google
    Kinda hard to get a decent seat; the outdoor area is tiny, and the anteroom to the bar is awkward. Great music: I think they were playing all of Pretty Hate Machine straight through?? Awesome. Better beer selection, worse scotch range than Library Bar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erica F. 1 year ago on Google
    Good happy hour for downtown. Think dive bar with class. Feel good vibes with a cute atmosphere. Evan was my bartender. He made great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for a woman traveling solo. Def recommend this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 The Beat B. 4 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    I hate leaving bad reviews because I feel disappointed that the experience felt like it did. The only thing I do have to say about this place is about is, it's nice and chill but the workers made me uncomfortable, the only people in there who had any sort of customer service or just kind in general, was the security guards. There were two bartenders, and there were literally two people at the bar, and I clearly was walking up to them to ask for you a drink and some help with the pool table and they both turned their back as soon as walked up. I did verbally say something LOUDLY and they still ignored me. My date had to speak up for me because it was clear that they were both being very rude. It was some short Asian dude and some raggedy goth, looking older, white woman maybe Latin who knows but they were so rude. I work with bars when it comes to marketing and I swear I'd never come here just based off of these people.

  • 5/5 Robert N. 5 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    Dropped in here while we were prepping to perform at Torture Garden and alt fashion event focused on leather and latex. Met an interesting fellow that kind of kicked out collective night off quite well. Place was a cool little bar with nice staff and vibey ambiance. Would recommend(Though I don't drink liqour)

  • 5/5 Samael L. 8 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    What can I say .. If you're looking for a chill spot where you can actually carry a conversation with a random without the speaker blowing volume 10+ and have a few drinks. This is the place to be. Don't forget to tip your bartenders !

  • 5/5 Zeen A. 10 months ago on Google
    Love this bar... The beer and a shot should be a couple bucks cheaper, but I'm nit picking...

  • 5/5 Scotty L. 1 year ago on Google
    Some bars you go to to get drunk. Other bars you go to sip and chat. This bar is a place where you sip and chat so long that you get drunk. In this circus acrobat's opinion, that's all ya need. Cool bar.

  • 5/5 Phillip T. 10 months ago on Google
    Met a very good friend 20 years ago at this bar. The staff is Fantastic from security to bartender. Good atmosphere nice private patio. Maybe have a late night rendezvous? Wink Wink! Phillip

  • 5/5 Meesh 2 years ago on Google
    Cool subculture in DTLA. We had Bells Two Hearted and sat at an antique video game that was converted into a table. Hope to come back very soon. No frills, all grunge and cold beer 🤘😈

  • 1/5 Nay A. 1 year ago on Google
    Saturday night 8pm and took almost 30 mins to get a drink from the singular bartender. Atmosphere is pretty lively

  • 5/5 Barbara L. 2 years ago on Google
    It was awesome. Everyone was friendly and having a good time. It was a really great experience!

  • 5/5 Armando C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic bartenders, easy tab system, and a patio! Such great service and the bouncer us nice and stopped an altercation- so kudos! 10/10 , 5/5 Will come again!

  • 5/5 Ely B. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fun bar in downtown LA! Came here for Thanksgiving and they had free pool, good vibes, and even some food out for the customers who didn't have an option for a home cooked meal. If I lived in LA this would be my bar for sure.

  • 5/5 Kri 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot. The bartender Evan is especially remarkable. Def coming back.

  • 5/5 MuffytheVampireLayer 2 years ago on Google
    Favorite downtown bar! Awesome patio and bartenders. Gay and trans friendly! Drinks are kinda pricey unless you like bud light.

  • 5/5 Michelle M. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite bars in the neighborhood for a chill time

  • 5/5 Martin N. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome bar drinks are pretty well priced and there is an outdoor smoke area inside the bar. Pool table was in good shape. Meet some nice folks there just a friendly warm atmosphere. Only negative was the restroom.

  • 5/5 m s. 2 years ago on Google
    Over 100 years old, older than LAs alcohol takeout or smoking laws. This bar is special.

  • 5/5 Joseph T. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Fantastic service and even better drinks. I’m a regular, who travels back and forth between LA and Houston. Rich history and bartenders are amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call (213) 614-8001 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Bars nearby

République Café Bakery & République Restaurant image
1
République Café Bakery & République Restaurant
Modern French restaurant
Modern French plates served in a striking space with communal tables, plus a bakery and cocktail bar.
$$$ $
4.80 (10.6K reviews)
Perch image
2
Perch
French restaurant
Glamorous rooftop setting with French small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city.
$$$ $
4.40 (6.3K reviews)
Yard House image
3
Yard House
New American restaurant
High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.
$$ $$
4.40 (6.2K reviews)
Guelaguetza Restaurant image
4
Guelaguetza Restaurant
Mexican restaurant
Kid-friendly Mexican restaurant featuring Oaxacan fare and colorful decor.
$$ $$
4.30 (5.7K reviews)
Wurstküche image
5
Wurstküche
German restaurant
Hip beer hall serving exotic links such as rabbit & snake, plus fries & imported brews.
$$ $$
4.60 (4.9K reviews)
Last updated:
()