Villains Tavern

1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA

Address:	1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Phone:	+1 213-613-0766
Site:	villainstavern.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 5:30PM–2AM 5:30PM–2AM 5:30PM–2AM 5:30PM–2AM 5:30PM–2AM 5:30PM–12AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

stephanie papp

Saw Villians listed on Thrillists over a year ago and have been several times since. Its not the easiest place to see as its away from the bump and grind of the DTLA bar scene or any DTLA scene for that topic. The first time I walked into the bar from the parking lot, after getting carded, YAY!! I was in awe at the monumental arch of medicine bottles is a trip, oldfangled bar, the unique mirrored art piece above rows of various alcohols, and the cozy seating area upstairs that overlooks the entrance and the bar below. But wait, theres more, stepping to the left of the bar, youll find yourself on a covered outdoor patio with well placed tables and chairs, as well as high tables and bar stools. In addition, here you will find a stage for all the live entertainment that performs every night. Although the ladies room is a large single, that has always been well stocked when Ive had to use it, there are several port-o-potties outside for customer use. Villains full bar and a good choice of beer served in mason jars is sure to live up to any palate. As far as the food, everything that Ive consumed was better than average bar grub. Their fries are off the hook lip smackin good, cooked to order and covered in Paprika, Cayenne, Herbs, Sweet Garlic. Another of my faves are the Tempura style Green Beans with a Chili Aioli dipping sauce. You like caramel corn? Well, their corn is not just caramel, its Salted Caramel Corn made with Bacon & Bourbon, Caramel, Sea Salt, Black Pepper and it were gone in thirty seconds. Villians food and libations are reasonably priced and the atmosphere various depending on when you go. Ive gone when its relatively quiet, except for the music playing over the speakers, relaxing on a squishy couch upstairs or hanging out on the patio, as well as when its hoppin with people and live music. I agree, Villians has an unpretentious vibe and is pretty kick ass. The staff is all very friendly, personable and really know their alcohol. If you dont know what you want, they will ask questions about your likes and mix one for you. Or, if you like beer, they are very good at narrowing down your choices and offering a spot on suggestions. Writing this review is giving me a hankerin to go again. Hmm...*checks calendar*

Hanae K

Pros: Great ambience, super busy Saturday night. Overall I had a lot of fun. The drinks were unique and amazing. Hanzo is my favorite because i love sweet drinks and I would also recommend Bella Donna. Con: pretty crowded and it took a while to get the drinks but its worth the wait if this is your first time there. Dont pay with your credit card if youre ordering drinks from the side bar, bring cash. The reason Im giving 3stars instead of 4 is because of the douchebag bartender I had. He took forever to make peoples drink because he was goofing around. He told my sister to give him a kiss if she wanted him to make a drink thats not on the list. I asked him for a specific drink I wanted that was on the list (but didnt know the name) and he kept mumbling or slurring that he didnt know what that was (it was the only drink on the list with a strawberry garnish). A girl next to me asked for a glass of water which he served then he pushed out of her reach. What pissed me off the most was that he forged extra $4 onto my credit card tip. Becareful If u see a shaggy, skinny, white bartender at the side bar on Saturday night.

John Wie

Villains Tavern is a cool little DTLA bar that has a lot of atmosphere and some personality (and can get quite busy too depending on when you go). They have their own little parking lot (valet was $5 on a Monday night). When you enter, youll be greeted by an open space to the left with a stage, a smoking area beyond that, and to the right, the actual bar which also has seats upstairs. The bar has a really rustic feel with bottles lining the walls high. The waiters are all dressed in early 20th century garments and are pretty helpful. Drinks are the main focus here with some of my favorites including the cucumber/white egg mixed moonshine and their signature cocktails (I went with the tequila drink). For me, the biggest downer was the food - it wasnt that great the night we went but the atmosphere, the drinks and the live music (even on a Monday night) was well worth it. Expect prices to be about $9+ for nearly everything.

Abbie Ratcliff

Stopped in to wet the whistle. You can never go wrong with a pull or two of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat draft. Justin is manning the post behind the hunk of oak and boy is he on point today. Always enjoyable talking with him. Forgot to make mention of a special they had last week. Fettuccine bologna.Oh My Goodness. I have had this dish in one form or another from several other fine eateries,but I cant put my finger on one specific item in this particular dish.I can but it would be messy. that really jumped out at me. Chef Brian has a way with turning something potentially ordinary into something worth remembering. Pasta was just the al dent that made it toothsome but good. The vegetables in the bologna sauce were of the size that you knew you were eating something from the garden. Anytime one of the servers tells you that is on the menu, jump at the chance to get an order. You will not be disappointed.

Curious Andy

The place looks great I love the band and the food was yummy. The bad part was how riculously crowded the place was. Im glad we had a place to sit but constantly had to leg people know that the seats were taken....why did we have to constantly do that? Well the problem is the drinks..OMFG the wait for the drinks. There is a mob of people at every bar except the cash only wish is very limited on options...6 to be excact. If there was some kind or order at the bar then it be a great place. My recommendation is do not wait behind someone that orders a house drink they take so long to make. All in all its a cool place just remember order yourself some present emptive drinks most liky large ones(keeps u from having to waste lots of time at bar mob) and youll have a blast

Diana Wei

Love this bar! Harry Potter + Vampire Darkness + Hoedown Throwdown all in this Circus of a Bar. Drink, talk, dance. Youll have an unexpectedly good time to be yourself and around good company. Been coming here since 2010. And it hasnt changed much. - Great vibes - Awesome LIVE BANDS (rock to modern country?) - Crowd is chill, friendly and beautiful (ranging from 25s-35s?) - Indoor and outdoor space with two bars - Dance space with no creepy action happening. - Tables and chairs all around. - Great place for a bachelorette party, date night, birthdays. - Outskirts of dtla with Arts District creeping its way closer to it. Closest next bar is Westpoint (new higher-end bar). Parking: Small private lot or street parking.

Elizabeth Baker

This place easily just became one of my new fave spots in DtLA... Secluded but still local to other bars in the art district.. Interior is a piece of art in itself... The whole inside is decked with velvet couches, huge gothic mirrors, walls filled from floor to ceiling with antique looking bottles of all shapes and sizes and candelabras and candles lit in every corner. Whats not to love about that? Outside is spacious and has plenty of seating- bar stools and couches and an outdoor bar too. Live band when I went was entertaining and added to the lively atmosphere. Lots of street parking out front but considering how strong the drinks are, I would recommend taking an Uber ;)