When I first moved to Los Angeles, I lived in this neighborhood. I couldn't help but think that if I still lived in the area, there's no doubt I would be hanging out here. The bartender was friendly, and my spouse and I really enjoyed stopping in for a drink before heading to dinner. The vibe is relaxed with a Latino influence, and I especially liked the open-air setting. We're definitely spoiled with the weather here in Southern California. They do serve food, but since we already had dinner plans, we didn't try any of it. So this review is strictly based on our experience stopping in for drinks. read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Ok this isn't a totally realistic review because I ate here in a large group, right after the Mexico-England World Cup game and Mexico lost. The restaurant was pretty dirty and the bathrooms were DISGUSTING. I had to beg a restaurant across the street to use their restroom. But, the food we ordered was mostly really good and the service was very friendly and accommodating. We even had a birthday cake with us and they offered to put it in their fridge for us and didn't charge us any extra for cake plates. We had a large group so we ordered some drinks and the giant sampler platters. Everything on them was really good except the chicken wings and pork belly were a little dry and nothing special. Pretty meh. But I loved everything else. The other thing that I don't personally love is that they have a have DJ playing music and talking as well as large tvs playing sports, so the restaurant is really loud. Like you can't hear the person right next to you. If that's your vibe, then check it out but I felt really overstimulated by the time we were done and couldn't wait to get out of there. I'm glad I got to try Escala but I don't know that I'd seek this place out again, unless it just happened to be convenient. Parking sucks in this area and there are so many amazing restaurants in K-town. I'd rather keep exploring. read more

Escala - This is the giant fusion platter. Really impressive presentation & most of the items were really good! - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place has been on my hit list for a while, and it did not disappoint. I will return to this place. We got the 2 lunch special plates: Chicken, Chicarron, and the loaded Yucca fries. WOW. The fries alone could have been lunch. The yucca was perfectly fried, and they did not skimp on the toppings. WORTH every penny and calorie. The Chicarron was perfectly crispy-fied. Plantano was perfect. Pickled onions were beautifully tart. This could have fed 2 people. Parking. Street and paid lots. The lot next to the Quarter KBbq place is a great deal ($5 all day before 3pm) We came for lunch, and happened upon a World Cup match. Seating is comprised of solid wooden tables and high backed benches;I felt like I was in church as everyone sat facing the same direction, all eyes up on the screen. LOCALS- PRO-TIP. Make A Day Of It. Go to a Kspa in the morning, come here for lunch/ happy hour. read more

Escala - Loaded Yucca fries - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I had the best time at Escala for my birthday!!! They do bottomless mimosas on the weekends for 2 hours. I came with a group of 12 around 11:45 (reservation in advance) and they treated us so well! The food was amazing, it's Colombian and Korean infusion, everyone loved the food they got it was so delicious. Shout out to Jose for taking care of us!! 1000/10 recommend, and we will definitely be back. They also have a DJ on the weekends - he set the vibe!!! I loved it so much read more

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Great vibes, and Great food. We went on a Saturday and what a fun time. A Dj was playing and birthday parties were going on. Everyone having a good time drinking and eating.we had the empanadas and chicken wings. Both very tasty , and the chicken had a nice little kick to it. And the owner is very friendly. Recommend coming here read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Escala is always fun! I love that their menu is a bit different than other places around the area. I've been a bunch of times but the vibe has been pretty electric during the World Cup! The food is pretty good and they have happy hour as well. Though it used to be until 7 pm they changed it until 6. Love the empanadas and loaded yucca fries. read more

Escala - Loaded Yucca Fries - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I came here for a lunch date and was pleasantly surprised by the food. I wish I found this place sooner. The ambiance felt pretty social, not necessarily romantic, but chill. The service was great, and I think either the owner or lead manager attended to us. Great recommendations, and very patient with me (I had many questions about the menu). I ended up getting a fish plate as well as a full meat plate. I don't remember the names of the dishes, but they were AMAZING! The meat plate was particularly delicious. There was a little bit of everything on it! The location is pretty central and there are plenty of other food spots there, including a boba spot, korean bbq, fried chicken, and more! I definitely see myself coming back! There's also PLENTY of parking in the plaza. It is not free, however. read more

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The food was delicious, however the service wasn't the best. I came in around 2 PM on a Sunday and the place was bussling. I was seated immediately. After placing my order, I waited about 40 minutes until I received my food. They forgot about the drinks and after reminding them, they immediately gave me a watered down espresso martini. I had to send it back! On another note, the chicken wings and chicharron were delicious. Although I wouldn't come back to dine here again after the atrocious service. read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Ambiance was cool. Definitely more of a spot to celebrate because the music is very loud in there, so don't expect a quiet meal lol. Flavor was alright, best dish were the wings. Crunchy and flavorful. The bandeja k town was just ok, nothing memorable and could use a bit more flavor. Our server was friendly and helpful with recs. Really wish the food was hot and not just warm. $10 parking in the back for 2 hours because that's LA for ya. read more

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Escala in Ktown is where cultures collide on the plate and in the room. Colombian food -- real Colombian food -- in the heart of Koreatown. El Chino's spot, Bogotá soul, LA address. We got the chicharron plate: thick cut fried pork belly, rice, beans, avocado, sweet plantain, arepa, sunny egg. The ceviche. Short rib with guava gravy. Colombian soda. Sixteen dollars for a full plate that hits every time. The vibe inside matches the food -- it's lively, it's warm, it's the kind of spot where everyone belongs. And with the World Cup coming, this is exactly where you want to be watching the games. Big screens, great food, and a crowd that actually cares. Only in LA does a spot like this exist. read more

Such fun vibes, great live DJ music and crazy to the max decor including an indoor fountain, flower tree, and awesome lighting fixtures. The staff was awesome, helpful with describing the food options and super friendly. We were curious about the Colombian-Asian fusion so we ordered a variety of dishes, including oxtail, porkbelly, empanadas, Town Bandeja, Ceviche, guava gyozas, and Colombian drinks. All the food and limited variety of drinks were good, empanadas and gyoza were just ok, but nothing stood out. There's limited but convenient pay parking in the back with access to many other restaurants. Would return for the fun vibes. read more

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Good service, delicious food with a fun fusion of Colombian and Korean items, and amazing late night music. The classic Colombian salsa hits were *chef's kiss* Definitely will return in the future. read more

Escala - Complementary mini buñuelos, beef empanadas, and bandeja K-Town - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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the service was good, the food was very mediocre and very overpriced. OKAY at best first experience but would not come again.

Went here with a friend on a Friday night and parking was chaotic in the lot, but we felt lucky to get a spot! We were seated right away at Escala, but it took a while for the servers to take our order and then it took a really long time to get our food. I had ordered the Bandeja K-Town, a Colombian platter with Korean BBQ Short Ribs. The short ribs themselves were super dry and inedible. I was never given the choice between the kimchi and the salad. I did like the plantains in the dish, though. Also, it can be super loud in here; not a great place if you want to have a conversation with someone. Very underwhelmed and disappointed by the experience. read more

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Consistently good food and drinks. Very solid 90s hip hop vibe. Brunch pops off on the weekends read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a bar, where you'd expect cold beer is the bare minimum standard. Come here if you want warm uncarbonated urine in a chilled glass expecting a cold refreshing beer. Never coming back here again. The ambience doesn't make up for it. CLICK IT GIRLLL *my girl nods as I post this* read more

Love, love this restaurant. Although I live far, whenever I'm in LA I try to stop by. Yesterday we had reservations and by coincidence the Colombian sele was playing against Portugal. What a game and with great food. Atmosphere was off the hook. read more

Escala - Empanadas, street corn - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is a great place to grab a drink, some food, and watch a game. I think on weekends it's a drink brunch place with a dj. Had a few items but I'll just talk to you about our favorites: Yucca fries and the beef empanadas. I highly recommend just getting those two and going ham on them. The fries are crispy and tasty and the beef empanadas were so flavorful and cooked to perfection. Also it was a solid amount of food for the price so that's fantastic. Also service was fast and friendly. Lots of seating inside. There is parking in the lot it's attached to for 4 dollars (5 if with card) for two hours. Otherwise street. read more

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Escala's one of those places where there are an infinite number of things you could stare at, from the unique art on the wall to the chandeliers to the old wooden pews to the open window concept. The kind of place where a flash mob could start anytime musical-style. Is the food a bit pricey? Yeah, but also my soup/stew was delicious and full of colorful spices. read more

Escala - Sancocho (colombian Stew) - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It feels like you're eating at a backyard in Colombia. This Korean and Colombian fusion restaurant had some good food. Although the drinks had great presentation, I give them a 4/10. If you focus on the food, this place is worth a try. read more

Escala - Pisco - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Service and food, 5 Star! Great variety and very tasty. Staff is professional and efficient read more

I've been to Escala in Koreatown a few times before, but this visit meant so much more because I brought my aunt, kids, and family to celebrate my aunt's birthday. We're all Colombian, and while we absolutely love our food, I really wanted them to experience Korean cuisine -- and Escala did not disappoint. The food was incredible, full of flavor, and honestly felt so homey and comforting. Everyone at the table loved what they ordered. Even my toddler and her cousins had the best time -- the music and atmosphere made it such a fun space where they could enjoy themselves without feeling stuck at the table. My aunt's dish did come out later than the rest of ours, but we truly didn't mind because the place was busy and everything we had tasted so amazing. What really stood out, though, was the level of care and service we received. On my way to the bathroom, I recognized the owner and chef from social media and stopped to share how much I loved the food and the vibe. They were so warm and even asked if we were Colombian, which made the experience feel instantly more personal. The highlight of the night was the chef -- she went out of her way to come to our table, introduce herself, and genuinely connect with us. When she found out about my aunt's delayed plate, she immediately took care of it and didn't charge us, which we didn't expect at all. It was such a kind gesture and showed how much pride and love she puts into what she does -- truly taking care of people like family. As we were leaving, she even came to find us to say goodbye. That level of attention and heart is something you don't see everywhere. Escala isn't just amazing food -- it's an experience filled with warmth, culture, and genuine hospitality. We felt like family, and I will absolutely keep coming back. read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Review is based on my reservation at Escala for 4 people on Thursday, Jun 18th, 2026 at 4:00 PM. I had made my reservation on the 1st of June in anticipation of the World Cup match between South Korea and Mexico. Knowing that the vibe is always great there, I was looking forward to watching the game there with friends. On the day of the game, I got the following message: Due to the high demand of the Mexico vs Korea game, we are limiting our earlier reservations to a duration of two hours in order for us to accommodate our later reservations. If you agree, please reply to this email, otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed. Thank you in advance for your understanding, Escala Team I had reservations at 4PM, the game started at 6PM. I did not appreciate this last minute change to my reservation. It was extremely inconvenient. I had to scramble to find a place where I could hangout and watch the game. I was very disappointed by this poor display of customer service. Just thought you should know this. read more

Walked in and sat at the bar . Immediately greeted by the bar manager Leo who was not only juggling around 16 hats from confirming food was out on time , people seated and greeted immediately, to making sure your drink was nothing less than delicious! He not once made us feel as though he was not there to service us . I had " La Mula" delicious and refreshing vodka drink . We had the beef empanadas as an appetizer and shared the " Bandeja Paisa" plate. We could never go wrong with this plate nor this place! We have been here multiple times as the service, ambiance (Hip Hop) music, decor and food is great ! It's a Colombian-Korean Fusion type restaurant with a perfect blend !! High read more

Escala - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Only been here for their late night happy hours M-Th. It's chill and casual. Decently priced because of the happy hour menu. Love the whole wings in both flavors and empanadas with kimchi and with beef. read more

Escala - Whole Chicken Wings - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Went to Escala for Sunday brunch to celebrate a friends birthday. The vibe was fun with early 2000s music and a lively atmosphere. Service was a bit slow--our food came out quickly, but we did have to remind staff about our drinks. We ordered multiple drinks and the picada for four, which included street corn, plantains, yuca frita, sausages, and Korean ribs. The food was good, but nothing stood out as extraordinary for me. That said, I'd definitely come back for the party vibes and to try other items on the menu. Oh and they added a nice cake for my friends birthday! read more

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My friends love the food here, so we met them for dinner on Saturday at 6:30. Great thing is they still offer the happy menu on a Saturday until 7pm. Bad thing, no street parking anywhere so $20 for parking. They say the menu is Colombian-Korean fusion but other than some bland kimchi empanadas, there wasn't a lot of Korean influence on the menu. I heard the kimchi fried rice is good (but we didn't get it). We were greeted so warmly, into a VERY loud, lively place. Servers were friendly albeit disorganized, so we had to ask many times for dishes we'd ordered. The sliders were too greasy, more bun than meat, corn was overly doused in cheese, yuca fries lacked flavor, empanadas were ho-hum. My friends loved their fried chicken and pork sandwich. Maybe I was hoping for more fusion. It was busy and a good neighborhood place for happy hour. read more

Amazing Colombian-Korean fusion restaurant! The food was delicious, and I especially loved the sweet plantains--they were perfectly cooked and paired really well with the dishes. Pony Malta was a fun surprise; it tasted like a sweet apple cider with a rich malt flavor. The Club Colombia beer was also smooth and refreshing. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the staff were friendly and happy to explain the menu. I'll definitely come back to try more traditional Colombian dishes! read more

Dropped in for a quick happy hour. The bartender was friendly and the drinks were good! Great prices for the area! Would try the food next time! read more

Escala - Happy hour - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I went on a Saturday night and it was a lively atmosphere with a live DJ. I love the decorations and art inside. It is a bit loud tho, and I had trouble talking and hearing. Server was friendly but service is slow and you might have to wait a while to get your food, despite the restaurant not being that busy. It's also hard to get your server's attention and get your check. They also gave us chicken empanadas when we ordered beef. We didn't bother telling them though to avoid another long wait. The Mac n Cheese was good. The pico de gallo and their "homemade" frito chips was a yummy addition and I really like the crunchy texture the chips add. However, both times I've ordered this dish, it has come out lukewarm (not sure if it's because the cold pico de gallo cools down the Mac n cheese) but it made the dish taste a bit off. The noodles were also overcooked. The Bandeja K Town platter seems a bit pricey ($29) compared to the amount of meat you actually get. This dish wasn't fully hot either temperature wise. The empanadas were great and came out steaming hot with yummy green salsa and a kimchi aioli sauce. The chicken empanadas that we got on accident tasted a bit too chicken-y (if you know what I mean lol) but the beef and kimchi fried rice empanadas were amazing. Parking here (especially on weekends) is a disaster. The $20 valet is usually filled up during weekend dinner times. And street parking is extremely hard to find. I was able to find a parking garage a block down for $15. read more

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Not good. The service was ok but the food was a waste of money. The ambience was stale, not much personality with the service or guests. I ordered a well gin which was cool but that's it. I ordered the wings with Colombian seasoning which taste like nothing at all. No seasoning on the chicken or the breading. I also ordered the loaded yucca fries which were yuck. People are usually in this spot so im curious as to what they order. I know for sure its normal to go there for a drink, many people were at the bar. read more

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We came here to try their happy hour. I like the vibrant and exciting vibe and decor of the restaurant. I like the indoor/outdoor set up. On a breezy evening, it was a treat. The menu has an expansive choice of happy hour items. I ordered a sangria to start. For appetizers, we tried the street corn, the empanadas, beef sliders, chicken wings and yucca fries. The food came out fast. We enjoyed the food and the restaurant. On a side note, there's parking for $10 and if you are lucky to find street parking, it's free. read more

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A hidden gem! I was so surprised to find such a wonderful Colombian restaurant in Korea town. My friend and I stopped by on a Friday afternoon and had a lovey experience. All the doors and windows were open due to the lovey weather and we were able to easy snag a table by a window. Happy hour had a nice selections of appetizers and alcohol and a reasonable price. I ordered a traditional chicken tamale and a skinny margarita and she ordered the plantain chips and a regular margarita. Everything came out in good time and was excellent. The food portions were large enough to share and the cocktails were very fresh. Service was attentive and the guy even graciously split checks for us. All on all, an excellent place and I would definitely go back there. read more

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I come here for a Latino brunch. What does that mean, it's a brunch with amazing cocktails and original brunch dishes. You won't find those played out hollaindaise here. Get some chicharron and ktown rice. Also try the coco loco to get litty! @EseLatinoAngelino Ps- parking here is tough. Don't be cheap and get an uber or waymo read more

It's cute it's quiet ! Parking sucks . Music is good ambiance is good !! Street corn good seasoned also messy ! Very flavorful . The decor and vibe is great I'm glad I tried the mushroom it was different . Love the salsa . read more

Escala - Street Corn - Colombian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've been here many times with friends for drinks and once for just food. I like the layout of this bar and the general theme of it. Being situated in Koreatown its something a bit different from what's in the surrounding area. Drinks are good and food is good! Service can be a bit better. We found ourselves waiting a bit when the place was empty. Service at bar Is much better if you are sitting at the bar. Nonetheless, a great spot to hang out. They have music and they have enough to give you a good night out if you decide to stop by. read more

Late night Colombian bar in ktown. The drinks were super sad how is this an old fashion? We received it and started laughing. The drink was sent back. My pamola was ok taste like those sugary bottled juices from the store. Got this free bread which tasted like dense pancake balls. The bandeja platter was fun to get a variety of Colombian culture my favorite was the sausage and fried banana chips. Some of the fried items were a bit on the oily side and the ribs were not worth getting (taste like store bought jarred sauce). The service was okay but an hour before closing they were already cleaning up and stacking chairs while there were many customers still in the bar. Loud squeeze noises from the clean up made us leave because it was getting unbearable. Wouldn't come again but it was nice to check it out. I have always wondered what goes on in this corner read more

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The food was delicious and very flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed the K-TOWN FUSION RICE CON POLLO and coconut rice. My date took me here and it took quite some time for the food to be served to us. It was pretty loud with music, we sat outside, this was around 8:50pm/9pm on a Wednesday night. Will definitely be back. The staff customer service was average. We parked in a structure across the street on the corner. read more

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The restaurant has a nice atmosphere. The staff were nice. They had a DJ who played good music. The mimosas and food were delicious. We had a group of 10 and we all had a fabulous time. read more

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The food and drinks are fantastic ! Unfortunately a few of the servers customer service is less than par. Took 20 minutes to get our drinks. 2 tequila sodas. There's were less then 5 tables occupied on a Sunday evening. When our food came out, the delicious empanadas that two of us were splitting, it was another 30 minutes to get small plates and napkins. The other appetizer, Colombian wings (which we come back for so often!) came out late, we had to wave down our server for a second round of drinks. He was sitting down and watching tv the whole time. This is not an isolated event, we live a block away and eat at Chapman Market frequently and constantly run into this problem at Escala. Thank goodness the food and vibes are superb and worth putting up with the mediocre and negligent service. read more