...what you're Mama gave ya. We've all been there before... You know: "Yeah, sure I'll go." "Where is it?" "Wait, what? "Where's it located?" "Yeah, ok, I'll go." Sometimes it works out and sometimes, well, you'll probably never go back again...for whatever reason. My time happened about a month ago and Mal's Cafe was the destination. I went to see Very Be Careful play and if you know anything about the band, you know that the females love them. VBC playing = myriad girls around shaking dat ass. Sooooo, onto the review... Mal's is in a section of town I don't regularly frequent. South Los Angeles. Yes, the area where the bar is located is a little seedy, but there is plenty of parking and if you get there when most people are arriving, around 10pm or so, there should be other people around looking for parking as well. So, no need to worry. Anyway, Mal's Cafe is a rather refreshing bar/ club. By refreshing, I mean, that it's an incredibly well run establishment. From the moment you arrive til you've had your last drink or dance, Mal's Cafe does it right...top to bottom. Let's start with the doormen. Professional, friendly and completely chill. While they do search you at the door it's just a simple pat down and not a TSA-like frisk. Immediately to the right of the doormen, is the smoking area where one can get their cancer on. It has a few tables and chairs where you can enjoy your cigarette. As you walk into the place itself, the bar is straight back, there's a pool table to the left and the dance floor/ stage is to the right. It's a good sized bar with a medium sized dance floor and a pretty small stage. The building itself is good sized and, I guess, could probably fit 100 people comfortably. The bartender's are all incredibly friendly and professional. All of them, which a lot of times is a rare experience now-a-days. They were quick with the drink orders and attentive at your approach to the bar. Like most bars, they had both hard liquor and beer. Not sure if they had wine, but it's safe to assume they did. I remember there being quite a decent collection of Mexican beers. Definitely not your craft beer type venue, but they got in where they fit in. What was also very cool, literally, is that when the music was going and the people were dancing, at no time did the place get muggy and hot. The A/C was going and the temperature was comfortable. That alone was surprising and welcomed. Needless to say, the show was a success and I even got to cut a rug to a few songs. If the opportunity presents itself, I would definitely go back. read more

I've been here a couple of times. The second time I was accused of breaking into my own car, (note there were four other people with me at the time too) But Mal's is loveable for the entertainment value it provides. This is a dive bar, but a dive bar with love for the Latino underground. This is a place to come to small art shows with music or hear up and coming bands that are rough and tough just like Mal's The prices are decent and people are cool. Its just too bad that your car might get broken into around the neighborhood. I'd go again but maybe somebody else drives. read more

Reporting live from Mal's Cafe. THE AMBIANCE: In the middle of nowhere sits Mal's Cafe. Tonight is The Smiths/Morrissey night. The music is bumpin' and the people are dancin'. $10 cover. The space is medium sized with a bar and dj booth. The women's bathroom has two (2) stalls (super small). THE MUSIC: The sh** if you like 80s. This is my first time here so no idea what this place is like other than tonight. THE BAR: Typical well drinks and beer. THE TIPS: They give birthday shout outs. Woot! read more

This place is cool...But for my 32 year old brother and his old school high school lame buddies... Haha! I went in a few weeks ago because my I got a flat tire right on front of this place. So while I waited for my friend to scoop me up I went in for a beer. The crowd is probably 30-40 year olds... The music playing was old Skool house/techno.... However I've been here once before when a Cumbia band was playing and it was pretty happening... Too bad there wasn't space to get my groove on... read more

Cool music ok drinks but ..... The place smells like urine everywhere!!!! From the moment I walked in ... You guys really need to do something about that It's bad!!! read more

This is not cool my friends came all the way from West Covina to hear rata blanca play and then at the end they told us that they were not going to play because they only were going to get 20 mins that's not cool at all please get a better planner or what ever it takes to give every band a chance to play read more

Had a great time good atmosphere with my brother over from UK watching Jose Maldonado.

This place has potential. Not sure if they have a person that mixes or the bands do it themselves but when I was there everything was super loud except the microphones. I bought two beers while waiting for the change the bartender kept a dollar as tip. If he would have handed me all my change I would have left more. Parking is sketchy. read more

Only one point of sale machine. Fuck that. Bro invest some money in your business. You're in a horrible spot in LA. You charge a cover. I will never come back to this place. read more

Amazing bar, super random location but amazing place once you get inside. You would never see this place if you were not looking for it. But once your inside, it's such a great spot. Friendly staff, clean, great drink specials, great atmosphere. I don't use this word often on Yelp but I love this place. They have live bands a few nights a week or DJs it just depends. It's different all the time. So if your looking for something different with great drink specials a great staff and a great atmosphere this might be the spot! read more

Best hole in the wall bar in the lesser active parts of dtla. Close to the reef if you are there for any events.

This is the closest Bar with the cheapest prices, never in two years did I think I would be a bar person, I always wanted to be a Cafe person, but cafes are always short of space. I usually come here on Thursday nights, they have a pool table, and for 75 cents you can play pool; yeah, my friends and I go to a bar just to play pool, how lame is that? Beers are four dollars, and shots are eight. There's an internet jukebox, a Defender arcade cabinet that doesn't work anymore. There are also two bathroom stalls in the back, and the mensroom used to have a mirror (it's small, wait for your turn to use the potty). They have three large flat-screen TVs that usually play sporting events on it. When they have bands playing, there will be an admission charge; a heads up for the cheapscapes out there, but really, last time was only $3 so I don't complain (plus a beer ticket). So yeah, last time they had some good ones, too bad I couldn't stay too long because my Mom kept calling me; had to sober up with water and IHOP that night. Bonus points for the free popcorn and letting people bring outside food; funny enough, where the bands play now is where they used to have a kitchen. So yeah, this place is pretty cool, just don't be a jerk and brag about how well you can drive drunk, or they'll consider helping you outside to take a nap and meditate on life choices. read more

I would rate this place a 5 but i ran into my ex which pretty much killed the mood for about 30 seconds lol , but other than that it was great.. I love 80's music and I enjoyed every song they played, as for the drinks.. woahh they are cheap.. i mean i did not pay but I saw my dates tab,. haha.. so folks if you are a cheapy this is the spot to buy her drinks.. I am jk! Nonetheless I wish more people were dancing, I felt like everyone was kind of just watching each other and looking around.. but I did not care I was there to have a good time and I did.. No one could stop that especially when you are joined with great company :) read more

I survive fairly close to this place... so eventually I had to go in and see what it's all about. I wouldn't normally think of walking into this bar had I not had it so close. Once you go inside though, you have a completely different atmosphere to that of what's outside! The look and feel is cool and casual, people are alright, they make an okay drink and don't charge too much for it. You can catch sports games here, which is always a plus. I've come in when they've had live bands and the DJ's that play all your old jams from back in the day... I cant complain. I will say, sometimes the crowd can get kind of paisa-ish.. but I suppose that comes with the territory. read more

Came here for a show... seemed alright. It's a bar... bathroom was pretty clean, and that's always important. Decent space to watch bands play. My only gripe was that they weren't allowing any pitting/dancing... kind of a bummer, cuz that's how you show the bands you're digging their set. But I get it... probably not the best area, and the show itself featured bands that seem to have A-Hole followers. It was a good experience, decent sound system, quick bar service, outside area for smoking/fresh air (ha)... read more

Came here last night to celebrate a friends birthday. Didn't really know what to expect. She told me that there would be a surf and a cumbia band so I wasn't sure that that. ($10 cover /Saturday) Walking in, the security guard was very nice, the bartenders were very attentive and cool. The crowd of people there were nice and mellow. They had a Chavo del 8 theme which was random haha but my bf loved it! The drinks are reasonably priced. I think I paid $46 for 7 drinks so that about $7 a drink I guess. Oh and the restrooms were clean, thank goodness ;) I love coming into something not expecting much and then having a blast! I enjoyed it and I am sure we will return XO read more

We DJed for a live music event at Mal's and were pleasantly surprised with the professionalism of the staff and management. Plenty of bartenders, security, and a soundman who knew what he was doing. Clean bathrooms, decent drink prices, and free street parking. read more

Good chill bar everyone is friendly. I have been here several times on Friday's and Saturday nights. The drinks are good and the price is right. Check their IG page to see what DJ or band is playing. They are very diverse they have Cumbia nights all the way to 80's night. Great fun and chill place Parking: Plenty on the street Cover Charge: None read more

I dig it! Small, dive-y, neighborhood feeling bar. Big plus: they have a popcorn machine! I'm a sucker for popcorn! Went on a Thursday for a quick drink, there was a cover, but told them I was a local & me & the hubby got in for free. read more

Mal's Bar - Mals bar - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

As I'm driving down Hill St. Just south of Downtown L.A I always see this trendy little bar called Mal's. I've always wanted to stop, but being in that neighborhood I wasn't sure. So tonight I stop and checked it out, to my surprise it was a gem. Alternative music, great t.v's for watching any games, the music was Rolling Stones, Doors, and Black Sabath. The audience was sociable and relaxed, and there us a pool table to enjoy while listening to great music. I didn't try the food but I herd it was good, I definitely will be bak when there's a band on the stage. read more

See all

My Favorite Little Bar Near #USC Check out #Ritmo Every 2nd Saturday Night With @djsloepoke read more

Mal's Bar - #Ritmo Every 2nd Saturday Night With @djsloepoke #HipHop #RNB #70s #80s #90s #EDM #DeepHouse #Disco #NuWave #Cumbia #Reggae - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This venue has nightlife history lasting from the early 80s! It's is still a thriving and happening spot. Great cocktails and beer specials. Depending on the night, the DJ's are always spinning the cuts. From punk, new wave or tribute bands! At times the have amazing tacos or quesadillas to eat. The venue is also nice and cool especially after burn the floor with your hip dance moves. Love this place. Check it out. read more

Loved this place. Came for a friend's birthday a little early, so I was chatting with the awesome bartender, Carlos. The other regulars are cool, too. A neighborhood bar where it's very comfortable with inexpensive drinks. There's a pool table and a bunch of seating. Good for watching a game and relaxing with friends. It doesn't seem to be the best neighborhood, but easily found parking on the street. read more

Place is pretty nice! Came here for Morrissey Night. Vibe is chill. Caters mainly to the underground sound. Looks like they also have Mana night among others. Really well established punk/rock/dive bar. read more

I had the best night tonight, in a very long time. Heard some amazing mariachi divas. They were great and entertaining. The bar was crowded, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. Singing along and dancing to the music. Will be back, FOR SURE, for the next event. read more

Mal's bar is such a hidden gem in this area. My band played a show there and it was a total blast. The sound people really know what they're doing, more than any other venue of this size. And it was fun to just hang out afterwards. Good beer selection and prices too read more

A dive bar with a Hispanic influence. Every weekend there's a different environment so check ahead of time. Just a great place to have a good time or watch sports they are always willing to play whatever you may want to see. Cheap drinks and a heavy pour! read more

Hidden litle gem place, love the vibes, the music and the prices for drinks. Service is great every single time

Came to the bar, my friend and I ordered a beer (in a bottle) and my friend paid right after with his card. While my friend was signing the check I asked the bartender for change for a $20 bill and he literally said, "depends on how much your friend tips." I thought he was joking and my friend didn't tip because all he bought was two bottles of beer. The bartender then said "no." and gave me back my 20. I was like "WTF?" I was surprised he was serious. Never returning to this bar. read more

I love going to mals! It's remodel is amazing. The drinks are cheap and there Is no cover charge. They lose a star cuz the bartenders are really bad. Either the drinks are too strong or weak not ever in between. Also they lack some of the mixers to make certain drinks. I was there the other day and my friends girfriend asked for a pomegranite martini and they couldn't make it. If they would get knowledgable bartenders this place would get five stars. read more

Screw this place. I just found out that they charged my friend, her friends, and my fiance $5 to get in and they charged me $10. F that. The only reason why it's two stars and not one star is because my friend plays here. Friggin' jerk-offs working the door. read more

Worse bar I have ever been too! Drinks had way to much ice. Over priced, under staffed had to wait like 30 minutes to buy a damn beer! If you get "too drunk or turned up" you will be bounced. A friend of mines and I went to this bar, and she got bounced because she was too drunk. What do you go to the bar for? Not enough space. Restrooms are filthy you could not pay me to go back. Overall bad experience. If you go beers are watered down... Worse customer service experience ever. I would not even rate this bar 1 star sadly it's the lowest rating I can give it. I'd give it half a star ... They tried. read more

It's the perfect dive bar for a drink after work or for a night of pool and beers. Mal's hosts several kinds of events on weekends that range from cumbia/art Nights to dancehall/reggae nights. read more

I visited Mal's Saturday, Nov 24th, 2012 for the first time and although it's location is not in the best part of Los Angeles, I had a great time. The security as mentioned in other reviews is accurate (friendly, helpful and courteous). The drinks were very affordable and my friends and I had a blast! Of course, how could you not have a blast when Morrissey and The Smiths songs are being played. Not to mention that Jose Maldonado from the Sweet and Tender Hooligans was present. The restrooms were clean and decent, but they need to plan for expansion. Especially when they have as of a crowd as they did that night. I would definitely go back again! read more

So I can here after watching a fight at the Los Angeles Sports Arena and a friend in our group highly recommended this spot. It was located on the corner and there was tons of street parking. The location is not located in the nice part of town but once you go inside you will agree it is worth the risk. They do card you before you enter the place and they do have a cover charge also. But once you go inside it is an industrial looking bar with a live band performing and the music quality was very good. I enjoyed the Morrissey tribute band and the bar menu was traditional and affective. This wasn't your trendy spot that has drinks named after movie stars and beers overpriced but just down to earth good music and great crowd. I would definitely come here again. read more

dive bars are my favorite kind of bars, and this one is OK. small, moderately kept, and most of the staff is friendly and courteous except for the bald douche bag everyone keeps mentioning in their reviews. the guy is usually only nice to pretty girls, girls that flirt with him, or guys that kiss his ass. been coming here for years BTW. other than a few modifications here and there the place hasn't really changed... can be a cool spot for local music. but can also attract local jerks with nothing better to do than ruin a good time so be wary. if you live close by, check it out. if there's a band to see, check it out. read more

Worst bar and bouncer, the drinks were filled with mostly ice. I never been served so bad in bar with little or no alcohol, avoid this place if you want to have fun. read more

WILD was the event I stumbled down to this creepy side of DTLA to attend. Well first off, Lock your doors! Crazy Scary on this part of the town, I'm sure it's so much different during the daytime. We got lucky and found parking right around the street, Doors Locked? check... We ventured over and paid the $7.00 fee to an event called WILD, we got there just as a Smith's cover band started. It basically was tiny.. really tiny could see the back and front of the "cafe" from looking forward and backwards. Don't look backwards, they have this BLINDING light that just gives you that I'm going to faint feeling. The service is good and attentive, the cocktails where decent, but like I said Tiny and throw a pool table into that mix, even smaller, The dance floor is non existent, it's basically whoever dances closes to the stage and worse part you have to pass the dance floor to use the restrooms, which I opted to wait till we left to use. They had a makeshift smoking patio as you enter the venue so yeah I just love having smoke blown into my face as I enter any venue. I did however notice a few tables and chairs along the far wall, so that's a plus, but was lucky enough to get a seat at the actual bar, I wouldn't come to Mal's just because but I would maybe for another event. read more

This place has always had good bands & local faves play (Viernes 13, Viva Malpache, Motor Gun Hotel). It's been an undercover L.A. linstitution for over 50 years. The original mal was into boxing I b'lieve. Can't mess with that. Used to be a classic dive pre-sports-bar -of -death makeover. Definatley "a beer n' a shot " type of place. What more does a real woman need? read more

Meh. Bartenders are slow. I went prior to this place getting fixed up. Just got back from a killsonic show there. Its still scary. Killsonic was great. I'm glad they have free popcorn there; Budweisers were FOUR friggin' dollars!!!? read more