Well, they will make you wait for a long time, even though you are right in front of them and try to ignore you. I like that.

Very cute spot. You need a password to get in ... So follow them on Facebook or twitter to get the password !

I must say, I really liked this place's decor and had high expectations. Unfortunately, I found that the drinks were a little watered down. What really ruined this experience for me was the poor service. Perhaps I went on a bad night. Parking may be a little difficult so make sure to be in the K-town area early. read more

This place is a joke. Over priced and dark. Parking??? What parking?! Too loud and the bartenders are snobby and will make fun of you to your face, if not behind your back. Its dirty too. I saw a bug crawling around on the floor and told the manager... She said I was full of shit and "my kind" wasnt welcome there if I was gonna start shit like that. Bitch please! read more

On Christmas eve, my boyfriend from out of town was visiting me in LA, so my boyfriend, a friend, and I were looking for a fun place to spend our night. We happened to come across R Bar on Yelp. As I was reading the reviews, I loved the idea of the password and the pirate theme. None of us had been to a bar in LA, so we had no idea what to expect really. However, as soon as I entered, I was charmed by its quaint size and intimate setting. We were immediately greeted by our bartender, Angela, who is AMAZING! The drinks that she made for us were SUPERB. I am more of a beer person, but the mixed drinks she made were just delicious. We drank from the holiday specialty drinks menu. I've been to bars where the bartenders skimp out on the alcohol, but I must say, Angela was far too generous in the amount of alcohol that went into our mixed drinks. :) We had: - The Priest Collar (half beer and half champagne) - Chocolate Manhattan (YUM!) - 2 Pomegranate Cocktail - This icicle drink (tasted just like a coconut) She also gave us 2 free rounds of free shots. What a good way to kick off Christmas! Angela will be working on New Year's, so GO! Unfortunately, I am in San Diego... but really debating whether to drive all the way to LA for this bar. :) read more

I don't come here often because I find it to be a little overpriced. The staff is always friendly though and I've always enjoyed the food. Very unique take on drinks. I'll be back around my birthday. read more

This place is f***ing great! Vibe was awesome and drinks were great. Only issue I had was the blonde bartender. Unbelievably rude. Suzy on the other hand was so awesome. Suzy if you read this, you're awesome and thank you for serving me! read more

I've been to R Bar a few times and have always enjoyed myself. Since they use the password system, it never gets too crowded which is rare for a cool, dark, laid back bar in LA, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. However, I always seem to forget about this place when thinking about drinking destinations, but maybe it's the location... Had a couple food items as well, and they have always been pretty tasty, but that could be an effect of the alcohol. The jukebox is great as well and plenty of seating area! Only qualm is the drink prices. $7 for a well drink is a little more then I'd like to pay, but you never have to wait more then a minute or so to get your drink, so I guess you get what you pay for! And I just want to add that I came here on Friday for my best friend's birthday and ended up leaving my debit card at the bar. I called the next day to say I was going to pick it up and when I arrived the door guy knew exactly who I was and escorted me straight to the bar. So nice! As was the bartender who gave me back my card. Thanks R Bar for keeping my card safe and being so friendly! :) read more

i felt a little silly at first but that feeling soon passed as i sat in one of r bar's semi-private, dimly lit booths basking in my inflated sense of ego and exclusivity. seriously though, this is a nice place. those dim booths are great for small parties/dates. we could actually hear each other speak. i had a delicious taco at the cart across the street afterwards. well, everyone else is being coy so i guess that means i should follow suit. but c'mon. you can find the password on citysearch. read more

The first time I went to R Bar was at the behest of a high school friend who was in town and decided to get a group of 15 non-Koreans to go out drinking at the only K-town bar with no Asians. I went again last weekend when one of my best friends decided that she wanted to check this place out. I don't mind the password (it's easy enough to get), but I do mind the following: 1) horrific parking--we had to circle FOREVER. What kind of place in ktown doesn't have valet?? And do NOT park in the Jon's parking lot, apparently they tow. 2) $5 cover for a dive bar?! wtf?! they said it was for the band. The band must have made a lot of money that night since the bar was packed. 3) $8 weak well drinks that took forever to order because people just sit at the bar listening to the pirate band and won't let you order drinks. I will concede that I am probably not the target patron for this establishment. I prefer a place that has music you can dance to and I don't mind paying $12 for drinks when I'm there, but for a pirate band (who, coincidentally, my friend had seen perform last year at the Renaissance Fair...random) and a dive bar, $5 cover and $8 weak drinks are not my thing. We were there for 30 minutes tops (not including the time we spent trying to find parking). It was an okay bar, but I won't come back unless required. read more

I really enjoy this speakeasy. The vibe of this bar, reminds me of a pirate ship much like the redwood bar but not as highly themed. The rate for the drinks are fair, beers are around $3-7 and margaritas are $10. One of the bar tenders would do magic tricks and you can chose your very own music at the juke box! I would say the passwords are fairly funny and you have to search them on myspace. I give them a full star because I had the best time there and when they double paid me, they fixed it right away. read more

If I had to describe this place with one word, it would be "douche." And that's not because it was clean. I'm from San Francisco, visiting a friend here in LA, and we were checking out Pal Cabron (http://www.palcabron.com/), lured in by their comical branding. We'd noticed some people walking into R Bar and wondered what the place was like. Judging by the neighborhood, I'd have guessed it was filled with grungy, possibly dangerous patrons. So after our meal and a few Chiladas we'd worked up enough curiosity and gumption to check it out. But as I pushed on the door to enter, it was locked. Oh boy did that excite me. "What's in there?" I feverishly asked my friend. An S&M orgy? An underground dog fighting ring? A mafia hangout? A vampire blood bar? And then a clean cut dude in a suit opens the door. Yup, it's gotta be a vampire bar, I thought. He says, "What's the password?" And we both kind of contorted our faces and said, "Password?" Insinuating that it was absolutely ridiculous for him to ask us that. And so he goes on to interrogate us about how we heard about the place. Have we been there before? Do we know people inside? Not amused by all of that, I explained that we are just two very intuitive people, who happened to see a door that was clearly attached to a bar, and we wanted a drink. He must have either been impressed or confused by my use of the word "intuitive" because he rolled over pretty quickly and explained that we didn't look like trouble makers, so he'd let us in. Doing my best to act casual, I walked in scanning every inch of the place for the single aspect, that I was sure existed, that made this bar password protected. And it took me a while to figure out what it was, because I was looking too deeply. The answer was all around me: the naive and sensitive minds of the sheltered thespian type. The crowd was fashionably adorned with top hats and feathered boas, since it was apparently rock star night. I know, I know, my idea of "rock star" is totally different than that too. So, needless to say, we people watched and finished our beers, and then decided to snub our noses on the way out. We like our bars to have a comfortable mix of all classes, races, genders, and types of rock stars. So we headed out in search of a bar that only required an ID at the door. The only reason this place gets two stars is: 1) 1 star for the disproportionate boobs to body mass ratio. 2) 1 star for the pirate ship theme inside. read more

I'm a dive bar kind of girl. This had all those amazing qualities, best of all being the 90's karaoke. Or could it be the ever changing password. Maybe the delicious house cocktails. Either way, it was a glorious random Wednesday bar night. Next time I'm in this large city, I shall return. read more

This place is great. I loved it. The atmosphere was really relaxed and very calming. They had a great selection of music also. Try it out.

This pace has a warm spot in my cold heart! I love the staff first off, and the whole vibe is dark and chill. I also like the speakeasy feel. You can find me there for happy hour on Tuesdays! read more

My friend and I randomly found this place while waiting for a book signing to start downtown. Bartender Susie was super friendly. Made us feel welcome. Happy hour drinks were only $5. And food is extremely good. We will definitely be coming back to the r bar! read more

Cool neighborhood bar with a password to gain entry. I loved the ambiance and appreciated the DJ playing the jams. A bit cramped on a crowded Saturday night but hey what place isn't? I will def be back for a drink again soon. read more

In the midst of a mini yelp check in bonanza, my bf looked up our 2nd stop to adventure to and stumbled upon this dirty little gem. From the outside it looks closed, but apparently that is the "look they were going for". The door was locked, then immediately opened by the door security. We were asked for the password, of which we had no idea was required. I did however make up my own password, which included a series of ackward motions and sounds=) The doorman replied "Close, but not quite," and proceeded to give us a business card for future password appropriations and let us in. This place is super duper divey in a wonderfully interesting way but too dim and dark for my tastes. My bf ordered a mermaid something or other beer, which should have been renamed Hairy chinned Mermaid butt hole scales=b needless to say it was not within my preferred taste palette. They had a t.v and a projector which I assume they use, since the venue is sure dark enough for a film night! The bartender was well endowed with full too cool to be a hipster, but i am a uber hipster beard and pizazz and kind enough. Great dive place but not my cup of tea. read more

R Bar - Lounges Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Interesting password thing seems to keep the bar mostly empty which is both good and bad. Dark wood, tin ceilings, comfortable booths and an old time feel thats befitting the historic neighborhood. I had some tomato soup with a grilled cheese and both were quite delicious and very reasonable. I will probably remove one star once I come in and see it packed. Right now its my fave as a quiet spot to sit in the evening and contemplate the day over a beer and some soup. read more

Drinks are strong, the ambiance is very dark and low key, and the jukebox selection is pretty decent balance of old tunes and "the hipster classics." I was hesitant to believe my friend when he told me there was a password to get in (which he told me), but there really is one. So just remember to look it up the night before you go so you and your friends can get in. The only complaint I have was that it didn't feel very mingle-y. It seems more like a place that you go with your friends and chat amongst yourselves, which is fine, but the night I came I was more in the mood to socialize with other patrons. I will definitely be coming back here next time I'm in L.A. read more

This bar is just okay, cool interior, but the drink I got was really not to appealing (it was "The Hathaway"), and there isn't that much of a drink in the tiny glasses and the large amount of ice. It is kind of neat that you have to call ahead in order to get the password to enter the bar, but the drink that I got really turned me off on this place. read more

I don't know how they thought a cover charge was anywhere near acceptable based on the place and what you had to pay for. It's an average bar with boring music (like, horrifically bad music) and boring people. NOT worth $5 to get in, at all. I guess I don't understand Koreatown at all, maybe it's a better option around that part of town but honestly nothing special. Would rather have a drink at a Korean bar where people actually seem to be having fun and music is generally upbeat. Drinks were well-priced. Apparently there was a password but the doorman (who was ridiculously lame and oddly controlling considering it's not a special place) didn't ask for one. And after waiting outside to get back in, he slowly opened the door and then decided to slam it on us. Super weird guy, guarding a door that doesn't lead to anything special, just don't understand the hype ... read more

Me and my friend came here on Valentine's Day, exactly when they opened, so we were the first two customers in the bar. At first, the door was closed. We thought that the bar hasn't opened yet, but apparently, you need a password for the bouncer to open the doors for you. Since we were first timers, we were let in :) yay! We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the bartenders, they were lively and friendly. Beer comes in a lot of variety, so pick and choose! Would dere only visit here again. This time, I'll remember to check for the password! read more

Great vibe and friendly service. Not pretentious at all. Great place to listen to live music and just chill with friends. Love love love this place read more

Hands down one of the most chilled out and friendliest spots in LA. What I love most about R Bar is how dark and cavernous the whole place is. Bring a date and sit in the back, or bring a crew on Karaoke night and dominate the stage and get rowdy, y'all! All the bartenders have been nothing but lovely, and owner Laura is a peach if there ever was one - she remembers faces and names and treats you like family if you go often enough, which is something I reccommend doing! read more

R. Bar is a fun speakeasy with an actual happy hour....meaning it doesn't end at 7. The interior is ship-like and the bartenders are skilled. The drinks are always very good and you won't be disappointed by the happy hour well drinks either. A 'password' isn't required earlier in the evenings or on most weeknights. If it is, check their Facebook. Not a bad spot! read more

I'm not sure why this bar has a password. But I give it major props for having a sweet sweet interior. Also it gets props for having nofrills selections, cool low-key atmosphere and attentive bartenders. I was into the indie 103.1 playlist: band of horses, shins, pb&j etc pretty good for not having a dj. Only in LA are all of these things so special. There should be a bar like this on every corner. But there isn't so this place gets the nod. Great work. read more

Cool decor. There is a password. As we walked in someone was singing "rammstein" on the karaoke machine. That made my already drunken german heart kind of happy. The bartender was very sweet and we had an awesome bloody mary there. We were warned it was a hipster bar and maybe it was but I saw only a few day drinkers who seemed to have a good time. Definitely would go there again. read more

Dive bar? I have to laugh! Amazed by previous reviews calling this a "dive bar." This is as much a real dive bar as Disney has the real Matterhorn. We've been in several times so we are well aware of interior, drinks, etc. But don't let my review stop you. Go there and feel safely hip for a few hours while you overpay for drinks. read more

Terrible! The owners are horribly rude and the drinks are watered down. Don't waste your time with this place.

Good pours, great bartender, decent space around the pool table. Nothing gluten free on the menu, fair warning.

If you live in/near Koreatown and you don't speak Korean, R Bar is your lifeline and Cheers all wrapped up in one. Really fun neighborhood bar. But parking is bad bad bad. I do love the tacky dive bar vibe. And yes there are hipsters but no one bothers you, but don't expect to bump and grind on the dance floor either. read more

So this place has been so close to my house so why haven't I come here before ? Lol I love the dj he put the perfect music to have a good time , it's small and cozy and drinks are at reasonable price , friendly staff , this is your local bar lounge :) read more

Recently visited with a few friends while in K town. If you don't call ahead for the password don't try and get in. Nice dark bar that had some sort of a western/speakeasy kind of theme to it...Our bartender/waitress was super nice and the place has a jukebox so you can rock out with your friends...Will definitely stop back by if in the area. read more

Loud, crowded, and really bad communication between the bartenders and customers made this place a less-than-desirable spot for me. The drinks were good, but the fact that you need a password, and then only to walk into a dingy and hectic environment just did not cut it for me. Too bad, at least I tried to really like this place. This is the epitome of a dive bar, with an older crowd. read more

I came here on a Wednesday late night with a good friend of mine. I been longing to come here since last year! Interesting other than carding us at the door, there is a password requirement to totally get inside! Looks like you would have to look it up on their Facebook profile! So my friend and I went in and yes it's a chill loud spot to have karaoke and great for group of friends for some real happy hour! A little pricy though. Loved the setting, but very dimmed! read more

R Bar - Lounges Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Great vibe, great prices, great music. All around a fun spot to hang on the weekends. Haven't tried the brunch yet but I heard it's great. It's in a really interesting part of K-Town and has a nifty "password door" which makes it seem a little more exclusive than it actually is. Overall coz and fun read more

The bar is amazing and the prices are pretty on par for a bar. The atmosphere is cool and makes you feel relaxed. I think the décor and ambiance actually make it look like an upscale bar, but the staff/clientele make it seem more laid back and casual. The music that was playing encompassed different genres and decades. Some was good, some kind of weird. It also was kind of loud. I enjoyed the experience, but I'm not sure how often I'd want to drive out to K-town and try to find parking, especially since the surrounding neighborhood isn't the nicest. read more

Decent drink prices. Went for Blam Blam Blam. Good time. Comfortable atomosphere. Would go again.

Really unique bar. Fun atmosphere. The staff is super friendly and fun to talk to. Definitely would recommend checking it out. Great drinks too! read more