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    The Semi-Tropic

    4.5 (592 reviews)
    Closed 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Order The Semi-Tropic Takeout or Delivery

    The Semi-Tropic Photos

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    THE SEMI-TROPIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - The Semi-Tropic

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    Anthony L.

    Semi tropic has been one my favorite neighborhood bars as of lately, because it's always such a great time. Their bartenders are pleasant, friendly and overall easy to talk each visit. Inside is a beautiful brick wall with the right amount of lighting and it's typically never too crowded. They have music the times I've gone on the weekends. I've never ate there so I can't speak for the food. However, their cocktails are fantastic. The 24 carrot with mezcal is my personal favorite. Make sure to ask the bartender for a "surprise me" shot before heading out. The Semi-Tropic is a must try if you're in Echo Park.

    A picture of inside the place.
    Wilfred T.

    It seems like a nice little place to hang out and relax after a long day of work. A good place to take a date to unwind and just relax and talk. There are also some board games if you wanted to get together with some friends to just hang out and play some games. I wanted to get some food, but I came a little bit too late and the kitchen was closed, so I can't say anything about the food. The old fashioned was good. The staff was friendly and accommodating.

    Market salad with Steak kebab
    Sam E.

    Okay I am completely in love with this place. They call themselves a cocktail bar but in my opinion it is so much more! They do have a full bar but they also have great food and even better ambience, perfect for a date night, dinner with a friend, or even a birthday celebration. I've been there for all of those things, and each time it's been wonderful. Their kebabs are delicious. Love their salads as well. It's mostly middle eastern cuisine so you know it's reasonably healthy, but you will also be impressed with how delicious it is. Definitely would recommend getting their hummus and pita to complement your main dishes or just as a great side to share with the table. Their fries are also really tasty and perfectly seasoned. They do have a whole happy hour menu, including both drinks and food, which is from 2-6 pm daily (even on weekends)! So it's a great place to go for that late lunch or early dinner and get a great deal on some food and drinks. I've always had great service coming here. All of the staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and super friendly. I absolutely love coming here.

    TST Espresso Martini
    Emma F.

    Loved it here! The ambiance, music, food, drinks and service were all top tier, seriously. We got the best spot in one of the lounge couches and got the best server, Mckenna. She was so fun and welcoming, I felt like she was a part of our friend group! We ordered a lot of food and drinks but my faves were the steak, the roasted carrots and of course, the espresso martini. Great spot for catching up with friends or a romantic evening with a partner! 10/10

    The Jennifer Grey
    Timothy C.

    Yo, LA night owls, if you're dodging the Hollywood hustle and craving a spot that's equal parts chill séance and straight-up bar sorcery, slide into Semi-Tropic on Glendale Blvd. This Echo Park gem is the kind of place where the walls whisper occult secrets (shoutout to those early-1900s spiritualists who basically invented "happy hour with a side of mysticism"), but the real magic? It's in the air - twinkling rope lights draped like lazy palm fronds, exposed brick that's seen more indie band breakups than a therapist's couch, and that tropical wallpaper that makes you feel like you're crashing a luau in the middle of a LA heatwave. But let's talk the scene, because honey, this ain't your basic dive. It's upscale without the snobbery - think packed with artsy locals nursing craft beers, couples on low-key dates stealing glances over shared charcuterie, and the occasional vinyl DJ spinning tracks that hit just right (pro tip: arrive early for the quieter hours before it turns into a full-on Echo Park block party). The staff? Legends. Our bartender, with that effortless cool and a grin that says "I've got stories," slung recommendations like a pro matchmaker, turning strangers into instant squad goals. Everyone's friendly, zero pretension, and somehow they remember your go-to order by round three. It's the bar equivalent of bumping into your vibe tribe at a pop-up flea market - effortless, electric, and endlessly entertaining. Now, the cocktails? *Chef's kiss* - refreshing AF and inventive enough to make you question why you're still ordering the same old gin & tonic everywhere else. Their menu is a love letter to summer souls: the Semi-Tropic Spritz hits like a citrus cloudburst (grapefruit, elderflower, and a bubbly fizz that dances on your tongue), while the house marg is a zesty revelation with just the right agave whisper to keep it breezy, not boozy-overkill. And don't sleep on the Jennifer Grey. Pro move: Pair 'em with the killer hummus plate for that savory chaser that keeps the night rolling. Oh, and happy hour? From 2-6pm daily, it's straight robbery in the best way - $10 specials on those stellar sips, turning a midweek slump into a mini-vacay. We rolled in on a Thursday, snagged patio seats, and basically time-traveled to bliss for under 30 bucks a head. Dodger game pre-game? Date night glow-up? Or just "I deserve this" solo unwind? Semi-Tropic delivers every time.

    Hummus Plate
    Sandy J.

    We found this gem near Echoplex. We loved the food, we both got the shrimp sandwich which was so good!! It was loaded with meaty shrimp, sauce, cucumber and herbs. It was light, refreshing and filling. YOU MUST GET THE FRIES! the seasoning and the paired sauce, yuuuummmmy. The hummus was really good too, there was a tiny kick from maybe the oil they had on it that made it even better for me. I wish I got that first versus the fries. The fries are a little on the saltier (in a good way) side and it overpowered the hummus a bit. The ambiance was a better than a bar. I loved that there was one side that had coves of couches where a bigger group could hang out, someone was celebrating their 30th and it seemed perfect. We both were on a no-alcohol day and they had great mocktails and beers to choose from! The service was nice. It's self seating. I think the only part we felt was confusing is if we were suppose to order at the bar or if we had a server. The sign in the front where we walked in said bar, but they actually had servers. Also the server didn't see us walk in at first so she didn't come by. Once she saw us, she and the rest of the servers were great! Overall we loved it and will be back!

    DJ
    Ruth ..

    First time patron and I must admit, I'll definitely be back! The drinks were great, but most of all, the service was excellent! TORI, the waitress was so friendly and reliable. She checked on us repeatedly throughout our visit and made an effort to make friendly small talk with us, including reccomendations on drinks. This was supposed to be our first stop of the night, but we've definitely extended our stay due to the great vibe!

    Cocktails seem really interesting!
    Emily G.

    Yummy breakfast. Cool ambiance. Enjoyed a solo brunch but would like to come back with friends and try out some of the cocktails.

    Parrot project
    Bruna D.

    This restaurant has such a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. The space is comfortable, clean, and very inviting -- the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy your time, and feel at ease from the moment you arrive. The service is good and consistent. The staff is polite, attentive, and always willing to help, which makes the experience even better. You feel respected and well taken care of throughout the entire visit. The food is excellent. Everything is well-seasoned, flavorful, and very enjoyable. You can tell the dishes are prepared with care, and the flavors are balanced and satisfying. It's the kind of food that makes you want to enjoy every bite. This is a great place for anyone who wants to relax and eat well. A solid choice with great food, good service, and a very pleasant atmosphere. We'll definitely be back.

    Amani Jay
    Justin J.

    Local bar lounge in Echo Park that has a nice vibe and friendly staff.. Decided to pass by and check it out as I drive by it a couple times a week. When you walk in, it is self seating, and there is ample seats for everyone. And, if your lucky, you can grab a couch and really relax. We started with cocktails, as any adult would, trying the Amani Jay. It has a ton of flavor, feeling like an upgraded, more nuanced Pina Colada. Very tasty. For food, we started with the hummus plate which the hummus was actually very nice, didn't really have the grittiness you get with a lot of gummies. As for entrees, the shrimp roll had nice chunks of shrimp in it, but the dressing it is covered in is a little on the thinner side, and I felt the flavors were fairly one note with the dressing covering everything. It could have been so just better. The Italian sausage looked great presentation wise, good color and eye appeal, and the flavor was pretty good as well. The bun is on the other side, and I felt the bun to sausage ratio leaves heavily toward the bun, but it was a nice bite. Overall, good people, flavorful drinks, nice ambiance, comfortable with some decent food, if you're looking for a bar/lounge with food, definitely give Semi Tropic a visit

    Naoshima Dream, an Old Fashioned, and Maizy Star
    Brian V.

    4++ fun bar/cocktail lounge and the Silverlake/Echo Park area. I didn't eat here, although the food looks good from some of the other pics posted here. My friends and I came here for some cocktails after having dinner down the street at another restaurant. We were able to get a seat right at the bar. We were served pretty much immediately, but I wanted to look over the cocktails before I made up my mind. I ended up getting a Naoshima Dream which was really refreshing.... and fun to look at. This is the type of place that if I were younger and was living back in this area, it would be a great spot to go to frequently. There's a DJ or at least someone that plays music on Saturday nights (the one night I've been here) and they definitely were playing some crowd pleasers as evidenced by group of folks singing along and dancing. Great drinks and great energy. Now I'm really curious how the food is here.

    Our server was Mason and he was very helpful in advising us of what drink to order. The mixologists are very talented here. The place is very clean and it seems locals frequently come in. The sound system is clear and lively. Happy Hours last for a while, both food and drink offer bargains. excellent panini too!

    Gor-Jess M.

    Date night with the hubs, Friday ~4:30pm. We decided to try something new and grabbed a Lyft from Koreatown to Semi-Tropic. The bar itself is nice, small, but with plenty of seating. We sat at the bar, and that's where things went downhill. It took over 5 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge us. The female bartender never once made eye contact, avoided us entirely, and made it very clear she had no interest in helping. The only reason we finally got service was because my husband said (loud enough), "So I guess no one is going to help us?" At that point, the male bartender stepped in, thankfully, he was at least friendly once engaged. We ordered shishito peppers, steak plate, and Italian sausage. The food was fine, not bad, not memorable. Steak was overcooked but still edible. Definitely nothing worth making a trip for. Later, the bartender who helped us moved to the dining floor, and another male bartender came behind the bar. Same issue: no acknowledgment, no check-ins, low energy all around. We had to flag him down just to get another drink. Honestly, the vibe from the entire staff was flat & boring and that female bartender was easily the worst offender. (Management: check your cameras. The right-side bar cam should confirm exactly what I'm describing.) Bottom line: we won't be back. As someone married to a restaurant manager, I can confidently say this was an underwhelming, unimpressive experience. Wouldn't recommend, especially to anyone in the industry.

    Maizy Star cocktail

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    Page 1 of 15

    The Semi-Tropic Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Semi-Tropic

    Is this a good place for a 50th bday party for 20 ppl? What kind of music do they play?

    Are laptops still allowed?

    Laptops are allowed during Happy Hour: 2-6pm daily.

    Hi, I've been here and ate some yummy food. But do they cater to vegans as well? I am taking a couple of vegan friends for drinks and snacks during the week. Are you also open on Monday?

    Hi Sheila, yes, we have vegan food & drink options, and we are open every day, including Mondays. :) Hope to see you soon.

    Is their wifi password protected?

    Hi Helly, No password, but there is a log-in screen, after which you are granted 2 hours of access… Read more

    What speakers & amp are they, sound system is fantastic?

    Hi Tim, thank you! The amps are McIntosh MC30s, and the speakers are Alec Lansing A7s, in custom cabinets by OJAS. All 1960s vintage.

    View All 6 Questions

    Thirsty Crow

    Thirsty Crow

    3.9
    (797 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Live music

    4++ Cocktail bar that has been in this space for quite some time now (as of 3/2026). I still…read moreremember coming here 15 years ago. And over time, this place has always had a fun vibe and reasonably priced drinks. The folks here seem to always be friendly as well. Even after all these years, this place could still get pretty crowded (the space isn't huge so that helps). They also have the Dodgers games on when available so that's great if you want to grab a drink in the area and don't want to miss the game. On my most recent trip, I came here after having dinner with a couple of friends in the area for a after dinner drink/ night cap. Ordered the martini and it was good! Just a great place in the area to meet up with friends to grab a cocktail if you wanna low-key place that has reasonable prices for good cocktails.

    After work, we were pretty stressed and just wanted to grab a drink. The front door host, Nate, was…read moreincredibly nice and honestly made our day. He was friendly, welcoming, and gave us a great first impression. However, our experience afterward was disappointing. We waited nearly 20 minutes to be seated and another 20-30 minutes before anyone took our order. I understand that restaurants get busy, and we were trying to be patient because we could see the staff was overwhelmed. When we finally got our beer, I told our server, Noah, that I could pour it myself if that would help. Instead of explaining the situation politely, he responded with attitude and said, "You know I can't serve you guys, right?" I apologized, but then he told us, "Nah, you guys have to leave." This was frustrating after waiting so long just to place an order. We were never rude or disrespectful to the staff, so the interaction felt unprofessional and unnecessary. I completely understand being busy, but customer service should still be respectful. Unfortunately, this experience left a negative impression despite the great welcome we received from Nate.

    Photos
    Thirsty Crow
    Thirsty Crow
    Inside booth seating

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    Inside booth seating
    Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt

    4.4
    (264 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    The Babes Behind the Bar were at it again. This time our adventures led us to Thunderbolt - an…read moreestablishment that's been making waves for its inventive savory & texture driven cocktails since it opened in Historic Filipinotown. The award-winning cocktail bar has been named one of North America's best bars for 3 years in a row. The drink menu is also impressive with its illustrations and useful diagrams detailing techniques & flavor concentrations. The Southern-inspired dishes are equally creative and include Gluten Free & Vegan options. The forest green color scheme and terrazzo bar top emit a relaxed, chill vibe. The staff are all friendly and seem genuinely happy to work here. My friend and I sat at the bar. Bartender Tom was fantastic! He was welcoming and enthusiastic about explaining the drinks. Nikki oversees the wine club and she was also amazing! We both ordered La Frutera #4 - am homage to L.A.s fruit carts comprised of Lime leaf Tequila, Watermelon, Sunflower Seed, Coriander, & Lime. It was pretty and delicious! We also had the Pastelito - a plant-based milk punch inspired by the pastry featuring Tequila, Guava, Strawberry Aperitif, Hibiscus, & Coconut. It was well balanced and tasty. Tom was kind enough to give me a sample of the Koji Killer, which tasted like a vacation in a glass! We also shared the Smashed Cucumber & Melons and Buttermilk Biscuit, which came with seasonal jam & whipped butter. The cucumber & watermelon was tossed with Calamansi vinegar & herbs. It was light & refreshing. The Buttermilk Biscuit was fluffy, moist, & big enough for us both to share. If you are a wine connoisseur, my friend suggests signing up for their Wine Club. She's always happy with Nikki's picks. They also have a unique selection of Madeira wine available by the glass, which I'm looking forward to trying on my next visit. *Street Parking

    Was charged three times, totaling hundreds of dollars, and waiting for the pending transactions to…read moredrop (or stay :/) in 3-5 business days is no fun. We can't all be made of money, but this shouldn't have happened.

    Photos
    Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt
    Tropipop

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    Tropipop
    Bar Henry

    Bar Henry

    4.4
    (161 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Small and cute bar in a completely unexpected place. Good vibes and good drinks. Loved naked &…read morefamous, but also enjoyed the crowd- down to earth and nice. Good little gem in the neighborhood. Something is between upscale and speakeasy dive bar, not too loud, so you can actually enjoy the conversation. Bartenders sweet and cool. Service fast and easy. Would definitely come back to check other drinks on the menu. Also, decent old fashioned.

    Local bar not far from where I live. Hadn't been here yet, not sure why, so was out and about and…read moredecided to pop in on the weekend. Indoor and outdoor seating available, Bar Henry is a cool little for in Echo Park serving up tasty cocktails in a friendly, local feeling environment. We tried a few cocktails when we visited. The Butthole Surfer is their version of a pina colada which, while decent, could have been a little more flavor forward. Feel it is premade in batches as I didn't see it made fresh but was brought getting the back, but still decent. The Lucid Dream had the smokiness from the mezcal posted with the mandarin, but then the rosemary comes in and helps add a little balance to the drink. The Swimsuit Edition was more flavor forward, but the passion fruit didn't necessarily pop in the drink for us. And finally was the Snitches Get Stitches, another mezcal drink with mango and horchats. Interesting was my first thought, then you start getting the nuances of the different interested and it's a respectable cocktail. Overall, good drinks, friendly people, chill atmosphere, and a nice addition to the bar scene in Echo Park

    Photos
    Bar Henry
    Slow Release
    Slow Release
    Moscow Mule

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    Moscow Mule
    Sidewalk Grill

    Sidewalk Grill

    4.3
    (1.3k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Dark meat chicken kabob, best in LA!…read more I've been to over 50 kabob places around LA, lived near Glendale for a decade, tried all the famous sit down establisments to the not so famous hole in the wall joints but this to me is the best chicken kabob I've ever had in LA, or ever actually. First of all, the fact that you can choose dark meat is unique and appreciated. Secondly their rice is alway so well done, perfection. Third, their sides are incredible, creamy hummus, a bright and vibrant Shiraz salad and their garlic toum texture is almost like mashed potatoes puree, with right amount of garlic tang without being overpowering. The chicken kabob itself was so well marinated and tender it melts in your mouth and elevates this often overlooked protein into something so memorable. It's a perfect meal and their consistency is appreciated. I judge every Mediteranean restaurant that offers kabobs on their chicken kabob to see how well it is marinated, prepared and cooked, and Sidewalk Grills chicken kabob can't be beat imo, try it and I'm betting you will agree. Please go and support this establishment which stands out even amongst the vast sea of amazing Persian/Mediterranean restaurants we re so lucky to have here in the greater LA region!

    Oh I've been here several times. Always enjoyed it. Until today had a 10 inch straight black hair…read morewrapped around the chicken in my salad. They need hair nets. I can't believe it. Had the beet salad with dark meat chicken

    Photos
    Boneless White Meat Chicken
    Boneless White Meat Chicken
    Hummus
    Hummus
    Chinese Chicken Wrap

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    Chinese Chicken Wrap

    The Semi-Tropic - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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