1642

"If you put a lot of effort into your brand of effortless cool, head to 1642 on the edge of Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown. There’s minimal signage out front, and the crowd inside seems like they genuinely read for pleasure and live for stone fruit season. There’s a live band playing most nights, as well as a great beer and wine selection. So sit down, grab a glass, and put those thousands of dollars you spent on improv classes to use by listening." - brant cox

"Cozy bar that serves a great selection of beer and wine. The dark interior, booths, and candle lit tables pair with an amazing playlist of tropical, jazz, and vintage reggae to make the atmosphere really comfortable. Thursday happy hour boasts free tamales (from neighbor Tamales Alberto) for each drink you purchase." - Ludlow Kingsley

"1642 in Echo Park is back for weekend service, with barriers up between tables and booths. Friday-Sunday only, more information and hours on their Instagram." - brett keating

"If this video of Ko Hyojoo ever came to life as a bar, it would be 1642. Which is to say, this hidden spot on Temple St. is extremely cool, and almost effortlessly so. The chalkboard behind the bar is constantly being updated with local wines and beers, they host a tamale-filled Happy Hour every Thursday, and if you stop by after 9pm on any given night of the week, there’s a good chance that one of their many house bands will be playing. Ranging from blues to swing to honky-tonk and ragtime, it’s time to put those hundreds of dollars spent on improv lessons to use and listen." - kat hong

"In actuality, 1642 is probably a place you didn’t know about rather than one you forgot existed, but either way, this intimate Historic Filipinotown spot is definitely worth a visit. Open since 2010, it’s wine and beer only, and the kind of place that exudes an effortless cool. The bare-bones space is full of people who seem like they genuinely read for pleasure, there’s live music most nights of the week, and if you need some food, there are usually a few good taco stands outside." - brant cox