Lava Lounge

Cocktail bar · Hollywood

Lava Lounge

Cocktail bar · Hollywood

1

1533 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Lava Lounge by null
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Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
Lava Lounge by null
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Lava Lounge by null

Highlights

Hollywood nightlife institution, launched by Craig Trager  

Featured in Eater
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1533 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Get directions

thewoodshollywood.com

$$

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1533 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Get directions

+1 323 876 6612
thewoodshollywood.com

$$

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Last updated

Sep 22, 2025

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Craig Trager, Celebrated Hollywood Bar Owner, Remembered by LA Community - Eater LA

"Lava Lounge was part of the third wave of bars launched by Craig Trager. It contributed significantly to the Hollywood nightlife." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/2018/10/2/17920948/los-angeles-bar-community-death-nightlife-craig-trager
View Postcard for Lava Lounge

Eileen R.

Yelp
This place is really cute and fun. They have karaoke and comedy shows. Pricing is good too. Love that they have a shot of the day.
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Paris W.

Yelp
We found our new favorite craft cocktail joint! Excellent service and a very warm, fun vibe! The house specialty cocktails are off the charts. But, they have an incredible liquor selection and can mix up anything your hipster heart could desire!
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Eunice C.

Yelp
Ambiance was great for a neighbors bar and they have Happy hours until 10pm every night. Dirty martini was on point. However, the crafty / signature drinks were a bit disappointing. We went on a Saturday night after 9.

Rocco C.

Yelp
Cool like Prince if he wasn't dead and in the ground. Also, everyone shits their pants there after hibiscus Japanese cocktails but that's part of the experience.
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Rita Z.

Yelp
A pretty solid bar nestled away from the noise and traffic. If you are looking for a club atmosphere, this is NOT it. This caters to the more chill clientele that wants to get a drink and talk to their friends without shouting. They are located within a plaza of sorts so parking can be hard if you come on a busy day, but there are some street parking. There was also security at the door and they will card you, but once you're inside, it is easy going from there. They have both bar space and booths for privacy. You order at the bar and then take it back to your table. They only had one bartender when I was there so be kind (and tip your bartender)! The drinks are a little expensive, but that's the LA tax, lol. Solid drinks tho. For entertainment, they have a jukebox near the door and some games scattered around if you want to play! I heard that there is live music on the weekend too! All in all, solid sleeper bar and I would return again!
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Chantal M.

Yelp
Cute little bar, obviously all made out of wood lol. Bartender was attentive not a lot of people went in at 1:30 was able to get some drinks. Would come again

Frida G.

Yelp
I have been going here for the last eight months specifically for trivia. It is a warm moderately no place with friendly bartenders and clean bathrooms. The service is good. The trivia is fun and the music is solid. You never would've expected this from a small little dive bar off La Brea.

Ernesto A.

Yelp
This is a really fun dive bar. Everyone seemed like regulars and people were super friendly. Really good happy hour, the espresso martini wasn't that good but the Moscow mule was solid
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A Plus NW Home Inspection ..

Yelp
Great place with a very nice indulgence back room. David was very helpful and knowledgeable. I will definitely go back.
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Elizabeth O.

Yelp
Cute little neighborhood bar. No thrills in here but they do have lots of drink specials and happy hour until 10 PM. They have a few board games and card games to keep you occupied as well.
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tami b.

Yelp
On a Saturday night the DJ was hitting, seating was available, crowd was friendly, drinks weren't too expensive
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Catherine M.

Yelp
A very cool bar located very close to Hollywood boulevard. It really does feel like you are in the woods, there are stars on the ceilings and the walls are all wood. They were also playing Jurassic park in the back on a big screen. My friends and I only got one drink here, but it was also really good. If you're looking for something a little of the beaten path, this is the place.
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Katrina N.

Yelp
Really loved The Woods. Super chill vibes, great lighting and decor, & delicious drinks. Service was great and the bar was not overly crowded. Recommend if you find yourself in Hollywood for the night.
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dvl ..

Yelp
Perfectly hidden gem - crusty on the outside, kitschy in the inside. This gen-x LA native remembers fondly the LA bar scene of yore (think Smalls K.O. and Three Clubs, and even the predecessor Lava Lounge) that nurtured our need to pre-game/bar-hop before clubbing, or sometimes skipping the club entirely because you found the perfect spot to people watch. The Woods feels like a throwback to that scene - like finding your old leather jacket hidden in the back of the closest, the scent of leather & cologne/perfume mixed with a hint of cigarettes, beckoning you to a simpler time when you could get a drink with friends at a local bar and have fun without all the b.s. hype that has consumed LA in the past few decades.
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Christ C.

Yelp
I really liked the vibe of this place. Lighting, ambiance, music, decor, ect. The only downside are the prices, 18$ top shelf old fashions. Avg bourbon not super fancy but not well. I'd say the prices were just unreasonable so that's why if huge it only 4 stares. No games or pool either. Def a chill spot but could be improved.
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Denise A.

Yelp
I heard I'd like it here. Unfortunately I went the other evening for a shot of whiskey and a vodka cocktail and the bartender was super C rude. Off for midnight on a Sunday for a female customer willing to pay. Guess if you're a good looking female, don't expect much from the staff here.
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Matthew M.

Yelp
I wish I could tell you about my experience inside this bar, sadly, I never made it past the front door. I tried to visit tonight with my partner and friends, was stopped at door and questioned about our service animal. The bouncer asked: - Is this your service animal? (Legal) - What is your disability? (Illegal Discrimination) - Let me know that my animal does not meet service animal protocol saying my animal was "too small" (Wrong) - Decided my disability as not "eligible" (Major Illegal Discrimination) I decided to leave, as the bouncer clearly is unaware of legal guidelines and I didn't need to cause a scene to prove any points. To The Woods, I suggest you train your outside staff, to avoid lawsuits. The ADA was created for a reason in this country, and is much stronger than a bar in a strip mall in Hollywood.
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Adrian S.

Yelp
Man !! Happy hour til 10p everyday Say no more in there and the drinks are tasty - a nice atmosphere and friendly bartenders - I'm here once a month when I can

Diana I.

Yelp
The place was very small and had an older crowd there. Good to grab a drink and nice dark theme like you're lost in the woods. Just too quiet on a Thursday night.
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Joe B.

Yelp
Came here for a drink before meeting friends next door at the ice cream shop. Kind of an interesting/odd inside but they have cheap well cocktails, and free parking for patrons in the lot, win win.
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Janette L.

Yelp
This bar is somewhat of a happy place for me, nestled away in a strip mall in Hollywood. It's pretty close to the Roosevelt so you can park in a parking structure by that and walk if you don't really know where else to go or happen to be there for something else. I love coming here after another Hollywood activity and having a drink at the bar. I love the neighborhood bar vibe it gives off. You're less likely to find a bunch of obnoxious tourists here. If you come with friends, you can sit at a table if there's space, but be aware that it gets kind of loud (lots of people, usually loud music or a DJ). Not much of a dance floor, but people find space to dance. The drinks I've had have been hit and miss in terms of strength; sometimes I'll ask the bartender to surprise me with something strong, and I get it, or I'll get one of my usual drinks and it isn't very strong at all. But, I have had a good time all of the times I've been, and I try to come back whenever I'm in the Hollywood area. Check it out if you're looking for a fun little (yes, overused phrase incoming) hidden gem.
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Manny R.

Yelp
this is the new spot foshooo. im typing this hella drunk rn but its all good im buzzing real good. shoutout to the bartender for being chill af. pull up for good vibes on some real

Kat C.

Yelp
Home sweet home. Love Kris she's the best. Tyler's tight. Mike is fantastic. Might come back again tomorrow.
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Alex H.

Yelp
Surprise low key dive bar in this mini mall of some random places, but the key to this lot is the Taco Truck, great for late night drunk people. The bar itself is dark and super small/intimate, the tables are tucked away along the wall with a stretch couch/seating for people to chill. DJ spins pretty good music and the drinks are just alright. For a "lets get a drink" date it would be cool if you can snag a seat, otherwise a tad small. 3/5 for me
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Trini M.

Yelp
The place is really neat. Cool little dive bar. Lovely decor and it's dark inside. Right to it, the only reason I'm giving it three starts is because when I ordered a drink for my husband and I (Kentucky Mule), the bartender took two lime wedges from what seemed to be someone's empty glass to garnish both drinks. I can tell it was someone's empty glass because it was at the bar area, it only had ice, and had a straw in it. Absolutely disgusting. Aside from that, everything else was good.

William D.

Yelp
Bouncer said he wants to "piss on the queen" on jubilee weekend I'm from the uk and respect America and came for a drink and this man ruined my night. And he definitely can't back his talk I'd mess him up differently however the staff was so polite and was a good bar but he ruined my entire Holliday disrespecting my country and pride he's lucky I'm polite or he would've got dipped
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Keesha F.

Yelp
From the reviews I thought it would be a sketchy whole in the wall, but once I walked in I realized that the reviews did it no justice. I loved the decor. The wood on the walls was Fresh. It had a really cool atmosphere and was full of hip locals. I got there and they told me it was still #happy hour. My favorite time of the day lol. Got Jameson and cokes for $6. Definitely a great place to go have a couple of drinks before experiencing the Hollywood nightlife.
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Soo H.

Yelp
Perfect dive bar. Friendly bartenders, cozy seating and heavy pours. Basically all you need out of a neighborhood bar. Has a cute rustic theme going on with its decor too, with antler chandeliers and dark lighting. Good spot for casual drinks.

Christina M.

Yelp
This place? Ehh. I wouldn't do it if it is your first time around the town. Find something else. Happy hour is nice and cheap and it shows, dirty Shirley tasted like straight rubbing alcohol. Bad vodka, smh! Ambiance, 3/10, drinks 0/10, people 1/10. You should just go to the liquor store next to it and pregame in the car. Thanks anyway
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Darryl W.

Yelp
Great place to unwind and have a great drink. I had the Gingertini .... most delicious. See my photo.
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Mathew L.

Yelp
Ambiance is cool, showing some updated menu items and happy hour is every night until 10! The "well mixed drink" is something of your choice! Fantastic great ambiance, very chill, a little loud but great for small convos that might be a bit more intimate. Overall, awesome little find. Does fill up, even for a Thursday night!
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Rodney S.

Yelp
Dark, dingy, dive bar. I say I don't drink, but I may have a little tipple a couple times a year. I was enticed to come here with a friend offering to buy me a drink. Not willing to pass up a good thing, we hoofed it over here from Madame Tussaud's. Inside, a non-descript lounge is what greeted me. Very dark, I managed to read the menu & notice their drink specials. It's been so long that I forgot what drink I had, but it came out right away. I found it funny & a stroke to my ego when the bartender asked for my ID. It's all that clean living, I tells ya ;p We didn't stay too long, as we were just killing time before an event. I'm not a barfly, however I think The Woods does the trick for those looking for a drink
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Robin S.

Yelp
From the outside, The woods looks like one of those shady bars in an unassuming strip mall. But it's is the complete opposite once inside. It's not that small, nice woodsy decors (love the tree stump chairs) great looking people and drinks were really amazing. I ordered Marshmellow S'Mores Martini and absolutely fell in love with it. They provide a small healthy menu such as Grilled Chicken, Hummus, Falafel Sliders, just call the number on the menu and it will be delivered right to your table. Great food, alcohol, atmosphere, and patrons makes a successful bar. I will definitely go back.
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J C.

Yelp
Great little dive bar with $6 hh drinks and a friendly bartender named Keith. The locals here are super nice, and I saw a few even bussing a table for the bartender b/c it seems like everyone knows each other here. I liked the kitchy decor and the funky playlist/music. Definitely will be back.
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Jae M.

Yelp
This is a lovely space. The decor is very rustic homey. It's nicely dark. The bar stools are padded and large. The bar is also padded. It's very comfortable. The prices are great. My Laphroaig was $15. We came around shift change and had the company of two wonderful barkeeps. To be honest, the bar keeps are why this review is 4 stars and not two. It is a shame that such a lovely space has such a clientele. We were treated to a live sex show while we drank. And after we spent an hour trying our hardest to ignore that (and they were making that very hard) the actors of said sex show came to the bar and started trying to fight everyone. And they were not kicked out. We left. I feel like at any other place, this would have made this place a 2 star place. But everything else was nice enough to warrant the 4. That said, I do doubt I'll be going back. I'd rather pay more for my scotch and not have to see some randos fuck.
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Gran D.

Yelp
As far as LA bars go, The Woods is one of my favorite bars. Music is usually a great jukebox, and when the DJs are playing, the music is totally groovy. (Right now I'm hearing a cool mix of the Beatles' Come Together) with an R&B groove. Lights are dimmed nicely, the bartenders friendly and knowledgeable. The crowd's pretty eclectic. It used to be the old dive bar, Lava Lounge, so the dirty Hollywood peeps still come around, mixed with the usual hipsters from the "Eastside". (I still think the Eastside is South Pasadena, Alhambra, Sam Gabriel, but that's an old ass local Angelino talking.) Quite a few Asians (all the different types), black people, Hispanics get in the mix. It's a nice mix and how it should be. This is LA, and we're multicultural. ONE OF THE BEST BARS IN LA.
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Michael A.

Yelp
This bar was alright. I've been to better, I've been to way worse. For a drunk night, it's at least worth trying once. Located right next to a liquor store, it's pretty convenient to leave the bar at last call and pick up a 12 pack before the good ol' 2 am cut-off comes along. The bouncers were pretty chill. No complaints in that department. The bartenders - slightly preoccupied. Granted it was pretty busy, but I wish she would have had a little more patience. Accessibility to order was not too difficult which was a plus. Drink prices are kind of expensive. I ordered 3 jäger bombs and it came to $40. Ouch. Well, when you're out with friends, I guess it's worth it, and it could be worse.. I may or may not be back.
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Gbj J.

Yelp
I'm rating Saturday night as 5 stars! I go on Saturday night and it's one of my favorite hangout spots. I'm 30 and it's hard to find a bar with great music, dancing, mix of singles and couples, and awesome crowd. The music is hip hop dance 90s and 2000s hip hop. Was not difficult to get a drink and they were semi stiff so I was able to get a good buzz. Low key too.
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Nick N.

Yelp
Had a bag stolen from here last week and haven't gotten absolutely zero help from the staff or it's owner in trying to retrieve it. Was told there's a security camera that points directly at the spot the bag was taken from, yet attempts to call and contact the owner have failed with no call backs or assistance from staff. One the night I lost the bag one security guard told me they were "lost and found" and unwilling to help me any further. Saddened the establishment has been so unwilling to assist in the situation
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Vicky G.

Yelp
I came here last week for a birthday party. What a cool place! If I had looked on Yelp ahead of time, I would have tried the s'mores martini. Instead I got a basic mixed drink. The lighting and decorations are warm and modern, there's cool music, and it's a friendly crowd. While you can't tell from the outside, the inside is very spacious. I would definitely come back!
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Laura B.

Yelp
Cool spot! Very laid back, many locals go there. Good and inexpensive drinks. I always used to drive right by it and finally decided to check it out, it was a good time. Parking is easy.
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John-Doe P.

Yelp
Acquaintances the bar Tucktaway in a shopping center next to a liquor store a laundromat and an ice cream shop you wouldn't really think it would be a bar this nice there but there you have it the woods The doorman was an interesting character The service at the bar was not so good and the drink I got was made incorrectly. Granted it was a martini but I did ask for a vesper martini at first and I was asked how to make it? Complicated and a little awkward especially considering it was very loud. Overall I liked the place and would highly recommend somebody going for drinks before or after dinner.
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Dr Funksta D.

Yelp
The Woods!!!! Parking is small. If you can find it in that shopping center it's golden and free. Now for the bar itself. Drinks are nice. Not greedy on the liquor and beer is beeeeeer. Prices not bad. I have gone Saturday nights and Dj Prophet kills it. A mixture of everything. Old skool hip hop and classic rock. You must give this man props when you're there. The place is small and can get crowded. The people are mixed and just having fun. It's a place you might go before hitting somewhere else up, and realise there's no reason to leave and you just stay there.
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Syndeeee B.

Yelp
I dunno, the outside looks shabby, but the inside is pretty nice. I would come back. Fair prices and decent service. I'm not super picky I guess. Apparently there is a Groupon? I must find it lol. Also, there is a taco truck and massage parlor in the same shopping center. Massage, booze and tacos: sounds like the makings of an epic night!
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Tish H.

Yelp
Chill place to hang out. Drinks are reasonably priced and strong. Small place but super cozy and a nice place to fall in for a drink in the neighborhood
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Kristin P.

Yelp
Finding new bars on weekdays is a new 2020 hobby of mine so I decided to search the area around me. I saw The Woods was less than a mile from my apt so I met a friend of mine Putin a Tuesday. Parked right in the parking lot, security was chill and greeted me warmly. Walked in and there a jukebox! One of those high tech ones and the few people in there were playing good songs. Decor is cool, the bar seemed to attract a good looking late 20s, early 30s crowd, and there were multiple bourbon options. These are positives in my book and I'll definitely be back.
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Anthony N.

Yelp
Play that funky music white boy... This place is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. From the outside it looks like a dive bar. But inside it looks like a trendy club that's owned by Paul Bundy. Its lesbian chic put to a whole other level. I feel like the next time I come I should wear plaid and workman boots and a puffy vest lined with fur from the deer I shot the other day, but I resist the urge every single time. The place is small, but it was adequate enough for a small group of my friends to huddle around and enjoy some beverages. The bar is hopping but the bartender was still as sweet as the simple syrup she poured. The drinks are cheap, the bouncer was amiable enough, the bartenders know how to crack a smile, and a jukebox. I'd say that is a success in my book. I'll be back in a heartbeat, anytime I'm near the Kodak or just in general. Btw there is parking for 5 bucks up the street near that dance club the Ruby *aka Club Bang* Or there is free metered parking on the streets if you can find it, read the signs. Have you ever been drunk and woke up sore in places you shouldn't be? Hmmm musta been a good time :)
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Katie B.

Yelp
Ahh, The Woods. No assemblage of a tent, no squatting, no baked beans, no scary noises. It's got the chill factor (and beer) of camping without all the logistical fouls. The bouncer could learn to smile and bend the rules a little (but then I guess he wouldn't be much of a bouncer).
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Christine A.

Yelp
The woods has interesting decor inside and happy hour from 8-10pm. I recommend their lychee martini on the cocktail menu. Even though it's in a jenky plaza the woods is a great bar and plays decent mainstream music.
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Nicki T.

Yelp
$8 rum and cokes. Happy hour everyday until 10pm! $5 per drink till 10. Great vibe. Cool WOODY vibe. Lol GREAT DJ!