The Airliner

"The 100-year-old bar reopened in August 2023 with chef Vinh Nguyen and Gary Wang at the helm. The interior got a refresh inspired by Shanghai nightlife, and the new menu features Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes at an accessible price point. Try the chicken liver pate, or the Chongqing chicken wings, which are both paired best with one of the excellent cocktails from the bar." - Eater Staff, Rebecca Roland

"One of Los Angeles’s oldest bars has been reborn thanks to a plucky team whose members first met in Shanghai. The Airliner, from chef Vinh Nguyen and Gary Wang, originally opened in Lincoln Heights almost 100 years ago as a side bar to the long-closed steakhouse next door. After closing in late February 2023 and undergoing an interior refresh before reopening last week, the Airliner looks mostly like its old self — dim dive bar styling with some new circular mirrors that make it resemble the inside of a plane. Inspired by the team’s time collaborating on Shanghai nightlife spots, the new Airliner has a snack-worthy menu with some delightful Asian influences, notably at a price point that’s very attainable in a changing neighborhood. The menu includes Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes, as well as unique cocktails designed by Avery Millard. Once things downstairs fall into shape, Airliner regulars can look forward to the venue upstairs, which has been a legendary place for live music over the decades. Nguyen and company hope to reimagine that into a Japanese-style hi-fi listening bar, but with space for DJs and bands to play on the stage as well. The Airliner is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, with expanded hours in the future, and is located at 2419 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA." - Matthew Kang

"The 100-year-old Airliner bar and venue in Lincoln Heights is hosting a “final farewell” on Friday, February 24, adding to the growing list of LA area restaurants and bars that are closing, changing concepts, or otherwise going away so far in 2023." - Farley Elliott

"The Airliner is back, albeit with a different culinary direction and a tighter focus. That’s a good thing for one of LA’s oldest bars, which closed rather surprisingly in late February, meaning customers can once again enjoy the retro interiors while also now enjoying onion-y noodles, lemongrass chicken banh mi, and cocktails from Avery Millard (Bar Agricole, the Line Hotel SF). Chef Vinh Nguyen and partner Gary Wang are intent on keeping dishes affordable too, giving Lincoln Heights an approachable new hangout to love all over again." - Eater Staff

"Airliner is one of our favorite dive bars on the Eastside, and this Saturday, August 7th, they’re hosting a “Swingtronic Speakeasy.” The event starts at 8pm with professional swinging dancing lessons, followed by live music throughout the evening. Admission is $20 per person and proof of vaccination is required. No refunds will be given if proof is not presented." - brant cox