Michael A.
Yelp
I like to consider myself a grocery store bar connoisseur, as I have been to very many. I'd be lying if I said I don't go out of my way to try them. While The Eight Bar definitely has some positives, it falls flat in certain aspects.
Located inside of the Whole Foods in DTLA, the location cannot be beat. The ambiance is top notch, as well. Swimming in healthy, positive energy, the vibes are just right. This Whole Foods bar is particularly big, featuring a sizable outdoor patio and indoor area with plenty of space to accommodate large groups, small groups, and everything in between.
So what's wrong? For one, the drinks here are pricey. $9 for a pint of IPA is a little steep for a grocery store bar. Ralph's grocery store bar, located about 2 blocks away, offers 2 beers for $4. That includes IPA too. The plus side of this place over Ralph's, is the large space, and that The Eight Bar has a lot of more beers on tap. Ralph's Cork and Tap bar only has 5-6.
Another downfall of this place is that you can't buy your own beer from the market and drink it in the bar area. Whole Foods bar in Pasadena allows it, offering a cheaper alternative than buying $9 pints. This grocery store bar also doesn't have outlets for charging at the bar. The Ralph's bar around the corner does, even with USB inputs at each barstool.
If you haven't been, I'd still recommend checking this place out, as it's still fun and worth it for the experience. Just watch your wallet, because this ain't your typical, cheap grocery store bar. I likely won't be back, but I did think it was worthwhile to try. The bartender said they're working on the policy to allow outside beer to be consumed in the area, but downtown LA is a lot stricter when it comes to that, which is why their current policy is in place.