"Echo Park’s The Semi-Tropic has big wrap-around couches, tons of tables scattered throughout, and a small snacks menu for when you need something to chase that Aperol spritz. In other words, it’s the perfect place for low-key drinks with a group. We especially like meeting friends here before seeing a show at The Echo down the street, but it also works well for casual birthday hangs when you actually want to catch up with the person sitting across from you." - brant cox, nikko duren
"If you’re on the Eastside and need a drink, like, right now, you should probably order from The Semi-Tropic. This coffee shop/restaurant/cocktail bar in Echo Park is serving all their standard cocktails for $11. Delivery is free, usually very fast, and there’s no minimum for it." - brant cox, brett keating
"As good of a name as The Semi-Tropic would be for Jimmy Buffett-themed bar, it turns out it makes for a good daytime cafe, too. The free-standing building off Sunset in Echo Park is pretty large, with plenty of couches and sitting areas to set up shop, and solid food for when you get hungry (the avocado toast is actually worth it). There’s also a full bar for when you need some liquid motivation to get through that project." - brant cox, brett keating
"Perfect For Writing: An unwatchable Netflix teen dramedy, or a self-important pilot about your quirky life as a writer in LA. Semi-Tropic is a wine and beer bar in Echo Park where pretty much the entire neighborhood congregates on a daily basis. Open from 9am to 2am, this casual space feels much more like a coffee shop than a bar (although they do start serving alcohol when they open). There are big wrap-around couches, tons of tables scattered throughout, and a small snacks menu for when you get hungry. Everyone in here is writing and freaking out about that email their manager just sent them, and that certainly includes you." - brant cox
"The Semi Tropic is the Swiss Army knife of bars. It’s good for a lot of different situations, from brunch and date night to birthdays and writing on a couch with a glass of wine. On weekdays this Echo Park spot is filled with people writing/taking advantage of the daytime Happy Hour (it runs from 9am to 5pm). But despite the day drinking, everyone here seems to be accomplishing big things, even if it’s just giving in and buying Final Draft instead of making up another new email address for the free trial." - brett keating