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View Winners → Archive Jun 02, 2015
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Being a freelance writer you develop a complex relationship with coffee shops. You don’t want to write at home with the temptation of the kitchen and your DVR, so you end up seeking out your local barista for that sugar-free, soy vanilla latte. The idea behind going to a coffee shop is that you will spend at least 1-2 hours writing. In the beginning, it’s great and it really works—you feel more productive and motivated to get things done. But after awhile you find yourself intensely analyzing the barista and every person who decides to use the bathroom. The next thing you know you’re Instagram trolling, which is of course a fun time in it of itself. But, work…
Recently, I was really stuck on a particular piece and I knew that my cold press wasn’t going to cut it; this was a job for alcohol. But finding a bar with free wifi wasn’t as easy as I thought. This made me think there had to many other freelance people who have ended up in this same predicament. Check the list below for the best bars on The Eastside to drink and work.
206 N Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
HOURS:
4:00pm – 12:00am M-F
12:00pm – 12:00am Sat & Sun
Korea Town’s first craft beer bar has over 25 brews on tap. Menu items are “American / Asian fusion” ranging from Poutine & short rib nachos to start and traditional American bar foods like burgers and sliders. No liquor but a nice selection of Sake, Soju (Korean vodka) and Wine. While this place has a great sports bar vibe, probably don’t plan on writing your dissertation here.
4500 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone number
(323) 660-6377
HOURS:
11:30am – 3:00pm & 4:00pm – 12:00am M-F
10:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 1:30 am Sat
10:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 12:00 am Sun
Known for their craft cocktails Messhall also has a nice craft beer and wine selection. In addition to a full lunch and dinner menu (brunch on the weekends) they also have raw bar with a daily selection of oysters from across the globe. This place has a great outdoor patio to enjoy the California sun while wrapping up the final details of your screenplay.
3909 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
HOURS
11:30am – 12am M-F
10:00am – 12:00am Sat & Sun
This full bar has a choice wine selection with happy hour 7 days a week from 4-6pm. The menu leans towards the tried-and-true traditional, serving mussels and salads with fresh ingredients. Brunch is served on the weekend from 10am – 4pm and features $5 Bloody Mary’s. The atmosphere is all about the art on the walls and dark booths making you feel like a serious writer who only has serious things to say.
4321 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone number
(323) 666-1898
HOURS
5:00pm – 2am M-F
11am – 2am Sat & Sun
This smaller sized location has a full bar with a decent selection of wine and draft beers. Jay’s sticks to classic bar food of burgers and sandwiches and if that doesn’t get you going, you can always pick up a slice from Garage Pizza(same owners) across the parking lot and enjoy at Jay’s. Then maybe take a writing break and take a shot. YOU DESERVE IT!
2141 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone number
(213) 483-2337
HOURS
11:30am – 12:00am or later M-T
11:30am – 2:00am F
9:30am – 2:00am Sat
9:30am – 12:00am or later Sun
Mohawk has 72 beers on draft, 6 stainless steel wine taps and a full bar with yummy craft cocktails. Menu is all fresh and locally sourced with a number of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. They also have a great patio, the perfect place for the dog-less to pet other peoples dogs.
410 Boyd St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone number
(213) 626-1800
HOURS
12:00pm – 2:00am M-F
11:00am – 2:00am Sat
9:30am – 2:00am Sat
Not the healthiest menu but plenty of delicious burger and “sando” options. They also serve a killer brunch form 11-5pm on the weekend. Kitschy décor with a full bar and plenty of beers on draft, so if you are into bearded men, this is the perfect place to go and “put out the vibe”.
1855 Industrial St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Phone number
(213) 622-8100
HOURS
Brunch 10:00am – 3:00pm Sat & Sun
Lunch & Dinner 11:30am – 10:00pm M – F, 10am – 10pm Sat & Sun
Late Night 10:00pm – 12:00pm TH – Sat
Bar open till 2am everyday!
The Little Bear is a café pouring Belgian Style Imported and Domestic beer on draft and from an extensive bottle list. The kitchen also showcases Belgian food favorites in an updated traditional style. They serve brunch from 10am-3pm on the weekends. I actually worked on my resume here while enjoying a nice Chardonnay.
