In my year-long escapade to bars alone in Los Angeles, I chose establishments based on a theme for each month. In contemplation of said themes, it popped into my Girl at a Bar brain that there are quite a few bars with animals in their name in this city. That's fun. The rest of the animal kingdom should not be drinking alcohol. We humans get to do it for them! Here are some of my favorite lairs and three ways to enjoy each zoo experience.
Red Lion Tavern - Wave hello to the man-sized nutcracker. Learn some German words. Talk to the quirky piano man. 2366 Glendale Blvd, south of Silver Lake Blvd
Blue Whale - Read the esoteric quotes on the ceiling. Rediscover jazz. Count the downtown hipster eyeglasses. 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St in a mini-mall in Little Tokyo
Whitehorse Inn - Eat a free hot dog. Take a photo for the wall. Find out why the Blackhorse turned White. 1532 N Western, north of Sunset
Golden Gopher - Look at the downtown skyline on the patio. Choose some Blondie from the jukebox. Ponder the next time you'll see a gopher. 417 W 8th, between Olive and Hill
Fat Dog - Bring your pup into the courtyard for happy hour. Drink a canine-inspired beverage. Meet a fellow lover of bulldog art. 801 N Fairfax, north of Melrose
Surly Goat - Play some shuffle board. Count the goats. Use the word surly in conversation. 7929 Santa Monica Blvd, west of Fairfax
Thirsty Crow - Find a new flannel-wearing friend. Sip some whiskey. Hear the future of music filling the Silver Lake streets. 2939 W Sunset, north of Silver Lake Blvd
Cat and Fiddle - Have an international themed brunch. Sway to some Sunday night jazz. Meet someone British. 6530 W Sunset, west of Cahuenga
Bigfoot Lodge - Drink a Girl Scout Cookie. Give Smokey Bear a pat on the back. Ask a new friend if Bigfoot is real. 10939 Venice Blvd, east of Sepulveda or 3172 Los Feliz Blvd, east of the 5
To continue your "animal" adventures, visit Girl at a Bar.
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