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Party Earth Review In a neighborhood better known for family-run pupuserias and taco stands, Bacaro LA brings a little piece of Italy to South Central in both liquid and edible form. With its proximity to USC and many Downtown offices... ... read full review
2308 South Union Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Expo Line: 23rd Street
213-748-7205
M–Th, Su 5–10pm, F–Sa 5–11pm
Downtown, Los Angeles –
In a neighborhood better known for family-run pupuserias and taco stands, Bacaro LA brings a little piece of Italy to South Central in both liquid and edible form.
With its proximity to USC and many Downtown offices, the venue attracts a diverse mix of people, with weekdays typically drawing young couples schmoozing over a glass of vino and packs of co-workers chilling out with their $5 Happy Hour plates at the small wooden tables.
The menu of Italian tapas are made for sharing, and range from traditional fare like caprese salad and pan-seared scallops to more adventurous dishes like crispy pig ears and oven-roasted bone marrow.
Fridays see a larger, slightly rowdier set of partiers congregating at long tables in the side room to celebrate birthdays or collegiate Greek events and toast with signature sangria, while first-timers peruse the extensive wine list and specials scrawled across the massive wall-length chalkboards.
If those chalkboards don’t clue people in to this joint’s focus on grapey libations, the quirky-chic bottle lights offer further evidence – to say nothing of the ceiling covered almost completely with mounted bottles.
Whether to unwind after work, impress a first date, or catch up with friends, patrons come to Bacaro LA to feel the flush in their cheeks after a second glass and share rustic dishes inspired by the Italian countryside.
USC grad students, TAs, sorority girls before a Greek event, couples on a first date, downtown young professionals, 20s to 40s, with a predominantly college crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
Ambient music usually drowned out by conversation.
Italian tapas and small plates, including poached shrimp, roasted beets, crispy pig ears, and lamb-stuffed eggplant.
Fine Dining Sundays from 5:30 to 8pm on the first Sunday of every month features special prix fixe three-course meals.
Reservations accepted for parties of six or more.
Happy Hour M–Th 5–7pm.
Small plates $8 each or $21 for three, Fine Dining Sundays $25–$30/person, first Sundays only. Beer $4–$9, wine $7–$12/glass or $24–$88+/bottle.
Casual to trendy: jeans, nice t-shirts, blazers, v-necks, cute tops, blouses, heels.
Friday and Saturday nights for the younger USC crowd, when big groups go out for dinner and wine before heading to a club or other late-night venture, or earlier in the week for a good but slightly older crowd chilling after a long work day.
The 901 Bar & Grill (2902 South Figueroa Street), or “The 9-0” to regulars, is a local dive with loud music and big drinks, and where everyone seems to know each other. It’s popular with USC students and can get packed every night. In terms of classier destinations, there isn’t much to be had in the immediate area.
Bacaro LA User Reviews