Downtown L.A. is not exactly known for it's... ummm... awesomeness. Really, no matter how many times I heard that it was being re-gentrified, that it was no longer just skid row (and Olvera Street), it remained a not destination in my mind.
I have been spending quite a bit of time downtown lately though; first because work sent me there, and then on my own, for fun even! That's right I went not for the bookie and not for the bondsman, but simply because I enjoyed the place. Nice condos, quality restaurants, amazing galleries and museums and, if you can believe it, actual history (not Roman Forum history but more history than people assume L.A. has).
So we head to downtown for a night at the Edison (I won't bother to review it, I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of it). But we got a late start and saw the line, well... I hate standing in line. With the Edison out we iPhone'd ourselves to a new location, a very cool looking place called the Association. After much circling we found parking and walked to this black door, oh with a huge line! Well, that just doesn't work for me. Fortunately, directly across the street was a sign for Las Perlas.
Latin music floated out the front patio and one guy stood out front checking ID's but NO LINE!! Heaven is no line. We made a bee line for the (prettily decorated) bathroom (hey, I can be impressed by a bar bathroom if I want) and then to the bar.
So we head to downtown for a night at the Edison (I won't bother to review it, I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of it). But we got a late start and saw the line, well... I hate standing in line. With the Edison out we iPhone'd ourselves to a new location, a very cool looking place called the Association. After much circling we found parking and walked to this black door, oh with a huge line! Well, that just doesn't work for me. Fortunately, directly across the street was a sign for Las Perlas.
Latin music floated out the front patio and one guy stood out front checking ID's but NO LINE!! Heaven is no line. We made a bee line for the (prettily decorated) bathroom (hey, I can be impressed by a bar bathroom if I want) and then to the bar.
It's decorated kind of Latin 50's kitsch but not out of control. Light enough inside to tell if that person you're flirting with is actually good looking, but still dark enough to be flattering after two high-powered margaritas.
Oh and the margaritas! Did I say no line was heaven? Because it might be these drinks instead. Three bartenders in snappy vests and slacks mix the deliciousness. Las Perlas is a tequila and mescal only bar. But it's okay if you don't like tequila, ask for 'The Sicilian' and you'll never know you were drinking the sometimes toilet worshiping phenomenon that is tequila. Even better if you can get the actual Sicilian behind the bar to mix it for you.
Best if you can get a seat at the bar to make friends (always make friends with your bartender people, doesn't matter how much they may occasionally piss you off..). All the guys here though are top notch! Nice, funny, mostly professional (it is a bar, they have be a little dirty) and pour a strong drink.
I've been to Las Perlas half a dozen times now and have had a great evening every time. I go downtown, try a couple places and then end up here again and again. I can't tell you how much I recommend this bar.
Oh, and if you see a handsome gentleman at the end of the bar by the bathrooms chatting with the bartenders go say 'hi,' it's Raul the GM and sometimes he has free drink tickets for, you know, the special people.
Las Perlas
103 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014-2005
(213) 988-8355
Los Angeles, CA 90014-2005
(213) 988-8355
