L.A. Bar and Grill

Little hole in da wall place that unless you live around that area or know someone that knows someone that goes there, it's pretty hard to find Nice place for some drinks and perhaps a night cap after hanging out elsewhere. I wasn't too found of the environment, a little on the dark side and if you are not a local, you made feel a bit unsafe. Bartender was attentive and nice. The appetizers didn't look to appealing to me.

L.A. Bar and Grill is perhaps one of the last "dive" bars in Arlington; and I even hesitate to label this place a "dive" bar since while it's not fancy, it certainly isn't a dump either. Once upon a time when I lived along "the pike" (as it's affectionately known to area residents), this place was a regular haunt for me. Circa 2012, there were uncomfortable wooden booths, a mish-mash of sports memorabilia on the walls, music that usually was too loud, and the food was an afterthought. I recently met up with an old friend who still lives along "the pike," and I'm pleasantly surprised with the changes over the past several years. The old wooden booths have been replaced with more modern and comfortable tables/chairs, while still at bit dated, the design aesthetic is more 1990's Applebees as opposed to sports bar, and the food...the food is really good!And what I really love about L.A. Bar and Grill (the L.A. referencing "lower Arlington" before the area was rebranded into "North" and "South" Arlington) is the fact that it does not try to be one of the overly pretentious establishments which are commonplace is the Clarendon/Ballston/Court House sections of North Arlington. I used to hit those places up also in a former life, but nowadays, I'd rather spend my hard earned dollars in a place like L.A. Bar and Grill. And did I mention that it's not a super loud place, so you can ACTUALLY have a conversation without having to yell to be heard? Places like this are more intended for folks to hang out and chill while grabbing a drink and bite.For starters, they have one of the BEST and LONGEST happy hours in the entire DMV! Not sure when HH starts, but as of this review, M-F it goes until 8:30pm. It's not listed on their website, but my mental notes seem to recall $2 off appetizers and a good discount on draft beers and house wines. My buddy and I ordered the L.A. Chicken Quesorrito and the Spicy Chicken Mango bites. For so-called bar food, both dishes were really good. The Quesorrito was a ginormous portion of pulled chicken, jack cheese, rice, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a tortilla and given a quick sear on the flat top. Honestly, it could have fed three people. And the bites were nice deep fried breaded pieces of white meat chicken and then tossed in a sweet and slightly spicy mango sauce. And talk about value. Three beers and two appetizers came out to around $35; throw in a 20% tip and you're still leaving for under $45. L.A. Bar and Grill is definitely more a neighborhood joint with a good mix of regulars who walk over from the many apartments along the pike. As we were leaving around 9pm, a whole new crowd of folks were coming in, many of whom the bartender and staff were familiar with. It's been too long since I've been back to this section of Lower or South Arlington, but I was reminded that I need to make more of an effort to patronize places like L.A. Bar and Grill more often.

Came in from California looking for a place to have a bite and watch the game. Took a few mins for anyone to even acknowledge us being inside. A "regular" said hello first. The food was decent, it's bar food so don't expect too much. We tried the chicken sandwich and burger. The place is tucked away in the back below another business. It was a bar, multiple tvs. The bar was clean from what we saw. Our bartender/waitress was really nice!

Excellent specials. Tonight is 8 dollar sandwiches and 3 dollar Papua. Yummie

Not my typical joint. But a group wanted to meet up for trivia and this is the spot they picked. The staff appeared standoffish at first, but then were great honestly. The food was mediocre sadly. No sauce on the pizza, bad meat in chicken tenders, chicken Philly was just bad, etc. The restaurant was crammed with people all of which seemed like locals that attend trivia weekly. Wouldn't drive out of my way again.

This is a cozy little bar that can be found behind some buildings, right next to a hookah joint.Ordering was swift and our waiter was quick to take our order when we were ready. We came on a weekday and while the place wasn't packed it was still surprisingly busy. That being said I ordered some ribs and they tasted good. Im not a huge rib eater, so I can't judge to hard, however I have no regrets ordering the full rack and being able to take some home for a mid night snack.Lastly, closing our check took a little longer then I'd like. I think it's just that the place might be short staffed, that being it's something that can be easily fixed.If your looking for a laid back environment and a menu with a good selection to choose from this might be the place for you.

We were visiting from Houston and needed a place to grab a quick bite to eat. LA was down the street from our hotel. It is easily accessible from the metro line. Upon walking in I was a little skeptical because I don't really eat at too many dive bars and that's what it reminded me of...a neighborhood dive bar. However, I am sooooo glad that I have gave them a chance. I had the plain Jane burger with cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, and tomato with a side of onion rings. It was one's of the best burgers I have had. It was char broiled and was seasoned very well. The onion rings are homemade and delicious. The service was A+. It was only the bartender tending to the bar area and then coming from behind the bar to wait on us. If you're in the Arlington area you have to go check them out. They also have karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights! They have a parking lot right in front of their door. I amNot sure if you have to pay to park there but there is also paid street parking close by.

Great food and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm- 1:30am. I've been going here on and off for the past several years. They've renovated and made menu changes -- changes have made it better. The food has gotten better by far with healthier and tastier options. The shrimp po' boy sandwich is great. Love the fried Mac & cheese balls! Hamburgers are a great go-to option. Their tacos are flavorful. It's usually a fun time at karaoke with a dive bar friendliness. Definitely check out their food! It's a great local spot that's open late daily with plenty of free parking around it.

I just got home to eat my food and opened everything up to see three small ass chicken tenders and instead of fries I got the mash potatoes...which I just dumped down the sink because it was all water base with no taste and I spent 14 dollars on this crap and a few dollars as a tip which this was not worth it by any means for the price. Freaking ridiculous. I will never recommend anyone to this place. Restaurants like this should do better or learn to serve descent food, point blank.

This is a "What will it take to Make you Smile" kinda place.Great kitchen staff that really wants you to enjoy your meal.On slow spots during the service day the Bartender covers the dining room and the Bar. The service flows as you barely sit and the menus are there and the offer of beverage. Spot on professional - Thank You all very much for the continued service to our community. I only wish I was closer. Feels like Home.