12 Best Vegan Happy Hours in Los Angeles

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Work is winding down and the neighborhood joint welcomes its patrons with two-for-one specials and other happy hour deals on snacks and libations. When it comes to discounted vegan eats and drinks, Los Angeles reigns supreme. The city is home to a plethora of vegan and vegan-friendly dining and drinking options, from upscale cocktail lounges to dive bars, and many of these businesses cater to the happy hour crowd. Check out these 12 Los Angeles spots the next time you’re in need of an after work pick-me-up.

 

1. SunCafe Organic, Studio City
This vegan restaurant with ample outdoor seating and a welcoming firepit puts a spin on rustic world cuisine and prides itself on making everything from scratch. The menu features both cooked and raw dishes as well as a beer and wine bar. Monday through Friday, guests have two chances to catch the happy hour specials. The first is from 3 to 6pm, the other, a “late night happy hour,” is from 8:30-10pm. Get your fill with mini versions of SunCafe’s famous Jicama Nachos, Barbecue Cauliflower, Mac and Cheese, and an assortment of tacos. Wash it all down with $8 handcrafted cocktails, $5 draft beer, and select $6 glasses of wine.

2. Toca Madera, West Hollywood
This buzzing 3rd Street lounge is characterized by its party atmosphere, elevated Mexican dishes, farm-to-glass cocktails, and posh decor. While not all vegan, the plant-based options are on point. Think coconut ceviche, mushroom soyrizo tacos, and spicy lentil lettuce cups. All are available for happy hour, which rotates throughout the week (Mondays and Tuesdays 5-8pm, Wednesdays through Fridays 5-7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 3-6pm). Pair these spicy bites with a glass of vegan wine, Guava Margarita, or Rose Sangria.
3. Golden Road Brewing, DTLA
Enjoy Golden Road’s happy hour throughout SoCal. This LA-based brewpub has locations in Atwater Village, DTLA, and Anaheim (in Orange County). Menus vary by location, but the DTLA spot in Grand Central Market is a prime destination for its discounted drinks and snacks. From 3-6pm Monday through Friday, nosh on cheap vegan bar bites such as the signature Pub Pretzel, Golden Road Nachos, Fried Artichokes, and a Beyond Meat Vegan Burger. Just be sure to specify “vegan” with your order, as the kitchen also serves meat. Beverage offerings include $5 select beers and $7 house wine. Cheers!

4. Pura Vita, West Hollywood
Tired of the same old happy hour snacks? Take a virtual trip to Italy at America’s first plant-based organic Italian restaurant and wine bar, Pura Vita. Here, they celebrate aperitivo, which is essentially the Italian version of happy hour. Sip on $5 house wine and free bar snacks with the purchase of any wine—the snack selection rotates daily, per the chef’s suggestion. The 40-plus wine selection is all vegan, but it also includes organic, natural, and biodynamic offerings. Order a glass and stay for dinner to enjoy a menu of antipasti, insalatas, traditional pasta dishes, and dessert. Our tip: do not skip the Lasagna Pura or the Tiramisu.

5. Mohawk Bend, Echo Park
Kick back in this expansive restaurant and bar retrofitted from a 100-year old Vaudeville theater. The vegan-friendly menu highlights California-grown ingredients in all of its options, from the exciting pizzas to traditional pub food. The bar boasts 72 craft beers on tap, six stainless steel wine taps, and artisanal cocktails. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6pm and includes $11 pizzas, $2 off all beers, ciders, and wines, and discounted appetizers and desserts. Most can be prepared vegan. Our advice: order a Well Drink, share the Fried Chickpeas, then split the Angry Vegan Pizza.

6. Kreation Organic Kafe, Brentwood
With 17 locations across the greater Los Angeles area, the Brentwood venue is the first to serve Kreation Kocktails. These signature drinks mix alcohol with the chain’s fresh cold-pressed juices. Monday through Friday from 3-7pm, Kreation’s Gratitude Hour features vegan items such as Hot & Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower, Mediterranean Potatoes (order without feta cheese), and a Cold Tapas Mini Sampler. Pair with a juice-infused Kocktail such as the Flakita Margarita or Blueberry Mule.

7. Gracias Madre, West Hollywood
A sister restaurant of the popular Café Gratitude, Gracias Madre focuses on traditional Mexican cuisine while adhering to Gratitude’s values of plant-based and consciously sourced organic ingredients. Happy hour is held weekdays from 3-6pm where guests are treated to discounts on some of the kitchen favorites such as the Nachos, Pumpkin Empanadas, and a selection of tacos. Don’t miss out on the libations; pair that Crispy Potato Chorizo taco with a seasonal sangria, Purista cocktail, or a house wine or beer.

8. Café Gratitude, Multiple locations
While the Larchmont Village location opened in 2011, Café Gratitude has expanded to five other locations across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. In Venice, happy hour is from 3-6pm weekdays, offering affordable options for its snacks and beverages. Order the Abundant (Loaded French Fries) to share, snack on the Light-Hearted (Seasonal Pizza) for yourself, then sip on a house wine, sangria, or local kombucha.

9. Gratitude Kitchen & Bar, Beverly Hills
A slightly more upscale spinoff of Café Gratitude, Gratitude Kitchen & Bar offers the patrons of Rodeo Drive a financial break from the high prices of this designer-driven shopping destination. Available on weekdays 3-6pm, the restaurant’s affirmation-driven happy hour menu includes dishes such the Eclectic (Buffalo Cauliflower), Invigorated (Charred Shishito Peppers), and Authentic (Antipasto Plate). Lengthen your stay by ordering a Turmeric Mule, House Margarita, or Organic Pilsner.

10. The Stalking Horse, Culver City
Find vegan versions of traditional British pub food at this Culver City sports bar. Guests have two chances to catch happy hour—weekdays between 3-6pm and late night daily between 10pm-12am. Coined the “Social Hour,” The Stalking Horse’s discounted menu features $4 house brews, gin and whiskey flights, classic cocktails, and pub grub. Vegan food options include Spiced Cashews, Vegan Smothered Fries, and a Vegan Cheeseburger made with Impossible Meat.  

11. Tocaya Organica, Multiple locations
Tocaya Organica serves modern organic Mexican in a fast-casual setting. With nine locations in LA, it’s easy to find one of these vegan-friendly restaurants near you. Happy hour is from 3-6pm daily and showcases $2 select bites, $5 margaritas, $6 wine, and $3 beer. Don’t forget the guac and vegan crema!

12. Beelman’s, DTLA
Beelman’s puts a spicy, Asian spin on vegan bar food served alongside fun tiki-inspired cocktails and beer on tap. Enjoy happy hour on weekdays between 4-7pm, featuring the restaurant’s famous Tachos and a variety of drink specials—$6 wine, $7 well drinks, $8 draft cocktails and $17 pitchers. Drink up!

 

Jarone Ashkenazi is a freelance writer who has been vegan since January 2013 and covers travel, food, and luxury items.