Walking through the La Cita Bar space requires a significant period of pupil adjustment as this is a dark, dark Los Angeles dive bar. Multicolor string lights twist back and forth along the ceiling, the thick layers of glass bottles and long mirrors reflecting the precious little light inside. The effect is a bit dazzling, everything bathed in a red glow that feels a bit like a darkroom for old school photo development. The bar runs opposite a long, slender stage with large supporting dance floor. During traditional music, tables and chairs are brought out to fit the needs of dancers who more typically sit down to rest in between sets. Those same tables and chairs are cleared out for modern music sets, another example of the shifting ability of La Cita Bar to cater to multiple audiences.
Not to be missed is El Patio, the bar’s backyard patio that operates a bit like a separate business entirely. During days when a cover is charged to take in the music inside, access to El Patio comes with no fee. Here, a small bar services a black and red, enclosed patio area that feels almost entirely secluded from the dense Los Angeles downtown that surrounds it. A row of padded benches encircles the patio, the center filled in by a number of short tables. Shade is provided by a permanent, black and red tent-like structure in the center of the patio. Food pop ups occasionally nestle into the corner of El Patio to offer sustenance.
As far as downtown Los Angeles dive bars go, La Cita Bar is a must-visit, Sunday perfect not just to sample the traditional Latin music but also thanks to a build your own Bloody Mary bar that has earned a reputation as one of the best in the city. Unsurprisingly, the michelada here is also well loved, daily happy hours available to knock a few dollars off the price of many of La Cita Bar’s offerings. Consulting the daily calendar is always a good move as schedules do change, music options ranging from rockabilly to reggae during the week.