We asked the bartender at Golden Gopher what’s good.
They pointed us to the drink passport—stamp your way through and unlock a few surprises.
Cold drinks, a pool table, and just the right amount of grit.
#GoldenGopherLA #LostInLA #DrinkPassport #BarStories #DowntownDrinks #LAHiddenGems #PoolAndPours
Have you heard of the Golden Gopher? Perfect for history buffs 📍417 W. 8th street , downtown Los Angeles, CA
#wheretoeatla #oldestbar #lahistory #losangeles #losangeleshistory #labars #labar #lahappyhour #larestaurants #lafoodie #dtla #downtownla #downtownlosangeles
Join us for a free game of pool from 3 PM to 5 PM! Enjoy our happy hour deals while you play: $5 beer, $5 well shots, and $6 well drinks. Try our $10 mules, gold rush cocktails, or backyard Palomas. See you there! #pool #dtla #losangeles
The Golden Gopher is a historic bar located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Originally opened in 1905, it has a storied history that reflects the evolution of the city itself. The bar was established
During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), the Golden Gopher, like many other bars, faced significant challenges. Officially, it had to cease serving alcohol, but it is rumored that the establishment continued operating as a speakeasy. This underground activity helped maintain its popularity and reputation as a resilient establishment that catered to those seeking a discreet drinking experience during the dry years of Prohibition.
With the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Golden Gopher experienced a revival. It regained its status as a prominent bar in Downtown LA, known for its lively atmosphere and strong drinks. The post-Prohibition era saw a boom in nightlife, and the Golden Gopher was at the center of this resurgence, attracting a diverse clientele from all walks of life.
In the early 2000s, Downtown Los Angeles began experiencing a renaissance, with a renewed focus on preserving historic sites and revitalizing the area. The Golden Gopher was part of this movement. In 2004, Cedd Moses, a notable figure in the LA bar scene and founder of 213 Hospitality, acquired the Golden Gopher. Moses is known for his efforts to restore and preserve historic bars, and his involvement ensured that the Golden Gopher retained its historic charm while updating its facilities for a modern audience.
The renovation preserved the original character of the bar, including its vintage neon sign and historic fixtures, while enhancing the space with contemporary amenities. This blend of old and new has kept the Golden Gopher relevant and appealing to both long-time patrons and new visitors.
Fun fact: @goldengopherla is stop #3 on our March 18th History Tour 🥳
#historiccore #throwbackthursday #history #tbt
We (Lara & Dawnne) had another spectacular investigation with Nick & Mina! 👻👻
(Go to @creepy_crawly_co YouTube to see our investigation in much more detail!)
