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Bar Amá

Bar Amá, 118 W 4th St., Los Angeles

4.7
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.7 out of 5 (46 Ratings)
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4.3 miles Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles
About Bar Amá
The Spotlight on Bar Amá

Tex-Mex Flavor with Downtown LA Vibe

Bar Amá is a hip, casual Tex-Mex spot tucked into downtown Los Angeles, just a short walk from many of the city’s top live music venues. Known for its bold flavors and modern twist on traditional comfort food, it’s a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Chef Josef Centeno brings family-inspired dishes to life in a cozy, industrial-chic setting with exposed brick, warm lighting, and a bustling bar scene.

Why Concert-goers love it

Bar Amá is perfectly located for a quick and tasty pre-show meal or a celebratory post-show drink. With fast, attentive service and hearty dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor, it makes time-sensitive dining stress-free. The atmosphere is lively but not too loud, so you can still chat with your crew before heading to the venue. Plus, the bar serves strong margaritas and craft cocktails that set the tone for a fun night out.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for shareable plates and festive drinks
  • Solo travelers grabbing a bite at the bar before a bucket-list show
  • Couples after a cozy, flavorful dinner before a night on the town
  • Fans wanting a fun, upbeat space to get pumped for the concert
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want quality, satisfying food

What People Say

Guests rave about the creamy queso, fresh guacamole, and the must-try Puffy Tacos. Many say it’s a “hidden gem” with a “cool, unpretentious vibe.” Reviewers love that the food comes out quickly and the staff is friendly and helpful, even during busy times. The cocktail menu is also a fan favorite, especially their mezcal-based options.

Areas for Improvement

Bar Amá can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekend evenings, so reservations are recommended. A few diners mention that the lighting is on the dim side, which can make it tricky for reading the menu. And if you’re hoping for a quiet, intimate setting, the energetic ambiance might be a bit much.

The Bottom Line

Bar Amá is a flavorful, fun, and convenient choice for concert-goers looking to fuel up before the show without straying far from the action.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Sun 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

Bar Amá Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Exceptional (5 out of 5)

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5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Frank, Birmingham AL Sun, 8 May 2022

Well priced; excellent and very flavorful Mexican cuisine.

Liked: Innovative Mexican cuisine well above TexMex.
Disliked: Very spicy.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Bar Ama is #369 of 11320 things to do in Los Angeles

4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: pillowsofwanderlust, Pasadena, California
Sun 15 Sep, 2024
l At long last I finally tried Bar Ama, chef Josef Centeno's Tex-Mex cantina. I have dined at his adjacent Italian-Japanese omakase tasting menu Orsa and Winston; they share restrooms. That was...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Bro44, Poole, United Kingdom
Thu 6 Apr, 2023
l We were taken here by friends for dinner. We started with a selection of small plates from the happy hour menu which were very tasty then I enjoyed the fish tacos as my main. Nice vibe and reasonably...

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1 of 5 stars1 out of 5
By: DRB377, Monaco
Thu 3 Nov, 2022
l The food was OK, cost of ablut $15, but on a $150-$200 bill the rest was for sevice charge of 18% suggested tip of 22%, taxes and a $52 bottle of wine which was listed as being French Rhone. The...

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Bar Amá 118 W 4th St., Los Angeles