WEDNESDAY, October 3rd, 2012
Mal’s Cocktails
2331 S. Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
map
Any grammar school boy or girl will tell you that most things that start with "mal" tend to be bad. And, as a simple rule, they’d be right to point out that only the most undesirable, unwanted, and unsavory things in life have that prefix attached. But, here’s another axiom for you: Never let a kid tell you where to drink.
This Wednesday we invite you to join us at Mal’s Cocktails, a dive that embodies all that is good in our quest to find out-of-the-way watering holes. Located at the corner of Hill and 24th, Mal’s definitely gets points for being hidden in plain sight. In fact, given its proximity to USC and the increasingly bright lights of downtown Los Angeles, it’s a wonder no one on the Tour spotted this place sooner. (Maybe they did and just kept driving past.) Regardless, it’s easy to pick out the bar at night when Hill is mostly deserted and the Mal’s Cocktails sign is the only thing that (dimly) lights the block. Shining like a beacon above the sign is a dark red globe that’s oddly reminiscent of an NYC subway light, or a Maraschino cherry.
Inside, the bar feels spacious and uncluttered, maybe even a little empty, but still includes a pool table, jukebox, several plasma TVs, popcorn machine, and a small stage for live music. If you see an open table, grab it, because there are few to be had. Mal’s runs two back-to-back happy hours, so most patrons remain parked for a while. Arrive before 9PM and all bottle beers are $3 with draft only costing a buck more. After 9PM the price goes up a dollar for each. If beer is not your thing, Mal’s has a full menu of signature cocktails that run about $10 and go by such names as the predictable "Mal’s Cocktail", the not-so-clever "Malstini", and the downright odd "Shala-Mala-Ding-Dong". You’ll just have to come to find out what’s in that one.
As usual, the casual debauchery starts around 9PM and gets really interesting by 10:00. Come for one drink, or stay for one too many. Bring anyone and everyone, and join us for a great time in the middle of the week. If you arrive early or late, look for the people having a damn good time (it’ll be us), or start having a damn good time on your own (we’ll find you, if the friendly regulars don’t find you first).
Carpe Drink’em,
Neil, host
for the World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee
