HMS Bounty

Step into HMS Bounty and you’re stepping into a time capsule—a gloriously weathered dive bar that’s been anchoring Wilshire Boulevard since seemingly forever. The nautical theme is more suggestion than commitment, and the décor has that endearingly cluttered charm of a grandparent’s living room, complete with seasonal decorations that never quite come down. This isn’t a place trying to be trendy, and that’s precisely what makes it so refreshing.

The drinks here won’t dent your wallet, which is increasingly rare in Los Angeles. Order up something stiff, settle into a worn booth, and take in the wonderfully eclectic crowd that gathers here. From industry folks unwinding after work to longtime neighborhood regulars, HMS Bounty attracts people who appreciate a bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And while you’re at it, consider the $12 baseball steak—an unexpectedly solid meal that’s become something of a cult favorite.

This is the kind of spot that’s perfect when you want to bring a big group and actually have a conversation without shouting over thumping bass. The atmosphere is convivial and unpretentious, the kind of place where strangers become friends over cheap drinks and shared appreciation for a vanishing breed of Los Angeles establishment.

Some bars try too hard. HMS Bounty doesn’t try at all, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a reminder that the best nights out don’t require velvet ropes or craft cocktail menus—sometimes all you need is cold drinks, good company, and a bar that feels like it’s been here forever.