Yi Cha

Tucked into a stretch of Figueroa in Highland Park, Yi Cha brings the Korean pocha experience to a neighborhood that’s been starved for late-night drinking spots with character. The space glows with neon signs and exudes that convivial bar atmosphere you’d expect from a proper Korean pub—minus the Koreatown commute.

Where Yi Cha shines is in its cocktail program and lighter fare. The Ahn-Joo Platter offers an ideal spread of bar snacks—mushroom chips, seasoned nuts, and fish jerky—that pair beautifully with their creative drinks, including a Melona-infused cocktail and persimmon gin concoctions. The Wagyu Bone Marrow Corn Cheese stands out as well, delivering an intensely rich, beefy rendition of the Korean classic that hits the spot when you’re a couple of drinks in.

The catch is that Yi Cha works better as a cocktail destination than a full-service restaurant. The more ambitious entrees tend to miss the mark—portions can feel inconsistent, and some dishes don’t quite deliver on their promising concepts. This is a spot where less is more: stick to the bar bites and drinks rather than treating it like dinner.

If you’re in Northeast LA and looking for a chill evening of soju spritzes and nibbles without trekking to Koreatown, Yi Cha fits the bill nicely. Just manage your expectations—come for drinks and snacks, not a feast, and you’ll leave satisfied.