Salvage Bar & Lounge

We came here to dance to some old school hip hop. also there was no cover charge so score!
Music was okay, crowd was rowdy but crowded, the bar itself was whatever. I don’t know. I felt like it was too bright on the dance floor, so I was distracted with all the freakiness going on hahaha. Couples getting close, bewbs accidently popping out (or maybe not accidently?), weird stuff. kind of ratchet haha. There is a patio which was cool so we can get some fresh air and chill.
We didn’t stay long… it just wasn’t our scene. So we went to get LA hot dogs nearby!

This establishment is mediocre and also understaffed. If you want a drink you will be waiting at least 15 – 20 minutes because they only have 1 bar with 3 bartenders. The security let’s it get packed over capacity and it’s pretty small inside. The only perk is that they have good music. That’s about it. Nothing to write home about. Lol no pun intended.

Words cannot express my disgust for this establishment. I used to have a good time at this bar but last night’s fiasco was a game changer for me. My friend was harassed, had something thrown in her face, had a slew of racial epithets hurled in her direction, and was then physically assaulted by a man that was personally offended by her hair and mustard pea coat. The reasoning behind his anger is almost comical. But all of this was under the watch of the head of security and the owner of the establishment. Instead of reviewing the camera footage to see what actually happened or listening to the accounts of the multiple witnesses, we were asked to leave. Why? Because we had one too many black people in our group and we were all clearly upset by the blatant disregard for the mistreatment of our friend.
Not one person at this place did their job and should be embarrassed by how this situation was handled. If you’re black, you’re not welcome here, but hey! They’ll hire you to stand outside to keep the rest of us out. Lol
This is a racist establishment so if you’re down with that, then this place is great!

Salvage is not a safe place for women, especially women of color. This used to be our favorite after-​work bar, because we enjoy the patio, the bartenders, and rest of the staff. However, last night we were constantly harassed by a man twice the size of any of us 3 girls, with no intervention by security or the staff. We tried to ignore him, we tried to ask him to leave, and after he threw something in my friend’s face and called her a racial epithet, she moved to defend herself, and was immediately asked to step outside because she was «the aggressor.» The «head of security» would not allow any of us to explain the situation, how we were being called names, personally attacked, harassed, or how he used racial epithets against my friend. Meanwhile, while we’re being detained outside for no reason, the harasser is inside, ordering drinks and enjoying his male privilege.
When we calmly asked for the manager to let him know that the treatment was unfair and unjust, he couldn’t have cared less. He wouldn’t listen to my friend, wouldn’t look her in the eye, wouldn’t give us the time of day, and wouldn’t respect her request to speak to him without his «head of security» in her face because he obviously made her feel uncomfortable. Even after I said «sir, she deserves for you to take this seriously,» he just nodded and still wouldn’t give us the time of day. When we expressed our disgust at the situation and said that we wouldn’t be coming back because we didn’t feel safe there, he said «fine, don’t come back.»
When we were finally able to leave, the harasser and his friend were standing outside, yelling absolutely disgusting things, and the «head of security» did absolutely nothing. We had to stay standing there for over 10 minutes because we couldn’t walk past them, and the harasser kept walking away and then back up to us, not leaving us alone. It was obvious what type of person and situation we were dealing with, but neither the security staffor the management ever bothered to listen to both sides, or protect their patrons in the situation or afterward.
This is truly disappointing because we used to really love coming here. The way last night was mishandled is nothing short of appalling, dehumanizing, and degrading. Management and «security» don’t give a shit about the safety of their customers, so if you give a shit about yours, you may want to think twice about this place.

I went on a Friday night. The bar is nice. The crowd a little older. Maybe like late 20s mid 30s.

Decently priced drinks, friendly bar staff, chilled out vibe, clean toilets… ticks all the boxes for a good bar!

Surprised I haven’t done a review on this place considering the amount of times I’ve been here. I come here a lot, especially as a last resort. Salvage is an alright place to end up if everywhere else is a bust. They play top 40s around 11:30 on Friday/​Saturday nights and they actually have a dance floor. During the weekdays they feature live bands. There’s no cover! They don’t have you waiting in a long line for 45 minutes at the door and there’s an outdoor area with a decent amount of open seating. They also serve in the outdoor area — if you wave down a waitress, they’ll take your order and serve you drinks without the hassle of waiting at the bar if it’s too packed. Crowd is always mixed but the last few times I went I’ve seen it get a little ratchet, still good times either way!
The bartenders are awesome, too. Drinks are actually a great price considering you’re in the middle of dtla. For guys: you won’t get in without a collared shirt on and I don’t think you’re allowed to wear hats either. Not too sure on how strict they are with shoes, but a lot of places downtown are starting to get a little Hollywood.

Had such a good time! The DJ was on point and bartender Merc was awesome! Highly recommend The Farmhouse drink.

I went for happy hour drinks and the surprise I got that one Corona beer it was 7 dollar and I order 2 Stella beer on draft it was 8 dollar each. I had been in other bars bear by and I still pay 6 dollars for bottle beers but not 8 dollars on draft. Their drink is over price. Also I wait 5 minutes or more to have a drink.

We went here on Friday! Had a blast. Drinks are a little expensive but it’s worth it. The bouncers are nice and not to mention pretty darn good looking lol. I wish they had more places to sit. Just keep in mind that if ur headed here it doesn’t really get popping til after 11:30 so if u go a little earlier it won’t be as packed or turnt up. Very pretty and classy spot tho. I enjoyed it. They definitely should add more seating tho, at least maybe some stools at the bar.

Happy hour prices are great and the crowd is a nice mixed one. Pockets of coworkers from local offices nearby. On Friday’s sometimes there’s live performers (singers/​musicians) and once I saw a Dj. Drinks are good and since they don’t serve food, they allow you to bring in food from next door (its Mediterranean) or you can even order a pizza and bring it in. The place is called salvage because its got vintage parts all over the place– salvaged is the theme for sure. There’s an outdoor patio filled with smokers. The two inside spaces (one with the mini stage and the bar are pretty spacious. Good music mix most of the time and trusty local spot that usually doesn’t have a wait.

A Pretty chill lounge. There is parking around back, but it is valet and will cost you $ 10 and up.

This place is bomb. If you like Lounges with that 90s feel. This is your best bet. I have been then on a couple of Friday nights and 1 Monday.
Fridays have really great music mix. Hip Hop, Pop, EDM, Reggae, Latin. The people who go there are pretty mixed too which is a positive for me. I like a sophisticated mixed crowd.
Monday had less people, but the drinks were $ 5 Bucks and there was a guy playing live music. I was able to enjoy my drink, have a couple of conversations, and enjoy some great music.
Im definitlely going back.

Salvage is a great spot.
Why?
1. No cover
2. Usually not a bad line on Friday/​Saturday (i.e. you could come here at 11:30 and probably get in within 20 minutes)
3. DJ is usually pretty good and people come here to dance
I’ve never had a bad time here.

Been coming to salvage for a few years now, have had mixed feelings about it. When they began they offered appetizers which they don’t anymore. May be a good thing because they were not good at all. They have live music now and I must say the guy was pretty good. We went during happy hour so the place wasn’t too packed. Staff were nice and friendly this time around and were helpful. Something that hey were lacking before. It’s nicely close to my job so it’s a good option for a few drinks during happy hour. Parking is a challenge here but few local spots have nearby parking.

PARKING: It’s located in downtown near several parking structures. There is one nearby that is only $ 10/​night but as far as street parking I’m not sure how luck you can be.
WAIT: We came around midnight and there was a sizable line. We probably waited around 30 minutes before going in. By the time we got to the front we had 9 of us and the bouncer said he could only let half of us in first since the club was too crowded. We waited another 5 – 10 minutes and then people left so they let us in.
DRESS CODE: Here is where I am slightly confused. My friends and I are in line and a bouncer comes up to us to say there is a dress code. Collared shirts. He points to 2 of my friends, one is wearing a regular t-​shirt, the other a hoodie type shirt with buttons. He points to my other friend who is wearing a v-​neck t-​shirt and he says that he is okay. I’m like really? Like a V-​neck makes much of a difference. Regardless, we convince him that if 2 of my other friends give my other 2 friends their v neck white undershirts and we pay him $ 20 total he’ll let us in. Seems slightly shady but we were desperate. Just make sure the guys are decently dressed.
DRINKS: As soon as you walk in there is a bar, I didn’t have any of the drinks but Im assuming they were the same as any other club/​lounge.
MUSIC: They play HIP HOP. Top 40 hip hop, some oldies, and some mixed genre pop/​hip-​hop/​edm. The dance floor is pretty small and is mixed between the bar and some tables. On the other side of the lounge are sofa like areas where people are mingling and drinking. The DJ is towards the back. Beware that this place is HOT. There is no air circulation so it got sweaty really quick. Overall though the place was really fun. The people here are friendly and just want to have a good time dancing and drinking.
Overall, not as nice as a club, more of a lounge with a dance floor but not that grimy or jenky.

After happy hour ends this place is a ghost town. Came in Thursday night at 8pm. There was a lady named Kris that was playing acoustic tunes. She was very talented and put on an awesome show. I bought 2 shots of tequila 2 beers =$ 35 not bad. Huge bar with plenty of space.

One of the few places with a dance floor, good music, bar, and indoor and outdoor seating in DTLA with NO cover charge! Been here several times for friends’ birthday, or just a night out in DTLA as a stop while bar hopping. It’s walking distance to a bunch of different bars and late night food spots. Usually, they have an guy cooking dirty dogs right outside, how convenient is that! :P I also like that the spot is a mixed crowd.
Sometimes, there’s a line but it moves pretty quickly and when you go inside, you’ll immediately see the bar to get your drink on (perfectttt!). When you turn around, the dance floor is right behind you and if you get lucky enough, you’ll find somewhere to sit. There is also outdoor seating if you need a breath of fresh air… however, it’s also the smoking area so the air might not be so fresh.heh.
Drink prices are fair and not too expensive or cheap either.
I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun night out and on a budget.
DJ plays a lot of hip hop songs (old and new) every time I’ve come here, but I personally like that.
You’d have to find street parking or a paid lot nearby to park at.
TURN DOWN FOR WHAT! :P

Not too bad.
For every person that leaves they let people in. There’s a good size dance floor, a bar and a smoking patio outside.

Fun scene to dance, hang out, and drink on the cheap! I like going here on the weekdays — no line, no hassle. They have a great happy hour and live music. Even on the weekend, the place has a fun vibe and the DJ turns it into more of a mini nightclub. Because Salvage is one of the more affordable bars in DTLA, many people come here and expect to wait in a line after 10pm on Friday/​Saturday.
I like the laid back vibe and the couches make it seem like you’re in someone’s fancy living room rather than a Downtown bar. It’s on the smaller side so if you’re coming with a large group, I recommend reserving a table just so you can guarantee everyone getting in. Or come early!
Love this place :)