Break Room 86

Break Room 86 ranks 5th on the list of best bars for singles In Los Angeles. Break Room 86, like most of the Houston brothers' bars, requires some effort to find the entrance. Head to the back of K-Line Town's Hotel, where a line is likely to form behind a group of tough guys guarding a mowhawked model in acid washed jeans and a fanny pack. She's the key to getting in. Forget about the solid 30 minutes you spent standing next to a dumpster—you've made it.

Entering Break Room 86 is a bit of a challenge. Begin by going to the back of Koreatown's LINE Hotel, where you'll almost certainly find a line already forming. There, you'll be led through the hotel's back corridors into a scene complete with a DJ booth made of boomboxes, an old Pepsi vending machine that opens up into a karaoke room (one of four), and vintage arcade games, because, well, duh. On a hidden stage behind the bar, breakdancers and a convincing Michael Jackson impersonator perform throughout the night. You might notice the phone booth from "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" in the corner of your eye. Outstanding work, indeed.

Vitals

• Good for: The sort to wear their sunglasses at night, get giddy over Donkey Kong and binge-watch John Hughes flicks. Valiant night owls inclined to down enough sugary drinks to guarantee them a hangover the next day, get their karaoke on, and end the night with a pop tart (or two).
• The scene: Hip 20-to-30-somethings, some of whom weren't even born during the decade this bar pays tribute to. Between the buzzy jams and colorful libations, the place exudes a familiar, relaxed vibe. Imbibers share booths, chit-chat with the bartenders and break out their cabbage patch on the dance floor. No one takes themselves too seriously.
• Drink this: Let's be real—the '80s weren't exactly the golden age of cocktails, but Houston Hospitality beverage director Joe Swifka has made some improvements. The cocktails here are, for the most part, well-balanced and boozy. Some favorites off the menu (all around $14) are the Tiki-style Dr. J!, a deceptively strong tipple made with Irish whisky, rum, lime, orange and pineapple juices, served in a tall glass over ice; the immensely refreshing Ecto Cooler—a concoction of tequila, vermouth, cucumber syrup, sage, lime juice, celery bitters, rimmed with smoked sea salt; and, for fellow coffee drinkers, the toasted pecan bitters, fruit juice and whiskey-rum blend known as the Big Time.
• Tips: Aside from getting there early, which every Houston Hospitality fan has down pat, don't miss the Lunch Box for $15. Choose from Cup O' Noodles, Bagel Bites, Hot Pockets and Reese's Pieces.

Adress: The Line Hotel, 630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles90010
Contact: 213-368-3056
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8pm-2am
Rating: 4.3/5.0

Website: breakroom86.com