Cafe Nandarang

Came here hoping for the classic Korean setup with kpop videos playing on the televisions and non-​stop flowing soju in a dimly lit room. Instead, it’s tucked away in a strip mall, pretty well lit, and seemed much more like a sports bar than anything else (we came on a Saturday afternoon around 4pm).
The beer selection is quite extensive, but it seems a lot more focused on being an American-​style sports bar than an old school Korean bar.

You know people say that «some things never change» and in today’s society, things change all the time. Either you get on board and move with the crowd or you’re gonna get left behind. So I hope most of you are trying to embrace change, rather than avoid it, right?
One place that hasn’t changed for years in K-​town is Café Nandarang. One of the last remaining café and drinking spots left in LA from the early 90’s, maybe even before that. I’m talking the likes of Café Intercrew and Club Juliana’s, if you even know what I’m talking about. Where other venues like this have been long gone, Nandarang seems to defy time and it’s still a popular hangout for many. Many of you seem to grab a pitcher of beer here, while you wait for a spot at Hae Jang Chon KBBQ. Good thinking. I’m starting to like you already.
In the past, it was more known to be just a straight coffee shop, but to attract new business, they mingle with craft beers, red & white wines, wine on tap, and over 30 different types of beers on tap as well. Here’s a list of their inventory thru their website (
). Last I noticed, they got TV’s, so it’s a good place to watch the game and the noise level doesn’t get too crazy. It’s mostly chill.
KIMCHEE PASTA
If you’ve read a review of this place here and there, people often mention this pasta dish. It’s the usual chopped kimchee with creamy sauce on spaghetti pasta. Those who favor it, really like it. I’ve never really ordered one for myself, but remember taking a bite here and there so I think it’s pretty good. I don’t know of any other place in K-​town that serves this, so if you know of one, please share.
The venue is known by many, especially those who’ve been around K-​town for a while. Best times to visit are during Happy Hours, which is everyday from 5pm to 8pm. They offer a pint of draft beer for $ 4.99 and a pitcher for $ 12.99. IMO, its not really that cheap but it is what it is. I would try to scrounge for street or meter parking around the area but that’s tricky depending on the day or time.
Rating — 3 stars
Honestly, this place is nothing special. It just gets the job done. However, they get a freebie star just for stake of nostalgia. Their name gives them street cred just for being able stay open after all these years.

Parking: Valet don’t care if you’re drunk, they will ask you to move your car if you no longer have business there.
Food: Alright, decent… I ordered the Fried Calamari, Creamy Beef Cutlet, Seafood Tomato Pasta, and Kiwi Soju. Calamari was alright, nothing special, the Creamy Beef Cutlet, however, had a gritty after taste and served with cold vegetables and rice, and lastly, the seafood tomato pasta, tomato sauce, spaghetti pasta, and seafood… nothing out of the ordinary… THROUGH all that… Kiwi Soju was the best. It was awesome, went thru the bottle quickly, and wanted more.
Ambiance: Typical Korean bar place. Wooden tables, Sports playing on TV, and so on.

Came next door to find this little spot that had HH while we waited to eat KBBQ next door.
It was dimly lit with a bunch of TVs on around the area, they have HH from 4−8pm with $ 5 pints or $ 14 pitchers. It came with complimentary chips and salsa! Nice little kick it spot to sit and enjoy a cold one. Will definitely visit again when I got some time to kill again in the area.

NO MORE COFFEE CRUNCH!
I was so depressed when I looked into the menu & they no longer had my favorite drink… it was such an perfect delicious ice cold blended drink!!!
Besides that this place isn’t that bad… hubby always meets up his LA cats here for some reason they all say to meet at this place… hhahahaa They do definitely have a great variety of draft beers & seems like quite a few people come here for day drinking.
I don’t drink too often so I always get a dessert. They also serve chips & slasa for you to much on complimentary while you drink.
There is a semi outdoor seating area & indoor. We are always greeted promptly here & you can just choose where ever you wanna sit down.
GREEN TEA SHAVED ICE — it’s summer so shaved I’ve is always the best! This thing is huge & definitely something to share but the bois never want dessert so I just ate it all. Shaved ice w/​sweet red beans, mochi balls, fruity pebbles, & fruit w/​scoops & scoops. of green tea ice cream!