Far Bar — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I hate that I’m writing this, but I am having trouble falling asleep. I’ve been coming to this bar for 15 years, but tonight I was on the receiving end of some blatant RACISM, and I cannot let it slide. Tonight I was refused service because I’m ASIAN. In LITTLE TOKYO. I wore a white t shirt and a beanie to the bar. Apparently there was some other asian patron who was also wearing a white shirt and a beanie, and Far Bar served him too much. That was enough to also refuse service to me. I’m still entirely sure why, but apparently it’s because I also am a generic ASIAN who happened to wear a white shirt and a beanie. If I weren’t ASIAN (i.e., if I were any other RACE with a white shirt and a beanie), it would’ve been no sweat, but because I’m asian they refused to serve me. To be clear, at no point in time was I over-served or incoherent. You may be able to tell from this post, but I am and have been clear eyed all night. I was profiled for being ASIAN, and Far Bar refused service. It was HUMILIATING TO NOT BE SERVED because I was mistaken for another ASIAN. I pointed this out to the staff—that I thought that they were mistaken, and when one of the staff members asked how they could make it right, I really just asked that the bartender who refused me service apologize. He refused. No one else at Far Bar did anything about it. They thought giving me a free drink would be enough to compensate for the RACISM. Humiliating.

Again, Far Bar is such an establishment to me and it pains me to write this, but this is not ok. The fact that Far Bar is ok hiring bartenders who cannot tell ASIAN people apart in LITTLE TOKYO is not ok. Little Tokyo is such a cultural gem, one that I cherish deeply. I’ve been in the neighborhood for 15 years. How I was treated tonight is the complete antithesis of what Little Tokyo is all about. I don’t believe that it’s what Far Bar, at its core, is about either, but things must change and the people must know. Little Tokyo is supposed to be (and has been) a refuge for people who maybe have had a hard time fitting in anywhere else. A place where people are free to be themselves. You would think Far Bar, whose owner owns both FAR BAR and SAKE DOJO, would be familiar with this, but perhaps not familiar enough. To be discriminated against for being ASIAN in LITTLE TOKYO at FAR BAR of all places is insane. But it happened. I hate that it happened. I know Little Tokyo at the moment is clinging onto its roots. I’m not sure how an establishment that DISCRIMINATES against ASIAN people is supposed to be a part of any sort of future for Little Tokyo that honors its past. It may, sadly, be the case that Far Bar has deteriorated to the point that it’s now just a cheap imitation of an important Little Tokyo relic. I don’t know what else to make of an establishment that so passively permits RACISM against asian customers. Again, I hate that it’s come to this. I hate that we’re here.

I want Little Tokyo to remain a haven. I think Far Bar could (emphasis on could) be a part of that. But things clearly need to change. I’m not sure where Far Bar lost its way, but things need to change.

If you’re reading this post, it means Far Bar has refused to put in systems that would prevent discrimination against ASIANS (or any other race) and to stop RACISM. There are plenty of other bars nearby (but maybe skip SAKE DOJO) that are not stubbornly RACIST, so maybe check those places out. That said, there is nothing more that I’d love than to see the businesses that have been in LITTLE TOKYO (including Far Bar) flourish, and I hope that I can delete...

THE LOWDOWN==- Possibly the most popular hidden spot in Little Tokyo.

Friday bar hopping night, but ended up getting food after being hypnotized by other people's orders. The average sized bar area was not able to handle all the patrons. It was crowded beyond belief in that small room, about 3 deep. Funny though is that I don't remember it being muggy at all so kudos to that. Since it was so crowded at the bar, my group ended up taking a table outside, where we were serenaded by fun 80 90's hip hop. The waitresses were pretty busy running back and forth on this crowded night, but we got immediate service when we flagged for it. Burgers and fries clock in at under 10 bucks which is freaking amazing given the amount and quality of the food here.

-=- BLAT Burger -=- Bacon Lettuce Avocado Tomato. The BLAT Burger was bomb-diggity. Thick bun and tasty med rare meat. Bacon was thick cut with a maple-ish glaze. Avocado was thick cut as well and was equally dispersed in every bite. My burger came out cold, which was a bummer, but I'll be back anyway.

-=- Wasabi Fries -=- It's actually regular cut fries with a wasabi ranch dip. INTENSE wasabi ranch dip. Most would not be able to handle this, but to some of us champs, I was impressed by the preserved flavor of the dip through the wasabi kick.

-=- Expresso Stout -=- It was by a Japanese brewer, I think, from all the Japanese writing on it. It was sooo good that I had 2 of the same. It's thick and a bit sweet, but it's perfect for those looking for a filling beer without the bitter beer taste.

Again: under 10 bucks for burgers+fries, awesome ambiance, fun crowd, food open...

Came here more for the food rather than the bar around 9:30pm on Saturday night, so other restaurants around the area had long lines or were about to close. It's across the street from the hotel with a sign "Far East" instead of Far Bar posted outside. You need to wait to be seated.

Food was not bad given the price. Wasabi fries and Ming wings were definitely tasty and should be something to try. Portion for the sushi was generous and not bad (about 8-10 pieces for $16). Other selections were a hit or miss. The ramen didn't have too many noodles and more even on the broth, but the pork belly was good. There were about 6 pieces in the wings per order.

Service was slow, and the kitchen seemed to be backed up. Many times, our orders were messed up or given double even though we didn't order - probably miscommunication from front of house to the kitchen. I'm not sure whether it was because it was short staffed since there seemed only 2 waiters and then 2 from the kitchen. We left almost by midnight by the time we got everything. I didn't think a group of 6 people would be considered for a service charge fee, but it was automatically applied 20% tip.

This place seems more to hang and chill after a game, not too touristy or prone to be overcrowded with foodies. We chose this place since it was open late and we had finished a showing at the Music Center. Nice to try and gave it a shot, but I don't think we'll be back since there are so many more other choices...