Two off the beaten path bars on Ponce De Leon Ave:
MJQ
Hip night spot with live music and cool vibes. Like El Bar, it is off the beaten path and if you drive by you have no idea that a night club calls the place home. You have to walk in and then down a spiral entrance underground. Last time I was there they had expanded and now had two big rooms offering different beats.
El Bar
Hidden treasure below El Azteca. No signs or adverstisements will point you to this cozy bar. The owner, an ex King & Spalding lawyer in his 30s, spent some time in L.A. and wanted to create a hangout where you either knew about it or you didn't b/c it is tucked away and below a non descript Mexican restaurant.
D.J.s regularly spin and they used to have a weekly reggae night.