The place is cozy and friendly. Â We saw open mike for comics and then a video by an artist named Karma (who is amazing) then she sang. Â The food was awesome!!!! Â And incredibly reasonably priced. Â The owners and employees were so attentive and nice, I will definitely go back again!
Review Source:very, very small, Butt I love their music!
They play hip hop all night and the owner, Hugo (? If I remember correctly), is so sweet & really took care of us.
Everyone's friendly, and the place just gives off a good vibe. Great for locals who just wanna chill, grab some drinks, and listen to good musssic!
Plus for being literally down the street from my apt :) No DUI
And plenty of Free parking in the same plaza!
Ok, I walked in and asked my partner "should we stay  or go?" It wasnt what we expected, but we decided to stay and I'm glad we did. The food was Really good. We tried several of the small plates. The scallops were my favorite. The drinks were good and the service was great. Fun atmosphere, good music and great food! We will be back.
Review Source:BOMB ass food...Yummy drinks....Great music.....Friendly staff.
This place is a hidden Gem. Not the biggest place...its nice and cozy. It has a nice size area to dance. The bathrooms are clean. Â There's also a full bar. I really liked the Beso drink and we ended up getting some chicken wings, fries, mozarella sticks and it was all finger licking good. The waitress, bartenders and securities, and owners are all nice and attentive. Its best to make reservations to be guaranteed a table. Especially if going in a big group. We went around 9:30 to have drinks and appetizers but around 11pm it started cracking and everyone started dancing. The DJ plays the best hip-hop and reggae jams. Â I highly recommend. Will definitely go back.
We came to the Karma Lounge for the first time this past Saturday night, and it  came up just short of being my new favorite late night spot.  Just about everything with my experience here was perfect.  They played great music consisting of old and new hip-hop, dancehall, funk, and soul.  The vibe was cool and the drinks were about as strong as it gets.  However, what I remember most about Karma is the things that I didn't like. Most notably that the parking situation sucked!  The lot was full, and it was difficult to find street parking in this area after 8PM.  We drove around for at least 30 minutes and could not find anything that did not require a special permit.  We finally got 'lucky' and found a spot right across the street.  The other thing that could have used some improvement was the DJing.  I can't recall ever hearing songs end so abruptly.  I loved the song selection, but the transitions between songs lacked fluidity. It may be just me being nit picky, but these things were a buzz kill that dampened what could have been a really great nightlife experience...especially the parking.
I liked Karma Lounge a lot and will be back for sure. Â I am not sure they can do much about the parking situation, but it was still worth the visit. Â It was a great place to go on a Saturday night to hangout, dance, and get some drinks.
The best bar food I've ever had and its gotten even better. Try the stuffed chicken thats cut into a cylinder shape. I can't remember what its called but its BOMB! Seriously, gourmet bar food, kudos to the chef! Drinks are well mixed and tasty too, keep up the good work bartenders. 2nd Thursdays of the month are my favorite night here. Not too crowded, awesome down to earth people and great music. The perfect ambiance for a perfect night out. I'm proud to say I'm a regular.
Review Source:This place is the perfect spot to kick back when you're in the need for a few drinks, an intimate atmosphere & that old school hip hop you could groove to.
I came here with my man on Saturday night pretty early around 9. We both were in the mood to go out but not alll out to a club or anything like that. There were two groups here already but fairly empty in the small space. Small but def comfy & chill.
The highlight for me was the music. Don't know bout you all but it is damn hard to find a place that plays good hip hop with that old school flavor along with some fresh new shit you're not always hearing on the radio. It was sooo good, I couldn't help but start nodding to what my bf was saying and then kept nodding to the beat of the dj lol
As it neared 11 pm, people started dancing on the tiny dance floor & I couldn't help but do my thing too. Space does get tighter as the night goes on but if you're the type who just wants to move to good music no matter what when where how then hell yeah this feels just like home. Â
Things to note:
1) They have a sign posted for awesome "rules" that should be valid anywhere & a nice message to all the taggers in the bathroom. Point to take home: Â They keep it real.
2) Karma fries are bomb here, prob best garlic fries I've tried in LA.
3) Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Just think about that as you gaze at their liquor wall while sippin on your beer.
All in all, this is definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to. Should have asked who the DJ was so I could check him  out at other places too.
Thanks for a beautiful start to the night!
Okay, so let's just get to the point. Â The music played by the DJ the night I went.... fucking bomb. Â Interior design setup.... fucking artsy coo... little dance floor smaller than my room... fucking tight!!! haha. Â It's really a place you can go and enjoy yourself with a date or with a small group of homies. Â You really don't want to bring a large group expecting a club and shit. Â If that's the kind of environment you're looking for... try ICON or some shit. Â For everyone else, that likes a chill atmosphere, really friendly staff, and a little bit of New York placed all over the walls, come here. Â I'm definitely going to be coming back here because I fell in love with place... not like the type of love that one has for another person...but more like the love you would have for a potent illegal drug that you are addicted to :). Â The story portrayed on the walls as art makes you want to ask the staff more about the origins about how this place came to be... which I never gave a damn about until I came to this place. Â
To the owner: GREAT JOB!
Karma Lounge is amazing...you would never guess it was in the middle of a shopping center in Korea Town. Their beet and mango with walnuts salad is to die for and their steak? Juicy...I didn't want to finish it but alas I was gone along with the mashed potatoes and broccoli....
I will for sure come back soon to try the rest of their menu and drink selections.
Great JOB!
What a cool place! The food is excellent and the ambiance is great. EVERYONE makes you feel super welcome- from the door guy to the bartenders. It's a small place but worth it. They have live music some nights (I've seen some really talented bands perform) and they show all of the sports games (Lakers!) during the seasons.
The parking is a bit difficult, but defintely worth it!
The place was in a little strip mall so it threw me off at first. Once inside - you immediately feel the cool vibe. The bartender and chef were friendly and willing to make suggestions from the food and drink menu. Food was wonderful  - drinks were yummy!  The DJ played damn good old school and current Hip Hop, and a small dance floor kicked it into gear about 11.  A great place for a Saturday night out - off the beaten path, and away from the crowds of Hollywood and the Downtown scene.  I can't wait to go back!
Review Source:Small hip hop lounge with seats, bar, TV, DJ, and dance floor.
I was here on a Friday night for a friend's birthday. Â The service and workers are all friendly and chill, but this place loses a star for parking. Â Man... the parking! It's inside the smallest little plaza and although I was fortunate enough to park my car right in front, it took me 4 laps around the block, getting out of my car to read ALL of the street signs, and a frantic phone call to the party host before I was able to finally park my car. Â "It was so convenient to find parking," said NO ONE about parking in LA -- but really, it's "hunger games- parking edition" here on a Friday night. Â
Once inside though, the music was pretty good. Mix of hip hop, some old school, ounce of reggae. Â People were moving and dancing -- just good vibes. Â
Our group of 14+ people took turns sitting in our reserved lounge area and walking up to the bar. Â And although we were loud, obnoxious, and making a mess, I know that we were well-taken-care-of by the employees and staff.
For the socially awkward and introverted, they have TVs behind the bar so you can just sit there and wall-flower it all night if that's what you want to do. Â
I would definitely come back and do it all over, minus the parking of course.
Hidden gem. Small lounge which is perfect if you want to try a new place that is more intimate, clean and has a variety of events going on. They played really good hip hop music the Friday night I went to. They do serve food which is a plus. Definitely adding as one of my new fave lounge.
Review Source:I LOVE THE SERVICE IN THIS PLACE!!!!!.  Aaawsome  spot and the service was wonderful. From the bouncer to the dj, waitress, bartender everyone was the BOMB lol. This place is as intimate as it gets fits about 200 on a good night,  know matter where you sit you're able to see every inch of the bar. I went on a Friday night for old school hip hop and was impressed the dj was playing the old school jams back to back every single song had my whole group jamming my friends kept on asking me how I heard about the place. I was expecting it to get crowed but I was surprised that it was pretty chilled and laid back lots of couples though. They have a small dance floor and a section where you can lounge in with a sectional, pillows and tv very cute if you have a small group, but you might have to call and reserve ahead.
My whole group ordered long Islands and let me tell you by the 3rd zip we felt the power of the Island lol they don't play around with the mixing, paid about $9 (not bad) and after that I had a few New Castles $5 each (perfect) then ordered mozzarella sticks a la marinara lol I think that's what they are called and they were finger licking delish....paid about $7....I love the waitress she was super nice and great dancer we could see her jamming to the old school behind the bar, cute! The dj was super cute ladies and real nice you gotta pass him to go to the bathroom so make sure you get your good look at him you never know he might say hi ;-) Smoking is outside you can chat with the bouncer real nice guy with lots of info about Karma....lol
We had so much fun but if I go again I will go on a Sat i was told it's more diverse top 40 and a fun crowed. Hope you guys enjoy it like I did...xoxoxo
I don't really go "out" anymore due to being a full-time Massage Therapist and single mama and I was feeling "old" there for a bit! Lol...(34 yrs old...NOT OLD). Anyway...I was invited to a friend's birthday celebration @ Karma and fell in love with EVERYTHING about it! The music was the first thing to do it for me! Took me back to my younger times @ the bar nightclubs as for Saturday nights are Oldschool nights! And by "Oldschool" they play from "P.Y.T. to "She Keeps on Passing Me By" to "Biggie, Biggie, Biggie" to "Get Low"!!! Lol As the evening progressed I met the owners, bartenders, D.J.s, security and bouncer and truly felt like I've known these people all my life and like they became family in just a few hours! Rafael, Igor and April are my new brothers and sister and I feel welcomed everytime I go back. I recommend this place if you are a peaceful, mature, respectable person looking to have a grrrrreat time somewhere surrounded by awesome people and THE FOOD!!! How could I have forgotten?!? To die for!!! I can go on and on...but you won't know until you go! So see you there one day soon! Peace ya'll! XOXO
Review Source:I liked this little place. Â They played great old school and new school hip hop. Â It's hard to find that now a days. Â I came here on a Saturday night with my friend. She ate the sliders and they where really good. Â Since I checked in through yelp and she had a appetizer, Â I was able to get a free beer!!! It was pretty packed but I didn't mind it since where we hanging out by the bar. Â The crowd was chill which was refreshing from all the douche bags that like to drink and act tough. I will come back when I want to just have a drink and chill. Â It isn't a place you really go and get your grove on. Also, the drinks where pretty cheap, so it's a great starting place for your night out.
Review Source:Went here on a Friday for my Girlfriends birthday and Igor & his entire staff, from the doorman to the bartender, took care if us the entire night. Â Wish we had gotten there earlier to grub on some of the great food we've read about, but I can guarantee that we'll be back to get our chance to sample the grub.
Karma Lounge ... You're doing it right! Thanks again Igor for hooking my GF's birthday party.
PROS:
-Everyone here, from the Bouncer/Security guard at the door to the people in the lounge were very kind/nice.
-Lots of smiles and good vibes. No hostility at all.
-The crowd was mostly Hispanic and Black and I was the only one there of my race but everyone was SOOO accepting of each other and we were all at peace, enjoying the music, and dancing.
-Every person who bumped into me said sorry to me.
-People with reserved tables were nice to share their extra seats.
-Some 80s music, mainly hiphop & rap, oldschool stuff too.
-Near the subway, parking all around is easy
-Drink was well-done. they didn't skimp on the alcohol
CONS:
-This place is VERY small so it's easily packed and the capacity isn't that large.
-Well drinks start @ $10
-Dance floor was soo small/cramped
-Not much else around or happening. This place is kind of 'removed' and isolated.
Overall, I enjoyed this place but I would recommend everyone to check the tab before leaving. Note: this is one of those places that does not give you your subtotal, just your total which suggests you tip on tax too. Â
I will start with the positives: I really enjoyed the food. I had empanadas and they were delicious. The drinks were not bad. The owners (the chef/cook and the bartender) were very friendly and welcoming.
Reasons why I will not be returning: One of the owners brought unrequested shots to our table (2 rounds for 4 people). I didn't question them because he brought them over and explained it was their newly sponsored house tequila called Karma and proceeded to give us a description of it. At the time I thought they were on the house because I didn't see anyone order the round or someone in our party ordered them and I didn't see. I was fine with either and willing to pay what I consumed. So all was good. Two more friends joined us after and enjoyed ONE unrequested round themselves. The next day when I reviewed the tab, there were 3 rounds of Karma tequila for 6 people on there at $36/round. How on earth could two people that are not there drink 2 rounds? After talking to the hubby and friends it turned out nobody ordered the shots to begin with. I am more than happy pay for what was consumed, but NOT for what wasn't consumed. Aside from charging us for 2 rounds our late coming friends never took, I noticed that they did not honor the "Specials" on the wall menu and overcharged us instead. C'mon guys, a dollar won't make you any richer! I noticed the price difference after I saw a picture of their wall menu that was in the background of one of the several pics I had taken that night (I uploaded the pic so check it out).
I spoke to the owner the following day regarding the shots and the food overcharge. He insisted all 3 rounds were consumed even though my friends and I KNOW for a fact they weren't. Keep the money. I won't be returning for more tab errors. I will say that the owner invited us back to have a better experience, I will never go back nor will I ever recommend this lounge to friends.
I held my boyfriend's birthday party this past Saturday at Karma Lounge and I have to say we had the GREATEST time. Originally I was to have 15 attendees but it ended up being more like 40. Igor and his staff took care of us and never waited for more than 5 minutes for our drinks and the food (Delicious) came out quickly.
All of my friends raved about the food, service and the DJ kept the party live with all of the top 40 hits. Â
Can't wait to go back and have the Sliders and the Steak Chimi Churi (my favorite)!!!!
Thanks again Karma Lounge for a great time....
I wish there were more places like this around Riverside!
My boyfriend and I recently spent our New Years Eve celebration here and we were greeted by the owner's wife Merina and she was so welcoming, friendly and chatted with us up until we left the bar. The drink menu was not too bad, very creative drinks. We tried the Cosmo and even the bartender agreed that it was strong (but very tasty). Because it was new years, they had decorations everywhere and hats as well as noise makers for everyone to enjoy. They also gave complimentary champagne glasses for all attendees!
What enticed me the most about this place was the awesome music that the DJ was spinning. Old school hip-hop and r&b is the way to go! No mainstream music like any other clubs nowadays. The music really made people want to dance!
We really wanted to try the food because Merina was mentioning that her husband was a great chef and also taught her a new way to appreciate the delicacy of food. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I had something to eat before so we didn't get a chance to try the yummy selections. Also, Merina mentioned that her husband received many offers to premiere his lounge on the television show "Chopped". We are looking forward to see their debut on T.V. sometime soon!
I would really like to come back to Karma Lounge for the great atmosphere and warm welcome. Even the bouncers were friendly and caring to make sure we drove home safely.
Thanks again Karma Lounge for making my first bar experience in L.A. totally worth it! :) A+!
Didn't try the food, review solely based on atmosphere.
This place is a tiny, shoebox of a place an they had the nerve to setup a karaoke machine in the corner. Uhmmm... This is not your grandma's living room!! And of course some fool felt the need to holler on the mic all-night like he was Steve Harvey filling in for Ryan Seacrest on American Idol. Had to leave after 15 minutes.
Would definitely return during the week, earlier in the evening to try the food.
Update: Been back since, minus karaoke, and place is a great neighborhood bar. Female bartender has an attitude though.
This review is for the club only. This place is dope - straight up. We went on a Friday night for old school hip-hop and it was just that - oh a place after my own heart! I didn't drink buy my friend did and she said the drinks were really good. The service was great - everyone, including the dj's, were really personable. The place is small and definitely fits as a lounge. I danced all night - I loved it here. I will absolutely come back.
Review Source:This bar is great. Â Friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks and really good food. Â They also hold a few entertainment nights throughout the month where they show web series, host stand-up comedy and have live music. Â And the best part is that there is no cover! Â I would opt for the valet parking since it's only $3.00 and there isn't a lot on the street. Â All in all a really cool and hip place that i hope stays around a long time. Â Also, karma fries are the shit.
Review Source:I really, really like this place!
My boyfriend and I met our friend (who is also a transplant) for happy hour there. Since she lives a couple of blocks away, she suggested it. The wings and fries were delish and Igor makes a pretty stiff drink. I also enjoyed the rice krispie neapolitan. Rice krispie treats and ice cream just works.
The owner, Igor, was very nice. He was super nice and I appreciated how warm and inviting he was to us. We'll definitely be back!
This place is amazing. It has some of the most friendly people I have ever met and the best food.
The people that staff the bar are some of the hardest working people I have ever met and they really do give an east coast friendly vibe that is much needed in Los Angeles.
And the food....the food is amazing. They rotate different specials every few days so there's always something new.
Went here recently for a happy hour drink and bite. Â Food was really good - I had sliders and my sister had the quesadilla (which i will get next time!)
Free, easy parking. Â Accessible to 101 Fwy. Â Koreatown.
Hey, Karma lounge! Â I love your food and wish you were in my neighborhood. Â Yet, alas, you aren't, but at least my sister is. Â Lucky her.
I love this place!!!!!! Â The food is terrific and the owners are the cherry on top. Let's just say they have GOOD KARMA, and it shows.
I love the fact that it's in my neighborhood which is emerging with all types of goodies--such as Scoops!
East Hollywood baby!
They have a great karma time menu and on Friday Dj Cee Brown and friends have an event called Future Vintage....Hip Hop and all things good. Starts at 9:00 p.m.
I almost didnt want to write a review about this place because i'm selfish and wanted to keep it to myself, but i do want them to stay open so you folks need to come by and check them out!..then i'll try to find a way to keep them to myself =)
The husband and i went to check this place out yesterday night (friday) and i would definitely come back because....
1. parking in this area can be dicey, i know i grew up there, but there is a strip mall where, if you come late enough there's plenty of parking within that strip mall. do not park on catalina, you will get a ticket!
2. The drink prices are great, did i mention 18 for a pitcher of sangria? the pitcher is good for 4-5 peeps, so if you break it even between y'all it equals to super cheap for a good buzz. They also serve their drinks in actual stem wear, no cheap tumblers or plastic cups for these guys.
3. The food is awesome! we got the parmesean and garlic fries ($3) and i would go back just for that! i'm def. looking forward to coming back and trying the rest of the food in their menu also.
4. The guys who own the place are the nicest folks you'd ever meet. no pretentious airs, no "were too good to let peeps in" atmosphere, just down home, relax , kick back and have fun vibe =)
5. The music is beyond...for you students of true school, friday nights are for you, DJ cee brown and friends holds it down for you hip hop heads. Thursday is house, saturday is hip hop, top 40 and everything else in between and sunday is reggae.
bottom line..you need to come check them out..but dont bring too many friends cause i still wanna find a table to sit at and eat my parmesean and garlic fries!
Igor and Rafael ROCK.
Two of the nicest businessmen and glad that they opened this lounge right around the corner. Food was fantastic - we opted for the sliders and the cheese quesadilla. Â The quesadilla comes with a delicious lemon dressing salad. Â
Drinks flow and are a great deal. Â Matt will take care of you. Â Definitely will be a repeat customer.
Okay, this place IS a GEM!
I went on a Sunday night to hear the local DJ and was STOKED when I checked in to find out they have an awesome check in offer! *FREE pint of beer with purchase of an appetizer.* AND the menu is super affordable with delicious food! This place is definitely going to be my new Thursday and Sunday spot as it has great house music, a beautiful ambiance, fun vibes and tasty food.
I live around the neighborhood and have been wanting to try this out. LA always has some hidden gems and this place is the newest.
Igor & Rafael are two cool guys from NY , they are genuinely great people and want their customers to feel welcomed at their place. They want to give this neighborhood a nice spot where someone can come drink and eat. I will definitely be back!
Came in here on a whim while I was in the area looking at an apartment. Glad I found this place!
Not the typical spot you'll find in the area. Has a very cool vibe, little bit of east coast flavor. The owners are super cool, both from the east coast. I was looking for a chill spot to catch some NBA games and toss a few brews back, this spot definitely fits the bill. The chef makes an awesome Cuban inspired cucumber salad, right amount of tang with some heat, and the beef empenadas were quite satisfactory.
If you live in the area, definitely check it out. I'd like to check out their trivia night and dj night. Oh, and they have happy hour till 7. Cool spot.
Food is decent but not worth coming back to. This is a bar / lounge that serves Peruvian food. This is the ideal place for a drunk that wants some decent Peruvian food. This is NOT a place to come to just for food because the space and decor is not inviting. We order the Saltado de Camarones (shrimp) and de Pollo (chicken). Both taste decent but it lacks that something something to bring the dishes to the next level. The flavor was ok but it lacks a bit of salt and seasoning. The shrimps were very small and not as fresh compared to other Peruvian restaurants like Mario's on Melrose and Vine in Hollywood. The Korean owner stopped by our table to greet us and he was very friendly.
The restaurant is located in a shady neighborhood with very limited and tight parking spaces. Neighborhood feels unsafe. The bar / lounge feels like a dive and feels like you're in jail. It just feels really shady and something bad is going down at any given moment. We gave this place a try because of the Groupon offer of $15 for $25 but frankly, the food is not worth their regular asking prices considering the shady location, safety first people. They only have one waitress for the entire place. Upon checking out, we couldn't pay with our debit/credit card because the owner didn't know how to use his "Square" credit card cell phone app. Apparently, he was on an HTC phone, not an iPhone:) After 5 failed attempt, he asked for cash. This was the deal breaker and we will not come back.
All in all, food is ok but not good enough for a second visit. If you're starving and in the mood for peruvian food in the area then I guess this will do. But if you want great tasting Peruvian food, your taste buds just might slap you silly for your lame ass attempt.