About Dry County

Technically, a dry county is a place where the law keeps alcohol out. This is a list of places in LA County that keep it out on their own, so the name seemed to fit.

Why it exists

I don’t drink, and I’ve always had a hard time finding restaurants and things to do that don’t have alcohol around. Drinking is so built into American culture that people rarely stop to ask whether someone might want to go somewhere without it.

I think more and more young people are moving away from alcohol, for all kinds of reasons. I wanted everyone to be able to find great restaurants and places to hang out that make that easy.

The list covers tea houses, climbing gyms, pottery studios, kava bars, halal restaurants and board game cafes, all across LA County.

Who it’s for

Anyone who wants an evening out without alcohol around. Some people are in recovery. Some are pregnant, on medication, driving home, or keeping to their faith. Some just like waking up clear-headed. You don’t need to tell anyone which one you are.

How places get checked

Every place is checked before it goes on the list, by phone, through the venue’s own website, or in person. Names don’t get pulled off menus and review sites on a hunch.

The rule is strict on purpose. If a place serves alcohol at all, it’s out, even if it has a full non-alcoholic menu and a single cocktail on the side. There’s no “mostly dry” here. That’s the reason the list is still short. A short list that’s right beats a long one that isn’t.