WEDNESDAY, May 21st, 2008

The Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Don’t let the name fool you. There is nothing funny about this bar and it makes no attempt at humor, inside and out. The crumbling painting of a jester overlooking the street and the faded production still next to the bar of a Jack Nicolson in "Batman" are the only allusions to the name donning the back door. Inside is a joyful yet somber ambiance enjoyed by regulars who take their drinking seriously and yearn for the indoor smoking ban to be repealed.

More than a just place to relax, Joker is an escape from the rigmarole and anxiety of life. Situated on an inconspicuous corner of a suburban stretch of Pico, it stands secluded from the traditional westside nightlife that attracts d-bags and hipsters who conflate bar-going and clubbing. The people here are friendly and engaging but respectful of those needing merely a stiff drink and time alone at the end of the bar.

Joker is arguably one of the finest bars on the west side, and it epitomizes everything the Tour celebrates. This is a dive’s dive, and if you make it to only one of them on the tour this year or you’re merely curious as to why we take this dive bar stuff so seriously, stop by this Wednesday.

As usual, the casual debauchery starts around 9PM and gets really interesting by 10:00. Come for one drink, or stay for one too many. Bring anyone and everyone, and join us for a great time in the middle of the week. If you arrive early or late, look for the people having a damn good time (it’ll be us), or start having a damn good time on your own (we’ll find you, if the friendly regulars don’t find you first).

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"It is now time for me to relieve you, the little people, of your sad and useless lives. But, as my plastic surgeon always said, ‘If you gotta go, go with a smile.’"

- The Joker, Batman