World Dive Bar Tour » West Side

December 3rd, 2008: Lost and Found

damien — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:11:44 +0000

WEDNESDAY, December 3rd, 2008

Lost and Found
11700 National Blvd # D
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Map

Adventure stories are based on some heavily clichéd mechanics. One, something is lost. Two, something must be found. And that said thing is always hidden in a dusty old hidden room. This week the World Dive Bar Tour goes questing for our lost treasure, a cheap drink. Our journey takes us to the Lost and Found, in a remodeled strip mall that just reinforces the adage, "true beauty is on the inside." The faux classical facade of fading days of consumerism and capitalist glory gives way to the warm wood paneled walls and acoustical tiled ceiling of a bygone time festooned with the trappings of a well appointed secret chamber:

A fireplace for warmth.
A crooked pool table for the sharks.
A jukebox of classic rock and soul for the previous generation.
A fancy "new" electronic dart board.
A box to fill with toys for the underprivileged youth this holiday (or christmas if you are into the culture war and live on that side of the fence) season. Why not bring something to fill your spirit with the season’s joys.
A cigarette machine for those that smoke only while drinking.
A client base with more gray hair than a powder whig trade show circa 1753.
And a bartender named Steve; graduate of Reno High School Class of 1969 and attendant of the inaugural Class of Archie Clayton Middle School (where my Pop Warner football teams practiced back-in-the-day.)

At Lost and Found, one can all find that missing ark, those mystic stones, the chalice or at least drink to forget the one that slipped away. True to its time, the payment scheme is archaic for the 21st century but these credit-less times it is back in vogue - CASH ONLY. (An ATM is on-site buy stashed next to the cig vending machine in a corner of vice.) And on a last note, there’s $3 beer.

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).

Carpe Drink’em!

Brian, Sergeant of Arms and Legs

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October 22nd, 2008: Rae’s Lounge

damien — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:47:33 +0000

WEDNESDAY, October 22nd, 2008

Rae’s Lounge
10939 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

This Wednesday marks the last dive bar visit before a new President of the United States is elected. On November 5th, a number of our dive bar regulars will have a very big reason for hitting the bottle hard. Our nation will head in a new direction, and regardless of your views, some kind "change" is inevitable. It’s times like these that we should take comfort in the little things in life that don’t change, the little constants of our existence that we can always depend on come rain or shine. It’s times like these that we turn to our local watering hole, that dive around the corner that’s withstood the test of time, that has seen presidents come and go, yet has always managed to keep the drinks cheap regardless of high taxes.

This week we visit Rae’s Lounge, a bar that prides itself on consistency. Rae’s is the paragon of dive bars, featuring all the essentials from affordable stiff drinks to darts, pool, and karaoke. While some of our dives feature clowns or singing ninjas, Rae’s needs no gimmicks or calling cards. Rae’s is low-key, inconspicuous, and relies only on its strong character to build its reputation. There are only a few bars on the Tour that we can honestly label a "dive’s dive," and Rae’s Lounge is one of them.

Carpe Drink’em!

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

September 10th, 2008: Tattle Tale Room

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:03:55 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 10th, 2008

Tattle Tale Room
5401 Sepulveda Blvd.
The City of Culver City, CA 90230

As with the higher concentration of sweat shops, oil-burning, Toyota pickups, and dollar taco stands, in LA, the preponderance of quality watering holes grows exponentially as one nears the outskirts of the WDBT’s radius. This is no doubt due to the fact that, likewise, Los Angeles seems to be a more appealing place to live, the further you venture from it. Tattle Tale Room is no exception to this rule, quaintly situated abreast the Scarlet Lady (a WDBT favorite) on the southern end of the City of Culver City, which technically isn’t LA to begin with.

This year, Tattle Tale Room celebrates 43 years as pillar of the community and beacon of local history. Home to neighborhood regulars and cordial to cross-towners, bars like this stay open for decades because they offer something that few drinking establishments in LA can; we at WDBT like to call it class. Karaoke, pool, stiff drinks and a large selection of cheap beers are all part and parcel of this Dive Bar experience; but it’s the patrons that make Tattle Tale Room the joy it is. Don’t be surprised if you see a hunchback crone at the end of the bar serenading a green mina bird on her index finger.

As usual, the casual debauchery starts around 9PM an 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).

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

"The code of the schoolyard, Marge! The rules that teach a boy to be a man. Let’s see. Don’t tattle. Always make fun of those different from you. Never say anything, unless you’re sure everyone feels exactly the same way you do." - Homer

August 27th, 2008: Bourbon Street Shrimp & Grill

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:25:57 +0000

WEDNESDAY, August 13th, 2008

Bourbon Street Shrimp & Grill
10928 Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

This week finds our tour headed deep into the dirty south (by way of Pico Blvd in Westwood) where drinks are cheap, food is served "blackened," and a steady supply of beads might be all you need to find that special someone. Serving as our own little hedonistic slice of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street Shrimp & Grille calls to the Ragin’ Cajun in all of us.

From the "shabby chic" aluminum siding on the walls to a gorgeous Harley parked in the middle of the room, this place oozes bayou dive bar atmosphere (though thankfully not with the bayou smell). The beer is cheap and the selection plentiful and includes some locals for those Californians that can’t quite handle the Big Easy. For those of us who can, and those that want to try, come on out and laissez les bon temps roulez.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & where the hell is Travis? - WDBT Co-czars

July 30th, 2008: Bay Shore Lanes

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:34:32 +0000

WEDNESDAY, July 30th, 2008

Bay Shore Lanes
234 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405

These are trying times. Gas and food prices record highs, two wars, the economy in shambles, your 401k all but vanished, corruption, lobbyists, poverty, Cancer/AIDS, the beginning of hurricane season, and then that friggin earthquake just now interrupting one Czar’s attempt to write this email. But there does exist a giant, glowing beacon of hope amid all the despair, and I’m not just talking about Shark Week (every night this week on the Discovery Channel). For in this town, at this time, I’m talking about a thing called The World Dive Bar Tour, and remembering the words once uttered by a man with far greater obstacles stacked in his path. Timeless words. The words, "Fuck it dude, let’s go bowling."

Join us at Santa Monica’s Bay Shore Lanes for the 2008 World Dive Bar Tour Bowling Night Spectacular: a celebration of all that is right with the world, where we can collectively forget, if only for a moment, all that is wrong. Order up a white russian or an oat soda from a bartender who’s been there as long as the bar itself, join us on the lanes and watch all your troubles roll away. In the words of another timeless hero, "Wooooooooooo! You got a date Wednesday, baby!"

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"I want you to know somthing. You and me, it’s not gonna be a one-way street. ‘Cause I don’t believe in one-way streets. Not between people, and not while I’m driving. So, here’s some advice I wish I woulda got when I was your age: Live every week like it’s Shark Week." - Tracy Jordan

July 16th, 2008: Big Dean’s Muscle In

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:49:03 +0000

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16th, 2008

Big Dean’s Muscle In
1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401

The World Dive Bar Tour Independence Day celebration is here — albeit a couple weeks late — and what better way to enjoy a cool summer night than by invading the best beach bar on the west side, Big Dean’s. Like last year, the amazing staff at Big Dean’s is staying open extra late for us, so come thirsty, pack an extra liver, and bring lots of friends.

As the beaches south of Wilshire have become more gentrified over the years, there’s something to be said for the one bar that remains true to its roots and refuses to sell lattes and panini sandwiches. It’s burgers and beer at this place, and they’ve been known to kick people out for uttering the word “focaccia.” Order any of the fine selection of draught beers in any of three sizes. Damien suggests a Venti Coors light with the cheeseburger. Yes, the kitchen will be open and provides a host of victuals to satiate everyone from the ravenous surfer to the derelict vagrant.

Aside from the menu, it’s Big Dean’s character that sets the place apart from its neighboring burger stands — the character of over 100 years of devoted business. Little has changed inside since the early days of business, from the ice box (now a converted refrigerator) to the old, empty boxes of Chamblis and Blush, which merely remind us that wine used to come from a spigot.

Finding Big Dean’s can be somewhat challenging, so use your Google Map. It’s located right on the boardwalk (at beach level), behind the carousel as you walk out on the pier. If you can smell hotdogs and buy carnival tickets, you’ve gone too far. Parking is a little tricky unless you roll up on a bike, so we suggest street parking on Ocean or pulling into the parking structure at 2nd and Colorado, which is free for 3 hours. Don’t bother with the beach lots. They close at 6pm.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

July 16th, 2008: Big Dean’s Preview

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:07:32 +0000

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16th, 2008

Big Dean’s Muscle In
1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401

As you’re already aware, we swapped out Big Dean’s last week for Hyperion Tavern due to scheduling conflicts. But as history will show, the World Dive Bar Tour has never been too strict about adhering to specific dates. Consequently, the Independence Day Dive Bar Extravaganza will, in fact, be held next week on Wednesday, July 16th, at the finest beach bar on the west side, Big Dean’s Muscle Inn.

Last year’s celebration at Big Dean’s was a huge success, and we want to make this year even more special. The management and staff are once again staying open way past closing time just for us, so we want to make it worth it for them. Bring lots of friends. Come hungry and thirsty. If you’re real nice, and you stay late enough, Mary Francis (Bar Tendress a.k.a. "Beer Goddess") might ask you to participate in a special "cup and pitcher" ritual. So mark your calendars now, and start putting together a group. If there’s one dive bar you make it to on the Tour this year, make it Big Dean’s.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

May 21st, 2008, The Joker

damien — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:19:31 +0000

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.

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

April 9th, 2008: Cozy Inn

damien — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:42:49 +0000

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9th, 2008

Cozy Inn
11155 Washington Place
Culver City, CA 90232

The Cozy Inn has always been a WDBT Culver City favorite, known for its subdued character, precarious location, and colorful clientele. There is always at least 1 Harley parked outside and a quiet group of hard-boiled, blue-collar geriatrics inside drinking Wild Turkey and Bud. People keep to themselves, but it’s always possible to make a new acquaintance for the night over a game of shuffleboard or darts.

In the two years since we last visited the Cozy, it would seem business has increased–and the douchebag quotient has risen slightly–as more post-college 20-somethings discover the Washington and Washington nexus. Nevertheless, the ambiance remains the same, and the drinks remain stiff and cheap. The Cozy is still cash only, and you can still bet on seeing bored, Culver City PD patrolling the parking lot when you leave. So be prepared for both, and remember: always drink and drive responsibly.

For quality pre-dive eats or a post-dive sobriety snack, hit up Jonnie’s Pastrami or the famous Tito’s or Cinco de Mayo taco stands, all within walking distance.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer."

– Henry Lawson

February 27th, 2008: Hinano Cafe

damien — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:26:07 +0000

WEDNESDAY, February 27th, 2008

Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292

In lieu of Venice’s rapid gentrification, it’s nice to know that there’s still a beach bar where you can get a cheap beer, shoot some pool, and mingle with local surfer bums, hippies, and the occasional gang member. Those places are all but gone. Hinano’s is the exception. Surrounded by trendy eateries with a high douchebaggery quotient, this surfer shack extraordinaire has embraced the Venice mentality over the years and maintains that laid back style today.

Hinano is adorned out front with a string of Christmas lights year round and aglow with neon within. Don’t let the ski-capped eastern-European doorman checking IDs fool you. You won’t find any Kolatchys in this bar, but rather a fine variety of draught beer, a delicious and affordable bar menu served throughout the night (try the burgers), and free popcorn courtesy of the stand-up machine in the corner. Bring enough change for the PacMan and pool tables and enough greenbacks to quench your thirst as Hinano is cash only. And don’t bother with the Valets on Washington right in front of the bar (yes, it’s gotten that bad). Park on Pacific or one of the other side streets.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"…It’s just like, dude, you got the best barrels ever dude, its just like you pull in and you just get spit right out of’em and you just drop in just smack and..whah-pack!…and drop down..and BAHHHHHHWWW!…and after that, you just drop in, and just ride the barrel and get pitted, so pitted…like that."

- Surfer Dude