World Dive Bar Tour » West Side

January 25th, 2012: Mom’s

World Dive Bar Tour — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:40:52 +0000

WEDNESDAY, January 25th, 2012

Mom’s
12238 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
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Let us say it before you do. We have our doubts about Mom’s being capable of meeting WDBT standards.

There is a lot of pain and acrimony behind the opening of this bar, from the hostile takeover of one of West LA’s finest dives, Del’s Saloon, to the fact that the owner’s other establishment, The Backstage in Culver City, formerly a WDBT favorite, is now on the Tour’s RIP list of repro-bars who have grown into douche-laden cesspools of obnoxious debauchery.

At first blush it would seem this bar has everything a great dive should have. Cheap drinks. A great bar menu. Billiards and TVs tuned to sports. Like the Backstage, Mom’s does a lot of things right. They even offer a smoking/drinking patio (rare these days). But we cock our heads and squint with misgivings over certain “draws” like a dance floor, jello shots, and a photo booth.

Mom’s inception cost many tears in many beers. This bar’s penance will be paid only by demonstrating to the Tour that they’ve merely picked up where the previous tenant left off. Please join us and let us know if you think they did.

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 and we’ll find you.

Carpe Drink’em,

Damien , Host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

November 30th, 2011: The Joker

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:01:41 +0000

WEDNESDAY, November 30th, 2011

The Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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We are happy to report that despite a recent drug bust at the Joker where a bindle of cocaine was found in the bathroom along with scales, packaging materials, and $5,000 cash in "undisclosed locations," this fine establishment remains open for business. We have not yet confirmed if the bartender who was arrested got her job back, but we’re certain that her consummate selling skills are an asset the owner of any bar would want behind the counter. We are lobbying him to promptly post her bail and restore her position.

While SMPD considers the Joker a "nuisance," we on the World Dive Bar Tour consider any bar where bottles are broken and cars are set ablaze in the parking lot a paragon of watering holes. Holding to values from a day long past where disputes were settled with fisticuffs or the occasional Molotov cocktail, by default we assume that the owner of the torched vehicle no doubt got his comeuppance and absolve the perpetrator from any wrongdoing.

Needless to say, Joker is lacking anything but character. Pictures of the eponymous Batman villain and other clowns adorn its walls along with other decorations indicative of a time when the "jokers" were the ones who went outside to smoke a cigarette.

Drinks here are some of the cheapest on the west side, and one could leave thoroughly lubricated for under $10. But Joker is cash only, so be sure to hit up the ATM ahead of time. And, there’s ample parking in the back.

Carpe Drink’em,

Damien, host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

November 2nd, 2011: The Beacon

World Dive Bar Tour — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:59:19 +0000

WEDNESDAY, November 2nd, 2011

The Beacon
950 W Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90301
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If there were a bar where the bulk of the patronage is probably relaxing after emptying a few clips at the gun range down the street or at the Randy’s donuts a little further down the street, it would probably be called The Beacon.

Located on the north-western edge of Inglewood, minutes from LAX, The Beacon stretches the traditional boundaries of the Tour, but it does so for good reason. It’s cheap — this is a dive bar economy. It’s filthy — no good dive passes health inspection with flying colors. The people inside have no teeth and smell like ashtrays (at least the ones there when they open for lunch do). And you won’t find a more hospitable place to spend a layover, drown a lay-off, or get laid back for miles.

There’s plenty of fun to be had here for under $10. Enjoy a $3.25 macro-brew to the sound of billiard balls cracking and the din of 747s touching down in the distance. The Beacon’s squalid interior is complemented by its drab and weathered exterior in the midst of a derelict neighborhood of 1-story commercial tenements. What a perfect place for a dive bar! Street parking is ample. They may or may not take credit, so come with cash in hand. There are no ATMs within walking distance.

Carpe Drink’em,

Damien & Curtis; hosts

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

August 31st, 2011: Big Dean’s “Muscle In” Cafe

World Dive Bar Tour — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:05:49 +0000

WEDNESDAY, August 31st, 2011

Big Dean’s "Muscle In" Cafe
1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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We’re often asked, "What makes a dive?," to which we typically reply with a lengthy explanation about the price of drinks and what’s coming out of the juke box. But a bar’s character, among both owners and patrons, is of paramount importance. Every dive is unique and whether a cantankerous, rodent-harboring Chinese owner is the draw (Hop Louie) or a matronly, Scottish woman (Speak Easy), it’s the people behind the counter who bring each establishment to life.

Big Dean’s in Santa Monica has been home to our annual summer spectacular for the past 5 years for this very reason. Encapsulating the very essence of a laid-back surfer bar, this historic watering hole is the beach equivalent of a visit to Granny’s house at Christmas. From T.J., the owner, to Mary-Francis, head bartender/Goddess of Lager, the warmth and hospitality of the staff cannot be over-stated.

Each year, Big Dean’s stays open hours past closing time just for the World Dive Bar Tour, keeping both food and drink flowing well into the night. Their generosity and kindness deserve our thanks–so, let’s show them how much they mean to us by PACKING THE JOINT. (This is not meant to be a cannabis reference, but given the venue it’s very apropos.)

Come hungry. The burgers and fries are amazing. Come thirsty. The Coors Light come in a variety of plastic cups from Large to Big Gulp. Come with friends and let’s party. Summer’s almost over. Let’s go out with a bang!

Don’t let the beach location or proximity to the pier deter you. There is plenty of parking in the new Santa Monica Place parking structure at 2nd and Colorado. There is street parking if you’re lucky enough to find some. Finally, there is a beach parking lot next door to the bar, but it technically closes at sunset.

Because Big Dean’s is being kind of enough to stay open late for us, we’ll begin the revelry an HOUR EARLY at 8pm. As usual, It’ll get real interesting by 10. Come for one venti Bud Light, 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!

August 3rd, 2011: Hinano Cafe

World Dive Bar Tour — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:29:24 +0000

WEDNESDAY, August 3rd, 2011

Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
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In light of Venice’s rapid gentrification, the classic beach bars where beer is cheap, one can shoot some pool, and mingle with local surfer bums, hippies, and the occasional gang member are all but gone. Hinano is the exception.

Surrounded by trendy eateries with a high douchebag-quotient, this surfer shack extraordinaire embraces the "old" Venice, laid-back mentality, eschewing trendy modernization and the haughty personality that goes along with it.

Hinano is adorned out front with a string of Christmas lights year round and aglow with neon within. They check IDs at the door, but a fake will work just fine. Inside they offer 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.

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, if the friendly regulars don’t find you first).

Carpe Drink’em!

July 6th, 2011: Tattle Tale Room

World Dive Bar Tour — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:05:19 +0000

WEDNESDAY, July 6th, 2011

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

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.

Carpe Drink’em!

"Cindy, you know by tattling on your friends, you’re really just tattling on yourself. By tattling on your friends, you’re just telling them that you’re a tattletale. Now is that the tale you want to tell? - Mike Brady

May 25th, 2011: Speak Easy

World Dive Bar Tour — Sun, 22 May 2011 21:30:35 +0000

WEDNESDAY, May 25th, 2011

Speak Easy
1326 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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The summer is almost upon us and the Tour is making its way to the west side of the city, where despite the cleaner air and more expensive everything, our dives maintain their character and cheap drinks. This week, we visit Speak Easy Cocktails.

Staying true to its namesake, this low-key watering hole is camouflaged on the edge of residential Pico, sporting barely-visible signage, a locked front door, and accepts CASH ONLY.

And, the inside does not belie its dark facade. Rarely more than a couple of regulars at a time quietly sip their whiskey or shoot pool on a given night. The patrons speak in whispers, suggesting that at any time, John Law could kick through the double-hinged doors with uzis to raid the joint.

If you find yourself waiting to order at an empty bar, staring at yourself in the marbled mirror behind the Jim Beam, you might peek your head outside and catch up with the barkeep, Ruth, who is most likely finishing her Newport Light.

Speak Easy is the essence of a neighborhood bar. It’s off the main drag, the only people who know about it, much less go there are those who live within walking distance. It’s important that we respect this bar for its unparalleled uniqueness in this part of Los Angeles and conduct ourselves with proper decorum, being sure to not upset the natives.

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!

Reporter: "Word is they’re going to repeal Prohibition. What’ll you do then?"
Eliot Ness: "I think I’ll have a drink."

- The Untouchables

May 11th, 2011: Cozy Inn

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:43:08 +0000

WEDNESDAY, May 11th, 2011

Cozy Inn
11155 Washington Pl.
Culver City, CA 90232
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Despite rumors to the contrary, this week’s dive is as delightfully “Cozy” as always. That’s right boys and girls, we’re headed back into Culveria for a trip to the Cozy Inn.

The Cozy has always been a WDBT Culver City favorite, known for its subdued character, precarious location, and colorful clientele. There is always at least one 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.

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

Carpe Drink’em!

March 2nd, 2011: Prince O’ Whales

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:06:55 +0000

WEDNESDAY, March 2nd, 2011

Prince O’ Whales
335 Culver Blvd.
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
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In order for our bi-weekly schedule to coincide with the week of St. Patrick’s Day, WDBT will be in full effect this Wednesday and taking next week off.

Not to be mistaken for the "Prince of Wales," the "Prince O’ Whales," this week’s dive bar, does share some similarity with the heir to the UK throne.

The Prince O’ Whales (POW as the locals call it) is situated, much like the country of Wales, in a small, southwestern enclave of a larger territory, and not unlike Price Charles himself has no official role in government or leadership in the territory. That by no means is meant to downplay the importance of its role in the community.

The POW is virtually the largest center of commerce, camaraderie, and Coors Light in Playa Del Rey. Every night is a royal celebration, and with two large rooms, one on each end with 2 large covered patios in the middle (smoker friendly), the entire community could easily fit inside. Live music regularly blares night after night, and the walls are lined with video game and dart entertainment.

Expect to be treated like royalty here as well. It’s not uncommon to leave the POW on a first name basis with the bartender and the whiskey-soaked septuagenarians at the bar who introduce themselves every time you order a 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!

September 29th, 2010: Tower Pizza/Tompkins Bar

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 05:24:46 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 25th, 2010

Tower Pizza/Tompkins Bar
8351 Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
map

For those of us in this economy who are falling out of the ever-shrinking middle-class into the desperate morass of ramen-eating, public-transporation-riding poverty in Los Angeles, we are faced with a serious dilemma. Our financial instinct tells us to stay in on weeknights, drink tap water, and watch Full House reruns because you have to save up to pay your rent. But in a state of hopelessness, we can’t help but heed our pessimistic, reckless natures that crave social interaction outside of the home to commiserate with friends at the bottom of a very deep low ball.

Thus we seek out the cheapest food and drink establishments in the city. This week, the World Dive Bar Tour tries something new by combining a meal and libations with the age-old pizza and beer combo at Tower Pizza. Located on the edge of Ingle-Chester adjacent LMU, Tower has been home to poor college students and local paupers for years. Surprisingly great-tasting pizza, $10 pitchers, and a giant, satellite TV are just a few of the perks you’ll find at this west side gem. The only drawback would be it’s closing time.

Therefore, we’ll be kicking off the debauchery at 8PM sharp. Tower closes at 10, so we might roll down to the corner to visit Tompkins Bar. While it’s not a dive, it used to be a dive that was the inspiration for "Mo’s" of Simpson’s fame.

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