The Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
map

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.

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,

Damien, host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

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

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!

]]> http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/08/18/august-31st-2011-big-deans-muscle-in-cafe/feed/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/05/22/may-25th-2011-speak-easy/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/05/22/may-25th-2011-speak-easy/#comments Sun, 22 May 2011 21:30:35 +0000 World Dive Bar Tour http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/05/22/may-25th-2011-speak-easy/ WEDNESDAY, May 25th, 2011

Speak Easy
1326 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
map

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

]]> http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/05/22/may-25th-2011-speak-easy/feed/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2010/07/13/july-21st-2010-big-deans/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2010/07/13/july-21st-2010-big-deans/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:44:53 +0000 World Dive Bar Tour http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2010/07/13/july-21st-2010-big-deans/ WEDNESDAY, July 21st, 2010 

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

Every summer for the past 4 years, the World Dive Bar Tour has kicked off the season at the best beach bar in the county, "Big Dean’s ‘Muscle-In,’" a dive’s dive that perfectly blends easy-going, surfer sensibility with dilapidated decor.  Rather than closing at sunset like most bars on the strand, Big Dean’s owner T.J. graciously keeps the doors open extra late JUST FOR US (that includes the kitchen, Travis), and Mary Francis keeps the beer flowing like wine long into the evening.  If you stay long enough, she might even school you in the art of vanishing beer. Invite your friends and co-workers. This is one for the calendar. Let’s show Big Dean’s our appreciation and make this the best dive stop of the year!

Built over 80 years ago, Big Dean’s has changed hands and changed names a number of times, but it has never lost its appeal as the quintessential beach bar.  Icy cold American macro-brews are available on tap, served in a variety of different sized plastic cups.  Wine is available upon request and will more than likely come from a cardboard box rather than the rusty spigot protruding from a wooden cupboard labeled "M-rlct."  Like an ancient Roman city, Big Dean’s has simply built on top of its previous occupants.  Their refrigerator is literally a converted ice box, the bathrooms former broom closets that may or may not be ADA compliant.

Don’t fret at Big Dean’s location. There is plenty of free parking in the structure at 2nd & Colorado. There are also free street spots if you’re lucky enough to find one. Last year, some people parked at the beach lot right next to the bar, but it technically closes at sunset. So do so at your own risk.

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,

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map

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.

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!

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

Speak Easy
1326 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
map

This week, WDBT visits the Speak Easy, a low-key Pico watering hole you’ve driven by a thousand times and will probably struggle to find, even with an address. Staying true to its namesake, this bar sports an inconspicuous facade, a locked front door, and accepts cash only. Due to an unfortunate accident involving a cigarette, horseshoe, and a surprise health inspection, bathtub gin and moonshine are no longer for sale. Not to worry, though. A respectable selection of beers are available for dive bar prices.
Commonly known for one or two shady-looking patrons quietly sipping their whiskey in an otherwise empty bar, the inside of the Speak Easy comes across like a mob establishment at first blush–the low patronage could also be a symptom of the location. Regardless, if you find yourself cash in hand in front of the unmanned bar, staring into the 70s-style marble-mirror behind the Jim Beam, you might peek your head outside and catch up with Ruth who is probably finishing her cigarette. She’ll gladly get to your drink when she’s done with her Newport Light.
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 Drinkem,
Alex, Damien & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

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

Speak Easy
1326 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
map

This week, WDBT visits the Speak Easy, a low-key Pico watering hole you’ve driven by a thousand times and will probably struggle to find, even with an address. Staying true to its namesake, this bar sports an inconspicuous facade, a locked front door, and accepts cash only. Due to an unfortunate accident involving a cigarette, horseshoe, and a surprise health inspection, bathtub gin and moonshine are no longer for sale. Not to worry, though. A respectable selection of beers are available for dive bar prices.
Commonly known for one or two shady-looking patrons quietly sipping their whiskey in an otherwise empty bar, the inside of the Speak Easy comes across like a mob establishment at first blush–the low patronage could also be a symptom of the location. Regardless, if you find yourself cash in hand in front of the unmanned bar, staring into the 70s-style marble-mirror behind the Jim Beam, you might peek your head outside and catch up with Ruth who is probably finishing her cigarette. She’ll gladly get to your drink when she’s done with her Newport Light.

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 Drinkem,

Alex, Damien & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

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

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

Every summer for the past 3 years, the World Dive Bar Tour has kicked off the season at the best beach bar in the county, "Big Dean’s ‘Muscle-In,’" a dive’s dive that perfectly blends easy-going, surfer sensibility with dilapidated decor.  Rather than closing at sunset like most bars on the strand, Big Dean’s owner T.J. graciously keeps the doors open extra late JUST FOR US (that includes the kitchen, Travis), and Mary Francis keeps the beer flowing like wine long into the evening.  If you stay long enough, she might even school you in the art of vanishing beer. Invite your friends and co-workers. This is one for the calendar. Let’s show Big Dean’s our appreciation and make this the best dive stop of the year!

Built over 80 years ago, Big Dean’s has changed hands and changed names a number of times, but it has never lost its appeal as the quintessential beach bar.  Icy cold American macro-brews are available on tap, served in a variety of different sized plastic cups.  Wine is available upon request and will more than likely come from a cardboard box rather than the rusty spigot protruding from a wooden cupboard labeled "M-rlct."  Like an ancient Roman city, Big Dean’s has simply built on top of its previous occupants.  Their refrigerator is literally a converted ice box, the bathrooms former broom closets that may or may not be ADA compliant.

Don’t fret at Big Dean’s location. There is plenty of free parking in the structure at 2nd & Colorado. There are also free street spots if you’re lucky enough to find one. Last year, some people parked at the beach lot right next to the bar, but it technically closes at sunset. So do so at your own risk.

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 Gas Lite
2030 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
map

Every year America observes Memorial day, a solumn day of rememberance for those brave souls who have fallen in battle serving our country. The World Dive Bar Tour would like to extend the holiday into the week and officially dedicate the following Wednesday to the memory of the great Dives of the Los Angeles that have shut their doors, never again to see the light of a neon beer sign.

In observance of WDBT Memorial Day we visit The Gas Lite, a bar that represents the rest, a place that sets the gold standard of dives that others can only dream of reaching. It’s a place that brings the best characteristics of all dives together into a melting pot of shabby "dive-ersity." It’s one of the greats on the west side that has withstood the test of time and remained a rock in the community, unchanged by the gentrification and modernization of the city.

The Gas Lite harkens back to a day when all bars opened at 6am and men could drink their breakfast to the soft sound of clinking glasses and the crackle of a spinning 45. Today, the glasses have been replaced by cheap plastic cups and the 45 by an internet jukebox and nightly karaoke that is anything but quiet, but doors are still open at the crack of dawn, giving a solid 15 hours to imbibe before the ruckus builds.

In the unlikely instance you should you arrive late Wednesday night only to find yourself standing amongst a lot of gelled hair and popped-collars, we assure you this is only temporary. In the past few years, the Gas Lite has absorbed some of the overflow from trendier bars and clubs in the area, and with that has come a slightly higher douche quotient and the presence of the occasional recreational drug. A WDBTour-goer once recounted finding a small baggy of powder on the floor of the ladies room that may or may not have been cocaine.

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

Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map

A wise man once said, "Fool me once, shame on you…If ya fool me, you can’t get fooled again." Truer words were never spoken, and once a year, we as a nation band together to honor fools, their foolishness, and tomfoolery on April 1st. In recognition of April Fools’ Day, the World Dive Bar Tour will visit Joker in Santa Monica to gather around a glass (or bottle) of liquid courage, which at one point or another in our lives has brought out the fool in all of us.

With little more than a faded clown over its front entrance, Joker is inconspicuously tucked into a corner along the Pico prowl in Santa Monica and has been a neighborhood favorite for decades. 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.

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!

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars