Smog Cutter
864 N. Virgil Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
map

Some dive bars have no need for a glowing introduction. They simply exist, and will continue to exist, whether you like it or not. As to charms, the Smog Cutter has too few to mention, it is the antithesis of Hollywood nightlife. We at the World Dive Bar Tour wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Smog Cutter is generally shabby. The neighborhood is dodgy. The customer is most definitely wrong in all disputes. It has decrepit bathrooms. There is a rumor of vermin. And finally, the bartenders exhibit an overbearing insistence on Karaoke participation with a two drink minimum policy - two drinks which are not as cheap as typically found in such establishments. In short, the bar is perfectly bad in the finest divey manner. The only way it could be better (i.e. worse) is if they flaunted basic health and safety laws on a more predictable basis…..

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,

Travis, host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

Ray "Bones" Barboni: “I’m from Miami-fuckin’-Beach and you wanna show me the ocean, huh? And what about sun, does it ever shine around here, or is this smog around all the time?”
Limo Driver With Sign: “They say the smog is the reason we have such beautiful sunsets.”
Ray "Bones" Barboni: “That’s what they say, huh? What a bunch of fuckin’ bullshit.”
~Get Shorty(1995)

Kibitz Room
419 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90036
map

Five thousand years of beautiful tradition has nothing on the twelve thousand years of imbibing. We, the World Dive Bar Tour, shall uphold this tradition for one last time in 2011. The end of the year means rushing from office to party, rushing from the office party, TV specials, gift procuring, and dangerous reflection on the waning year. This week, we tap the brakes on the holidays and bend an elbow at the Kibitz Room. L’Chaim!

Kibitz has been a stop on the WDBT for years due to its cool, dark charm and stiff pours. Come early, nosh next door at Canter’s and take the VIP entrance into the back of the bar straight from the restaurant. Or eat someplace decent and take the long, cave like Fairfax entrance. No matter how you come, bring some cheer, have a beer, and be merry.

This year, we’ll take advantage of some serendipitous seasonal timing to host a holiday gift exchange. If you’re inclined to participate schlep a wrapped gift ($20 or less) to the bar and expect some meshugenneh present-stealing game.

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,

The World Dive Bar Executive Committee

The 2012 World Dive Bar Tour will start out on January 11th at Smog Cutter.

Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

Red Lion Tavern
2366 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
map

In the second half of August, the WDBT will celebrate summer with two outstanding beer-centric establishments. While all dive bars serve beer to some extent, few reach the awesome range of the Dixie Cup Coors Light races at Big Deans Cafe (looking forward to August 31st) or the extensive selection of authentic German beer at this week’s stop, the Red Lion Tavern. Even considering the current explosion of high-end establishments dedicated to the Das Land Der Dichter und Denker, nowhere in LA will you find a Gasthaus so fine.

The Red Lion has been filling pints, steins, and large glass boots with Reinheitsgebot blessed beverages for over 50 years. While the bar started out as an English Pub, it quickly grew into its current format which provides: a lovely upper level beer garden where the sausage sampler platter reigns supreme; a small second floor bar and dining room where local kids hold trivia nights various evenings; and the ground floor dining room where it feels best to tuck into a plate of nurmberger bratwurst or share a lovely bauernschmaus while the guy at the piano tosses out various renditions of show tunes.

The outstanding beer selection can be found at each of the three bar areas where the various Warsteiners, Franziskaners, Spatens, and the classic Hofbrau Lager (the famous Oktoberfest brew which got its start in 1589) are available for relatively dive bar friendly prices. They also serve wine and cocktails, but it is hard to understand why you would order any. The only truly acceptable alternate order might be a tumbler of Jagermeister, but only if sipped slowly while reading Goethe in the native tongue.

As usual, the casual debauchery starts around 9PM and gets really interesting by 10:00. There will likely be some of us catching dinner somewhere on the premises beforehand as well. 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,

Travis, host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

“I was not the lion, but it fell to me to give the lion’s roar.” ~Winston Churchill

]]> http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/08/15/august-17th-2011-red-lion-tavern/feed/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/07/21/august-3rd-2011-hinano-cafe/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/07/21/august-3rd-2011-hinano-cafe/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:29:24 +0000 World Dive Bar Tour http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/07/21/august-3rd-2011-hinano-cafe/ WEDNESDAY, August 3rd, 2011

Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
map

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!

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

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.

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!

"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

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/v1/2011/02/28/march-2nd-2011-prince-o-whales/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/02/28/march-2nd-2011-prince-o-whales/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:06:55 +0000 World Dive Bar Tour http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2011/02/28/march-2nd-2011-prince-o-whales/ WEDNESDAY, March 2nd, 2011 

Prince O’ Whales
335 Culver Blvd.
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
map

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!

Hinano Cafe
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
map

In light 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 douchebag 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.

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,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

San Francisco Saloon Co
11501 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
map

Northern Californians new to Los Angeles might be particularly interested in a dive bar bearing the name of their beloved Bay Area city. They might jump at the chance to step over the threshold into a room that captures the character and ambiance of a watering hole in historic North Beach. Perhaps they would yearn to mingle with patrons whose fashion sense and love for show tunes takes them back to their days in the Castro District. Or, at the very least, the NorCal sports fan might hope to catch a Giants game in the warm company of SF natives looking to get away from their violent, Dodger-worshipping roommates.

Needless to say, the person who steps foot into the San Franciso Saloon Co will be sorely disappointed and be awakened to the sad fact that there really isn’t anything authentic in LA; only pathetic attempts to emulate other cities, cultures, foods, and experiences for the purpose of either attracting tourists or improving their Zagat rating. There is actually very little about this bar that resembles or harkens back to the original Sin City of California other than the name and the strip club one block down.

That said, the San Francisco Saloon Co is a worthy dive, serving up a fine selection of draft beer at dive-worthy prices and a highly respectable bar menu. Despite the copious TVs throughout the establishment, don’t expect to find the game you were planning on watching unless it’s on one of the major networks. We would suggest, instead, that you direct your attention out the large, front-facing windows to the highly entertaining strip club clientele occasionally passing by.

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

Backstage Bar & Grill
10400 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
map

Don’t let this establishment’s proper name fool you. Unlike other "Bar & Grill" establishments you may come across that feature the bar-going atmosphere of an Applebee’s, the "& Grill" portion of Backstage is strictly there to put the face of legitimacy on bar tabs expensed by Sony lot employees from across the street. Here at the Backstage, the motto written across the biker gang tattoo-esque logo is "Dedicated to Pleasure", and once you step through the doors, it’s clear that the pleasure of alcohol consumption is the real focus. That’s not, of course, to minimize the glory of their extensive menu of top-notch pub food, and if you’re lucky, you just might get to witness a Co-Czar chowing down on a row of sliders.

When it comes to treating its patrons right, the Backstage does it right, designating Mondays and Tuesdays as "Regular’s Night" and effortlessly creating a Sam Malone-worthy environment on other days unparalleled in the LA bar scene. Karaoke is offered up 3 nights a week, with the notable exception of Wednesdays. In a town where every dive bar seems to place its karaoke on our night, this offers us a welcome reprieve from "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at a bar that knows Wednesdays are for one thing only: The World Dive Bar Tour. Please join us this week for one of the true gems of the Tour.

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

"Heaven blazing into the head: Tragedy wrought to its uttermost. Though Hamlet rambles and Lear rages, And all the drop-scenes drop at once, Upon a hundred thousand stages, It cannot grow by an inch or an ounce"

- Yeats