World Dive Bar Tour » Entertainment

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!"

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

"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 2nd, 2008: Hyperion Tavern

World Dive Bar Tour — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:57:58 +0000

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2nd, 2008

Hyperion Tavern
1941 Hyperion Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90232

Due to 4th of July holiday conflicts our dive bar plans will take an unexpected turn. Rather than celebrate the upcoming holiday just under the Santa Monica pier at Big Deans (which has been held until July 16th) we will sweep into Silverlake for a dive bar you might have driven by a million times without ever knowing it was there. Note the address and cross streets carefully, look for an old school barber shop pole light marking the door of what seems to be a firetrap of a garage one spark from an insurance payout, and duck into one of the most unique bars we have ever been to.

The Hyperion Tavern has it quirks. There is only a small selection of beers available and none of the hard stuff, the walls are lined with a full collection of classic law books (the reason for such eludes explanation), two ornate chandeliers light the space hung from exposed rafters, and a small rickety stage anchors the south end of the room. But it is this very stage which brings us here tonight, as it is on this stage where you will take on Guitar Hero Night. Starting around 10pm (allowing some time for some pre-game beverages) the bartenders will boot up the overhead projector and eager patrons will take a number deli style for a chance to compete for the best face-melting guitar solo of the night. And if you are lucky the bartender might let you use their custom made full size axe.

The queue might fill up quick, so come early if you want to get in before the real heavy hitters appear out the woodwork. If your fingers are bit rusty it would be good to get in early as just like any good Karaoke bar, the queue can fill up quick when the real die-hards show up and then hold the floor like Gordon Brown before parliament.

Other nights of the week the Hyperion Tavern offers hipster DJ’s and wacky live bands but on Wednesdays it really shines, and luckily this is the night we go out on our dive bar mission.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"I REMEMBER EVERYTHING! I remember every little thing as if it happened only yesterday. I was barely 17, and I once killed a boy with a Fender guitar. I don’t remember if it was a telecaster or a stratocaster, but I do remember that it had a heart of chrome and a voice like a horny angel! I don’t remember if it was a telecaster or a stratocaster, but I do remember that it wasn’t at all easy. It required the perfect combination of the right power chords and the precise angle from which to strike. The guitar bled for about a week afterward, and the blood was dark and rich like wild berries. The blood of the guitar was chuck berry red. The guitar bled for about a week afterward, but it rung out beautifully! And I was able to play notes that I had never even heard before. So…I…took my guitar and I smashed it against the wall! I smashed it against the floor! I smashed it against the body of a varsity cheerleader! I smashed it against the hood of a car. Smashed it against a 1981 Harley Davidson! The Harley howled in pain! The guitar howled in heat! And I ran up the stairs to my parents’ bedroom. Mommy and Daddy were sleeping in the moonlight. Slowly I opened the door, creeping in the shadows right up to the foot of their bed. I raised the guitar high above my head, and just as I was about to bring the guitar crashing down into the center of the bed my father woke up screaming, "STOP! WAIT A MINUTE! STOP IT, BOY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?! That’s not way to treat an expensive musical intrument!" And I said, "GOD DAMMIT DADDY! You know I love you. But you got a HELLUVA LOT TO LEARN ABOUT ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!"

– Meat Loaf

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

March 12th, 2008: Cosmos Saloon

damien — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:54:32 +0000

WEDNESDAY, March 12th, 2008

Cosmos Saloon
333 E 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

For those who have followed the ebb and flow of dive bar for many years, the name Cosmos might sound very familiar. Last season, on an ill fated full moon, we attempted to visit this fine establishment. Unfortunately for the intrepid group of dive bar goers that night, on the dutch door of the bar entrance a handwritten note was posted. Written mostly Japanese characters, it was the final line in English which hurt the most. "Bar Close Tonight." Those assembled, who had gathered for the promise of a Japanese pre-’scent of a woman’ Al Pacino bartender, karaoke in languages we can’t even speak, and Suntory Whiskey, found solace in a nearby shady hostess bar followed by a local brewery.

On that night, just like General Douglas MacArthur in retreat from the Philippines in the face of Japanese aggression, we of the WDBT vowed to return.

This week marks the day we make good on that promise, and return to Little Tokyo. Where with the help of a few big bottles of Kirin, we will be belting out Japanese pop songs like regulars, smoking an odd cigarette, swapping stories with the old man who always seems to be firmly planted at the bar, and otherwise raising quite a ruckus. Comfortable with the knowledge that in this Cosmos, yes, we can all be a star. Just remember - no dancing.

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

"Here we are. Earth. Full of things as usual."

-King of All Cosmos

January 16th, 2008: Del’s Saloon

damien — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:07:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, January 16th, 2008

Del’s Saloon

12238 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (West LA)

The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee strategically selects each and every dive bar to not only coincide with different holidays but to encourage and promote networking and camaraderie. We’ll be exploring some über-seedy and questionable drinking establishments this year, and to best get reacquainted with Tour regulars and new members, it’s important to drink in familiar surroundings.

Thus, we officially kick off 2008 at Del’s Saloon, a friendly neighborhood bar offering all the standard amenities you can expect from a typical LA dive. Del’s is particularly unique in that it contains nearly every hallmark of a dive including pool and darts, golden tee, year-round christmas light decor, Wednesday karaoke, and an allegiance to a particular NFL team (Bills). In the spirit of remaining low-key and unobtrusive, Del’s often keeps the front door locked so you’ll most likely enter from the rear.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-Czars

“So there, I am, in Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, at about 3 o’clock in the morning, looking for one thousand brown M & Ms to fill a brandy glass, or Ozzy wouldn’t go on stage that night. So, Jeff Beck pops his head ’round the door, and mentions there’s a little sweets shop on the edge of town. So we go. And it’s closed. So there’s me, and Keith Moon, and David Crosby, breaking into that little sweets shop. Well, instead of a guard dog, they’ve got this bloody great big Bengal tiger. I managed to take out the tiger with a can of mace, but the shopkeeper and his son… that’s a different story altogether. I had to beat them to death with their own shoes. Nasty business, really, but sure enough I got the M & Ms, and Ozzy went on stage and did a great show.”

- Del Preston, the Greatest Roadie that Ever Lived

[rating:3.5]

Credit Accepted (w/ Minimum), Draught Beer

January 9th, 2007: Amagi

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:23:48 +0000

WEDNESDAY, January 9th, 2007

Amagi
6114 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Hollywood)

WDBT 2007 was an epic year. Unforgettable Wednesday nights; the birth of the Extension; attendance has grown substantially, swelling with quality people; not to mention the San Pedro Classic!

The official WDBT 2008 calendar doesn’t start until next week. But if you are anything like me, you are going through dive bar withdrawal. And January 16th can’t come soon enough.

To heal your woes, we are proud to bring you the World Dive Bar Tour 2008 Preview at Amagi’s (brought to you by WDBT Extension). Nothing calms the shakes like a little bit of karaoke and a lot of Blue Moon. And no where can you get as elegant a balance of the very best and the very worst entertainment Hollywood has to offer. Every trip to Amagi’s leaves the sojourner with a tale to tell. And do I really even need to remind you of the one and only karaoke ninja?

Carpe Drink’em,
Nate
Auxiliary Captain

[rating:3.5]

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June 18th, 2007: Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn

admin — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:40:49 +0000

MONDAY, June 18th, 2007

Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn
4339 Leimert Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008

In preparation for this week’s extension, I struggled to come up with a clever theme, a comedic riff, a piece of wit to astound and entertain you all. Alas, I found all of my attempts at humor unworthy of our destination. I am even ashamed that I could even consider being snarky about this place.

Babe’s & Ricky’s is the real deal. A blues icon in L.A.. It has seen good times and hard times. It’s hosted the likes of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ike Turner, Eric Clapton and John Lee Hooker. Birthed by ‘Mama’ Laura Mae Gross in 1964, this joint has remained vibrant, lively and timeless.

Prepare yourselves for the Dive Bar event too big to fit on a Wednesday. For a meager eight bucks, you’ll be treated to a performance by the immortal Mickey Champion and a soul-food dinner. Drinks are cheap. And the vibe is free.

As usual, the casual debauchery starts around 9PM and gets really interesting by 10:00 . Come for one free 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,

Nate
Auxiliary Captain

"People, when you do find that special somebody, you gotta hold that man, hold that woman! Love him, please him, squeeze her, please her! Signify your feelings with every gentle caress, because it’s so important to have that special somebody to hold, to kiss, to miss, to squeeze, and please!"

- Elwood Blues, The Blues Brothers

May 30th, 2007: Gas Lite

admin — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:44:22 +0000

WEDNESDAY, May 30th, 2007

Gas Lite
2030 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403

We labeled it our "most entertaining" dive bar of last year. That was due in part to the USC sorority birthday party that was taking place at the time and the fact that Damien got to make out with one of the girls. Okay, it’s really just Damien who labeled it the "most entertaining" dive bar of last year, but fun at the Gas Lite isn’t limited to sorority soirees, as the cheap drinks and karaoke madness almost guarantee that you’ll walk out of there with a story to tell. In fact, one of our regular dive bar attendees recently left with an ounce of cocaine she found on the floor of the bathroom! SCORE!

Notably, Gas Lite is one of the only places in the city left that offers a 6AM early bird breakfast in a bottle. Unfortunately, the karaoke stage is only open in the evenings, so don’t bother going in before noon expecting to see sloshed geriatrics belting out their favorite Dean Martin tunes.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

"I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. They wake up in the morning and that’s the best they’re going to feel all day."

- Dean Martin

April 4th, 2007: Kibitz Room

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:50:58 +0000

WEDNESDAY, April 4th, 2007

Kibitz Room - Passover Spectacular!
419 N. Fairfax Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90036

This Wednesday, as the predominantly goy and shichtza WDBT gears up for Easter Sunday — the Super Bowl of Christ — we pause for a stop on the tour to remember who really runs this town. As we celebrate Easter, our agents, lawyers, producers, and, in stark contrast, most of the town’s great comedy writers, celebrate something about a burning bush in a festival of lights called, "Passover". In the spirit of multiculturalism, we journey into the belly of the beast — the Fairfax District — and the Kibitz Room, adjacent to Canter’s Deli.

Although our understanding is that "kibitz" is a pickled herring jelly, meant for spreading on bagels or rye bread, the bar itself is Dive Bar Tour Kosher, with an old man serving up cheap drinks at a reasonable price, and a wide range of friendly clientele. The only reminder of the bar’s Jewry is the relentless singing of classic Hebrew drinking songs… "Have a tequila, have a tequila…"

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

"Five thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Kaufax, YOU’RE GODDAMN RIGHT I’M LIVING IN THE PAST!"
- Walter Sobchak

March 7th, 2007: Sonny McLean’s

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:53:15 +0000

WEDNESDAY, March 7th, 2007

Sonny McLean’s
2615 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403

St. Patrick’s Day holds a special significance on the World Dive Bar Tour, as it’s the time of year when we pay homage to our Irish ancestors and the unique drinking establishments they’ve brought to this country. As the holiday itself will rarely fall on a Dive Bar Wednesday, we’ll celebrate it during the nearest prior week. Plus, WDBT has no desire to commingle with the insufferable crowd that comes out of the woodwork to get sloshed once a year on March 17th.

Alas, we head to Santa Monica to visit Sonny McLean’s, a place unlike any we’ve yet seen on the tour, fusing together the character of the dive with the fraternal warmth of the Irish pub. Step in the door and you’re bound to see a glasses of Guinness lined down the bar and two fellas yammering about all the guys named "Patrick" in their family.

Sonny’s has two..count’em…TWO Golden Tee games as well as pool, darts, and the naked-chick bar video game. They serve a respectable variety of the finest draught beer from Bud Light to Smithwick’s, and a pint of Guinness is under five bucks.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis, WDBT Co-Czars

"The Irish ignore anything they can’t drink or punch."

- Irish Proverb