World Dive Bar Tour » Perks

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
map

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.

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 & Curtis; hosts

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

September 28th, 2011: Back Door Pub

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:50:40 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 28th, 2011

Back Door Pub
813 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
map

Often on the Tour we escort our debauched devotees to dive bar landmarks. On a rare occasion, however, we have the pleasure to introduce our well-versed followers to a true unknown.

This week we venture into a recessed corner of downtown to check into the Back Door Pub at the Milner Hotel. With an entrance located off of the alley, this dreary dispensary of domestic lager is not your typical hotel bar. And why would it be? The Milner doesn’t really attract the convention crowd, choosing instead to advertise its accommodations through scanned photographs of hand-written customer surveys on its website. Feedback includes something that reads like “Feculent Hotel,” but upon further inspection is actually “Excellent Hotel.”

Very reassuring.

Navigate the hotel’s rear alley entrance (or, for the less adventurous, the main lobby entrance) and you’ll find that the Back Door Pub is neither a pub, nor directly accessible through the back door. Rather, the entry is located in the middle of a hallway and the bar itself feels a lot like an unfinished basement. But what it lacks in decoration it makes up for in dive bar comforts. Take for the example the self-serve popcorn machine, or the jukebox in the entry way greeting you like an old friend. There’s even a Golden Tee machine shoe-horned into a shadowy corner. Did I mention two for $5 on beer and wine for $2 a glass? Whiskey is cheap, too, and it’s served by a fresh-faced bartender who should be showing you his ID. Nevertheless, the service is adequate and seating is plentiful so invite your friends over for a nightcap at the Back Door Pub.

Carpe Drink’em,

Neil, host

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

“Cause I’m a back door man/The men don’t know/But the little girls understand” – Willie Dixon, as interpreted by Jim Morrison

September 14th, 2011: Ye Rustic Inn

World Dive Bar Tour — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:32:46 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 14th, 2011

Ye Rustic Inn
1831 N. Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
map

“What is that smell?”

“Chicken Wings!”

This week we go old, medieval. Or country. The name is confusing. The place is dark. The window is blacked. The interior is illuminated by a handful of TVs, a tequila shrine and the radiance of the inhabitants. The music is loud and the roar of Bachman-Turner Overdrive is wholly appropriate. Because tourists, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Our stop is the Ye Rustic Inn. The name is confusing - everything else is straight forward. The wings are great. Do ye a favor and order a plate or do a favor for us all and get two. They have a late night happy hour that brings in the fun locals. And I don’t mean hipsters; they are across the street at The Drawing Room . Making an off color comment about Bristol Palin at the Rustic and you might meet the man that is producing her reality show or at least claims to be. (I hope he was telling the truth.) The Inn is perfect for a mid-week party and bullshit.

Carpe Drink’em,

The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

“B-B-B-Baby, you just ain’t seen n-n-n-nothin’ yet” - BTO

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
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!

March 30th, 2011: Mariscos Los Kabo’s

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:31:20 +0000

WEDNESDAY, March 30th, 2011

Mariscos Los Kabo’s
4168 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
map

At our last dive bar, the first in a series of three ‘underground’ locations in our fair city, those who arrived late discovered just how underground we mean as we were nowhere to be found and the bar closed early to prepare for their crush of drunkards the following morning. With our apologies to the snafu regarding our St. Patrick’s Day debacle please rest assured there is no danger of such a tragedy befouling our enjoyment of this weeks dive.

This week, we visit Mariscos Los Kabo’s and it is just about as far from your typical nightlife establishment as any we have ever attended on the tour. While it is possible to ‘check in’ at the bar via popular social networking applications…. nowhere would you find any inkling of what is in store. Los Kabo’s does not even merit a glib Yelp review by a hipster bag raving about the authentic cultural experience… until now.

Mariscos Los Kabo’s is a Central American beer bar in the center of our fair city and is easy to miss unless you happen to notice faint glow of neon light and the drone of accordion music through the unassuming screen door. There are just a few caveats; the bar is cash only (but the beers only run a few dollars each), it may very well be a low key gay singles spot, the jukebox is quite loud and only loaded with songs in Spanish, and you will not find any Mariscos to speak of even though the bartender will bring you a bowl of peanuts and a plate of chopped cucumber and carrots doused with picante sauce when you order a beer. Yet, there is a quality Salvadorean / Honduran restaurant right next door and a burrito shack across the street if you feel a bit peckish.

Carpe Drink’em,

Brian & Travis, hosts

for The World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee

I’m not trying to be some kind of underground renegade. ~Alex Winter

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
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!

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

September 15th, 2010: The Roost

admin — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:41:51 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 15th, 2010

The Roost

3100 Los Feliz Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA

This Wednesday, the World Dive Bar Tour will deviate slightly from our previously stated intentions with a visit to the Atwater Village landmark known as The Roost. A perennial tour favorite that this year’s original calendar bypassed under misguided concerns of geographical parity, The Roost is a roomy and comfortable environment for mid-week celebration, which is exactly what we’ll be doing this Wednesday as a result of some well-timed tour-devotee birthdays. Fun Fact: The first official WDBT after the reigning Co-Czars took over happened at The Roost many years ago.

Although you may find yourself mildly disappointed in The Roost if only drawn in by the promise of “BIG TV” on the bar’s vintage 1960s sign (the TV itself being only slightly more modern than a 1960s vintage), the cheap drinks, friendly service, and abundant free popcorn should quickly make up for it.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

September 1st, 2010: Hinano Cafe

World Dive Bar Tour — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:49:17 +0000

WEDNESDAY, September 1st, 2010

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.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

April 28th, 2010: Dave’s on Broadway

World Dive Bar Tour — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:28:08 +0000

WEDNESDAY, April 28th, 2010

Dave’s on Broadway
708 E. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
map

It is not very often that the World Dive Bar Tour makes its way somewhere without a Los Angeles address, but this week will bring us all to the fine city of Glendale. Once you step away from the rampant consumerism of Brand Blvd. one will find the small town charm in the city’s quality collection of dive bars. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Glendale Ave, Dave’s is easy to miss. Keep an eye open for the red lit sign and the neon in the window, which simply hints at the quality within.

Dave’s on Broadway is a dive bar of the most typical sort. It is fit into a basic storefront configuration 40-ish feet wide by 100-ish feet deep, with a dark doorway in the front, a long bar along one side of the room, a pool table to the side, and a not so secret back entrance. The mixed drinks will set you back just a few bucks, the domestic oat sodas even less, and the bartender might just be wearing a classy old school white dress shirt and a thin black tie - just the way it should be. There might be free pizza, there might be karaoke or some sort of live musical performance of dubious quality, and there most certainly will be friendly senior citizens ready to make conversation with the slightest perception of eye contact.

Carpe Drink’em,

Alex, Damien, & Travis - WDBT Co-czars

"In the early 1880s town names such as Etheldean, Minneapolis, Portosuelo, Riverdale, San Rafael, and Verdugo were proposed. Following Thanksgiving dinner in 1883, settlers met at the schoolhouse (which also served as the community church) on lower Verdugo Road to discuss the possible names for the town. Ultimately, a young woman painter from Chicago offered the two word name "Glen Dale" and it was approved."

–Glendale Historical Society