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

Lost and Found
11700 National Blvd. #D
Los Angeles, CA 90064
map

Adventure stories are based on some heavily clichéd mechanics. One, something is lost. Two, something must be found. And that said thing is always hidden in a dusty old hidden room. This week the World Dive Bar Tour quests for our lost treasure, a cheap drink. Our journey takes us to the Lost and Found, in a remodeled strip mall that just reinforces the adage, "true beauty is on the inside." The faux classical facade of fading days of consumerism and capitalist glory gives way to the warm wood paneled walls and acoustical tiled ceiling of a bygone time festooned with the trappings of a well appointed secret chamber:

A fireplace for warmth.
A crooked pool table for the sharks.
A jukebox of classic rock and soul for the previous generation.
A fancy "new" electronic dart board.
A box to fill with toys for the underprivileged youth this holiday (or christmas if you are into the culture war and live on that side of the fence) season. Why not bring something to fill your spirit with the season’s joys.
A cigarette machine for those that smoke only while drinking.
A client base with more gray hair than a powder whig trade show circa 1753.
And a bartender named Steve; graduate of Reno High School Class of 1969 and attendant of the inaugural Class of Archie Clayton Middle School (where my Pop Warner football teams practiced back-in-the-day.)

At Lost and Found, one can all find that missing ark, those mystic stones, the chalice or at least drink to forget the one that slipped away. True to its time, the payment scheme is archaic for the 21st century but these credit-less times it is back in vogue - CASH ONLY. (An ATM is on-site buy stashed next to the cig vending machine in a corner of vice.) And on a last note, there’s $3 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!

Brian, Sergeant of Arms and Legs

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

Step through the curtain into in this legendary Silver Lake establishment, and you’ll promptly be greeted by one of three Thai sisters, eager to check your ID. Don’t worry if you happen to be under age, though, as these ladies wouldn’t hesitate to serve a 12 year old — the thoroughness of ID checking is simply so that they can memorize your name, and call you by it for the rest of the night. Under ordinary circumstances, this level of interest in their bar’s patrons would be considered an exemplary model of customer service, except that the things they’ll be calling you for the rest of the night will not be very nice.

This is the Smog Cutter, after all — embodying either the best, or the worst, of all things dive. The place reeks of mildew, the service goes out of their way to insult you, and the drinks are warm and, surprisingly, a little overpriced given just how dire the surroundings are. But still we on the World Dive Bar Tour Executive Committee not only keep coming back for more, but have granted the Smog Cutter the honor of kicking off our 2010 calendar — a year that will undoubtedly be our best and boldest yet.

Many anecdotes come to mind to sum up all that is the Smog Cutter, from instances of crotch grabbings by the bartenders, to glass-shattering displays of karaoke madness, but it really all comes down to one member of the Executive Committee sitting with her hand on the bar, as a cockroach came scampering over her arm. With a quick "whack!", the cockroach was disposed of by a quick-thinking Czar, but the noise caused Sunshine, the legendary lead bartender, to come running.

"Oh no!" exclaimed Sunshine, "You kill Susie!"

As Sunshine cradled the dead roach in her hand, she took a closer look and, with a sigh of relief exclaimed…

"Ah, don’t worry. It just George."

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

"You must have known that I was lonely, because you came to my rescue. And I know that this must be heaven, how could so much love be inside of you?"

- Stevie Wonder

Cozy Inn
11155 Washington Place
Culver City, CA 90232
map

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 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.

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.

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

   "Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer."

                                                                    — Henry Lawson

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

Scarlet Lady Saloon
5411 Sepulveda Blvd.
The City of Culver City, CA 90230
Map

In honor of the passing of Valentine’s Day, this week The World Dive Bar Tour proudly visits one bar that will never complain the wilted roses you bought at an onramp to the 405 a few minutes prior to picking her up represented a failure to understand her needs and take the relationship seriously. A bar that will always put out after a nice steakhouse Valentine’s dinner, even if she’s apparently in the midst of experimenting with veganism and claims that she told you about it months ago, but you’re just a bad listener. Obviously, we’re talking about the Scarlet Lady Saloon, in the City of Culver City.

The last visit to the Scarlet Lady is of historical note on the tour, due to the invention that night of the LA Car Chase Drinking Game, wherein every time the chyron on KCAL-9’s broadcast of a speeding late-70s Japanese import is updated to a new Inland Empire municipality, the tour chugs. Given that there are far more municipalities than we initially assumed, and that the Datsun is a deceptively fast vehicle, even with only 3 functioning tires and a disabled woman lodged in the grill, little else is remembered from that night.

Be advised that The Scarlet Lady does take credit cards, so don’t let her near your wallet.

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-czarss

The Harbor Room
195 Culver Blvd.
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Map

The next time you get into an elevator with several people, take a moment to think about what it would be like should the power be interrupted and you’re left stranded between floors for an indefinite period of time. Only the dim glow of an emergency light fills the tiny space. You acknowledge the girl next to you and pretend like you know how to get the elevator going again. After pressing some buttons and a few failed attempts at open a nonexistent panel in the ceiling, you relent and sulk onto the floor. The close proximity to your fellow passengers inevitably aids in your getting to know one another. The conversation picks up and the mood lightens, but at no point do you forget the inescapable predicament afflicting everyone.

Now, imagine "Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love" begins to play softly from an old speaker above and everyone is suddenly holding a cocktail. A gentle, ocean breeze blows through the room. In the blink of an eye, the elevator car has been bisected by a wet bar, and the girl next to you is now a 55-year-old mustached man, wearing a USC polo, drinking Cutty Sark. You are immediately reminded of your favorite bar in Playa Del Rey, The Harbor Room, LA’s smallest licensed drinking establishment. This low-key, cash-only hole-in-the-wall is a popular nightcap for the baby boomers who live on the nearby bluff overlooking the sand. It offers many stiff, top-shelf drinks at well prices; and, for those of us who enjoy a Jim Beam, splash of coke (the "Tarr"), Harbor Room proudly serves only Beam Black.

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

Rae’s Lounge
10939 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

This Wednesday marks the last dive bar visit before a new President of the United States is elected. On November 5th, a number of our dive bar regulars will have a very big reason for hitting the bottle hard. Our nation will head in a new direction, and regardless of your views, some kind "change" is inevitable. It’s times like these that we should take comfort in the little things in life that don’t change, the little constants of our existence that we can always depend on come rain or shine. It’s times like these that we turn to our local watering hole, that dive around the corner that’s withstood the test of time, that has seen presidents come and go, yet has always managed to keep the drinks cheap regardless of high taxes.

This week we visit Rae’s Lounge, a bar that prides itself on consistency. Rae’s is the paragon of dive bars, featuring all the essentials from affordable stiff drinks to darts, pool, and karaoke. While some of our dives feature clowns or singing ninjas, Rae’s needs no gimmicks or calling cards. Rae’s is low-key, inconspicuous, and relies only on its strong character to build its reputation. There are only a few bars on the Tour that we can honestly label a "dive’s dive," and Rae’s Lounge is one of them.

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

]]> http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2008/10/22/october-22nd-2008-raes-lounge/feed/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2008/05/20/may-21st-2008-the-joker/ http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2008/05/20/may-21st-2008-the-joker/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 18:19:31 +0000 damien http://www.worlddivebartour.com/v1/2008/05/20/may-21st-2008-the-joker/ WEDNESDAY, May 21st, 2008

The Joker
2827 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Don’t let the name fool you. There is nothing funny about this bar and it makes no attempt at humor, inside and out. The crumbling painting of a jester overlooking the street and the faded production still next to the bar of a Jack Nicolson in "Batman" are the only allusions to the name donning the back door. Inside is a joyful yet somber ambiance enjoyed by regulars who take their drinking seriously and yearn for the indoor smoking ban to be repealed.

More than a just place to relax, Joker is an escape from the rigmarole and anxiety of life. Situated on an inconspicuous corner of a suburban stretch of Pico, it stands secluded from the traditional westside nightlife that attracts d-bags and hipsters who conflate bar-going and clubbing. The people here are friendly and engaging but respectful of those needing merely a stiff drink and time alone at the end of the bar.

Joker is arguably one of the finest bars on the west side, and it epitomizes everything the Tour celebrates. This is a dive’s dive, and if you make it to only one of them on the tour this year or you’re merely curious as to why we take this dive bar stuff so seriously, stop by this Wednesday.

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

"It is now time for me to relieve you, the little people, of your sad and useless lives. But, as my plastic surgeon always said, ‘If you gotta go, go with a smile.’"

- The Joker, Batman