Los Angeles Dive Bars Giving Bougie Clubs a Run for Their Money
Updated: May 30
Los Angeles dive bars packing in the drinkers, offering cheaper booze & real vibes (pictured, The Viper Room)
Friday, May 14, Los Angeles, Ca
written by Entertainment Editor, Dan Ruth
One of the best things about LA cocktail culture is that if you want to, you can run as far away as possible from LA cocktail culture! One of the best ways to do that is to explore LA's dive bars instead, because they actually have them here. Dives provide a perfect recipe for getting away from the bougie and into the booze. They normally provide a setting where you don't really know if it's day or night, they are much easier on your wallet and it's hard to drink in a dive and not meet some of the coolest, weirdest people on the planet. As an old friend once told me, "if you're at a bar and to one side, you're talking to a 23 year old hustler whose parents run an illegal mountain distillery in West Virginia, and to the other side, a 70 year old woman in a Prada gown, a mink stoll with beer and peanut shells all over it, and she's only wearing one high heel, you're probably in a dive." Dives are a real deal and they're here to stay. Drink responsibly y'all, and when you can't, call a car.
The Viper Room
Some would argue that The Viper Room isn't a dive as much as it's an institution, so for sake of this article, let's just say that it's an institutional dive. You're going to pay a cover charge but keep it real, this venue has always been a supporter of up and coming musical acts, so consider it a gratuity if nothing else. The upstairs can can quite crowed, but I love the cushy booths which are perfect for seeing the live acts and chilling with a group of friends. The rock and roll vibe is always front and center here, so have a cocktail and enjoy. One of the nights I went, they were playing pretty deep cuts from bands that you might never have heard of, but this guy knows what the band Starz sounds like and it made me dance.
Frank n Hank
Speaking of institutions, this dive is a true drinkers paradise, from the kitschy vintage signage, to the dark interior, this place is always crowded with drinkers in the know, sporting cheep booze, the perverbal dive bar pool table, dart board and a great jukebox. Frank n Hank is a K-town staple but like most situations in this hood, don't expect easy parking, better yet, don't drive if you're going to have an evening here.
Tiny's Hi-Dive
If you like your dive to be oh-so slightly more "upscale" than most, Tiny's Hi-Dive is located right off the 10 on Pico, and this is one super-chill bar that's hard to pass by. No wonder the owners refer to it as "fine-diving!" Divy but clean, Tiny's is the kind of place that most customers don't talk about because they want to claim it as their own, and it's obvious why. Tiny's prices are right, especially at happy hour and they not only serve food here, but vegan food as well. I mean, there's always time for a few drinks and a Smash Burger on the way back from the beach, right?
The Entire Block of Cahuenga from Hollywood to Fountain This block in the heart of Hollywood is quickly turning into Bourbon Street West. Seriously, if you can't find a great bar, a strong drink, a place to dance or a quick bite on this crawl, then there's no hope for any of us. This Block has everything, even a piano bar for those who like their buzz served lounge-style. I'm a big fan of the red lights and goth vibe of The Burgundy Room (they have an Emo Night) and like to kick back with some delicious drinks and food at the newly opened Tribute Hollywood across the street. If all else fails and you just can't chose, close your eyes, have someone spin you and pick a joint, just try not to hurl.
What's your favorite dive bar? Let us know about it!
Comments