Are you sick of the scene-y Los Angeles crowd? Hand in your bandage skirts, button downs and stilettos and go incognito at dark and seedy dive bar. Here are some divey spots to relax and enjoy your friends.
El Cid
El Cid is an old-school hangouts that has been around for years and will continue to be around for years. The indoor/outdoor space is relaxed, breezy and always filled with a laid-back crowd. 4212 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.668.0318
The Mandrake
Over the last few years, The Mandrake has become increasingly hip, but it’s still dark and has a disheveled vibe. If you still want your fancy drinks and an occasional DJ set, but like a dive, then this is your spot. 2692 S La Cienega Blvd.; 310.837.3297
Jumbo’s Clown Room
Jumbo’s is set up like a strip club, but if you’re not down with skin, don’t worry because the burlesque dancers are only scantily clad and put on a pretty impressive performance. This is a favorite and gets packed fast, so go early to kick off the night or head there super late. 5153 Hollywood Blvd.; 323.666.1187
Cafe Brass Monkey
Are you a karaoke-er? Head to this place that has it Monday-Friday starting at 4 pm and Saturday & Sunday at 8 pm. If you are more of a spectator, you can sit back, relax and order up one a cocktail off their menu of thousands. 3440 Wilshire Blvd.; 213.381.7047
Frolic Room
This historical Hollywood spot houses hipsters, theatergoers and regular “barflies”. This classic, no-frills dive sits right next door to the Pantages and serves up cheap drinks. 6245 Hollywood Blvd.; 323.462.5890
Gold Room
$4 for a pint of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, a shot of tequila and tacos. Is there more to even say? Hit this spot up for friendly bartenders, cheap drinks and a juke box blasting tunes. 1558 W Sunset Blvd.; 213.482.5259
Red Lion Tavern
The Red Lion Tavern has been in Los Angeles over 50 years and this spot tops most Eastsider’s lists. Grab traditional German bites and brews (the beer garden is even open during the day). 2366 Glendale Blvd.; 323.662.5337
No Bar
Do you fear nothing? Head to this dark and dingy bar full of debauchery. Whether you’re rocking out to the juke box or playing pool, this is a divey hot spot. 10622 Magnolia Blvd.; 818.753.0545
The Prince
This K-Town hideaway, hints at lounge-y, but that’s a small hint. The red banquettes and upscale antique décor brings in retro glam. Plus, some of the more famous Mad Men scenes have been filmed here. 3198 ½ West 7th St.; 213.389.1586
Snakepit Alehouse
This spot has been a Melrose staple for years. It’s a no frills bar right in the middle of bright, shiny, places on this famous strip. It’s so divey, they don’t even have AC! 7529 Melrose Ave.; 323.653.2011
4100 Bar
This dark lit bar sits hidden in Silver Lake. With fast service, a juke box, great prices and a hipster crowd, this neighborhood place gets packed by 10 pm. 1087 Manzanita St.; 323.666.4460
Chez Jay Restaurant
One of my first favs in Los Angeles, is this tiny, dive bar in Santa Monica. 9They have been serving for over 52 years!) You make miss it among all the big, ritzy hotels and restaurants, but walk through their half door and you won’t be disappointed. Their brunch is amazing and creative, not to mention cheap drinks! 1657 Ocean Ave.; 310.395.1741
Tiki-Ti
If you’re driving too fast on Sunset, you may miss Tiki-Ti. It’s a tiny, cash only, spot for the yummy tropical drinks. Not, that this gets me excited, but one of the only places in town where you can still light up a cigarette. All you smokers can commiserate over all the non-smoking bars. 4427 Sunset Blvd.; 323.669.9381
Other spots to check out:
The Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St., 323.462.62441
Frank N Hanks, 518 South Western Ave., 213.283.2087
Hank’s Bar, 840 South Grand Ave., 213.623.7718
Lost & Found, 11700 National Blvd., 310.397.7772
King Eddy Saloon, 131 E. 5th St., 213.629.2023
Footsie’s, 2640 North Figueroa St., 323.221.6900
The Roost, 3100 Los Feliz Blvd., 323.664.7272
HMS Bounty, 3357 Wilshire Blvd., 213.385.7275
Bar 107, 107 East 4th St., 213.625.7382
The Short Stop, 1455 West Sunset Blvd., 213.482.4942
Club Tee Gee, 3210 Glendale Blvd., 323.669.9631
Blipsy Barcade, 369 North Western Ave., 323.461.7067
