The Top Dive Bars that Rock in Los Angeles
Other times, you just want to enjoy your Marlboros and underpriced cocktail while rocking out with good company and great music.
Although the double-digit martini and smog-filled but smoke-free air reign supreme in the swank and world-renowned hotspots of Los Angeles nightlife, there remain a few bastions of simpler times and better music. You may be bewildered by the barkeep’s double-speak insistence that no smoking is allowed as he hands you a makeshift ashtray, but after visiting one of these holes in the wall, you’ll be hooked on the unpretentious ambience and down-to-earth population of each of these bars. After all, laid-back cool, not frenetic commercialism, is what makes any L.A. bar truly authentic.
1. The Colorado Bar
2640 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626.449.3485
Nestled between an indie record store and a Guitar Center in sleepy Pasadena is one of the finest watering holes in greater Los Angeles. A perennial favorite among Angelenos in the know, the Colorado’s dark walls hold modestly framed accolades from the city’s best newspapers as well as regular Scott Weiland, front man for rock band Stone Temple Pilots.
The jukebox, with CDs donated by Poobah Records next door, is one of the best in town and is replete with rock, from classic to progressive. Depending on who’s popping the quarters, you could hear Elvis, Nirvana, or anything in between. Best of all, as long as you ask nicely, the barkeep will be glad to crank it up to 11 when your favorite tune starts spinning.
The drinks are well-made and cheap; and, as in many die-hard dives in L.A., you can still light up a ciggie without harassment. But the thing that keeps the ‘Rado’s religious regulars coming back probably has more to do with the clientele than the drink menu. The bartenders, although not school-marmishly strict, will not hesitate to “86” (a.k.a., ban for life) any offensive characters, including but not limited to mashers, brawlers, sloppy drunks, creeps, and pervs. With this kind of gatekeeping, anyone can get into this dive; but you only get to stay on good behavior, which makes for a very enjoyable time and comfortable atmosphere for all.
Pool aficionados will find a few talented sharks lingering around the two billiards tables, and a game of darts often serves as punctuation for a good conversation. But don’t expect to find high heels and hookups here. Famously low-key, the Colorado’s social scene is more about good friends than one-night stands.
Visit the Colorado’s Los Angeles CitySearch page to read reviews and learn more.
2. The Rainbow Bar and Grill
9015 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.278.4232
In its heyday, the Sunset Strip – that legendary stretch of Sunset Boulevard between the Whisky-a-Go-Go and the Key Club – was “a blaze of brilliance” where one could spot – and party with – rock-and-roll royalty. These days, between the emo-hipster young crowd and the more washed-up, hair-metal die-hards in their forties, the Strip seems to have lost some of its splendor.
Still, in the Rainbow, gold records and signed guitars will always adorn the walls; and the rockers just keep coming. The establishment holds three bars: an upstairs counter next to the dance floor, a crowded bar downstairs next to the restaurant, and the outdoor patio bar. The bar on the Rainbow’s patio, although not what anyone would call a best-kept secret, is a great place to grab a strong drink and take in what’s left of the Screaming Eighties. Best of all, since it’s technically outdoors, smoking is allowed.
Some say you can still see celebrities at the Rainbow; however, the weekends bring herds of trend-seekers, who diminish the ambience considerably. For the true dive experience, hit up the patio bar late on a weeknight. You might be surprised at who wanders in.
Good news for those leaving shows at the Whisky and Roxy: Dinner, including the famously well-made pizza, is served until 2 a.m. For more information, go to the bar’s website.
3. The Little Rock
5507 Reseda Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
818.881.9833
Although located in one of the less fashionable areas of the already unfashionable San Fernando Valley, the Little Rock is a favorite hangout for locals; and everyone in L.A. knows a band that has performed there.
Tuesday through Saturday, you can hear live music ranging from hip-hop DJs to altrock quartets, and the nightly drink specials make the already-cheap booze even more attractive. Staff members are friendly, and the clientele is laid-back; but don’t expect to spot any celebrities here. If you show up on a night when the tunes don’t suit your rockin’ style, you can always head a few blocks down Reseda Boulevard to Paladino’s for higher prices, VIP-section snobbery, and consistently head-banging good times.
You can find out more about the Little Rock by visiting the bar’s MySpace page.
