There’s something liberating about entering a dark, unkempt, dirty dive bar- the lack of pretense frees you to be exactly who you are. And in a land crowded with posh clubs and sexy “see and be seen” scenesters out to make an impression (and land their latest role), these 10 dive bars are gems of drinking holes guaranteed too be your favorite hideaway. Grab your drinking buddy and check out the greatest dives in the City of Angels.
#1 Footsie's
2640 N Figueroa Street
(323) 221-6900
The number one spot on our list inevitably goes to Footsie’s (and that’s with a wonderfully large cockroach just chillin’ on the sidewalk in front of this Dodger Stadium-adjacent dive.) The no-name save for the eponymous fluorescent pink “Cocktails” sign box of a building is in a rough part of town, but once inside, you are greeted with a warm cozy feeling of the ultimate hideaway. Amber-hued lamps, original wood floors and a woodsy aroma give way to a chill and ultimately
relaxing vibe. A DJ spins a few nights a week, but he doesn’t
leave your head throbbing.
#2 HMS Bounty
3357 Wilshire Blvd.
(213) 385-7275
Open up and say “Arrrgh” and plant your booty inside the barnacle-encrusted pirate ship turned dive bar in Koreatown. The oldest pick on our list at years strong, the HMS Bounty is a watering hole that has weathered every trend in Hollywood nightlife bedecked with its varied ephemera of model ships and pirate-inspired décor. A hipster haunt for sure, but the crowd also attracts regulars who seem to have been around since the Queen Mary landed.
#3 The Dime
442 N Fairfax Ave
(323) 651-4421
Though recently refurbished, The Dime serves simplicity in swanky settings to musicians, actors, and wannabes. Located in the heart of LA’s indie music scene, the tracks are too cool for words and its crowd is decidedly friendly. The tiny dive is comfortable and modern, but we can never figure out who those scant tables are actually reserved for.
#4 St. Nick's Pub
8450 W Third St
(323) 655-6917
You gotta love an Irish pub where cocktails are served by the pint—and you don’t have to be Irish to get lucky with these cheap, strong libations. Though this post-collegiate hangout doesn’t serve any beer on tap, the mixed drinks are potent enough to knock you on your arse. The jukebox is one of the best in LA, featuring ‘80s hair bands and classic rockers. Don’t be surprised if you see said stars hovered in a booth in the back.\
#5 The Daily Pint
2310 Pico Blvd
(310) 450-7631
A pint a day probably won’t keep the doctor away, but this SaMo bar will at least keep your cares at bay. Despite the sunshine and sea breezes pouring through the open front door, you’ll be distracted by a huge bar buckling from the hundreds of whiskeys and beers on tap. Flotsam of a crowd not entertaining enough? Then find hours of fun playing darts, shuffleboard, foosball, pool and Jenga.
#6 The Barrel
4545 Van Nuys Blvd.
(818) 990-2095
If the sawdust on the floor doesn’t scream dive, perhaps the smell of stale beer choking this Valley watering hole will. Karaoke night always brings a good crowd but this tiny spot fills up fast on most nights. Shuffleboard and darts keep buds bonding, but it’s the friendliness of the trucker-esque and 20-something crowd that makes this a great spot for meeting new people.
#7 The Short Stop
1455 W Sunset Blvd
(213) 482-4942
The Short Stop was once a cop stop, but now serves as your last stop to get wasted. This recently revitalized dive houses four large rooms and an extensive bar and beer list. Pick from the game room featuring darts, shuffleboard, a pool table and a photo booth, the back smoking patio, or the main room to sweat out on the dance floor. Dancing on tables is strongly recommended, as is an “anything goes” attitude. Be prepared to wait in line on weekends.
8 The Room
1626 N. Cahuenga Blvd
(323)462-7196
Maybe it’s an oxymoron, but this “upscale dive” is Hollywood’s favorite hideaway. Fitting everything we love about dives (dark, hidden), it lacks everything that makes snobs hate dives (clean, chic, and sexy). The Room is a hipsters haven, especially for those looking for intimacy away from the maddening crowds. The seemingly endless bar opens up to snug booths and a small dance area, but landing a spot at the counter guarantees conversation with
Hollywood’s deal makers.
#9 Good Luck Bar
1514 Hillhurst Ave
(323) 666-3524
The dreadfully cheesy and authentic Chinese décor charms bar-hoppers with paper lanterns, lacquered walls, and plastic dragons in every one of their specialty cocktails. Whacky bartenders and friendly patrons give the place a personality, but try any of their sexually suggestive cocktails (The Golden Snake is recommended) and know that popping the hefty price on the one drink will get you comfortably numb. Consider yourself lucky.
#10 Red Lion Tavern
2366 Glendale Blvd
(323) 662-5337
It’s endless Oktoberfest at this Silver Lake pub, where a beer garden nurtures any beer lovers palate for the rare and amazing. The German-style two-story bar is kitschy, yet cool, featuring live music (e.g. Hell’s Angel retiree on the keys), video poker, an obligatory jukebox, and rowdy crowd. Authentic Bavarian fare is an experience in itself.
Click for more info on Red Lion Tavern.