LOS ANGELES HISTORIC BARS A-D

LOS ANGELES HISTORIC BARS, PUBS, DIVES, SALOONS & TAVERNS OF THE 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's (A-D)

Below you will find a number of excellent bars or restaurants that have nice bars. Remember DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Unless you are staying at a hotel within walking distance - do as I do and enjoy the ambiance and conversation while drinking an O' Doul's or a Perrier. It's not worth risking your life or the lives of others! A few places listed are complete dives. I make no representations whatsoever about the safety of any place on this site. You need to check around before going into any bar (especially women) - look at reviews on the internet and talk to people who have previously gone there. I have visited everyplace on the site, but I often go at times early in the morning when there is no one there. Just because I had a good experience does not mean you will!
(Freddie's) 35er, 12 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 626-356-9315 since 1962 Monday-Friday 12:30pm-2am, Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-2am T	Rumored to be the oldest bar in Pasadena. Mostly remodeled, it has some remnants of old wood here and there. Nice place to hang out with the crowd. Can't beat their neon sign out front. Near DeLacey's Club 41 and not far from Monty's Steak House (closed), El Cholo (Pasadena branch) Mexican Restaurant, Gus's Barbeque Restaurant, the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and the Rialto Movie Palace. You can't beat Pasadena for a time machine tour!
36 36 Club, 3636 E. Broadway, Long Beach, California 562-438-5365 T T	I went here during the day when it was virtually empty. Old bar counter, interesting wooden ceiling. Mildly old feel. Obviously a nice neon sign out front. People seemed friendly enough. I have no idea what kind of vibe this place has at night. Lot's of pool tables. Long beach has quite a collection of old bars. Near the V Room bar, the Reno Room bar, Clancy's bar, Haskell's Prospector restaurant and bar and Joe's Jost bar.
The Airliner Bar, 2419 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (323) 221-0771 T T	If one has to remodel a classic bar, this is the way to do it. Very tastefully freshened up but much of the original interior remains. I stepped in right when it opened and no one else was there, so I can't tell you about the vibe at night. Nice Art Deco pictures. I guess this area is called Lincoln Heights. First time I've been there, but it looked like an interesting area.
Alhambra Cocktail Lounge, 216 W. 11th St. San Pedro, CA 90731 310 548 4000 (since 1936) T T	Over the years I've past by a number of bars in San Pedro with interesting neon signs. I've been tempted to go in given their ancient appearance, but frankly I'm too much of a wimp. I recently summons up the courage, asking myself - How bad can things be on a Sunday morning around 10:00AM (while also being surprised these places were open and people were imbibing) ? On the particular day I went at least, the answer was not bad at all. Rather pleasant in fact. Of course, there was only one other rather elderly gentleman in the bar at the time. However, I make no representations that my experience can be replicated by anyone else at any time or date. See my warnings page. It's also a good idea to check out reviews of the place on the internet. That being said, the bar tender was very nice. She explained that the bar dates from the '30s (the oldest one San Pedro) and it used to be the city's jail. Apparently, the jail still exists under the bar (with a sealed entrance under the juke box). The health department made them seal it up. Talk about a great place for a reality TV show! You've got to figure also that Bukowski living out his last years in San Pedro must have visited all of the San Pedro dives. I'd like to say "if it's good enough for Bukowski, it's good enough for me ...but ..no." Did I mention to read my warnings page?
(The) Arsenal - 12008 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 575-5511 Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 6pm-2am T T T (see home page for explanation)
Boardner’s, 1652 N. Cherokee Ave. Hollywood 90028-6212, 323-462-9621, 11:30am to 2:00am daily, since 1942 Rating: T T T T (but recently remodeled)	Venerable and historic old bar and restaurant. It appears this location was first known as the "Cherokee House" in the 1930s. When Steve Boardner first took it over it was called the "52 Club". Stephen L. Boardner was born around 1914 and married at least three times, including a very brief marriage to actress Crystal Reeves. Boardner's was featured in the movie "Ed Wood". The crowd at nighttime is definitely more interesting. It's funny how the ambiance of a bar, like this one, improves dramatically at night. This place is nice and dark. Generally a young crowd, and apparently very crowded on Goth night. Despite the young crowd, this place doesn't make the mistake of playing music so loud, you can't have an intelligent conversation. The current owner, Tricia La Belle, is very nice and very civic minded. Don't waste your time in the so called new, hip and trendy clubs sprouting up in Hollywood - this is the place to be! UPDATE: The place has just undergone a complete remodel in an art deco style. I'll keep it on this page in any event, since the owner is very nice and it's an attractive remodel and still a very pleasant place. Despite the changes, it still feels like the Boardner's I've always loved. Near the Frolic Room bar, the Pantages Theater, Miceli's Italian Restaurant, Musso and Frank's Restaurant, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Grauman's Chinese and Egyptian theaters, and the Power House bar.
Big Dean's Muscle-In Cafe, 1615 Ocean Front walk, Santa Monica 310-393-2666 since 1902 T T	Well I finally made it out to Santa Monica and in the afternoon, this is about the only classic bar open. You don't want to get trapped in Santa Monica past 4:00pm if you need to end up back downtown before 7:00pm on a week day (I guess I exaggerate) . I'm still not used to Los Angeles traffic (although people have met on highways out here and eventually married due to the parking lot type conditions some days). Despite being fairly austere and full of knick knacks, this place is friendly enough and right off the beach. The place looks like it was originally made with the wood from crates, now with a nice patina. If my information that it was built in 1902 is correct, I would think that makes it the oldest bar in the LA metro area (although I don't think it was always called Big Dean's). If anyone is aware of an older one, let me know. By the way, this is not on the pier, it's the walkway or sidewalk that goes along the beach near the pier. Near the Galley restaurant, Snug Harbor restaurant, Rae's restaurant, Casa Escobar Mexican restaurant and the Circle bar.
The Blue Room, 916 S. San Fernando Road Burbank, CA 91521 323-849-2779 10AM-2AM Daily (since 1947) T T T T T This picture doesn't really get the blue color right, but it's the best I could do with a flash.	This was quite a find for me. A pristine 50s bar with a great neon sign. Seemed to have a friendly crowd in the afternoon and at night gets taken over generally by a younger crowd (although lacking the affluence of Westsiders). I have always found that indirect dark blue lights put me in a great introspective and relaxed mood, so I definitely have a bias for this place. It's the kind of blue lighting I like to call "David Lynch blue". David Lynch uses that sort of lighting brilliantly in his movies and this bar would make a great movie set, right out of "Mulholland Drive ". Highly recommended. Not far from the Smokehouse Restaurant, Genio's restaurant (now closed), Bob's Big Boy Restaurant, the Safari Inn, Chili John's Restaurant, Bella Vista Italian Restaurant, Frank's Steakhouse and the Fox Fire Room bar.
Brass Monkey, 659 S Mariposa Ave , Los Angeles, CA 90005 (213) 381-7047 T	I don't know much about the history of this place. Apparently the space was once a bank vault. This gives it an interesting shape. When you walk in it's a bit of a surprise to see the dark wood and old feel, since the exterior is a fairly modern office building (the historic Tishman building). Time machine? I'm not sure, but nice bar with a very friendly staff. Nice analog cash register - always the mark of a good place. I hear the Karaoke is great here, although I haven't been to it yet (it's the kind of Karaoke place where you probably need to be able to sing well I hear). If you're into it, you have a good chance of seeing the occasional Movie or TV star here. Near the HMS Bounty restaurant, Frank 'n Hanks bar, Langer's Deli, Taylor's Steakhouse the remains of the Brown Derby Restaurant Hat and the Prince Korean Restaurant.
Buccaneer Bar, 70 W Sierra Madre Blvd Sierra Madre, CA 91024-2434 626-355-9045	The Buccaneer started out a few doors down. It apparently moved some 15 years or so ago to the present location, but the owner had the great intelligence to save and incorporate the incredible Frank Bowers artwork. Frank Bowers has become my favorite painter. His work (that I describe as being a cross of Vargas and Tamara de Lempicka - but what do I know about art???) is also seen at the Embers Lounge and Foc'sle bars (if anyone knows of any other bars that have his paintings - please let me know. I hear one of his paintings was stolen from the Colorado Bar - are there any left?). The faces he uses in his paintings often are inspired by movie stars. There is a very obvious Victor Mature in this mural and I believe Charles Laughton as well (not pictured due to "G" rating of this site and the pretty wench next to him.). Who do you recognize? This bar is not what I would call a time machine due to its "recent" move, but it is a very pleasant place. Sierra Madre reminds me a bit of Montrose - a really wonderful old downtown area that has become somewhat upscale. Nice place to walk around with a nice old theater. Looks like a great place to live.
The Bull Pen Restaurant and Bar, 314 Avenue I, Redondo Beach, CA 310-375-7797 T T T	Ya gotta love Redondo Beach (especially the Pier) and this place fits right in with the pleasant vibe. It seems like a very local place. Laid back and relaxing. Not too far from Thelen's Mermaid restaurant, Uncle John's Pancakes restaurant, the Lighthouse bar, and the Alpine Inn restaurant and supper club.
Casey's Bar - 613 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA (213) 629-2353 (since 1971) T T T	This great bar and grill is a perfect example of how one can successfully recreate an excellent time machine. If I have my information right, most of the old fixtures here were actually imported antiques from Ireland. They had me fooled - everything looks like it has been there since the 1930s (instead of the early '70s). Good food and outgoing staff. Very convenient downtown location. Not far from the Yorkshire Grill and The Standard Hotel, Clifton's Cafeteria, the Original Pantry Cafe, and Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet French Dipped Sandwiches.
The Chalet,1630 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 258-8800	This bar is actually only a few years old, but they have done a great job of recreating an old classic lounge. A good variety of eclectic music is played here - including lounge music. The classic neon signs out side lured me in, without realizing what a nice place loomed inside. It looks like they spent a fortune on this place. Dark and cozy with a fireplace. My only fear is this place is so cool, the unwashed masses may not "get it" (I am at least occasionally washed). Hope they do, because this is a nice addition to Eagle Rock. UPDATE: I hear this place is packed most nights and very successful. I guess the people still do like classic lounges. Not far from Colombo's Restaurant, the Capri Restaurant, the Bucket Restaurant, the Casa Bianca Restaurant and all the great Pasadena places.
Chez Jay’s, 1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, 310 395-1741 since 1959 T T	This bar and restaurant is beloved by a multitude of people, who feel passionately about it. It apparently has a long history of being a celebrity hang. The name comes from being a French Restaurant. The bar looks fairly unremodeled, although the restaurant part looks like it has been fairly recently redone to look upscale. The neon sign outside is truly excellent. I need to go back I think to get more of a feel for this place. I don’t know why Santa Monica always leaves me feeling lukewarm. The city is probably not “divey” enough for me. Maybe it’s my love/hate relationship with all things upscale. I like to observe the upscale crowd but I obviously will never fit in or feel comfortable in those environs (except perhaps in the ultra friendly, ultra-professional Beverly Hills hotel). Not far from the Galley Restaurant, Snug Harbor Restaurant, Casa Escobar Mexican restaurant , Big Dean's bar, Rae's Diner, Dolores coffee shop and the Circle Bar.
Chimneysweep, 4354 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, (818) 783-3348 T T T	Old bar with a friendly, well worn feel. Very well maintained and very clean. Warm staff and good old regulars. Similar to the Fox Fire Room bar. Not far from the Ventura Blvd tour of Sportsmen Lodge, Art's Deli, Dupar's restaurant, (former) Barone's Italian Restaurant and the La Frite French restaurant.
The Cinema Bar, 3697 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 310 390 1328 T T T T (since 1947)	Great find in Culver City. This bar is in excellent shape despite the knick knacks. Very friendly bartender the day I visited. Wonderfully un-remodeled exterior and interior. I hadn't been in Culver City for 15-20 years and was surprised how nice it looks. They have really put some money into this city (which once produced more movies than Hollywood). In the early years of Hollywood, the city was a big star hangout because it did not have the Los Angeles liquor laws and was a really rowdy town. Near Dear John's Restaurant, Tito's Tacos, Johnie's Pastrami restaurant and Dinah's family restaurant.
Clancy's, 803 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802 , 562-437-1836 T T T T (at least before the remodel)	Just discovered this really nice old bar and restaurant. The oldest Irish bar in Long Beach. Very nice interior, especially in the bar area. Unfortunately the new owner is planning to remodel it soon (but may leave something of the old feel). I gave him my best pitch about Time Machines, but he wasn't convinced. You can't blame any owner for remodeling if it improves business. I'm beginning to realize that "us" time machine lovers are relatively few in number. Not enough to keep most places going, unless they are stubborn diehards who love the history of their places. Hopefully, the Gen X'ers and hipsters are rediscovering these places. Just as an aside, one of the great human foibles is the assumption that what is of interest to yourself is also of interest to others. I often drag new friends to time machines and find the only thing of interest to them is the quality of the food. My love of Los Angeles history is not all that common I guess (although in a city this big, even small percentages can be large numbers) One thing I will say in my defense is that the more things one is interested in, the more enjoyable life becomes. While some people (if forced to) will walk down Broadway in Los Angeles just commenting on how dirty or run down it is, I'm ecstatic looking at the old terrazzo, the terra cotta ornamentation, pointing out what happened when and where in buildings, listening to the Norteno music, noticing someone is an indigenous Guatemalan, listening to their language, observing the human interactions, etc. etc. I guess one person's heaven is another person's hell!
Club Tee Gee, 3208 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 323 669-9631 (since 1946) T T (but looks older)	Pronounced like the names of the letters "T" and "G" .This bar has a great neon sign in front and plenty of parking in back. Although the interior was redone around 12 years ago due to a fire, they have done a great job of recreating the old feel. Excellent bartenders (although somewhat puzzled by my ordering Perrier). They were playing Frank Sinatra on the jukebox when I came in which is always a plus. Not far from the Roost bar, the Red Lion Restaurant, Astro Family Coffee shop, the Tam O'Shanter Restaurant and Algemac's former site.
Coach & Horses, 7617 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 323 876-6900 since 1937 T T T T	Well preserved bar. Very dark and nice old time feel. For a while it became a Mexican restaurant called Viva Tirado (Tirado being the name of the owner, a former Matador, in the 70's). At night it's a young crowd. I can listen to virtually all forms of music (for a brief period), including punk rock and rap, but recent hit music tends to detract from the time machine effect rather drastically. Hey guys - would at least one Frank Sinatra record on the jukebox hurt anyone! I need to visit this place in the daytime when I hear it has a different ambiance, but nevertheless I do highly recommend the place (at least on the days that it's not too loud and crowded.) Near Crossroads of the World and not too far from Taix French Restaurant, Millie's restaurant, Tiki Ti, the El Cid Restaurant, the Short Stop bar, the Brite Spot and El Chavo Mexican restaurant.
Cole’s Buffet, 118 E. 6th St. Los Angeles 90014 (213) 622-4090, since 1908. Mon-Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm T T T T T (the bar area)	Arguably the oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant in the same location in Los Angeles. This place battles with Philippe’s for the claim of inventing the French Dipped Sandwich. Located in the Pacific Electric Railway building that once ran all the great trolley cars (which by the way can still be seen and ridden in in a unique museum in Perris, California). I thought the food was very good here, but it is in a part of town not for the meek of heart (although rapidly gentrifying - for better or worse). The site of the "Night Owl" from LA Confidential is across the street. Established by Harry Cole. Previous owners were Ted and Mike Mandekic (Mandecik?) and Jimmy Barella was a bar tender here from 1925 to 1970. Update: Things are a bit scary about this great old place's future, as the Pacific Electric Building becomes yet another "loft" building. Apparently it is losing it's two back rooms and may be up for sale. As long as they continue to serve French Dipped Sandwiches and keep the bar area untouched, I can live with that. Anything more and I hope preservationists look into it. The great "gap" in preservation law is that it's almost impossible to protect interiors (correct me if I'm wrong). I can't tell you how sad I will be if someday I visit and find the bar area turned into some generic upscale place. The bar is one of Los Angeles's greatest pieces of living history. Cole's has been designated a "cultural monument" but so was Finney's Cafeteria and that didn't save it. UPDATE II: The place has a new owner and is being renovated (it will be closed during renovations). This is very worrisome to me even though the owner promises "no architectural changes". I really hope little if any changes are done to the bar and red booth area. UPDATE III: I'm getting reports from David P. that Cole's has been gutted. I suppose they could still put the original bar counter and red booths back in, but I've never seen any place recover its personality and feel after being gutted. It's amazing that this could be done to the oldest and one of the most historic bars and restaurants in Los Angeles without a peep from the public. I for one am giving up. Just about no one cares anymore. Not far from Clifton's Cafeteria, Casey's, the Original Pantry Cafe, Cosmo's, Hop Louie's and the Yorkshire Grill and their arch rival, Philippe the Original restaurant.