Johnny's Saloon Poker Run, May 19th 2013

ET's Lounge, Temecula, CA

ET's Lounge 
27423 Jefferson Ave.
Temecula, CA
(951) 694-8282 ‎

• Price per domestic pitcher: $11.50
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/ Karaoke 

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's: 6
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Full Bar
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: Hard to find... there is no sign on the street and it's located in a strip mall. Kinda a weird set up out front, perhaps this location was once a liquor store. There is a taco dude at this location 6 days a week.  Once inside, the room is long. L-shaped bar with around 30 bar stools and 2 service stations. Past the bar, there is a dance floor, where Karaoke takes place, a few tables, a shuffleboard and 2 pool tables. I usually try to avoid bars that host Karaoke, but this wasn't so bad. It isn't obnoxiously loud, and the people actually know how to sing. The bar is cluttered with dollar bills. Feel free to add your own, just ask the bartender for a sharpie and a staple gun, you provide the dollar. You can put it ANYWHERE in the bar. Look for ours...
The Crowd: We arrived shortly after 8pm to find a hand full of locals and a gorgeous bartender whose name is Tamra. Once Karaoke kicked in, the place started filling up rather quickly. Definitely a local spot, but chill spot for sure.
Service: In the beginning it was quick, but as the night progressed and more patrons arrived, the slower the service got. The bar is quite long, and with one bartender on, it's quite a handful for her to handle.
Prices: $11.50 pitchers of PBR. $6.75 for a rather large shot of  Fireball.
Entertainment: 6 TV's, TouchTunes Jukebox, Karaoke, 2 pool tables, Shuffleboard, Golden Tee, Lottery Scratchers.
Restroom: Fabulous. Smelled good too. Very clean the entire night.
Closing statement: I recommend getting here around 10pm. Make it your ending bar. We had a great time. This is the local spot for my friends that I was visiting, so I am sure I will be back here again. I was told this is the best dive bar in Temecula, we hit 3 bars tonight and this was by far the best one. I highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

We give ET's Lounge a 5 out of 5

 

Sunset Lounge, Fullerton, CA

1043 W Orangethorpe Ave.
Fullerton, CA
(714) 525-0311 ‎

• Price per domestic pitcher: N/A
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/ Karaoke 

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's: 3
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Full bar - No draft beer
• ATM: Unk

The Bar: I arrived shorty after 8pm, the parking lot was a ghost town, with only 1 car out front which I think may have been the bartenders vehicle. The neon sign said "OPEN", but I was skeptical. Once in side.... empty, might as well been closed... a bartender and 1 customer, however I did bring a friend with me. The inside is huge. A large bar with the about 15 bar stools and plenty of table seating throughout the bar. To the left of the front door is a fully functional KJ booth along with some electronic dart boards and a pool table, to the right is the bar. The first thing I noticed at the bar, was a sign for $0.50 string cheese...score!
The Crowd: As I said above... 1 patron, who was kinda offended that I called his local watering hole a "dive". I assure you, this is a dive. From that point forward, I was pretty much interrogated by this guy and about the whole concept of DBC. More heads started showing up around 9:15pm for Karaoke.
Service: I can't exactly write a proper review on this due to the emptiness of this place. I can mention that there is No draft beer, kinda disappointed with that.
Prices: My only drink was a Bloody Mary ($4.00) since I was working though a pretty serious hangover from the night before. Other than the extreme spiciness, it was pretty delicious. Tasted as if it was made from scratch with plenty of olives. My friend started with shot of Jägermeister ($5.00) poured in those exact 1oz shot glasses... and a Bud Light ($3.00) and finished up with a PBR ($3.00).
Entertainment: Karaoke which is held Wednesday and Sunday 9:30pm - 1:30am, 3 electronic dart boards, 3 TV's - which 1 becomes occupied with the lyrics from Karaoke. 1 pool table.
Restroom: Dark brown tile, perhaps to hide the cleanliness. The smell consisted of cinnamon and ammonia. Also, it's a one person room, and with a bar this large, I could imagine one hell of a line on a busy night. If ya gotta go that bad, I guess there is the parking lot.
Bartender: Bartender tonight was Sheena. She's quite nice. It was recommended by a bartender at Lucky John's that I visit the night she was here.
Closing statement: Other than the guy who denies this being a dive, it was a cool, comfortable, chill night. The folks who came strictly for karaoke, were cool peeps, and quite good singers compared to most karaoke joints. I am going to try to make it back to this spot when there is more of a crowd.

We rate Sunset Lounge a 3 of of 5.

Swig Bar, Fullerton, CA

2466 Fender Ave.
 Fullerton, CA
(714) 871-9211
Swig Bar Facebook
http://theswigbar.com/

• Price per domestic pitcher: N/A
• Credit/Debit: Unk
• Parking: Public Lot/Street
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: TouchTunes Jukebox

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's: 8
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: Impossible to find without an address.. Located in a large commercial complex on a dead end street. A strange location for a bar. Parking consists of a few spaces near the bar, the rest of the lot has signs that say "No Swig Parking". There is ample parking on the street however. Once inside the door, you are at the bar... maybe 3 feet from the door.... to the right, there is table seating, atm, jukebox and the restrooms, to the left, more table seating, and the pool table. The bar does serve food, however I did not eat, but I heard the cook is fantastic. If you're not looking for a full meal, they do have complimentary peanuts at the bar.
The Crowd: Mostly men, as most bikini bars are. I'm guessing the majority of the patrons work nearby and occupy this spot on daily basis. Everyone I encountered was friendly and talkative.
Service: As I was expected to make an appearance here, the bartenders noticed me immediately and I had a beer in front of me within 15 seconds of being in the bar.
Prices: $3.75 16oz Coors Light cans. $3.75 tall cans of  PBR.
Entertainment: 1 pool table ($0.50), TouchTunes Jukebox, bar top touch game, 8 TV's.
Restroom: Co-ed, 1 person at a time, large area, not the best conditions. Could probably use an air freshener....or 10.
Bartenders: Katrina & Jena... Absolutely beautiful women. Katrina also works at Blondie's Saloon in Orange, CA.
Closing statement: As much as I wanted to stay and get annihilated, I wasn't able to, due to not having a DD, but I shall return again. Had a good time while I was there, and if you can find it, I certainly recommend checking it out. Check out the Car Show on May 4th @ Swig Bar "Hot Rods, Bikinis, and Beer". Free admission, all cars welcome. 

We rate Swig a 4 of 5

Ed's Stumble Inn Poker Run, April 6th, 2013

Headed out to the Ed's Stumble Inn Bicycle Poker Run in Fountain Valley. Started at Ed's Stumble Inn, then to O'Connell's Sports Pub & Grille, then Max's Sports Grill, then Johnny's Saloon and finally back to Ed's Stumble Inn for tacos! Everyone has a blast including myself. Thank you to Joe Huguenin (Owner of Ed's Stumble Inn) for allowing me to follow your group today!

Ed's Stumble Inn, Fountain Valley, CA

8896 Warner Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA
(714) 841-6245 ‎

• Price per domestic pitcher: $10.50
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's: 3?
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: Located in the southwest corner of a shopping center on Warner Ave. & Magnolia Ave. It is way back there so look hard for it. The sign for the bar is merely a banner attached to the roof. There is a neon sign that says "open" that you can see from anywhere in the parking lot. On the outside, there are a lot of pictures and newspaper clipping from the prohibition era. There is a TV outside, so that you can keep an eye on the game while you have a smoke. Inside, to the left are 6 electronic dart boards, to the right, a boxing game, which personally, i think it's a bad idea amongst drunk people, but whatever. Straight ahead, you'll find 2 pool tables, along with the bar.
The Crowd: Crowd was good tonight. Not terribly busy, which made it easy to maneuver around the inside. Most everyone was focused on a game or some sort, either darts or pool.
Service: Our beer-tender this evening was Dee. Service was excellent, and she was open to questions about the bar.
Prices: $10.75 domestic pitchers, $8.75 during happy hour. Import pitchers run you anywhere from $11.75-$17.75, which seems a little ridiculous. $3.75 Coors Light bottles, and even though this a beer & wine only bar, they do have (low percentage) $1 Jello shots.
Entertainment: Touch Tunes jukebox, 6 electronic dart boards, 2 pool tables, 1 boxing game, 1 golf game.
Restroom: Mens, Less then fabulous, Womens, was told, it was clean, was also told that I must mention there is a full length mirror inside.
Bartender Chat: Dee was cool, we chatted for a minute about prices, ect.
Closing statement: Not my first time in, certainly not my last. Had a good time, with good people. Plan to be back on April 6th, 2013 for the Stumble Inn Poker Run. Check out there Facebook page here Ed's Stumble Inn

 We rate Ed's a 4 out of 5.

Clubhouse Grille & Spirits, Placentia CA

2053 E. Orangethorpe Ave.
Placentia, CA
714-528-7000
http://chgrille.com/

• Price per domestic pitcher: $8.50
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/Live

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's: 14
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Full Bar
• ATM: Yes

I apologize in advance to all the grammar Nazi's, as I am still completely wrecked from last night.

The Bar: I was invited down here by a couple of Facebook fans. I have been to this spot a few times. but have never officially review it. Located in the northwest corner of a shopping center on Orangethorpe and Lakeview. The bar is large. Seating for about 15 at the bar, tables to the left with a stage for live music, and a couple of pool tables. There is a kitchen with some of the best Fish & Chips I've ever had. Behind the kitchen there is a huge dinning room in case you want to sit down and have dinner.
The Crowd: Intimidating at first. When I first arrived, there were two insanely drunk guys out front, which almost deterred me from walking past them. As for the rest of the crowd, just a bunch of locals hanging, all nice people having a good time.
Service: The bar top was pretty full when I walked in, but I was noticed immediately and service was quick.
Prices: $4.75 for excellent Bloody Mary's. $4 shots of  Fireball. Monday through Thursday, domestic pitchers will run you $9.50, Friday & Saturday $11.50, and Sunday $8.50. Happy Hour all day on Sundays for domestic beer and well drinks.
Entertainment: 14 TV's playing pretty much every sport. 2 pool table (75 cents). 1 arcade bowling game, 2 touch screen games. Electronic dart board. Internet Touch Tunes Juke Box.
Restroom: Decent if you can bear the smell.
Bartender: Bartender this evening was Kandis. She also works at Lucky John's #4 and makes an amazing Bloody Mary.
Closing statement: This used to be a rowdy place with the wrong crowd, but it's better now. You can tell the owner and staff take pride in their business.  I have been here before and will definitely be back in the future  I recommend you check it out too.

We rate Clubhouse a 3 out of 5.

Lucky John's #4, Fullerton CA

Lucky John's
1310 S Euclid Street
Fullerton, CA
(714) 870-6191

• Price per domestic pitcher: $10
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Private Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/DJ

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's:  6
• Smoking: Indoor Lounge
• Alcohol: Full Bar
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: This bar and I go way back. This was my old stomping ground back in the day. Located on Euclid, a stand alone building not attached to a strip mall, which is unusual for the type of bars I've been to lately. They calls this #4, but there are only 2. This place has had a face-lift since the last time I was here. The outside looks brand new. The inside, still the same with a few new improvement, including and indoor smoking lounge, which is a nice touch.
The Crowd: Mixed. College, retired, a few bikers...all seemed like good people having a great time.
Service: Outstanding. All 3 poison pusher were very attentive to the patrons.
Prices: $3.50 pints of PBR, $10 pitchers of domestic, $14 for premium, $10 large pizza.
Entertainment: 3 pool tables ($0.75), 4 electronic dart boards, 6 TV's. Tonight, there was a DJ... I skipped out before having to hear that noise.
Restroom: Less than fabulous, nothing too horrible, but no where to spend any more time than you have to. Typical dive bar crap hole with the classic dive bar condom machine.
Bartenders: Heather, Sam and Tatum.
Closing statement: Still a great bar. Looking forward to a return trip in the future.

We rate Lucky John's #4 a 4 out of 5.

TRiP, Santa Monica CA

2101 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 396-9010
http://www.tripsantamonica.com

• Price per domestic pitcher: ??
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Street
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/Live

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV's:  4
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Beer & Wine
• ATM: No

The Bar: Located on Lincoln Blvd/PCH/ Highway 1.../ whatever you want to call it, it's a busy ass street. The front almost seems as if it were a house at some point, which makes it inviting. On the inside, it's dark, way dark, the walls painted with crazy neon designs, it's a trip... probably a good acid trip too. The bar it's self seats about 15 people with the back wall covered in diamond plate, beers and TV's, along with a fantastic beer menu.
The Crowd: Young, for what was there on a Saturday night. There was live music, and we arrived between sets.The majority of the crowd left with the previous band, and the 5 of us remained to listen to a pretty good band, who's name was Xperimento56.
Service: Hesitant, since we were new faces, and the fact that we were pretty buzzed by the time we arrived, but after a brief slurred introduction, we were welcomed as if we were regulars.
Entertainment: Sign out front said  "Free Live Music", which was the case this night and the band was pretty decent. TRiP has FREE (no cover) live concerts every single night of the week.  4 TV's, Pool table, and Internet Jukebox
Restroom: Walls covered in chalkboard paint, help your self to the chalk, and draw a nice picture of roses while you drop a deuce.
Closing statement: Chances are, I will be back closing my night out here again soon. If you out in Santa Monica and want to chill with some some live entertainment, this is the spot.

We rate TRiP a 3 out of 5.

Hinano Cafe, Venice CA

Hinano Cafe 
15 Washington Blvd.
 Venice, CA
 310-822-3902

• Price per domestic pitcher: ??
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Beach and Metered
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox/Live

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV': 10
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Beer & Wine
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: World Famous since 1962. Known for the best burger in town. Located on Washington Blvd, this place is the happening spot. 20 feet from the sand. The building inside is U-Shaped with a bar down the middle. The bar seats roughly 20 people, with tables all over. Saw dust on the floor makes for a semi slippery surface especially when drunk. The east side of the bar is for drinking and ordering food, the west side is for live music and playing pool.
The Crowd: Very diverse. Locals, College and Tourists. Step outside and it's a whole new experience. Street performers and homeless trying to make a quick buck.
Service: We arrived shortly before 8pm and it was slammed. Could hardly walk through the bar, needless to say, service was slow with only 2 bartenders.
Prices: Very reasonable considering the location and popularity. Couldn't give you an exact price on anything since my tab was picked up by a friend. (Thanks Jason)
Entertainment: Live entertainment Friday through Sunday, College and NFL package, three pool tables, happy hour Mon-Fri 4-8, and daily drink specials.
Restroom: Smaller than an airplane and filthy as fuck.
Closing statement: This is a good starter bar if you plan on hitting more than once spot. This street has a lot of bars on it and they seem less crowded than this particular spot. The beer was cold and the food was excellent. I will definitely hit this spot again when in the area.

We rate  Hinano Cafe a 5 out of 5.

Distractions Lounge, Huntington Beach CA

Distractions Lounge
16612 Beach Blvd. Suite C
Huntington Beach, CA

• Price per domestic pitcher: $12
• Credit/Debit: Yes ($10 min)
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: No
• Music: Internet Jukebox

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV': 4
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Beer & Wine
• ATM: Yes

The Bar: Hours 11am -2am 7 days a week. Located in the corner of a strip mall next to Fuck-It Thai (Phuket). For whatever reason, the sign is not in front of the bar. Walking up to the place, it looks as if you are walking into a freezer or a meat locker as the owner referenced it. Once inside, you'll immediately notice the gorgeous bartenders. The bar is L-shaped seating about 10 people. There are 2 booths in the corner and some scattered tables. This is a new bar, open since August 2012. From what I heard, the previous bar in this location was a complete shit hole. The new owner Alex has really changed it. Very nice inside, very clean.
The Crowd: Men.... almost all men...1 female patron the entire night, everyone was chill though.
Service: This is a hard one to explain. I suppose if I was just a random it might take a minute, but when the staff knows who DBC is, let's just say lightening fast.
Prices: 5 beers on draft. $12 pitchers, $10 during Lakers games, and $5 Tall Cans of PBR.
Entertainment: Internet jukebox, which you can link to your phone and play music from your table, which is very entertaining when you choose a song like Barbie Girl while some macho dude is standing there choosing music. 2 incredibly nice pool tables ($1) with straight sticks. Heads-up poker game. Free pool on Tuesday. Free Wifi.
Restroom: Other than being a diamond plated death trap, it was pretty nice.
Bartender: The poison pushers for tonight were Britni & Britney.
Closing statement: Other than being a bit pricey for a dive, and not having liquor, it was a good time. The bartenders were hot and the patrons were cool. The owner Alex is awesome. If you are the hunt for a good bikini bar, Distractions Lounge is a good choice.

We rate Distractions Lounge a 3 out of 5.

Booties Sports Bar, Tustin CA

Booties Sports Bar
14258 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA
(714) 573-0020

• Price per domestic pitcher: ??
• Credit/Debit: Yes
• Parking: Public Lot
• Good for groups: Yes
• Music: Internet Jukebox

• Best Nights: Fri, Sat
• TV': 7
• Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
• Alcohol: Full Bar
• ATM: No

The Bar: Located behind a restaurant, which makes it hard to see from the street. The name is Booties, which sounds like a strip club or bikini bar, it's not. Just a divey little joint that was previously called Newport Five. If you plan to drink heavily here, it is recommended to cab it home as it's located on a major street. If you leave your car here, make sure to get a NO TOW pass from the bartender. The bar itself it a pretty good size with 15 bar stools with some additional seating in the rear and 5 pool tables. 
The Crowd: None...ha..  Tonight was dead. A few pool sharks around and that was about it. Normally on a Tuesday night they host pool tournaments. Tonight was not a normal night. It was recommended to return on a Friday, however I may return next Tuesday to capture the pool tournament. 
Service: Excellent. Always is when Barbara is working.
Prices: Happy Hour 4pm-7pm(domestic beers only), $5.50 shots of Fireball. $5.00 PBR tall cans.
Entertainment: Internet Jukebox, 7 TV's, 5 pool tables ($1.00), 1 arcade game.
Restroom: Deceiving. Smells good, but looks like crap. Has the classic dive bar vending machine with for your sexual needs.
Bartender: Poison pusher this evening was Barbara. Come in and meet her when you get the chance.Super cute and super friendly.
Closing statement: Unfortunately is was empty which made taking pictures a pain, bu this was not my first time here, and definitely won't be my last. Next time I swing in I will grab some more pictures of the patrons and add them.  I absolutely recommend this place. Good prices, good people, great staff.

We rate Booties a 4 out of 5.