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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Jan's Lounge, Orangevale CA

Jan's Lounge
9222 Greenback Lane
Orangevale, CA
(916) 989-0583 
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox, Live
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Patio w/ drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes


450 mile 7 hour drive for a dive bar you ask? Damn right and a great one at that. My original plan was to hit the Glass Turtle but they were charging a $10 cover for the UFC fight. I decided not to pay a cover for a dive bar and watched the fight from the sidewalk for free while figuring out a new bar which was Jan's Lounge in Orangevale, CA.

The Bar: Located in a strip mall on a main street, which, a few blocks down, a DUI Checkpoint hosted by Orangevale's finest, but that didn't stop this dive from rockin. I arrived shortly after 8pm and this place was packed. A live band on stage and a crowd of people on the dance floor. It immediately felt like home.
The Crowd: All types, from the retired crowd to the college crowd and everyone in between.
Service: Fairly prompt for how busy it was. We got the "Who the hell are you" look since we were faces, but once I introduced myself the service was quick the rest of the evening. No pitchers and no PBR was a bummer but I made it through.
Prices: This is where I failed. I opened a tab and forgot to get pricing. I had 3 Fireball Whisky shots, 4 glasses of Coors Light draft (which tasted a bit sour), and 7 bottles of Coors Light. Yeah, I had a bit... totaling $46.00. You do the math.
Entertainment: Tonight was a live band by the name of Running With Scissorz. Pretty decent cover band minus singing Green Day, honestly, lets leave that one to the artist. There is also an internet jukebox, and I heard someone mention they have karaoke, but no clue on the night. Shuffle board, electronic darts, 3 TV's.
Restroom: Not too terrible. Kept up pretty good through out the night.
Closing statement: I would recommend this spot to anyone who is in the area. I absolutely plan a return visit next time I am in Nor Cal.

We rate Jan's Lounge a 4 out of 5.






Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Blarney Stone, Fountain Valley CA

The Blarney Stone
11761 Edinger Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA
714-775-9987
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: N/A
  • Credit/Debit: No (Cash Only)
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox, Karaoke, Live
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes


The Bar: Once again, located in a strip-mall as routinely the best dives are. The sign out front is drawn on with a sharpie from the looks of it. Immediately upon arriving to the place we knew it was exactly the type of bar we all love. No windows, just a solid brick wall out front with a door leading into the unknown. The bar itself seats about 15 people with some tables along the wall.
The Crowd: We got here pretty early and it was dead. The band Tight Rope was setting up and few locals sitting at the bar. Once the band started playing, the crowd poured in. All friendly, easy to talk to, and loved being in front of the camera.
Service: 5 star service. Bartender knows his drinks well... including the famous Guerrilla Fart shot which about knocked me on my ass.
Entertainment: Karaoke every Tuesday night along with Live Bands on the weekends. 1 pool table in the back ($0.75) and a internet jukebox.
Restroom: Looked like shit, not in the literal term, but still pretty gross, although, it smelled nice.
Closing statement: If you're in the area, I would absolutely recommend this bar. We had a blast and definitely plan on a return trip in the future.

We rate The Blarney Stone a 4 out of 5.



                                                               



Saturday, November 24, 2012

Fitzgerald's Irish Pub, Huntington Beach, CA

Fitzgerald's Irish Pub
19171 Magnolia Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 968-4523
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $10
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox, Live Bands, Live Karaoke
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes
The Bar: Tucked inside a strip mall (as most good dives are). As we approached the bar, we were greeted by a over-powered security guard. This guy had cuffs, night stick, pepper spray, and a tiny badge on his belt, can't imagine it gets that crazy there. Anyway... the bar... and Irish pub. Inside the walls were made of wood, with a brick wall on the back and a stage tucked in the corner, which had a band on it offering Live Karaoke. Neat concept, which apparently I think I can do after 3 beers and 3 shots....not so much. The bar itself was U-shaped with one bartender...who happened to be the owner Greg. Seats about 12 patrons with a few booths and tables scattered around the inside.
The Crowd: When we first arrived, the place seems pretty quiet, but once the band got going, it livened up quite a bit. A mix of college kids and retirees.
Service: Fast.This bartender was on his A game tonight.
Prices: Fair. $10 domestic pitchers, $14.50 imported pitchers. $5.00 Fireball Shots.
Entertainment: Live music, Live Karaoke, Internet Jukebox, 2 pool tables.
Restroom: Fabulous. It actually smelled better then the rest of the bar. Cleanest I've ever seen. "I want that head so sanitary and squared-away that the Virgin Mary herself would be proud to go in and take a dump." - Gunnery Sergeant Hartman
Closing statement: With no intentions of going out this evening, we had an absolute blast. Frequenting this neighborhood often, we had no idea this place even existed, but we plan on making many more return trips.


We rate Fitzgeralds a 5 out of 5. 




Saturday, November 17, 2012

Signal Lounge, Orange, CA

Signal Lounge 
3804 East Chapman Avenue #F
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 532-9035
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher:N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes
The Bar: Located in Orange, on Chapman Avenue across from the local high school. In a strip mall, with a Del Taco within walking distance which is especially nice when wasted. Approaching the bar, there is a single door into a dark room. The bar itself is oddly shaped, sorta like a boomerang. First thing ya notice walking in, is the liquor, conveniently placed near the door to attract the consumer.
The Crowd: Well, this night, it was pretty dead inside. We ran into another bartender from Marty's Cocktails out partying with her friends, so we decided to kick it at that end of the bar. As for the rest of the crowd... there were a couple of old dudes at the bar, and a couple on the pool tables.. that was about it.
Service: Prompt, but the bar was empty.
Prices: From what I can remember, I believe it was $2.75 a bottle for domestic, and $5.50 a shot for Jameson, yet no PBR.
Entertainment: 2 pool tables, bar top video game, dart board, a few TV's.
Restroom: I almost don't need to write about this disgusting area. Look at the picture below. It smelled worse that in looks, if that's even possible.
Bartender: Poison pusher for the night was Teri. From what we've heard, she is legen....wait for it....dary. Would not disagree with that statement. Made for a great time.
Closing statement: Besides being on a major street with lots of Cops, not too bad. Had a great time, with great people and certainly plan on making a return trip in the near future.

We rate Signal Lounge a 2 out of 5. 





Sunday, November 11, 2012

The 13th Frame Lounge, La Habra, CA

13th Frame Lounge 
370 East Whittier Boulevard
La Habra, CA
(714) 526-2058
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $9
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Live, Karaoke
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Smoking Room
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes

The Bar: Skeptical about this bar upon arriving. It's located at a bowling alley. As we've all been to many bowling alley's you would of never guessed that one would have a bar as large as this one did. This place probably seats easily 200 people. Has an L-shape bar, lower than most...no tall bar stools, just low seating all around. The main room has about 20 tables. There is a side room for parties with roughly 40 more tables and booths. There is an indoor smoking room with it's own ventilation separate from the bar, equipped with a TV and remote to watch whatever you choose.
The Crowd: Retired. I'm guessing late 50's to 70's. Certainly one of the oldest crowds we've experienced. Not that this is a bad thing. It's a comfortable place with a friendly crowd.
Service: At first, the bartender was in a conversation with another patron. Seeing how there was only one in the bar when we arrived, waiting 10 minutes for a drink was a little ridiculous.
Prices: Not bad at all, $9 domestic pitchers and $2.50 bottles of PBR.
Entertainment: Live band this night by the name of Veyna. Karaoke on Tuesday's & Friday's.
Restroom: Located outside the bar but inside the bowling alley. It's kept up pretty well.
Bartender Chat: None really. We did meet the manager Andrea and her mother Catherine who is the owner of the entire bowling alley and bar. Both were very friendly and both seem to care a lot about their family owned business.
Closing statement: Overall good time. The band was jamming and everyone was having a blast. We were only there about 2 hours but managed to leave with a pretty good buzz. If you're looking for a cool place to hang out, we recommend the The 13th Frame Lounge.



We rate 13th Frame a 4 out of 5.




Saturday, October 27, 2012

O'Hara's Pub Halloween Party

Not much to say. Went to the Halloween party at O'Hara's Pub, and here are the pictures from an absolutely spectacular night!




Sunday, October 14, 2012

Eye Candy Bikini Bar, Costa Mesa CA

Eye Candy Bikini Bar
1562 Newport Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA
949-548-6984


  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $11
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Patio with drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
  • ATM: Yes












The Bar: The marquee out front featured "midgets". Sure enough, midgets in bikinis walking up and down the bar top. You don't want to stare, but simply cannot look away. The bar itself was large, seats about 15 people on the stools, along with tables and couches scattered around the inside. Large outdoor patio for smoking and drinking. The bartenders were pretty good looking and a couple were topless, with just pasties on.
The Crowd: Mostly all men....which is becoming a pattern at most every bikini bar.
Service: Moderate. Place was quite busy, but there were at least 4 bartenders working.
Prices: Expensive!  $11 for a pitcher of Coors light? That's insane. Not to mention $6 for a tall can of PBR!
Entertainment: Several video games, internet jukebox, 4 pool tables.
Restroom: Clean, but covered in torn out pages from Playboy and used as wallpaper.
Bartender Chat: None. We chatted with the owner a bit but nothing spectacular to report.
Closing statement: Not overly impressed with this place. Voted "Sexiest Bikini Bar in OC" by Maxim Magazine, not sure that we would agree with that. It was kinda dingy. We got in, got pictures, got out. Short night.
. We rate Eye Candy as 2 out of 5.




Sunday, October 7, 2012

Blondie's Saloon, Orange CA

Blondie's Saloon
3425 East Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA
(714) 538-9832

  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $5 (mini pitcher)
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  No
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer & Wine only
  • ATM: Yes
The Bar: Hard to find. Drove by it twice. One glass door with a tiny name on it. "Somewere in Orange". Yeah, it's spelled wrong. Upon entering the bar, you'll notice a sign that says (2) forms of I.D....not the case. Pretty sure that is just there to deter the fake ID's. The bar seats about 15 people with some scattered tables around the bar. Beer & Wine only due to the proximity to a high school (which doesn't make sense, since the Signal Lounge is just as close with a full bar). Also, a bikini bar, which we were unaware of before arriving but the owner was cool and allowed us to review.
The Crowd: All men. We brought the only woman excluding the bartender. Mostly middle aged men watching sports.
Service: Since there was only about 6 people in there when we arrived, services was prompt.
Prices: $4 tall cans of PBR, $5 mini pitchers.
Entertainment: Internet Jukebox, touch screen game, 2 pool tables, 3 electronic dart boards, 5 or so TV's.
Restroom: Tiled... really couldn't tell if it was clean. You can decide from the picture below.
Bartender: One word... stunning! She also works at Eye Candy in Costa Mesa.
Closing statement: Overall, great time. We were only there about and hour and a half, but we left with quite the buzz. We're going to make a return trip when maybe it's a little busier.

We rate Blondie's Saloon a 3 out of 5. 

                                                                   



Sunday, September 30, 2012

O'Haras Pub, Orange CA

O'Haras Pub
150 North Glassell Street
Orange, CA
 (714) 532-9264
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: Unknown
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  No
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Thu,Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes
The Bar: Crowded. 15 or so seats on the bar, with a few booths against the wall making it difficult to navigate through when it's busy. Lot's of décor. Football is loved here. If you already have your drinks, hanging toward the back is a better choice, much more open. 
The Crowd: Mostly young adults from the local Chapman University. Overall friendly environment.
Service: We're guessing, slow, if this is your first time here. We were served almost immediately upon entering, but we are also local to this establishment.
Prices: $3.75 bottle domestic. No PBR.
Entertainment: 3 pool tables, bar top video game, internet jukebox.
Restroom: Nasty. Definitely a dive bar!
Bartender: Crazy red headed dude named Kendall, he puts all the Irish in this bar.
Closing statement: Originally, we were headed to The Salty Dog, which is apparently closed on Saturday night. Since we've never wrote an official review on O'Hara's, so the night worked out just fine.

We rate O'Hara's a 5 out of 5.





Sunday, September 23, 2012

Deva's Cocktails, Tustin,CA

Deva's
672 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA
(714)731-9900



  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $9
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: No
Our intention last night was to go out and celebrate Dave's birthday, with no intentions of covering a new dive...but plans change...and we're glad they did.

The Bar: Located in the southern most point of a strip mall. Tucked so far in the corner, that if you blink, you'll miss it. The large sign from the bar doesn't light up. Upon entering the bar, you'll noticed the incredibly hot poison pusher named Devin. The are of the bar top itself is very narrow and crowded. The bar sits about 15 people with a few scattered tables. Making your way through to the back is rough, but the patrons are friendly and will make way for you.
The Crowd: When we first arrived, it was mostly men, as we predicted being a bikini bar...but as the night progressed it became quite the party. Everyone was friendly and eager to have their pictures taken for our site.
Service: Took a minute to get drinks, but there was only one bartender when we arrived and it was quite busy. Try Devin's Pineapple Upside Down Cake shot. It's amazing.
Prices: Cheap. $9 domestic pitchers and $4 well shots.
Entertainment: 2 pool tables in the back, darts, bartop video game, 12 or so TV's, Internet Jukebox and free Wi-Fi if you asked nicely.
Restroom: Incredibly clean. We'd be honored to sit upon the throne.
Bartender: Our booze slinger for the night was Devin. Incredibly gorgeous and very friendly. She greeted us with a smile and recognized us from drinking there all the way back in February.
Closing statement: Overall, great time. Our plan was just to stop in for a bit, grab some pictures and head out, but we ended up staying for the remainder or the night. This is a great spot and we plan on a return visit in the near future.

We rate Deva's a 5 out of 5. 



Sunday, September 9, 2012

Tustin Inn, Tustin, CA

 Tustin Inn
440 E 1st Street
 Tustin,CA
(714)731-3446 ‎
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $8.50
  • Credit/Debit: No (Cash Only)
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  No
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes

The Bar: Small. Comfortable. Nice place. Upon entering,  you have to walk through saloon style doors, and if someone is following , you are sure to smack them with the spring loaded door. Once inside, you will immediately notice the bartender and the multiple dead animal heads on the wall. Bar seats about 20 with one other table tucked in the corner.
The Crowd: All regulars. Hesitant to be photographed. Some were friendly, most were not.
Service: Prompt. The bartender for the evening was Jill. Very attentive and was on the ball when it came to specific drinks with specific ingredients.
Prices: Fair. $8.50 domestic pitcher. $3 bottle domestic. $4.50 shots.
Entertainment: Internet Juke Box, 2 pool tables, a bar top video game, shuffle board and darts. Cigarette machine ($6 a pack). Breathalyzer machine.
Restroom: Clean.
Closing statement: Had a great time. Celebrated a friends birthday too. Planned to hit the bar right next door but after 5 shots of Jameson, the 20 foot walk was too far.

 We rate Tustin Inn a 3 out of 5.





Saturday, August 25, 2012

Quill Lounge, Santa Ana, CA

Quill Lounge
1630 Mabury Street
Santa Ana, CA
(714)558-2744 ‎
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes ($10 min)
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  No
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes


The Bar: Seating for about 20 around the U-shaped bar and some additional tables along the wall. Decor around the bar consists of old Christmas lights and stained glass.
The Crowd: Mostly retired. We heard from the regulars that alot of political people hangout here, judges ect. Upon entry, we definitely were noticed as being new, but after we introduced ourselves, everyone was chill. We even got hit up for a job with us.
Service: 1 bartender, prompt service. Your beer never goes empty. Food served 11am-2pm, we didn't eat though.
Prices: Domestic bottle $3, Import $4.50. No pitchers, No Pabst. They do have Jameson though.
Entertainment: Internet jukebox, 3 TV's, 1 bar top video game, 1 arcade game, 1 dart board. Popcorn machine. Lotto Hot Spot.
Restroom: Standard, clean, and actually smelled good. Think this is the first dive bar bathroom that didn't stink like shit.
Bartender Chat: Our bartender for the evening was Scotty. He was awesome. Picked up the first round for us, thanks.
Closing statement: We were skeptical about this place after reading the reviews on Yelp, but overall, we had a good time. Small quiet place,  mostly regulars. Met one person who was there for the first time as well as us. She liked the place too.

We rate Quill a 3 out of 5.



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Davy's Locker, Las Vegas. NV

Davy's Locker
1149 East Desert Inn Road
 Las Vegas, NV
(702)735-0001
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher:N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Inside
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes
This past week, DiveBar Culture traveled to Las Vegas to do a little work and a lot of drink. Managed to hit a nice little dive along the way.

The Bar: Located in the ghetto of Las Vegas. The cab ride to unknown territory was terrifying. The bar however, nice place. Located in a strip mall as most have been lately, small little place. The only signage with the bar name on the building itself was on the door leading in, which appeared to be written in window paint. Upon entry, the bartender must identify you through the glass, in which you are then buzzed in. We're guessing this must be a high crime area. The outside of the establishment is kinda dingy but the inside is quite nice. When you visit this place, make sure to check out Flavor Flavs House of Flavor located just behind the bar. 
The Crowd: Not much of a crowd at all for a Tuesday evening. 6 patrons, 2 staff, and we brought 5 others. Overall, very friendly and a lot of fun to say the least.
Service: Service was prompt, but they were expecting us at the time.
Prices: CHEAP! $1.50 Miller High Life everyday 24/7.
Entertainment: Internet Jukebox, 4 TV's, 1 pool table, couple of slot machines, cigarette machine, and video poker on the bar.
Restroom: Definitely dive bar material, but maintained throughout the night.
Bartender Chat: Our poison pusher for the evening was Lindsey. She was great... very attentive to everyone in the bar. Great attitude and beautiful. Hesitant to have her photo taken, but we convinced her along with a couple of shots. Also, thank you Mark MacDonald for the invite to the bar.
Closing statement:  Overall, good place. Would definitely visit again. Downside, no PBR, no Jameson and no pitchers. Also, must mention the monsoon from hell, which knocked out the power, but once it came back on, so did the partying! Check out their website here http://www.davyslockerlv.com/ and Facebook page here Davy's Locker .

We rate Davy's Locker a 5 out of 5. 





Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Marty's Cocktails, Orange CA

Marty's Cocktail Lounge
1766 North Tustin Street
Orange, CA
(714) 637-9864
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music: Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Unknown



We decided to revisit this bar, because 1, Svetlana invited us, and well, who could say no to her...and 2, last time we were here, we had some camera issues and lost most of our picture that evening.

The Bar: Located in a strip mall on Tustin Avenue in Orange, CA. Tonight was a celebration of some sort. BBQ, free food, and Jager Girls, who, not only friendly, but gorgeous too.
If you drive here, be cautious leaving. Lots of police.
The Crowd: Mostly familiar faces to us from other local bars in there area but also a few new, including the bartender Svetlana, who found us via Facebook and invited us down this evening.
Service: (8/14)Just as great as last time, Svetlana was very attentative to us. (5/14)Service was great. This was a last minute decision to come here, but Lonnie the bartender convinced us on a Monday night. Needless to say, we were served immediately.
Prices: (8/14) Still no PBR and still no pitchers, but happy hour starts at 10pm and it's $2 domestic drafts(5/14)There were a couple of down sides, like the lack of PBR and no pitchers, but otherwise, the place is an awesome dive. and 12yr Jameson at $4 a shot. Careful with ordering if you are not running a tab. They will just run you an automatic verbal tab and when you get up to leave they slap you with the bill. You could get yourself in trouble with a system like that
Entertainment: Couple of pool tables, a dart board, shuffle boar, internet jukebox.
Restroom: Smaller than an airplane. Fairly clean.
Bartender Chat: (8/14) Svetlana was great, smoking hot, super friendly, all around awesome bartender. (5/14)Lonnie is a fantastic bartender. It also doesn't hurt that she's super hot and friendly. 









Check out heir Facebook here Marty's Cocktails



We rate Marty's a 5 out of 5.



Sunday, July 29, 2012

Rio Vista Cocktails, Anaheim CA

Rio Vista Inn
200 South Rio Vista Street
Anaheim, CA

(714) 632-0045
 
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $9
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups:  Yes
  • Music:  Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside, No drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: No



The Bar: The first thing we noticed, coming in to this place, is that it was unbelievably bright, which only helped to highlight the fact that the floor was entirely constructed of unfinished concrete and masking tape. That would have been fine if it seemed to be under construction, but there were no signs of work. Just laziness. There were three flat screen TVs all set to the same game, so we had no choice but to watch our beloved Angels lose. After the game, all three went to the Olympics. There was an internet jukebox available, but it was pretty much fully occupied by a couple of old dudes, neither of which would take any responsibility for the Rihanna blaring through the low quality speakers. Moving on to the other side of the bar, in a separate room, it was dark, stinky, and doing awful karaoke that was not even remotely entertaining.
The Crowd: Our first encounter was with a woman who's name escapes me that was just a wee bit too friendly for our level of sobriety. However, she did buy us our first round, and that we definitely appreciate that, always. Everyone else though was pretty much engaged in their own little worlds and weren't very open to meeting new strangers. Many people were not interested in being photographed either. The crowd was a tad older than we usually run around with, and that was reflected in the social interactions.
Service:  As we stood at the bar to order our first round, the bartender was engaged in an apparently deep conversation with one of the locals. Too deep, in fact, to notice that we were there to drink. Standing for a few minutes, Dave decided to pull out his credit card, and using her super psychic money vision, the bartender blindly grabs for the card, and sets it on the back counter, without so much as a how-do-ya-do. When we expressed the slightest bit of annoyance at this, she turned and asked what we wanted, begrudgingly granting us our two tall boys of PBR. Those were then paid for by the woman we met outside. Still no sign of the card. Oh well.
Prices: On the bright side, drinks were pretty cheap by Southern California standards. $4 for those PBR tall boys that we love, and $9 bucks for a domestic pitcher. The downside was that the draft beer tasted sour like it's been running through dirty lines. Time to flush that shit out and clean it up guys.
Entertainment:  Internet Jukebox, Karaoke, couple of TV's, Pool table and dart board.
Restroom: The restroom on the brighter side was clean enough for a dive, and about as big as a broom closet. It was also the only bathroom on that side, used by both sexes, which really, no one wants. The bathroom on the other side was hot, humid, and smelled like shit. So basically, it was a microcosm of Hemet.
Bartender Chat: There was no real chat with either bartender, except the one who wanted to make damn well sure that we didn't ever take her picture. They weren't interested in small chat or what we were doing there.
Closing statement: We stayed a while, musing about how we get to write our first bad review, when the most exciting part of our visit here started. Cops were everywhere. Apparently, somebody got beaten up outside the Del Taco that shares a parking lot with the joint, and the cops were on the hunt. Helicopters, gang units, the works. We got questioned a bit, and a pack of badges made their way through the bar, making everyone a little uncomfortable. After all that died down, things went back to pure boredom. Deciding we'd help the place out, we invited some of our friends to try and "fun the joint up." Regrettably, this bar was beyond even our friends awesomeness and we all decided to bail. 

We rate Rio a 1 out of 5. 


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Johnny's Saloon, Huntington Beach, CA

Johnny's Saloon 
17428 Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 848-0676
  •  Price Per Domestic Pitcher: N/A
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Good For Groups: Yes
  • Music: Standard Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes






The Bar: The bar is located in a strip mall tucked in the corner behind the gas station. When first walking in, you can't help but look around in a daze at all the clutter and decor on the walls and ceiling. Get there before 9pm to enjoy the decor, after 9; the lights are dimmed to an intimate setting. Various pieces of art, beer cans, fake confiscated I.D's, Bra's (which you can give up for a free drink) and the multiple lock boxes of 18yr old Jameson. This is the only bar we've ever seen that allows you to purchase your own bottle of Jameson, put it in a personalized lock box, and keep it at the bar for future visits.
The Crowd: Seems to be mostly a rockabilly type place. Not a bad crowd, but certainly different from what we are use to. All very friendly.
Service: Service was excellent. As soon as we walked in we were immediately greeted by a hot little tattooed blonde named Heather, the poison pusher for that night.
Prices: Prices are fair. You can buy at beer button, which costs $8.00 (two beers), they give you a glass and you head to the self pour PBR bar. There are 2 self pour areas in the bar. You can refill your beer button as many times as you'd like.
Entertainment: 1 pool table.  Best Jukebox in Orange County. Old style jukebox with a large selection of music.
Restroom: Small, dark and dirty. There is no door on the crapper and you are directly inline with the dude taking a piss. If you gotta shit, go to the gas station in the parking lot. 
Bartender Chat:  We'd like to thank the super hot Bartender Heather aka Panties for being so friendly right from the beginning and for telling us so much trivia about the bar, including Jell-O Wrestling!
Closing statement: Had an awesome time. We highly recommend this bar. Would like to personally thank the owner Johnny Kresimir for the round after round of shots and drinks.








  Check out their Facebook page here Johnny's Saloon

We rate Johnny's Saloon a 5 out of 5.




Saturday, July 7, 2012

Juke Joint, Anaheim, CA

The Juke Joint
735 North Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA
 (714) 778-1397 ‎
  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $7, No Pitchers during shows
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Public Lot/Street
  • Good For Groups: Yes
  • Music:Live/ Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • ATM: Yes
The Bar: We arrived at 8pm and there was already a line to get in for the Hootenanny After Party. Large open area with more than enough seating for an army. Upon entering the front door, on the right ahead is the bar with plenty of seating most nights. This night it appeared they may have moved the tables for the concert that was about to take place. To the left was the stage, small stage, but big sound.
The Crowd: The bar was very receptive to us. Friendly patrons. Punk and Rockabilly type.
Service: Awesome bartenders. We were immediately greeted out front by a guy named Ken. Not sure what his role was. He was bartender while we were there, but he was also able to get us on the list to get in.
Prices: $7  per pitcher, but no pitchers during shows. Excellent drink selection, however, bring extra money during shows, they hike up the prices quite a bit.  A special thank you to those of you who bought us round after round of drinks! No shortage of PBR in this joint, cans, bottles and draft!
Entertainment:Live Band, jukebox
Restroom: Clean, very clean, even towards the end of the night.
Bartender Chat:None really, way to loud to hear yourself think, let alone hear someone talk.
Closing statement: This bar is HIGHLY recommended by DiveBar Culture












We rate Juke Joint a 5 out of 5. 



Saturday, June 30, 2012

Henry's Bar & Grill, Garden Grove, CA









10549 Stanford Avenue
Garden Grove, CA
(714) 537-9884 ·

  • Price Per Domestic Pitcher: $11
  • Credit/Debit: Yes
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Good For Groups: Yes
  • Music: Internet Jukebox
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat
  • Has TV: Yes
  • Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
  • ATM: Yes 
The Bar: Outside-Tucked in the industrial district or Garden Grove. Small little red building with a couple of tables out front. Industrial buildings on both sides. Inside- Small bar, guessing a capacity of around 30-40. The bar is setup in an L shape with some additional seating around the sides. The bar serves beer and wine only, but as always, we'd like to mention they serve tall cans of PBR.
The Crowd: Mostly men, it's a bikini bar, and it's in the industrial district. We can guess that the patrons probably work close by and populate this bar. They patrons are more than friendly in this local dive. Very talkative and all having a good time.
Service: Service was great.We were greeted by the owner and the first round was on her. 
Prices:Prices were somewhat reasonable. Domestic pitchers were not as cheap as we are used to. $11.00 for a domestic.  
Entertainment: A ton of TV's,  and 1 Pool table. Internet Jukebox.
Restroom: Fairly clean. Most all the graffiti is done with chalk. We assume it's allowed because it is everywhere! It seems people would rather erase chalk with water to write, but whatever, it was neat.
Bartender Chat: Not much, she posed for a picture holding our two cans of PBR, but she was quite busy with the main bar patrons.
Closing statement:  We had a ton of fun, and our friends did too! Thank you very much to all the owners, employees, and patrons of Henry's.
Also, after the jump, if you scroll down far enough, there is photographic evidence of one of our team's humanity before closing out our night at Paul's Cocktails.
 Check out Henry's Facebook here Henry's Bar




We rate Henry's a 3 out of 5.