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, but what do you expect from a place that is packed from open to close.
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.