You know all those dive bars you see but never stop due to fear of rejection? Perhaps it's a local joint and you're not a local.
Fear not friends, DiveBar Dave takes it upon himself (and liver) to go explore all these dives and write a personalized review based on HIS experience.
These individual bars are, in no way, associated with DiveBar Culture. This is merely his personal opinion.
3636 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-5365
Price per domestic pitcher: N/A
Credit/Debit: No- Cash Only
Parking: Public Lot
Good for groups: No
Music: TouchTunes
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 5
Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
Alcohol: Full Bar
ATM: Yes - $3.00 Fee
Every time we ask for a recommendation for a new spot to check out, this bar comes up... We listen... it just takes time to get to them. With the camera lens still damaged, I apologize for the lack of and blurriness of the photos below.
The Bar: Can't miss it. Lit up like a Las Vegas night club. Neon everywhere. This dive appears to be the happening place. Pretty good amount of patrons inside, however, the vibe was depressing. Not too much going on, pretty quite. Everyone seemed to be having a bad day, which brought our mood down too. This is a cash only bar and the ATM is a $3 fee. The Crowd: This is definitely a local spot, and they could tell we were new faces. No one really seemed interested in why we were there, including the staff. We left after about 30 minutes to find something more exciting. Service: No complaints here. Got a drinks right away minus having to wait to use the ATM. Prices: $3.25 bottles of Coors Light. No draught beer. We did not stay long enough for a second round. Entertainment: TouchTunes with BOSE sound system, 2 pool tables, Golden Tee 2013, Pinball, bar top touch screen game, 5 TV's, old school cigarette machine ($6 a pack). Restroom: Beside the fact someone had been smoking a bowl in there, not too shabby. Diamond plated everything. No door on the sit down shitter, and an over flowing trash can. Massive amount of pointless graffiti on the bathroom door. Closing statement: Not a terrible place to grab a beer. Perhaps the atmosphere could lighten up a bit.
19476 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach, CA (714)963-0553
Price per domestic pitcher: $9.00
Credit/Debit: Yes
Parking: Public Lot
Good for groups: Yes
Music: TouchTunes
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 18
Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
Alcohol: Full Bar
ATM: Yes
The Bar: Unable to locate on Google maps, this spot was formerly Lucky John's #1. Located on the Northeast corner of Beach Blvd and Yorktown in the northernmost end of a strip mall, behind Chevron.
Inside: To the left of the entrance you will find the bar, with an open kitchen visible to the public. To the right, 3 pool tables, Golden Tee and a non-operational TV. Don't stress about the broken TV, there are 17.. yes, I said SEVENTEEN other ones.
In the rear, you will find yet another pool table, the TouchTunes jukebox, the ATM, 3 electronic dart boards, the restrooms and various table seating. The Crowd: First person I noticed in here tonight was a guy with a jet black mohawk and bleach blonde hair on the sides, and a wicked handlebar mustache, though he was camera shy, his friend however (see below)... I have no words. As for the rest of the crowd, they're cool. Careful about the cook, he likes to give full mouth kisses to the women you are with. Creepy or ultra friendly, not sure which. Service: Both times tonight, were quick. 2nd time around was busier but service was fast and delivered with a smile. Prices: $9 domestic pitchers, $11.50 import, $6 Fireball shots, Entertainment: 4 Pool tables, 3 dartboards, TouchTunes Jukebox, 2 bar top games, 18 TV's. Restroom: Nothing to be desired. Spacious, but single occupant, which, in a bar, should not be. Bright blue walls, with photos of fighter jets and the classic condom machine, loaded with 50 cent cheesy pick-up lines. (example: Hand her/him this piece of paper that says, "If you want to go home with me, give me a smile, if not, tear it up and throw it in my face". Like I said, cheesy. Bartender: Tonight was Cindy. Tattoos, black hair... all around hot, and super nice! Ask about her specialty shot...it'll knock you on your ass. Closing statement: We came in at about 8pm...it was dead. We skipped out to Johnny's Saloon to catch Howdy Doodie time, which was cancelled for reasons out of their control. To catch the true culture of Kit's, come in around 11:30pm. Oh, and try the sliders... they are either really good, or we were really drunk.
Outside of breaking the camera lens while sober, pretty good night. A lot of photos did not come out due to the damage, and this will be the last review for a while until we get the lens replaced.
10632 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA (562) 864-6558
Price per domestic pitcher: $8.00
Credit/Debit: Yes
Parking: Public Lot
Good for groups: Yes
Music: TouchTunes
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 5
Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
Alcohol: Full Bar
ATM: Yes
The Bar: The outside: Located in a ghetto strip mall on the corner of Imperial Hwy and Domart Ave. A tall sign on the building representing a torch which appears to be 100 years old. Tucked between a liquor store and a laundromat lies this little dive. A brick wall, covered in filth and a door leading into the unknown.
The inside, dark. A long bar to the left leading back to the pool tables and some tables to the right, which are a bit wobbly, careful you don't spill your beer. The floors seem to have had the carpet removed and never replaced. Glue build up where carpet once was, watch your step in some places. The Crowd: Local retirees. We were in quite early compared to most of our other reviews (around 3pm). Had a lot of eyes on us since we were new faces, but no problems. Prices: $8 domestic pitchers, $13.50 import. $2.50 domestic bottles, $3.50 import. $3.75 tall boys of PBR, $5 Fireball shots, and $4 delicious Bloody Mary's. Entertainment: 2 pool tables, 1 dartboard, TouchTunes Jukebox, 5 TV's where Bob and I learned how to make moonshine on the History channel. Restroom: Amazing. Is amazing the right word to describe a toilet? Sure, why not. Compared to the appearance outside, "the Virgin Mary would be proud to go in there and take a dump." - Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. Bartender: Our favorite Booties bartender, Barbara. Absolutely stunning. Even if you don't plan on drinking, at least stop in and say Hi. Closing statement: We'd like to come back and check this place out again, perhaps at night when there is more of a lively crowd. Not a bad spot at all. Great little dive, that serves a delicious Bloody Mary.
The Bar: Don't try to Google the location of this bar. The address it gives you, is not correct and will lead you to a residence. Use 4111 Lakewood Blvd. Lakewood CA, there you will find this tiny hole in the wall with only a small lit up sign on the Lakewood Blvd. side of the building. The first thing we noticed walking into this bar, was the sign on the roof designating the "happy hour" hours, which seem to be an all day event.
Called the Flite Room, because it's near the airport? I guess. Perhaps a little airplane decor would be fitting, maybe a propeller on the sign? Nah, just a name. We came to this bar tonight because it was the only one nearby doing Karaoke on a Sunday night. Conveniently, it was only us who thought this was a good idea and were able to walk in, grab a beer, and sing a song, all within 5 minutes of being there.
Inside, to the right of the main entrance, you will find a booth and a pool table tucked in the back corner; to the left, you will find another pool table, and an area for the Karaoke; straight ahead is the bar, with about 10 bar stools, one which was taken by a guy who could hardly hold his balance. To the right of the bar, the ATM machine, in a small broom closet room, with quite the extensive library for all your drunken reading needs. The Crowd: All locals. There was some chatter about "DiveBar Culture" in the bar. We couldn't tell if they were interested in the idea, or mocking it, not that it matters. A couple of ladies sitting at the end of the bar, who were bartenders at some of the surrounding bars, commented, "you guys have no idea what a dive bar is." I beg to differ. Look around ladies, this is an ultimate dive. I proceeded to talk about some of the other dives we've been to in the area, including the Annex (also in the top 10 of diviest bars) where, we learned later, one of these girls was a bartender. Trust us, we know our dives. On a scale from 1-10, I give this crowd a 3 on friendliness. Service: 1st round was quick, but the second and third rounds, slow to say the least. Not many people in the bar, but the bartender would converse in a long conversations with locals while non-local customers waited anxiously for drinks. Prices: $3.25 16oz Coors Light, $2 Jello Shots, $4 shots of Fireball. Entertainment: 2 pool tables, 1 dart board, internet jukebox, a library full of books, Karaoke on Saturday and Sunday nights, Golden Tee Golf, Silver Strike Bowling, 2 touchscreen games on the bar. Restroom: Surprisingly fabulous. Very clean. Patrons here, actually know how to aim. Bartender: Pam. The patrons ranted and raved about her and how awesome she is. I didn't see what the big deal was, besides the heavy pour, nothing really to report. Perhaps, since we were new, we got the cold shoulder in the beginning. Closing statement: My first encounter with this bar back in March was shitty to say the least, and I let Yelp know all about it. I told myself I'd never come back here, however, this was the closest spot for Karaoke on a Sunday, so we thought we'd give it a second chance. Was not terribly disappointed this time. Service was still a bit slow, but we tend to encounter this a lot being the new faces in the bar.
The Bar: Considered the diviest bar in Long Beach, this little hole in the wall sits on Clark Ave. between PCH and Los Coyotes Diagonal. This is the bar that the locals come to when the Annex and Blondie's close early, at least that's what I did when I lived in Long Beach. Everything about this place screams dive bar, no windows, a door leading into the unknown, and the smell of stale beer from the night before, feels like home. The Crowd: For a Saturday night, not much happening in here. Got your standard retirees, couple of drunk middle aged fellows, and a few in their 20's. Everyone seemed nice enough. Service: Quick and delivered with a smile. Prices: $4.25 16oz Coors Light, $5 shots of Fireball (heavy pour) Entertainment: 2 pool tables (50 cents), TouchTunes, 2 dart boards, Lottery ticket machine. Complementary hotdogs and popcorn on weekends. Restroom: One of the filthiest we've ever been in. It was hot & humid, with the smell of old urine. Perhaps a 99 cent air freshener could fix this issue. Closing statement: We use to frequent this place on the regular. Not a terrible spot if you are looking for a relaxed environment. The restrooms could certainly use a facelift. We were told that Friday nights are the best and that we should return then, we shall try. In the meantime, stop on by and let us know what you thought.
The Bar: This dark little punk rock bar is famously known throughout Southern California for having some famous bands such as, Black Flag, Green Day and The Offspring. This is also the set for the popular HBO show True Blood (Fangtasia) and some scenes from the movie Tenacious D Pick of Destiny. The bar is located on Anaheim street in Long Beach. A difficult one to find since there is no real sign designating the building. The main entrance to this bar is located in the back, off an alleyway, again, no sign in sight. The Crowd: Depending on the band for the night, this can change drastically. Tonight's crowd was punk. A whole lot of piercings and a whole lot of tattoos. Ran in to a guy from London, he was 57 years young with around 25 piercings in his face alone. He was here on vacation with his wife and decided to hit Alex's, because apparently, this bar is talked about abroad also. Cool guy rockin out the whole night. Service: Surprisingly excellent. The bar was packed, and when we say packed, we mean fucking slammed. By the time the first band started playing, this place was beyond capacity. Everyone standing shoulder to shoulder in a cluster fuck drunken daze. The stack of people waiting for drinks was about 4 thick all the way around the bar, however, it took but a second for a bartender to notice you waiting, and was prompt about getting you what you need. Very impressive. Prices: $5 tall cans of PBR along with a very nice drink menu including our personal favorite Moscow Mule. Entertainment: Karaoke on Tuesday nights. Live music almost every other night of the week. Check http://www.alexsbar.com/month for the upcoming events. Restroom: The only complaint here; the the sit down shitter doesn't have a door. Not that we recommend ever dropping a steamer in a bar, but if ya gotta go, no other choice than to have someone possibly walk in on you mid squeeze. Closing statement: On a show night, be prepared to pay a cover. Get here early to grab a table. The patio is cool, equipped with a taco cart provided by Gringo's Tacos on the weekends, however, even though the patio is enclosed, they don't allow drinks outside. Overall, it's a cool little spot. Come for a drink, stay for a show. Great cocktail menu too.
2500 E Anaheim Street
Long Beach, CA
(562) 433-5823
Price per domestic pitcher: $10.00
Credit/Debit: Yes
Parking: Street
Good for groups: Yes
Music: Internet Jukebox/Live
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 6
Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
ATM: Yes
The Bar: This was one of those nights where we could not wait to go drinking. We arrived while the sun was still up, and it was a ghost town in there. 1 bartender and 1 customer. We quickly headed to the bar, ordered our first pitcher, and the rest is a blur.
The bar set-up: A hollow rectangle, with roughly 20-30 seats and 1 walk up service station. To the right is a shuffleboard and to the left you will find the ATM, 2 pool tables and a stage. We were here two weeks ago, and an awesome Social Distortion cover...I mean "Tribute Band" by the name of Mainliner was there. The Crowd: We talked to the one guy who was there for a bit, chill dude. More heads arrived around 9 along with whatever band was going to play, we didn't stay long enough to find out who they were. Prices: $10 pitchers of domestic, $15 import. $6 Fireball. Heineken, Bud Light, Budweiser, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Blue Moon, Fat Tire, New Castle on tap. Entertainment:TouchTunes, 2 pool tables, free shuffleboard, electronic dartboard, 6 TV's. Restroom: Not sure what's up with the diamond plated decor, perhaps a piss deflector? It was clean, but poorly lit. Some stickers on the toilet seat that have been partially torn off and covered by a new one...process repeats. Bartender: Tonight was Shaina, in the industry for years, but new to this bar. She was hot and covered in tattoos! Closing statement: They call them a Rock & Roll Lounge, but it seems more like a night club. It was a cool place for sure, and we will likely be back for dollar beer night (Sunday) and to catch Mainliner sometime soon. This is a new bar, formerly Max Steiner's, so they are in the process of getting their new brand out to the world. In the meantime, stop in for a beer, a free concert, and a place with No Cover Charge...EVER.
7420 Sunset Avenue
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 965-9883
Price per domestic pitcher: $5.00 (mini)
Credit/Debit: Yes
Parking: Public Lot
Good for groups: Yes
Music: Internet Jukebox/Karaoke
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 3
Smoking: Outside with drinks
Alcohol: Full Bar
ATM: Unk
The Bar: The outside looks very divey and the inside, just as good. As my friends and I were looking for a bar to sing karaoke at, this one came to mind. We first checked it out Wednesday, however karaoke is only on weekends. We stayed a bit, caught a buzz, headed home, only to return Friday night with a larger crowd of friends.
Walking in to this establishment, we were immediately noticed by the locals for being new. I wasted no time heading straight to the bar, where a rather tall, bald, gray-bearded, intimidating bartender stands. I was quick on the draw, with I.D., credit card, and business card in hand. I gave him the normal speech of what we do, and he was totally cool with us....from that point on, the rest of the night was pretty much a blur. The Crowd: My first encounter with the crowd was a gentleman with more tattoos showing than skin, infact the only skin not tatooed was between his forehead and chin. He says to me, "you're DiveBar Culture, I found your business card in the bathroom, I used it as a crutch." Hey man, use it for whatever, at least you remembered us. Moving on, the 2nd encounter, an older gentleman, who could not wait to tell me of every single dive bar in Sac County, as to remain polite, I listed as he rapped of roughly 50, nice guy too. As for the rest of the crowd, well, they came with me. Service: 1 bartender on, and us with a crowd of 10, it took a minute to get served, but once the 1st round came, the beers stayed full the whole night. Prices: Half pitchers $5.00, double shots of Fireball $4.50. Pints of PBR $2.50. Entertainment: 1 pool table, TouchTunes jukebox, Karaoke on weekends. 1 electronic dartboard. Restroom: Not too shabby, I expected worse, but to my surprise, it was very clean, and smelled great. Closing statement: We had a grand time here. Singing karaoke wasted, always makes for hilarious entertainment. I will certainly come back to this spot for more drunken karaoke nights. If you're in the area, come on by for a beer. You won't be disappointed.
The Bar: Located on East Anaheim... (insert Sublime lyrics here), this is a popular spot. I've been in here a few times, always packed, always a good time. We arrived here about 7pm Saturday night, and that place was poppin. A crowd already out front just hanging out shootin the shit and grubbin on the FireHouse Chefs food truck that was in the parking lot. To the right of the entrance there is the mystery door. Not sure what goes on up there, but people are in and out all night. When my friend asked about it, the response was, "nothing that concerns you". Okay buddy, whatever you say.
Tonight was the new owner (Steve) celebration party. This bar has been here for 16 years, and Steve is the 4th owner.
I'm guessing the occupancy of this bar is about 50-70, but I heard some nights, there are as many as 150. A long L-shaped bar, with 2 service stations and 2 bartenders. The bar seats about 15 people, along with some scattered tables throughout. In the rear, you will find the restrooms and 2 pool tables, which one was covered tonight. The Crowd: Local Long Beach. Everyone seemed to know each other. Definitely a younger crowd, mostly CSULB students. A few of the women here like to fish for free drinks, I was approached twice for that. Denied! Service: We arrived at 7pm and it was already packed. Took about 10 minutes to grab our first beers. Prices: $4.00 pints of domestic. $5.75 pints of import. $2.50 tall cans of Rolling Rock and $4 tall cans of PBR. Stella, Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Fat Tire, Sierra Nevada and Shock Top on draught. 15 brands of Tequila. Entertainment: TouchTunes jukebox, 2 pool tables, Big Buck Hunter, 10 TV's with the sports package and Shuffleboard. Restroom: Smaller than an airplane, but somewhat clean. Paper towels overflowing from the trash can. New lock on the door. Closing statement: Love this bar. Had a blast for the few hours we were there. Get here early to ensure you get a spot to sit. This was the second time in two weeks we were here. I want to point out, the girl:guy ratio was roughly 8 to 1. Good spot to come mingle. The owner knows what he is doing, and I see this new ownership doing very well in the future.
4300 E Stearns Street
Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 597-0560
Price per domestic pitcher: N/A
Credit/Debit: No (Cash Only)
Parking: Public Lot/ Street
Good for groups: No
Music: Internet Jukebox
Best Nights: Weekends
TV's: 5
Smoking: Outside/No Drinks
Alcohol: Beer Only
ATM: Yes
The Bar: Offset from the main boulevard, tucked behind a failing furniture store, you will find the Annex, which clearly shows it's a beer bar only. This is not my first encounter with this bar and not likely my last. Upon entering this establishment, there is a raggedy black curtain hanging in the doorway, not sure why though. Once inside, empty. The bar is a long U-shape. Two sides have bar stools, and one side has 2 person booths. I was told, they use to serve food here, but that is no longer. There is the classic dive bar icon...a shuffle board against the rear wall. The Crowd: Every time I have been in this bar, there hasn't been more that 4 or 5 guys sitting together. Local neighborhood retires shootin the shit havin a cold one. Nice guys to say the least. This is not the bar to come to if you are looking to mingle with some women.... but the bartender on Saturday night it a cutie, so that is worth the stop in. However, flirting with is practically impossible, since she has heard every line in the book from those old men. (Not that I use lines, just my natural charm, Ha!) Service: As you can imagine, with the lack of occupancy, service is quick and delivered with a smile. Prices: $7.50 Import Large Schooner, and by large, I mean fishbowl. $5.75 Domestic large schooner. $3.75 Domestic small schooner, $3.25 domestic pints. On tap they have: Coors Light, Coors, Budweiser, Bud Light, Sierra Nevada, Blue Moon, Miller Light, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Pacifico, Smithwicks, Guinness and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Entertainment: Not much going on here in the hopes of entertainment, 5 TV's, a internet jukebox, and a shuffle board. Restroom: Definitely one of the worst I have been in. The stall has a swinging door on it, and if you're over 5'5" you will unfortunately catch a glimpse of someone taking a dump. Bartender: Sarah, hottie. Super nice. At least come here to say hi to her, if nothing else. Closing statement: After 3 attempts to get in here for a review, finally a success. They are closed often due to lack of customers, but it's a cool place to relax if you are just looking to have a giant schooner of PBR and not worry about the mainline dating scene.
Blondies
2259 N Lakewood Blvd.
Long Beach, CA
(562) 498-2661
Price per domestic pitcher: $9.00
Credit/Debit: Yes
Parking: Public Lot
Good for groups: No
Music: Internet Jukebox
Best Nights: Fri, Sat
TV's: 10
Smoking: Outside/with Drinks
Alcohol: Full Bar
ATM: No
The Bar: This one time, about 3 years ago, I left the Orange curtain and moved to Long Beach. Blondie's was my local watering hole. This is a true neighborhood bar. Just about every patron rides a bicycle or walks here from the surrounding neighborhoods, or local University (CSULB).
Located on the northwest corner of Lakewood Blvd. & Stearns Ave. The sign is bright red, so if you look hard enough, you will find it. There is a sign on the street, but the bar is behind the new complex on the corner.
The outside front of this bar is unique. The smoking patio is located on the front, fenced off so that you can drink outside also. The entrance to the bar is located to the right of the patio. Once inside, you are at the bar, which when busy, everyone clutters up at the door, making it difficult to get in.
The inside is a long hallway, roughly 30 feet wide wall to wall, and about 200 feet long. The bar is L-shaped seating about 20 heads, with one service station near the main entrance The left wall has about 4 tables. The patio has 6 tables, with a TV & outdoor heating.
If you get hungry, check out LW Pizza directly across the parking lot. They deliver till 3am Fri & Sat. The Crowd: Given it was a Sunday night, there were about 5 people here when we arrived at 9pm. Being absent from this bar for over 3 years, I was still recognized by one of the bouncers. In all my time spent at this bar, I have never seen any confrontation, not even a minor argument. This is the most newbie friendly bar I have ever been to. Service: Starting with a pitcher of Coors light, ice cold with 2 chilled glass, service was great. 2nd time around, another pitchers, we were offered chilled glasses, but no need to dirty more glasses. Prices: Prices vary on pitchers per day. Sunday night they were $9.00. Shots of Fireball $5.00...heavy pour. Entertainment:TouchTunes Jukebox, 2 Pool Tables, Golden Tee Live, Lottery scratchers. Popcorn machine. Restroom: Set up as a single occupant at a time. Be sure to lock the door, or may find yourself in a sword fight. Relatively clean, with the classic dive bar condom machine. I sure hope no one takes those serious. If you need the number for the local Taxi, there are plenty of ads here. Bartender: Not sure what happened to the bar in last few years...back in the day, it was always beautiful female bartenders...tonight...we had John, cool guy, but with a name like Blondie's, you'd expect female bartenders. Closing statement: My favorite neighborhood bar in Long Beach and an easy walk from my best friends house, I will be frequenting this bar more often now, and I recommend you check it out too.
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.
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.
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: Beer & wine Only. $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.
