Before the Date…
In a town like Santa Monica the few establishments who have won the test of time seem to be vanishing at an alarming pace. Finding and holding on to these relics of yesteryear not only give you a view of the past but more importantly the feel of the “good ol’ days”…and the good ol’ days mean Little League style pizza parties, killer pool halls, and a dive bar to sing your heart out at.
So prep your favorite vintage wearing people in your life and enter the Santa Monica Time Machine.
St0p #1: 7:30pm
PIZZA PARTY
where craft cocktails meet family pizza party
What to Know
This pizza joint clashes at the intersection of hipster vinyl bar and family style pizzeria. It’s interesting at first but then turns out to be super fun bringing back your post Little League games.
The games on the shelves above the tables are for grabs. So go nuts if you’re feeling like a challenge.
The pizza is the name of the game here. Full on NY slices. They do have pastas and salads if you’re not into it.
Also check out their happy hour: 3:30pm to 5:30pm every day with $2 slices, $4 beers and $5 wines/cocktails. If you’re in for a deal you could make it for this and The Gaslite’s (stop 3) pre-9pm happy hour.
Alternative: Pizza not sounding like your jam, grab a bite at Ingo’s Tasty Diner. They serve elevated dinner classics plus live jazz some nights.
St0p #2: 9pm
BILLIARDS & BREWS
in a classic style pool hall
What to Know
This pool hall is cash only so please come prepared. They will take your ID at the front in exchange for balls and some chalk.
These tables are not only regulation size but really nice. It’s definitely a challenge sinking long shots, handle with care.
Sunday through Thursday from 7pm to 11pm is a “happy hour” with 2 hours of pool and a pitcher of beer for $47.
Just an idea: Play rounds for who has to sing first, who picks the song for who and first round at Stop #3.
St0p #3: 10pm
SIP & SING
on an old school karaoke dive
What to Know
They’ve got happy hour every day until 9pm with $2 off most drinks and $12-14 pitchers of beer. Along with this they have some really interesting shot specials like Sunday’s $5 Creme de Menthe 1 ouncer. Yum.
The infamous popcorn machine is saddled between the bar and the KJ. Think what you will but after a few pitchers of beer and a creme de menthe that popcorn tastes like heaven.