Before the Date…
Every beach town has it’s own rough under belly. It may be small and frequently passed by but Santa Monica is not immune to this. That’s where this night takes you down a strange stretch on the far west side of Pico Blvd. and area fighting off the gentrification blob in incredible fashion. There’s dive bars and dodgy motels with only a spattering of your “luxury” apartment. In the mix are gems worth stringing together with a group of friends to make one heck of a night hitting the bottle and enjoying a different side of the beach town.
So call those friends up and tie one on for a night of dive bars and stiff drinks.
St0p #1: 8pm
TURN UP
STIFF DRINK 2 START
What to Know
For sure this place is a legit dive and has been here for over 60 years. Crazy! They’ve got pool tables, cheap drinks, and strong pours just what you’d want.
They’re, apparently, known for the karaoke that takes place on Saturdays starting at 9pm. It can get packed so cruise in early.
If you happen to be there when a beautiful Scottish bartender is mixing drinks you’re in luck. That’s Ruth and she’s been holding down the fort for over 20 years here. God bless her!
There’s comedy nights on Monday starting at 9pm. Turn the date backwards if you wanna catch this at the end.
St0p #2: 9:30pm
FUEL UP
EPIC SLICE OF ZA
What to Know
This is the pizza joint from Wilshire Blvd’s Milo and Olive. Turns out they had so much take out pizza business a standing room only joint made sense. Hence the SRO in the name.
They have gluten free options, however, they have only 1 pizza ready for slices. It’s up in the air what you’ll get so if your crew wants a gf pie, call when you leave stop 1. It’ll take 20 minutes to make.
This is the old location of Sweet Rose Creamery. The SWC production facility is in the back but have no fear there’s a full freezer full of SWC ice cream in the front.
P.S. they have gluten free tiramisu for dessert.
St0p #3: 10pm
VIBE OUT
LOCAL BAND DEN
What to Know
Bring cash. There is usually a $10 cover charge. An ATM is in the back but better to be prepared you know, and not pay that $3 fee.
As a local neighborhood hang they play live music 7 nights a week, a burlesque show every Wednesday at 10pm, trivia night on Fridays starting at 7pm, and open mic night on Saturdays starting at 2pm. What a joint!