Bar: Glendale Tap
Where: 4227 San Fernando Rd., Glendale, CA 91204
Hours: Mon-Thu 5 pm – 2 am
Fri-Sun 1 pm – 2 am
Parking: Mainly street, plenty of spots though.
Notable Brews: The Bruery Local Red, Ninkasi Brewing Co. Tricerahops Double IPA
Why: When searching for the right dive bar, atmosphere is key. Sure, the drinks matter too, but you can get drinks almost anywhere. Glendale Tap is a relatively new spot, opening its doors in 2012. Since then, it has become a hangout for locals to go and grab a tasty craft brew. The exposed brick, dim lighting and friendly staff make it a welcoming destination to drink a beer with your friends. Their tap list boasts beers from L.A. breweries on down to San Diego’s finest. Glendale Tap is more for drinking than eating, but if you get the beer munchies, they do have some tasty snacks, such as pretzels, peanuts and empanadas you can chow down on. If you find yourself in the area and are craving some quality beer, Glendale Tap is the place for you.
Bar: Bodega Wine Bar
Where: 814 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Open daily starting at 5 p.m. Happy hour available!
Parking: Metered parking on street. Parking is free at the meters after 6 p.m. Valet options are also available.
Notable Drinks: (Red) Canaiolo-Poggio Al Casone “Chianti”/Italy. (White) Verdejo,Viura, Sauvignon Blanc-Con Class/Spain. (Beer) Chimay Grande Reserve.
Why: A good wine bar can be hard to come across. There’s the question of the atmosphere, which can play a huge role in the full wine bar experience, and then of course the matter of drink selection. Bodega Wine bar is a great place that welcomes all wine admirers, connoisseurs, and even caters to those who don’t have a taste for it. With locations in both Santa Monica and Pasadena, Bodega offers a wine bar experience that will have consumers returning with a fully quenched thirst. With a backwall filled with wine bottles, Bodega offers an array of wines from countries all over the world. From Italy, to Spain, to Argentina, and even the vineyards of Paso Robles, Calif., Bodega is a reputable establishment for those looking to broaden their wine horizons.
For those who aren’t wine lovers, there’s a fair selection of ales, stouts and lagers to satisfy the brew lovers. If you’re looking for a Bud Light or two buck chuck, you’ve sadly entered the wrong establishment. Similar to Glendale Tap, Bodega provides a cool conversation-friendly ambiance with exposed brick walls and several lounge areas – one located next to the bar, the other near the entrance which has two large garage doors that provide a pleasant open air atmosphere, of course only when the weather is appropriate. Not
only does Bodega offer an assortment of wines and beers, they’ve got a great food selection for when the alcohol munchies start to kick in. Customers can order anything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with fig challah and brie, to beet and avocado salads, caprese and several delicious pizzas that all have a gluten free option. So whether you’re in the seaside city of Santa Monica, or the lively streets of Pasadena, and you’re looking for a cool place to grab a nice drink and a delicious meal, Bodega Wine Bar is where it’s at.
Bar: The Misfit Restaurant & Bar
Where: 225 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, Ca 90401
Hours: Doors open at noon Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, open late every night, (proper attire required)
Parking: Metered options available on the street, as well as several parking garages surrounding the Third Street Promenade.
Notable drinks: North Coast Scrimshaw-Pilsner, Ca 4%. Clocktower Manhattan-Jim Beam Rye, Ca Vermouth, house drunken cherry.
Why: Looking for a cool place to grab a bite and a drink in the Santa Monica area? The Misfit is the place to go for a unique dining and an unforgettable bar experience. Though the place can become quite crowded on weekends due to it’s popularity, it shouldn’t stop you from attending and gaining an all new bar experience. The Misfit has an appealing ambiance, one that would make the customer feel as if they were walking into a traditional 1920s bar with big round lamps hanging above its bar stools. The bar wall is draped with curtains pulled to the sides, exposing the large selection of alcohol as well as more 1920s inspired furnishings, and bookshelves. The Misfit offers outdoor seating for those who wish to take their furry friends along, and a great menu for those who wish to simply dine. While the menu offers delectable options such as the green chile burger, or the surf and turf nik nik’s, a customer favorite, the full bar provides an endless variety of mixed drinks, beers and wines. While having the ability to make any mixed drink desired, the bar has a special drink list offering unique cocktails from the ‘Mezcal Yellow Jacket,’ to the ‘Goodnight Emily.’ On tap are fresh draft beers with an assortment of pilsners and ales from Belgium to California. If you’re on the Third Street Promenade and need a shopping break, or bar hopping from Bodega which could be a considerably good walk to help shake off the buzz, stroll into the Misfit Bar & Restaurant.
Bar: The Varnish
Where: 118 East 6th Street, Downtown LA 90014 Located in the back of Coles (Speak easy!)
Hours: 7 p.m. To 2 a.m every day
Parking: Some metered parking available on the streets, but it’s Downtown LA, there are parking lots everywhere within walking distance!
Notable drinks: Whiskey Ginger, Manhattan
Why: Everyone loves a good speakeasy! Cleverly located in the back of Cole’s, a restaurant known for their delicious french-dip sandwiches, hides the intimate speakeasy Varnish. Though they do require proper attire from their guests, it’s easy to see why. The Varnish is a 1920s themed cocktail bar, and rated to be one of the best in Southern California. The bartenders, said to be some of the best in the business, are dressed to the nine’s in their finest 1920s attire while preparing drinks for thirsty customers. Known for their delicious cocktails, the Varnish specializes in cocktails made with ginger. For example, the Whiskey Ginger (for fans of ginger only!) The bartenders use special techniques, as well as old-fashioned measuring glasses (such as one found in a chemistry lab), to make sure their customers receive a proper dosage of everything the drink has to offer. After a lot of shaking and measuring, the Whiskey Ginger is stirred with a spoon that also serves as a straw. To make it even more interesting, the drink is topped off with a few small pieces of delicious candied ginger. While the Whiskey Ginger sings high praises, the Manhattan is also said to be another notable drink, especially for those who feel like being classy for the evening. This is a great intimate, dimly lit spot to go to, however, seating is selective, so make sure you go a bit early to reserve your name on a list (if necessary, depending what night of the week it is.) Also, make sure to stick around to watch the bartenders prepare your drink, and to tip them well! After the show they put on, it’s well deserved.
Bar: Cisco’s
Where: 925 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village, CA 91361
Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-12am Thurs-Sat 11am-1:30am Sun 10am-11pm
Notable Drinks: Strawberry Margarita
Why: If you love Mexican food and love to dance, Cisco’s is the place for you. It’s a perfect place to go if you don’t feel like driving all the way out to a Hollywood club and dealing with the insane amount of traffic. This location is in Westlake, which isn’t too far from the valley. Cisco’s is a restaurant by day and a crazy party by night. The food and margaritas is DELICIOUS.. Their margaritas are to die for, and they give you a lot for your money, which is never a downfall. Once you’ve had your share of margaritas and tacos, moving onto the dance floor is the perfect place to work it off. Just like a club in Hollywood, Cisco’s offers great music to dance along to, which can keep you going all night long. It’s an overall remarkable place to check out if you’re ever stuck with nothing to do.
