the 811

Snow White Cafe

Drink of choice: $7 36oz. beers during happy hour

Music of Choice: The Cure and Bowie

Mandrake

The Mandrake is tucked between the Culver City’s finest art galleries located on La Cienega Blvd. ‘BAR’ in neon letters directs you into the cozy establishment. As you glance around, you will find many artists and musicians from the local area. The heavy wood interiors make for a comfortable stay while enjoying some great drinks. As you walk your way further into the bar, you will find a gallery space displaying some wall art in the back. The back door leads to a small patio space with few tables (dogs welcome). Above all, the Mandrake has a great playlist looping at all times.

Drink of Choice: Mojito

Music of Choice: Eclectic sounds from all over

Beechwood

If you’ve spent the day wondering Venice’s vintage shops and furniture stores, keep traveling down Abbot Kinney until you hit Washington Blvd.  There you will find an obscure concrete and wood building.  Beechwood is one of Venice’s finest bar/restaurants with a great outdoor space where you can sit by the fire for hours.  The perfect time to visit this spot is right after work, or weekday nights.  You dont want to mess with the weekend crowds.  Other than the quality design of the building/furniture, Beechwood offers a great list of drinks and amazing fries( I recommend the triple-frie plate)

Drink of Choice: Czech beer on draft

Music of Choice: Everything from Billie Holiday to Mgmt 

S & S

Driving or walking down Venice Boulevard, your eyes recognize a familiar tune that draws you through the door of Saints & Sinners.  Oh wait… it’s the late 90’s remix to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”  Now that your ears have drawn you in, your eyes are the next sense to get a fill.  The three G’s can only describe the decor… Glitter, Gold, and Goth.  All of a sudden, the lights dim… your eyes go to the bar.  The onlookers wait in anticipation.  Illumination fills the room as the bartender blows a large flame from behind the bar.  Everyone claps with astonishment.  A good choice of drink to cool yourself after this fiery feat would have to be the “golden shower.” 

 Drink of Choice:  Golden Shower

 Music of Choice:  Late 70’s dance/rock 

A Black Diamond in the Rough

Approaching the entrance, you immediately stumble upon an awkward ramp leading to the heavy, tinted threshold. Designer lighting creates a subtle glow once you step foot onto the concrete flooring, and you are welcomed into the serene atmosphere. At first glance, you notice the protruding bar, designed to fit the occupying space. Then, your eye wanders to the right, catching a glimpse of the cozy fireplace situated on the back wall. Lounge seating compliments this section, allowing for prime conversational areas. An outdoor space provides for additional conversations as it is separated from the street by a pattern-based brick wall, creating an “indoor” feel. Heading back indoors, you find yourself captivated by the large 3’x3’ photographs of derelict pools and suburban Los Angeles, leaving a lasting impression of this “black diamond in the rough.” 

Drink of Choice:  Acme IPA

Music of Choice:  Late 90’s top 50 pop/rock