Smog Cutter Dive Bar / Karaoke Bar

Silver Lake, Los Angeles –

Characterized by cranky bartenders and a hipster clientele, the offbeat Smog Cutter is a potent mix of one part karaoke, two parts dive, and eight parts attitude.

The place is all but dead on weeknights when just a smattering of locals shows up to watch sports, but on weekends, this one-room watering hole is a drunken singing party packed to the rafters with plastered young professionals and quirky creatives.

Regulars head straight to the crowded bar to order double drinks from the dragon-lady bartenders, famous for haranguing their customers into more drinking and more singing – and for mixing drinks strong enough to ensure both of those things happen.

Although the space and décor are a rickety mishmash of flea market finds and old timbers, no one seems to mind as tipsy hipsters in their finest flannel belt out classic rock nuggets like Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” with the occasional help of the whole bar.

Those who want to lay low can hang out at the pool table to play a game, shoot the breeze, and check out the photo displays of loyal patrons taped randomly to the walls.

Kitschy and loud and completely intoxicated, there’s no doubt Smog Cutter’s oddball brand of debased fun will appeal to adventurous types and dive lovers looking for a wild and high-spirited night out.