Townhouse + The Del Monte Speakeasy Historic Bar / Live Music Venue / Speakeasy

Venice, Los Angeles –

Opened by Italian immigrants in 1915, Townhouse and its basement counterpart The Del Monte Speakeasy have withstood the test of time, and together remain a lively and whiskey-charged Venice destination.

During prohibition, the staff at Townhouse smuggled alcohol into the downstairs through underground caves. The secret is long out, but the long and narrow ground floor with its high ceilings and moody red lighting still maintains a sultry vintage air, supported by antique wallpaper and chandeliers that look like fishnet tights.

Bohemians, sandy surfers, and crusty locals spend the evening sipping whiskey cocktails and ruminating as to why anyone would live anywhere but Venice, as grad students crowd around the back drinking beers and getting competitive with a game of pool.

Off the bar is a quieter room for couples to cozy up on leather couches, but the real intimacy is down the pair of steep staircases – each closely monitored by security guards – that lead to The Del Monte.

Low ceilings and a dark musty air enhance the illicit feel of this subterranean den, while a stage plays host to rotating acts like stand-up comedy, burlesque dancers, up-and-coming bands, and guest DJs that get the younger crowd grooving to hip-hop and current radio hits.

It’s no longer against the law to visit Townhouse and The Del Monte Speakeasy, but missing out on this Venice institution would surely be a crime.