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Historic Bars in Los Angeles
ATM / Artists / Bohemian / Casual / DJ
Party Earth Review 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 ... more
52 Windward Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
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All Ages / All Types / Breakfast
Reviewed by Kristen D.
"This place has great sandwiches the only down side is the line. There is always a line here but the food is worth it. This place is historic and a LA ..." more
1001 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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20s / 30s / 40s / Dance / DJ / Electronic
Reviewed by Efterpi Z.
"I was there for the monthly 'A club called Rhonda' night and the DJ's were amazing. If you like deep house and electro and heavy beats, this is the pl ..." more
3040 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
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20s / 30s / 40s / Bar / Cocktail Dress
Reviewed by Chad F.
"My Take It's exclusive, expensive, and exciting. The Magic Castle has tricks and surprises around every corner and is a must-see for anyone visiting ..." more
7001 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
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30s / 40s / A-list / After Work / Chic
Party Earth Review Perched on the Sunset Strip hillside and modeled after a French villa, Chateau Marmont is perhaps Hollywood’s most historic celebrity hideaway, most likely thanks to a staff known to turn a blind eye to outrageous behavior – after all, this is the place where John Belushi overdosed, Jim Morrison fell off the roof, and members ... more
8221 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046
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20s / 30s / Bar / Button-downs / Pasta
Reviewed by Tasha G.
"I stopped by Dominick's last week to meet some friends for Happy Hour; boy am I glad I did! This cute little place has a truly unique old-school decor ..." more
8715 Beverly Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90048
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20s / 30s / 40s / Button-downs / Lunch
Reviewed by Zach H.
"The only drink capable of going toe to toe with a Musso and Frank prime rib or porterhouse is their estimable vodka martini. To call it a drink is a d ..." more
6667 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
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All Ages / Bohemian / Brunch / Café
Reviewed by Lauren A.
"My take: Down a windy, dirt road in Malibu, you’ll find yourself at the grand entrance of the famous Calamigos Ranch. Tucked quietly behind a tea-lit ..." more
Calamigos Ranch
327 Latigo Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265
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20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types
Reviewed by Julio D.
"El Cholo has to be one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants around the LA area. Authentic food and drinks and the ambiance is fantastic all around. Tota ..." more
1121 South Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
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LA Historic Bars Overview
Sometimes there’s really nothing better than curling up and throwing back a few drinks in a place that has been around forever, and that’s where Los Angeles historic bars come into play. Sure, you could probably get a cheaper drink at that mass-market chain bar down the street, but how cool is it to sit in a tired old booth and think, “Cary Grant may have sat here,” or “John Belushi may have snorted a line off this table,” or “Lindsay Lohan….ah, who cares.”
There are several cool LA historic bars worth dropping in on, and they range from chic to incredibly budget friendly, so chances are good there’s one out there to suit everyone’s tastes. Over by the lovely Pacific Ocean, 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 that’s been doling out fine spirits since 1915.
Then over in Hollywood, Barney’s Beanery transformed from its 20s-era roadhouse beginnings (where travelers could trade in their license plates for a free beer), to a gathering spot for Tinsel Town icons like Clark Gable and Errol Flynn, to a rowdy hangout for rockers like Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison.
And, of course, who could forget the famed Chateau Marmont hotel, a French villa icon where John Belushi overdosed, Jim Morrison fell off the roof, and members of Led Zeppelin rode their motorcycles through the lobby?
The oldest bars in LA are spread across this fine city, and unlike so many made-up celebrities, they only get better with age.
More Bars & Clubs in Los Angeles
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Harvelle's
30s / Soul / Good for Groups / 40s -
Cole's
Budget-friendly / Beer / Casual -
Townhouse + The Del Monte Speakeasy
Cover charge / Hip-Hop / ATM / DJ -
Los Globos
Historic Bar / Mexican Food
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Rainbow Bar & Grill
Sandwiches / Patio / Pasta / 30s -
Barney's Beanery
Sports / Dinner / Rowdy / Jocks / TVs -
El Cid
Salsa Dancing / Lounge / 20s / 30s -
Chateau Marmont
Laid back / Expensive / Slacks
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