Rick's Tavern on Main

Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles –

Often called the Cheers of Santa Monica for its friendly vibe – and the Bronx by the beach for all the Yankees paraphernalia – Rick’s Tavern on Main is an always casual drinking den and part-time rowdy sports hub in the heart of trendyville.

Underneath the dark green awning, a tiny porch offers laid-back revelers the chance to throw back a few as they watch the retinue of tourists, clubbers, and college kids flow by, while sandy-haired surf rats and blue-collar Brooklyn transplants alike sidle up to the narrow bar inside.

Large flat-screens are the obvious focus when baseball is on, but otherwise patrons settle in to a relaxed atmosphere conducive to working on a good buzz.

Small tables against the wall give those with the munchies a place to enjoy some signature waffle fries, but the tables get folded up when the drinking crowd surges in on Fridays.

As the room fills, many patrons escape to the small rear patio, making it a good place to get to know someone a little better without the dangers of an errant elbow, though even the patio regularly overflows on (not exactly rare) warm evenings.

Simple and straightforward, and with some of the cheaper booze and grub in this part of town, Rick’s Tavern on Main is a down-home saloon where everyone can feel at ease to tie one on.

Except Red Sox fans.