The Roost

My friends and I just had to give this place a pet name because we love it so much. Off the beaten path to some, The Roost in Atwater Village provides the perfect escape from the wild Hollywood nights. Just a few miles east of the Walk of Fame, this laid-back retro bar serves standard bar drinks at a deep discount. My go-to, whiskey and ginger, is only $4 and they make it strong. As it is a cash only bar, tell everyone to bring a $20 bill and that'll be more than enough to last you. I’ve had some of the best conversations there with close friends while the super nice bartenders join in at just the right time. I love going and seeing the dollar bills that my friends have tacked to the walls with inside jokes on them, reminding us of the good times we’ve had there. I especially enjoy the self-serve popcorn machine. The best part is that they have parking right behind the bar, and if its full its very easy to find street parking on one of the bordering streets. If you go early enough during weekdays, during happy hour let’s say, you’ll find that the crowd is a bit older and calmer. Come here on a Friday or Saturday night, and the hipsters from Silver Lake and surrounding areas fill the bar creating a vibrant atmosphere. There’s something about this place though, because no matter the crowd, everyone is in a great mood. In my opinion, this is the perfect place to start your night or turn-in for a night cap at the end of a long day.

The Roost never disappoints those seeking a cheap, stiff drink and a low-key setting. Aptly named, this is the perfect bar for those who want to kick back a few in the comfort of a cozy booth. Kitschy retro and faux rustic decor straight out of the '70s greets patrons. Seasoned locals line the bar, watching TV and conversing with the bartenders and each other. The younger hip crowd can be found making selections from the well-stocked jukebox, and grabbing small paper bags of free popcorn from the old-fashioned machine. Groups of friends and the occasional off-beat couple populate tables and banquettes. A band of thirty-somethings crowded into one of the leather booths is not an uncommon sight. The bar is cash only, so be sure to bring enough - with few banks within walking distance, you'll be sorry you didn't. Stocked with dive bar staples like PBR and Bud Light, The Roost is equally capable of serving up a mean Manhattan. The bartenders pour generously, so be sure you have a safe way to get home. On weekdays, a seat and quiet conversation are usually guaranteed. The weekends become more boisterous, when patrons from the adjacent bars Bigfoot Lodge and The Griffin wander in for a nightcap. An Atwater mainstay, The Roost is a neighborhood bar for locals, transplants, and anyone else who wanders in.