Best Bars In Culver City
(credit: Oldfield's Liquor Room)
The Culver City scene has exploded over the last few years due in large part to its eclectic and all-encompassing nightlife options. Whether you're seeking a retro-speakeasy vibe or a dive, bourbon or beer, jazz or the karaoke stage, the City of Culver has you covered.
Bigfoot Lodge West
10939 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 287-2200
www.bigfootwest.com
An impressive spirits menu and spirited atmosphere make this rowdy cousin of the 1933 Group family a must stop.
Brown is the color choice at Bigfoot Lodge West, from the log cabin exterior to the extensive selection of scotch, bourbon, and rye. Even those nearly as elusive as Bigfoot Van Winkles have been known to make an appearance at the bar.
The daily 5-9 happy hour featuring $5 drinks including beer, wines, and a must-have rye Manhattan will make your stay at the Lodge well worth it.
Blind Barber
10797 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 841-90232
www.blindbarber.com
A shave, and a haircut...and a martini? Blind Barber is a one stop shop to get shaped up and get your taste of alcohol that is sure to have you looking and feeling great. That is if you can find the place. You won't find any signage outside of Blind Barber except for an old fashioned barber pole marks the spot. Enter and you'll find inside a standard barber shop. But, the real fun begins through the secret door in the back which leads you to a bustling speakeasy featuring handcrafted cocktails including the sweet Strawberry Fields and the spicy Smoke and Dagger. Bar munchies including truffled popcorn and a stellar grilled cheese selection make Blind Barber worth seeking out.
City Tavern
9739 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-9739
www.citytavernculvercity.com
Offering an ever-rotating selection of quality local brews, City Tavern has emerged as a must-stop beer destination in Culver City. Whether you're in the mood for stouts, IPAs, heffes, or Belgian dubbels, the expansive tap and bottle/can list will leave you satisfied. If you're indecisive or if the impressive selection has you wanting to try all the beers, opt for the taster options available for all drafts. Come hungry, as City Tavern's innovative spins on pub fare including a vodka-battered fish and chips, bacon jam burger, and pimento grilled cheese provide ideal beer pairings.
Backstage Bar & Grill
10400 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 839-3892
www.backstageculvercity.com
This self-described "best dive bar in the world" might just live up to that lofty proclamation, especially when you're three shots deep and engaged in a rousing Springsteen sing-a-long. Backstage certainly ticks off the right boxes on the dive bar checklist: cheap booze, unpretentious atmosphere, good people, not to mention karaoke. It's no wonder a hardcore army of regulars sing its praises. Backstage also serves as Los Angeles's unofficial Seahawks bar, so Seattle NFL fans take note especially if Russell Wilson and co. are playing on Monday Night Football a.k.a. burger night, featuring half pound patties and garlic fries for a measly five bucks.
Bar At The Culver Hotel
9400 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 558-9400
www.culverhotel.com
Live jazz and expertly prepared cocktails bring out hotel guests and locals alike at this Culver City institution. The lobby bar is the place to be after the party and particularly after 7:30pm each night when the Culver Hotel features a diverse roster of jazz musicians .The speakeasy setting of the upstairs Velvet Lounge offers a quiet late night option beginning at 8pm Thursday-Saturday.
Oldfield's Liquor Room
10899 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 842-8066
www.oldfieldsliquorroom.com
Named after racing legend Berna Eli "Barney" Oldfield (who happens to be buried in Culver City's Holy Cross cemetery), this is the epitome of a neighborhood bar. The old school feel and bearded bartenders may be familiar, but the use of fruits, vegetables, and herbs straight from the Culver City Farmer's Market takes Oldfield's Liquor Room to another gear. The cocktail menu is divided between house favorites (The Millionaire, which pairs gin and Jamaican pot-still rum with apricot liquor and lime juice is a standout) along with a rotating list of seasonal concoctions. Locals especially appreciate the lengthy happy hours which runs from 5-9 on weekdays.
Seventy7 Lounge
3843 Main St.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-7707
www.seventy7lounge.com
While back alleys should usually be avoided, sometimes its worth make an exception. Case in point is Seventy7 Lounge which features a roaring 20s vibe complete with gold crushed velvet walls and comfy leather banquets. The elaborate cocktail list reads like an absinthe-induced dream. Not surprisingly, the green fairly appears on the menu, paired with parma liqueur, strawberry, Cointreau, Broken gin, creole bitters, and lemon juice for the intoxicating Lucidly Remembering.
