Best Dive Bars In The Southland

Sometimes, what's needed is to crawl into a dark hole-in-the-wall and cuddle up with your beverage. Just because you're looking for that experience doesn't mean it can't be fun. Take a look at some of our favorite dives.

The Happy End Bar & Restaurant
7038 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 469-7038
www.thehappyendingbar.com

Singles, listen up - the Happy Ending Bar and Restaurant in Hollywood is a great place to go on a group date if you're looking for a festive party atmosphere. The main attraction is a claw machine full of live lobsters that'll empty your wallet even faster than the pricey burgers. In the mood for an outrageous drinking game? Spin the wheel to gamble on your next drink order.

Brass Monkey
3440 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 381-7047
www.cafebrassmonkey.com

Unleash your inner monkey tonight at Brass Monkey. Die-hard karaoke lovers line the bar to belt out their favorite party tunes. This popular after-work hangout fills up well before singing begins at 9pm. So sit back and sing along to your top tunes from the Beatles, Billy Idol, Journey and more.

The Drawing Room
800 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-4408
(323) 665-0135

Tucked inside an average strip mall, The Drawing Room has all the glamour that one would expect from a seedy Hollywood dive bar. The eclectic crowd is a mix of guys sporting vintage T-shirts and dressed down ladies ready for a little flirting and a whole lot of drinking. So slap on your sneakers and head down to this hidden gem for a night of debauchery and fun.

Gas Lite
2030 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403-5608
(310) 829-2382
www.thegaslite.com

If you're itching to grab a beer a true "hole in the wall," head over to The Gas Lite. This dimly lit dive bar is decked out in '70s holiday décor, complete with twinkling lights and tinsel. On an average day at the Lite, you can find most drinkers downing martinis and scotch while playing interactive trivia. By 10pm, the place is packed with college students from nearby UCLA. Looking for some great music? Catch talented blues artists on Friday and Saturday night.

Shellback Tavern
116 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 376-7857
www.shellbacktavern.com

This Manhattan Beach tavern is more frat party than fairy tale. Shellback is a popular neighborhood watering hole for beach-loving locals. During the day, you can expect to find lots of board-short wearing surfers and bikini-clad babes taking a break from the sun. Be prepared to party with rowdy locals on Friday and Saturday nights.

Chez Jay
1657 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-1741
www.chezjays.com

Any Santa Monica local will tell you that Chez Jay is definitely a hidden gem. For over 44 years, locals have been flocking to this dive bar for classic seafood, steaks and, of course, cocktails. This coastal watering hole has an excellent wine list and a great selection of beers on tap. And, the peanuts served are famous! A Chez Jay peanut even made it to the moon, but for this story, you need to visit first hand.