Townhouse

With its laidback vibe and hippy atmosphere, Venice is a prime locale for dive bars. Here are a few of the best.

 

 

Townhouse: Established in 1915, Townhouse is one of the oldest bars in Venice – a perfect atmosphere for any dive. It's so old that if you go to their website, you can see all types of black and white photos of turn of the century folk drinking there. So at the very least, you can say you drank where dead people once stood – that is if you want to get all Stephen King about it. If you happen to pop in on a Sunday, mimosas and bloody marys are $5 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. And who knows, you might even run into a few ghosts while you're there – assuming you drink enough.

52 Windward Ave., 90291; 310-392-4040

 

Danny's Venice: Since it's located right off the Boardwalk, Danny's is a great spot to pop into on a weekday afternoon – especially if you're looking for a quiet place to sit down and relax. Once seated, the first thing you'll notice is the gigantic mural on the wall. It depicts life in Venice over the past 100 years, and features famous faces from the past and present. Snap a picture for posterity, then enjoy a nice cold draft beer for $4. And if you happen to pop in on Thursday, live music starts at 8 p.m. Can you name another dive in the area that does that? Most likely not. Danny's also has all types of food and drink specials happening each day of the week. Visit their website for more info.

23 Windward Ave., 90291; 310-566-5610

 

Hinano Café: Where can you find the best burger in Venice? You'd be surprised to know it's not at any four star restaurant, or even a well-known burger joint. No, no, no, because as any tried-and-true Westsider will tell you, the only place to get a delicious flame-broiled patty with crispy bacon on a toasted sesame seed bun in Venice is… a dive bar? That's right, locals have been raving about the burgers at Hinano for decades. Heck, even Doors frontman Jim Morrison was a fan – that's how you really know it's a dive! Hinano doesn't get too fancy with the ingredients either – just meat and cheese on a bun with a pickle on the side. And the best part is, their burgers are only $6. Hinano Café is open until 2 a.m.

15 Washington Blvd., 90292; 310-822-3902

 

Canal Club: If you're new in town and looking for the full Venice Beach experience, then the Canal Club is definitely a place you'll want to check out. It's located a block away from the famous Venice canals (hence the name), and features the colorful artwork of several local artists. Inside you'll see a dining area that's partially inspired by the Venice Pier, tables in the shape of fish, and a marble wall made to look a sunset. They've also got sushi rolls for $5 and under, as well as their house wine and select mixed drinks for $5. Sushi and hard liquor – does it get any more dive-y than that?

2025 Pacific Ave., 90291; 310-823-3878