The Best Bars In Venice
It's officially summer here in Los Angeles, which means spending the days at the beach and heading to the bars when the sun goes down. With its famous beach, boardwalk and plethora of bars, Venice Beach is the perfect place to spend your summer. With a laid back vibe, most bars are within walking distance of each other so you can keep the party going.
The Lincoln
2536 Lincoln Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 822-1715
www.thelincolnvenice.com
Designed by creative guru Matt Winters, The Lincoln features a beautiful open air-patio where industrial accents and reclaimed wood tables give this space a uniqueness that can't be denied. Set within the old RG Club space, The Lincoln offers a curated cocktail list that's delicious but not too pricey. With cocktails topping just $12 per, you'll be sipping on these for a while because they're that good. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday as well, as they put on a DJ set from 7pm to close. Sunday's also call for BBQs which are great for the edgy patio decor.
Bank of Venice
80 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-5222
www.bankofvenicepublichouse.com
Situated in the heart of Venice's lively streets, Bank of Venice is right underneath that famed Venice sign which lights up at night. As a sister to the Venice Ale House, you know it must be good, too. Along with great wine, craft beer, and cocktails of all kinds, guests can grab a bite from their lunch and dinner menu as well. Don't forget to stop by for happy hour for discounted mojitos, beers and other cocktails!
James' Beach
60 N Venice Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 823-5396
www.jamesbeach.com
With an artistic, retro atmosphere, James' Beach is a bar and restaurant that serves modern American comfort food. The owners, who have taken their comfort food recipes and reworked the dishes into healthier versions for their beach location, present a menu which is straight forward but delicious with sandwiches, mahi mahi tacos, mac n cheese, steak and more. While the food is modern, the bar has a classic slant. Martinis are served with sidecars to hold the extra, the wine list is extensive and the rumor is that they introduced Los Angeles to the mojito. Overall, James' Beach may be more refined compared to other bars in the area, but if it's relaxation you seek, then grab a chair at James' Beach.
High Rooftop & Lounge
1697 Pacific Ave
Venice Beach, CA 90291
(424) 214-1062
www.highvenice.com
Situated on top of popular Hotel Erwin, this bar is the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach and it has views that can't be beat! Take in the boardwalk, the Santa Monica ferris wheel and even Malibu on a clear day from this perched bar. During the summer months, they also have refreshing drinks like the Blood Orange Julep which is a great twist on the classic Southern libation. On cooler nights, there are heat lamps, blankets and drinks like the tequila-spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate or the Lemon Apple Toddy. And, if you get hungry, grab some fare from their small food menu which is a mix of Mediterranean, American, European and Asian dishes.
The Brig
1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-7537
www.thebrig.com
Recently redone, this retro dive bar was even more of a dive back in the day. Now, it has the vibe of your parents' basement in the 70s, but with sleek touches, a loud juke box and the pool tables. Inside, you'll find strong drinks and a large, open area to dance, which is rare in Venice Beach. Outside, there can be long lines but there are the food trucks in the parking lot to keep you satisfied while you wait with friends. The bar also features a pool table for guests to play a few games.
Townhouse & The Del Monte Speakeasy
52 Windward Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 392-4040
www.townhousevenice.com
Established in 1915, Townhouse carries the honor as the oldest bar in Venice Beach and one of the oldest bars in Los Angeles. The Del Monte Speakeasy, which lives under Townhouse, was a true speakeasy during Prohibition, serving infamous people back in the day. Needless to say, this bar has stories to tell. Today, both floors serve hand crafted cocktails and beer, including 40s and wine. You can also find live music at the speakeasy including djs, comedy, burlesque and bands.
Barrique
796 Main St
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-9010
www.barriquevenice.com
Known primarily for their terrific eats, Barrique is much more than just a restaurant. In fact, Michelin Starred chef Antonio Muré created this space to have not only a fine influence on food, but on wine, too. Just a few blocks from the ocean, you'll have a great time sipping on drinks and small plates. Though it can get very busy, it's worth the wait.
Larry's
24 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-2700
www.larrysvenice.com
Named after a long time friend of the owners and iconic Southern California artist, Larry Bell, this restaurant and bar is spacious for Venice Beach and great if you don't want to be bothered with crowds. With a retractable glass door that leads to the patio, a fireplace to snuggle up to and seating that looks out onto Windward Avenue, this bar truly encompasses the beach lifestyle. Aside from craft beers, and wines from all over the world, the bar also has a full menu of delicious items including burgers, salads, pizza, other appetizers and more!
The Venice Whaler
10 W Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292
(310) 821-8737
www.venicewhaler.com
Any time of the day is the right time to visit The Venice Whaler. With breakfast, lunch and dinner available, you can get your drinking started early. The upstairs bar opens up to a patio that looks out onto the ocean and offers the closest seat to the beach without actually sitting in the sand. While upstairs can get packed at night, downstairs has a less rowdy atmosphere. Either way, it's a great bar to enjoy a cocktail while sitting in the sun, watching the sun set and enjoying Los Angeles' perfect weather.
Venice Ale House
2 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-8253
www.venicealehouse.com
Situated right on the Venice boardwalk, this restaurant and bar serves up 30 local craft beers on tap and an organic, sustainable menu. The owners wanted to create a place where people could enjoy a beer or a glass of wine on the boardwalk along with healthy, delicious food. Additionally, you can enjoy dishes like Wild Alaskan Salmon Cakes, Carlsbad Mussels Sauvignon and Carne Asada Plate in a casual, al fresco environment with a seat for great people watching on the boardwalk.
Hinano Cafe
15 W Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292
(310) 822-3902
www.hinanocafevenice.com
With saw dust on the floor, Hinano Cafe has been a local hangout serving beer and their famous burgers since 1962. This cash only, no frills bar is as dive bar as it gets and that's what people love about it. In addition to their beers in icy mugs, you'll find pool tables, a juke box, free popcorn and live bands on Friday and Saturdays. Little inside hint: Jim Morrison loved this bar and carved his name in the window box.
Zinque
600 Venice Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 437-0970
www.lezinque.com
Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, Zinque is a new addition to the Venice bar scene and has a laid-back, artistic vibe. In addition to serving beer and wine, they have an extensive coffee menu making it a great place to go to any time of day with a book or to catch up on some work. The staff is super friendly and knowledgable, so you can get answers to your questions about your favorite wine or find a new one. A seat on their patio is a perfect spot on a Venice summer night.
The Otheroom
1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-6230
www.theotheroom.com
When you step into this bar that lives in the heart of Abbot Kinney, it might take a moment to adjust to the darkness. But once you're seeing clearly again, you can't miss their large list of craft beer and wine to choose from. Order up your glass and grab a spot by their huge windows that open up onto the street. Take in the action of Abbot Kinney from your perch and if your fury friend is in tow, they can hang right outside. The Otheroom also loves to support local artists and feature new artists each season.
