Santa Monica / Venice

217 Lounge - 217 Broadway,
Santa Monica (310) xxx-xxxx

Although 217 is a stone's throw from the overcrowded 3rd Street Promenade, it lacks the
touristy feel of the rest of the area. It's setting is a semi-industrial decor, with huge black
couches all along the right wall. A long bar sits along the opposite wall. This place does
get really crowded on weekends, so I suggest getting there on the early side (around 10PM).
The drinks can be expensive, but they're usually pretty strong. On weekends, they have a
DJ who spins 70's and house. People here like to party, and it shows once the music starts
playing. The crowd (usually great looking) often works itself up into a frenzy. I think it's a
great place to kickoff the weekend.

MC - 10/29/96

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Gotham Hall - 1431 3rd Street Promenade,
Santa Monica (310) 394-8865

This place exemplifies the pitfalls of being located on the 3rd Street Promenade. The inside of
the club itself it great: nice high ceilings, a big bar, room to walk round, & lots of pool tables.
But because of its location, the crowd can be quite cheesy. What that translates to is that if you
have a big group of people who want to play pool, then its a fine place to go. But if you go to
check out the scene, it can get really annoying. The crowd on the weekends consists of   people
who think they are cool, but really aren't (the worst kind, in my opinion). Tough guys who aren't
tough, ugly girls who have  hot-girl attitude. You get the picture. Aside from the crowd, the bar
is nice and big. The drinks are moderate. My only complaint of the bar is that they pour mixed
drinks in really short glasses. A few sips and you're done. The music can occasionally be  
quite good (DJ spinning). If you want to play pool, the wait for a table can get long. Overall,
it's great if you're in a big group, or really want to play pool; otherwise, there's better alternatives.

MC - 2/4/97

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Marix's Tex-Mex - 118 Entrada Dr.
Santa Monica (310) 459-8596

Tex-Mex is normally just a regular restaurant with an average bar. But, on Tuesdays, the place
becomes chaotic. You see, Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays. And it's known throughout the
westside that Taco Tuesdays at Tex-Mex is the place to be on the night before hump-day.
As you walk in, the restaurant is to your right, and the jam-packed bar is on your left. There's
one big bar on the far wall, with tables interspersed throughout the room. Because of this, it
can get pretty tight around the room. Try to find a spot at or near the bar, and stay there. The
decor is obviously Mexican, and the place is very, very casual. Much of this is obviously due
to its  close proximity to the beach (it's just East of Pacific Coast Hwy). And, let me tell you,
this crowd parties like crazy. I assume that people that can go out on Tuesday nights don't
have anything to wake up for on Wednesday. The crowd here proves my theory. There's
usually a pretty good mix of females to males; I'd say half and half. The drinks are OK, but
the're not too expensive. Overall, it's a fun place to check out on Tuesdays, but be
forewarned: it does get really crowded.

MC - 10/29/96

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Rebecca's - 101 Broadway Ave.
Santa Monica (310) 260-1100

Any discussion of Rebecca's must contain this warning for the moderation-impaired: it will be
a miracle if you haven't fallen over, thrown up or forgotten your name by the time you leave.
The Margarita at Rebecca's is, even after 10 years, the winner and still champion: the strongest
well drink you can order in Los Angeles. Part of what makes it such a crusher is its mild taste.
It doesn't taste like fire water (even though you'll swear it was Mezcal and Everclear the next day).
Part of it is the bar's 80s decor and the hair and clothing on those around you. Rebecca's was
seriously hip at one point, yet has done nothing to reverse the tide of fromage that now shows
up. Part of it is the high price which causes you to think twice before ordering it again. Mostly
it is the unassuming size which fills you with such drinking confidence. Three gulps and you're
done. "Bartender, another round!" Next thing you know you're wandering around the Santa Monica
Pier asking for change and you have no idea how you got there. I'd tell you to leave the car keys at
the door, but there's really no need. You won't be able to find them. You won't remember where
they are. Have fun.

[Editor's Note: Note new location and phone number - 4/1/99]

GF - 2/17/97

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The Room (SM) - 1325 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica (310) 458-0707

Those of you familiar with The Room in Hollywood will be pleasantly surprised at the addition
of a Room in Santa Monica. Located in the former Burning Tree location (next door to 14 Below),
The Room actually brings a little feeling of being in Hollywood to the westside. Previously, the
only other bar to do this successfully is the Liquid Kitty. The interior of The Room is nice and
dark. A serpentine bar weaves its way along one wall, while booths line the opposite wall. The
bartenders make some mean drinks, while a blend of mostly acidy-jazz plays on the house system.
The weekends usually find guest DJ's spinning to a crowd that will get up and dance in the middle
of this small to medium size bar. One great thing about The Room is that not only is it open 7 days
a week, it opens it's doors on the rather early side. This makes it a good choice as a location to meet
your friends at the beginning of the night. The crowd is the only tip-off that you're not in Hollywood
anymore, Dorothy. The crowd is definitely more straight-laced milk and cookies compared to the
happy rehabs of its Hollywood cousin. It can be quite crowded to get in on weekends, but once
inside the atmosphere is very relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, a stiff drink always ensures that!

MC 6/17/99

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The West End - 1301 5th St.,
Santa Monica (310) 394-4647

The West End is a great place to go if what you want is a casual atmosphere where you can drink
and dance with a lot of people. Fridays are one of the more crowded nights because on stage are 
the "Funkee Hippeez." They're a band that covers old 70's songs. They wear the old outfits, and
wear the big-ass afro wigs. And, the crowd, which is mostly college-age, really gets into it. The
bar is good size, so even though everyone's trying to order, the wait isn't too long. For quicker
service, I recommend the end of the bar to the right (if you're facing it). The crowd on weekend is
usually 60-40 male, and  the drink prices are moderate. It's really casual, so there's no need to
get decked out. The drinks' strength starts average, but the bartenders usually warm up pretty
quick and start pouring meaner ones.

MC - 2/4/97

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World Cafe - 2820 Main St.,
Venice (310) 392-1661

Full Review Coming Soon

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