The Oldest Bars in LA
Los Angeles is a youthful city, both in terms of population and history. We like our people young, and the infrastructure is new because, on a global scale, the city is new. But luckily for lovers of dive bars and local history (and the two interests do seem to overlap), bars are among LA's oldest establishments. On this list, the most youthful of the bars was built in 1934, and there's one that was built over ... 100 YEARS AGO. (Many thanks to Eddie Izzard.) This is just a primer, not a complete list; for that, you'll have to check out LA Time Machines, which I utilized for fact-checking fun.
Townhouse
52 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291
It looks like the beach cities have a near-monopoly on oldest bars, and this Venice classic has been around since 1915. I think most of the clientele has too, which is … cool. Lots of sitting around and bullshitting, but it's a different kind of bullshit than what you'll find outside on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a.k.a. scary hippie central. [link]
Harvelle's
1432 4th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Since 1931, this has been one of the premier spots in the world for jazz and blues. This is unexpected, given that it's located in the heart of lily-white Santa Monica, … but it's true. On any given night you might be treated to a drop-in from a jazz legend. It also hosts the Toledo Show, one of LA's favorite burlesque nights. [link]
Frolic Room
6245 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Have you seen any Hollywood noir film made in the last 20 years? Scenes were shot in here. It's been tucked under the wing of the Pantages Theatre since 1934, and really, … nothing's changed. Well, the drink prices have increased, but it's still cheaper than most Hollywood watering holes. This would be the perfect spot to live out your private eye fantasies, if you're so inclined. (photo) [link]
Formosa Café
7156 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
The Formosa is an official landmark and a must-see for movie history buffs. Since 1929, the bar -- they claim to be a restaurant too, but I can't recommend eating there … -- has hosted all manner of schmoozefests over cocktails. It's "Chinese-themed," not Chinese, a distinction I appreciate. [link]
Ercole's
1101 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ercole's a homey, low-key bar that's been in the same spot since 1927 or so. It's not flashy in the least -- it has Coors Light on tap, a sure sign of a pretension-free … zone. They're fully aware of their history, and the original menus are still posted. In 1935, you could get clam broth for 20 cents or lobster cocktail for 25. The olden days were weird. [link]
Big Dean's
1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Plopped down on the beach almost directly below the Santa Monica Pier is a shack with a patio and a lot of beer for sale. It's been there since 1902, which impressed the … pants off me. I believe it started as a sort of trading post, but the booze won out. Good. [link]
Barney's Beanery
8447 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
[link]
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