Girls Wanna See Live Music That Doesn’t Suck. What Westside Bars Are Best?
THE QUESTION: Francesca of Santa Monica is your average busy gal but will MAKE time for bars and pubs — providing they’ve got the best live music on the Westside. Please, where?
THE ANSWER: It seems there are five Westside spots that have got the proper ears ‘n’ eyes (and butts — for wiggling purposes) stimulation, plus, libations:
Photo: Zanzibar
1. Zanzibar offers the most eclectic of musical fare — from a live salsa band the first Monday of every month (oftentimes, featuring a Puerto Rican dance champion offering, ahem, lessons) to Brazilian funk and soul and hip-hop performances on Wednesdays and a variety of Afro Funke events on Thursdays (think digital paintings AND giveaways).
2. If you’ve got the spontaneous due diligence, the Stronghold Speakeasy is arguably the most exciting live-music jam spot of all. Operating (somewhat) like a true speakeasy, what’s happening upstairs from the denim enclave, The Stronghold, is a very nebulous, word-of-mouth thing. What we do know is: Sundays and Mondays are (generally) dark. Tuesday through Saturday is always a possibility, and if you DON’T stumble upon a private event, prepare for singer/songwriters and bands of numberless members. (Become their Facebook friend.) It’s handsome from every angle.
3. A drunk fella at Rick’s informed me that Harvelle’s is the best. The best for live blues, and oh, yes, excellent burlesque. Located just off the Promenade — and since 1931 — it’s a dark and sexy little room featuring the best of local, national and even international artists. Something called The Toledo Show features “pure unadulterated soul, jazz and caberet” — ! The burlesque shows can sell out, obviously, so pre-buy your cover.
4. Brennan’s is best know for its turtle races, but this is a heart-out pub featuring live music six nights a week (dark Mondays). A lot of it is cover bands (but you know that’s awesome) and nights like “Dazed & Confused” of ’70s and ’80s hard-rock tribute. My pretty neighbor Josie leads a Tuesday night residency as part of the Luca Band for “Liquor on the Westside” night.
5. West at Hotel Angeleno features an incredibly sweet Jazz Night on Mondays. It’s an adult affair, but with the glamour of prim cocktails and a spectacular skyline view of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, it’s without pretense. This is where musicians such as … Sheryl Crow might wind up at, even mustering a performance for the intimate crowd.
Zanzibar, 1301 5th St., Santa Monica, 310-451-2221
The Stronghold Speakeasy, 1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice
Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St., Santa Monica, 310-395-1676
Brennan’s, 4089 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, 310-821-6622
West at Hotel Angeleno, 170 N. Church Lane, Brentwood, 310-476-6411
