Attempted to go today for happy hour (5-8 pm) however once we arrived they stated they didn't open until 10pm

Pretty cool spot to have a yummy drink. Good menu looks pretty solid. I had the pleasure of being recommended a Piña Peño ‍ it was delicious! The atmosphere is beautiful, little fire pit and low lit area outside was nice. Can't wait to go back and enjoy downstairs. Staff was nice and I can't thank my server enough for telling me about happy hour! read more

Basement Tavern - Piña peño - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We came on an extremely busy night, but we got our drinks quick. We enjoyed the aesthetics, but we ended up sitting outside in the patio are under a tree. read more

Came here on a whim with a girlfriend around 7pm on a Tuesday night because we found out on Yelp about the late happy hour. It was initially confusing when we arrived, because there was no host on shift, and we had to ask the barista inside where we should be going. After taking a peek in the actual downstairs basement tavern, we opted to sit outside under the eclectic mix of chandeliers, heat lamps, and lightbulbs, instead of the empty smoky basement. There was a live pianist playing in the front lawn, which was amazing and pretty much made the night. I don't know if it's a regular thing, but if it is, I'd definitely come back just for that. Probably since it was a weekday night, the place was pretty deserted, but we didn't mind - it was like a private show with plenty of seating options. The happy hour food was awesome. We got a bunch of appetizers to share, and there was plenty of food. Our favorite was probably the grilled octopus and calamari, and the brussel sprouts were amazing. The fish tacos and ceviche were not bad, but tasted basically the same. Our server was really sweet. In the future, I would come in a group of three since it seems like all the appetizers come in multiples of three and it would have been more easily shared between us. read more

One of my favorite iconic bars. I used to live nearby. I still love going here. Great music and atmosphere.

Sat outside on the patio with some friends during what appeared to be Happy Hour. Rude and condescending help. It's like I'm doing you a favor when you arrive at the table and God forbid you ask a question like "what do you have to drink?" It's almost surreal how these people can work in the service industry. Just a terrible experience. I would have left 5 minutes into the whole nightmare but the others in my party were starving so I said nothing. What makes it all the worse is that they believe this attitude is just fine! I hate condescending help that thinks they're doing you a favor by even coming by the table with a chip on their shoulder. The place is a total cliche. You can get overpriced French Fries anywhere! Just not my scene, would never return or recommend. Avoid at all costs. read more

Basement Tavern became known as the post-Bungalow spot for an extended evening with friends in Santa Monica. If you believe that the combination of very dim lighting, awesome happy hour menu/prices and live music are elements to a great hang out spot then you'll love Basement. Oh, I shouldn't forget to mention, no cover charge at the door. Happy hour is Monday - Saturday 5pm -8pm, Sunday 5pm till closing. From $3 beers to $13 for Chili Verde Nachos. Pretty sweet deals happening here. Decent bar food -I've had worse. Basement has historically created good times for me with a good friend and friends of my friend. As during the summer and fall of 2015, a pretty fun reggae band called Bohdi Rock would play a couple nights at Basement. Between the live music sets, there was music overhead and videos playing on the ceiling and one of the walls as well. And, if you aren't a bit entertained by that neon sign in the stairway (see my pic) -we probably won't get along read more

Basement Tavern - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Cold. Dark. Creepy. I like it! My one and only visit here was for a nightcap with a pal. You park and walk up the the back of the Haunted Mans-- er I mean Victorian House and follow the signs to the basement. There are bouncers who will ID you at the door. Once inside, you won't be able to see anything. I mean, you have to literally wait for your eyes to adjust. During our visit there was not a lot of people, so we were able to find a corner to just talk. Our bartender was helpful when I couldn't read the drink menu (remember the whole no lights thing? yeah) and I settled for a Modern Times beer. I dig their beer options. My friend got a whiskey flight. Our visit was mellow and borderline creepy with the TV projections on the walls and the vintage chandeliers. Maybe it was an off day because I can definitely see this place being "lit" (did I really just say that?) on a Saturday night. Bathroom was decent for a dive. Would I return? Sure. Would I go out of my way? Nah. read more

Hidden Vintage with amazing drinks and a loud fun vibe! Great Bartenders and a National Landmark!! You have to ask people around for directions to get in since it's very well hidden- But great service overall, music assortment, and Mexican Food! No bottom shelf liquor- all top shelf !! YELP** On weekends, Basement Tavern is open at 5pm! read more

Basement Tavern - Backdoor entrance gives a great Speakeasy feel! - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Cool venue for live music It's a basement, obviously. But it doesn't feel all claustrophobic despite the large crowds on weekends. Park in their designated lot or opt to park 2 lots over for free after 9pm Great chandeliers; great staff! read more

See all

I've been coming to this bar for a long time and wanted to review it now because after all of these years I am still so so happy with the service, atmosphere, food and drink that I get here!! This soy-rizo pizza is TO DIE FOR and the drinks and events are always on point I come here first and only when I am on main Street In Santa Monica and Venice and have been for YEARS! Favorite place servers are great, food is amazing and drinks are always on point! read more

Basement Tavern - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This place is sorta douchey hipster. The guys were really shy here too and it was mostly groups of guys buying each other drinks and girls sitting alone or with their friends. Not much interaction between the sexes One member of my group had theBathtub Jin which had cucumbers and a sort of spice to it and he really liked it. May be back to try the happy hour for food and drinks though. read more

Came by on a sunday nite to check out the happy hour. I was told this was a good nite to come. Not as packed or crazy as weekend nites, from what I was told. Very good prices for beers and house wines. The speakeasy aspect is a nice touch. Reminded me of the Room in Hollywood back in the day. Kind of tucked away in the back and only known to those in the know. Dark down there as it should be. Very cozy and melo vibe. The "games" they have are an excellent complement. I sharpened my Jenga skills this evening! We tried the connect four and battleship as well. Considering all the pieces missing, we still had a blast. Most definitely coming back. read more

Basement Tavern - Jenga. jenga, jenga!!! - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I really really like this place -- especially for happy hour. I'm surprised that I don't come here more often. I need to. The happy hour drink and food prices are extremely reasonable and the quality is good. I had the Snakes on a Plane -- which was a whiskey based cocktail. It was gone in five minutes. My friend had a vodka cocktail of some sort. It was also good. We split a plate of truffle fries were were a great size. The fries were not those wimpy shoestring fries or way-too-thick-cut-it's-actually-half-a-potato. They were in the exact middle -- which made them perfect. The drinks are pretty good but the vibe is the big sell here. It's an upscale dive bar with plenty of standing room and comfy couches. It can get a little loud depending on the time of day. Only downside (or upside depending on your situation) is the fact that there isn't any cell service. It's great because you can really talk to the people you are with but difficult if you're trying to get in touch with each other and find your group when the place is crowded. Overall, it's on my list of bar suggestions in Santa Monica if you wanna just settle with a drink and catch up with friends. read more

Basement Tavern - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Like anything in LA, a bar is only hot when nobody seems to know about it, and therefore there's a mad rush of people trying to discover the next hottest thing that nobody knows..... something like that. Basement Tavern USED to be all that. It was hot because it was this secret tavern hidden in a basement, where everyone went just to say they went, and the line was always 30-50 people deep. Today...... it's..... just a has-been basement, complete with bartenders that have absolutely no charisma at all, but don't realize it. The minute you walk in there, you want to leave. In fact, the only reason I've found myself there twice in the last 2 weeks, is because my friends are all local bartenders who have a misguided sense of sentimentality. Each time, it's the same thing. Walk up, get carded by the bouncer that thinks he's funny, go down into a pitiful dark room with an "I remember when I used to be cool" vibe, where the only thing worth doing for 10 minutes is go the bathroom, and watch the musician or band play something, then hightail it out of there. As fun as a colonoscopy. read more

This is for management. They have a photo booth at the Basement Tavern which does not have any sign that says out of order. The photo booth took our money and when we made a request to have our money refunded, we were advised by the bartender that this has been a problem before and our money would be refunded the next day. However, it has been a week and a half and we have not received anything. We went back to the Basement Tavern 1 week later on a Sunday and spoke to Eva. She gave me Gilbert's # and told us to call him for the refund. We emailed them our transaction debited from the photo booth and we still haven't received our refund. They are so unprofessional and do not know how to keep their word. Why have I not received a refund??? Who do I need to talk to in order to resolve this issue? And i already sent an email to info@basementtavern read more

Dark, dank, hot but fun! Also google maps doesn't tell you that this is actually on the backside of the Victoria - go to the parking lot and then down all the way to the back corner and you'll find a bouncer to check your IDs. Mysterious right? Cool band, hip decor, nice little seats around perimeter, lots of bar in the middle so easy to get a drink but jeeeeee why can no one have a basement bar with adequate temperature control?! Only $9 for a vodka soda and water and Sprite were pro bono for my drunk birthday girl and my designated driver husband so that was a nice surprise! Fun (but tiny) dance floor w/ good music between sets! Crowd is twenty/early thirty somethings who enjoy bar/club hybrids - truly for the claustrophobic at heart. I'd probably include it in a hop but not somewhere to stay for hours unless you like saying "excuse me" a ton and are a big fan of humidity. Meters are free after posted hours. We were there around 11pm and had no trouble parking. read more

Basement Tavern - Vodka soda + lime AND included a Sprite for the designated driver! So nice! - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came here for happy hour and it was dead on a Saturday night. The wings were really good, but it's awkward sitting there eating your food when you are 1 of less than 10 people in the room. Wouldn't be my first choice to go back to. read more

Tuesday night stopped in for a nightcap with a friend. What a cool spot. I loved the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, the comfy couches and ottoman type seats all around the bar. They had live music, a mix of jazzy rock. It was great. With the music and people it is loud so if you are going to converse be prepared to work it! The drinks, wine and beers are written on a giant chalkboard on the wall - actually it IS the whole wall!!! I cruised along reading the concoctions until I decided on the "Ernest Goes to....". My friend had a beer. If I hadn't been with someone who knew where to go I probably wouldn't have found it. But now I know, just park in the lot where the Victorian is on Main and then go to the back corner on the parking lot side and you'll see a little chalkboard, enter here. You then descend down some stairs and voila you're in! it's a totally cool vibe worth checking out. read more

Basement Tavern - Ernest goes to.... great drink! - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Okay so I had no idea this bar was underground the Victorian. I couldn't find it but I asked around and was led through the outdoor patio (which also looked like a hip spot, will be back) and ultimately, I stumbled my way down the dark stairs and found myself there. I was immediately enamored by the dark, romantic and quiet vibe, alongside the quaint feel from the movie projector and music playing in the background. I sat myself and the bartender immediately asked me if I wanted a menu, which was nice of her to notice since she was busy tending to the people immediately at the bar while I was seated at a table. The happy hour drinks are ridiculously cheap. I would have tried the food but I was headed to dinner after, which is why it was perfect to "pregame" here and head on out. More than anything, though, that vibe is irreplaceable. Love this place and can't wait to come back! read more

I'd like to give this place a four. Because it's a nice atmosphere, good crowd, no-cover music and it's Santa Monica. Santa Monica, land of the $20 entry fee, $15 dollar cups of cranberry juice and complimentary snottiness. Not to say Basement bar is snot-free, the staff are plenty unhappy to be serving you. However, there's the matter of the food. Basement bar has an awesome happy hour if you're looking for a cheap way to destroy your intestines. The first time I went there, the food was bad, now it's just gotten toxic. It kind of blows my mind that they ever sell it full price, because if someone laid a plate of greasy undercooked meat on my plate for $14, I would...I dunno, politely send it back. If you come here and DON'T eat, it's a 4-star affair. Their happy hour is unconscionable, $3 hoegaarden is madness. Their mixed drinks err on the sweet side, but for $5, they'll do the trick. Oh, just make sure what you're ordering is on happy hour, the menu is strangely tricky. And if you think the bartenders are jerks when you're giving them money, try asking them for it back. read more

I like Basement Tavern. It's a cool spot in Santa Monica with good happy hour. It hasn't been too crowded the times I've been there. And the bartenders are cute! I've had their pizzas. The truffle fries are delicious. Their lamb kebabs are good.. but you only get three pieces. Their turkey sandwich is average. You could make it at home in under 5 minutes. At least it comes with avocado! :) The only negative is that there is no reception down there if you have AT&T! And that the music is a little too loud. read more

Below the Victorian, this lively little basement is a damn good time. With a live band (and music videos from the 80s playing between sets), very decent cocktails and a good amount of comfortable seating, it's a great spot to begin or end your evening. Towards closing time though, the people watching is incredible...provided you find dudes creeping, failed makeouts, and stumbling as fascinating as I do. The crowd is young and the scene is set on party,* and everyone is up all night to get lucky. Or, until 2 am at least. _____________ *By that I mean the urinal was freshly vomited in. read more

Possibly my new favorite bar on Main Street. I had never even heard of it before, so I don't know if it's new or I just wasn't cool enough. I accidentally ended up here after 3 other places I tried to go were either closing or had huge lines (it was already past midnight). The doorman doesn't make you "stand in line", but takes down your cell # and calls you when it is your turn to come inside. You could even take this call while drinking at one of the other bars next door, or in front of the liquor store next door, or out of the trunk of your car which is likely parked next door. Once inside, you have 2 options, the basement or the "roof". The roof looked awesome, typical outdoor area with people smoking and drinking and hangin out. It closed the moment I stepped up there so I can't say much more about it. The basement is the crown jewel of this place. The decor is amazing, they have cool couches and armchairs to sit on, the drinks are great (this is one of those places with mixologists, not bartenders, get it right!) so order something fancy, and of course the gigantic chalkboard lining one entire wall of the place. Never underestimate the power of a gigantic chalkboard. Drunk people love to write on walls. You'd expect this type of old school chalkboard to have math equations and graphs up on them, but unfortunately, the westside drunks usually stick with "Sev was here!" or "this place rocks!" and the like. Anyways, I had a blast, great spot. read more

Basement Tavern - Fun times in the basement - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I went through a couple reviews to see if I was the only one who had such a horrible experience. Place was incredibly packed which naturally causes anxiety for everybody especially staff members with absolutely no experience in customer service. Warning!!! I do have to warn you guys about one bartender with absolutely no respect towards women, yes! that's how personal I took it. This individual Latino just like me, Probably in his late 20's, average body, short black hair, literally pushed my friend and her drink a girl who weights 95lb and who happened to be standing in his way. Instead of saying excuse me like any well mannered individual. He decided to push her out of the way and step on her. The worst part was that after I confronted him and said that was disrespectful he replied with "I don't give a fuck" and was coming at me as to fight me? A 4"11 90lb girl....hmmm Im pretty freaking sure if we were men or blonde that mofo would have not done that action. As I was walking out of the place, bouncers arguing with people. Staff members smoking outside making fun of people I'm the line... Not a good place As I read on a previous review for you don't mind being disrespected and treated like an animal by staff members who can't handle their jobs then I suppose you'll have a great time here, decor can fool people. ****A blurry photo of the machista bartender will be posted! You'll probably won't be able to see features on the photo but that asshole will now it's him! read more

Basement Tavern - picture of the machista bartender Probably in his late 20's, average body, short black hair, Latino Bad customer service. - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Last and best (imo) stop on our Santa Monica Barcycle Crawl. The other bars we'd been to had been fine, but I didn't think there was anything really special about them. The Basement Tavern was definitely different. Located literally in the basement of the Victorian house where they do special events, it was the coolest-looking bar of the bunch. First of all, you're going underground, ooooooh! This bar definitely had more of a hip current ambiance, with fresh herbs at the bar for special cocktails (a dead giveaway) and a coo old gentleman's library-ish atmosphere. They had a variety of seating areas, ranging from some pretty comfy leather armchairs to standard tall bar tables and stools. I was feeling pretty full by the time we got to this place so I just ended up having a Coconut Porter (forget the brewery, but it was in a can, not on tap, alas). Something else to note about its undergroundedness: your phone reception will probably suck. Our group had a dandy time here, and this is a place I definitely wouldn't mind coming back to in the future. STEPH JUDGEMENT: It may be in a basement, but it's one of the coolest bars I've been to in the area. read more

See all

Happy hour! It was the first day of summer, and 2 ladies and I were looking for a HH on Main Street. This was the only one that had happy hour until 8PM. Done and done. Was this place called The Victorian, even though the menus stated The Basement? Wasn't The Basement just what was downstairs? We weren't sure. It was a beautiful day, and we chose a table on the outside patio with live music. There are water fountains, and you can sit far enough away to be able to hear each other and still enjoy the music. 5 stars for the atmosphere. During happy hour, all food is half off. Between us, we shared the mac and cheese with jalapenos and bacon, Basement Pizza with boar sausage, and carne asada tacos. Only one specialty cocktail was discounted, the Delia's Elixir (buffalo trace bourbon, agave, raspberries, lemon), which seemed kinda strange. Otherwise, beers were $3, well drinks and house wines were $5. I went with the Delia's. The food and drinks were fantastic. I just recently got into bourbon and my drink was strong, smooth, and lightly sweetened by everything else. Definitely a sipping drink. The next one I ordered had almost no raspberries and wasn't as strong. The tacos came 3 to a plate and were VERY generous with the carne asada, with different salsas on the side, and the pizza was full-size for $7. We didn't come close to finishing the food, and it was all delicious. This could be THE PERFECT summer afternoon/evening spot.... if not for the service. Our waitress was nice and all, but we realized 45 minutes after chatting over drinks that she never came back to take our food order, and happy hour was almost over. The rest of the night was pretty much the same. We actually had to wander around the patio looking for her, if we wanted more drinks, the check, or anything else. There weren't too many other diners there, either. Maybe she was covering the entire patio alone, but she still almost NEVER came by, even after attempted flagging. We asked for a box for the food after getting the check, and after waiting another 20 minutes with the food looking more and more unappetizing, we decided to just leave. read more

This place was crackin on a Friday night. The bar is located behind the Victorian. It's weird how you have to walk into the dark, sketchy walkway, but that is where you will find the bouncers and entrance to Basement Tavern. Parking: They have valet service on site or street parking/parking lots along Main. We went around 11:30pm so we had to wait in a line. We walked into the basement and the place was packed! It was ridiculously crowded! I swear I had people touching me from head to toe. They did have a live band though which was pretty cool. I ended up going to the middle floor (street level) and going to that bar. Later we made our way up to the top floor. It was more of a relaxed, chill vibe and they had another live band playing. IMO, each floor had a different vibe. That's why I liked BT a lot. Drinks are reasonably priced. They definitely don't screw you over with the prices and alcohol that they give you. I suggest you come here and visit if you are in the area and enjoy a few drinks and have a good time with friends! Cheers! read more

I didn't want to spend my few warm nights in la-la-land in a basement so we spent our time here upstairs on their front patio. I could tell that the bartender meant serious business by the way he could shake a martini shaker so I wasn't too surprised when my tequila cocktail (forgetting the exact name) was very strong. Perhaps a bit too strong if I was planning to make a 7am flight the next morning?? I was kind of excited to be enjoying a night out (no offense to the fam), but looks like my baby and even my pup would have been welcome here...cause I did spot a baby and dog at the bar. However, my drinking companion is a regular @ the Basement Tavern and said that was a bit unusual. I think I"d be a regular myself I i lived here. And if you're wondering..I did make my 7am flight, probably only cause I stopped after drinking 1/2 of my strong cocktail. read more

I can't think of a better place to spend time on a rainy Tuesday after work. Instead of sitting in rainy day traffic I headed here to meet friends. The reason why you should consider hitting up Basement Tavern on a Tuesday night is because Tuesday nights are also when the Food Trucks convene in the parking lot right outside. The Brig is no longer the only kid in town that has cool food truck friends who conveniently hang out in its parking lot. It dark and hot down in the Basement Tavern, but it is after all a basement and essentially the bowels of what is the beautiful Victorian upstairs, so come prepared dressed in layers settle into a comfy armchair, bar stool of sofa spot and enjoy your libation and whatever goodies you might have picked up from a food truck. Taco Tuesday who???? It's all about Food Truck Tuesdays at Basement Tavern now! read more

This place is absolute chaos. First of all, there is no cover charge which may be one of the reasons for the ridiculously long line to get in. Waited ~40 minutes. Most of the people who go here are in college, and the bar seriously feels like a frat house party. It's literally a dark basement that you need to take the stairs down to, and it is very small. From the outside, I expected it to be a lot bigger so it was SO cramped on the inside. Sweaty gross frat-like people all up against each other. It also takes forever to get a drink at the bar since there were only like 3 people working. There was live music, but not my cup of tea. A loud band that placed Sublime, Weezer, all that rock music. It is fairly fun with friends, but I don't like this place. read more

Here's what you need to know: 1. You need a token 2. It's helpful that you're good looking (or in my case, have good looking friends) 3. Try the pickleback (thanks if you don't know what it is. I usually don't chase hard liquor, but if i did i rather have something salty than sweet. 4. Check out the glass room with the chalkboard wall, cool 5. Amazing band, reminded me of The Black Keys but more raw sounding. They packed a lot into the loud sardine can they call a basement, but it's decent. read more

This was my first official going out in LA experience, and I have to say, I loved this place. Walking in, I felt like the coolest kid on the block since this place feels like a well kept secret of Santa Monica. It literally is in the basement, so it makes it kind of a mystery to find, and once you walk in you are transported to such a cool setting. There's chalk walls that you can write on, a little side room that you can sit and talk in, live music, cheap beer, chandeliers... you name it, they probably have it. The only downside (that I didn't experience) is the line to get in. We arrived early and missed the late night rush, but there will be a line if you decide to head out later. read more

I don't know what I was expecting, but this place is literally a basement. More basement than tavern, I would say. The layout is kind of weird, because on one side, it's a nice library looking place, and on the other, there's a stage for a rock band and a dance floor filled with frat-type people moving along to the music. (I refrain from using the word "dance," and the movements are too gentle to be considered moshing.) I am very confused as to how to dress to go to this place. I only had one drink here, and there didn't seem to be anything special about my gin and tonic. There's a stairway that leads back out to the Victorian, which was a nicer place to spend my night. I was with a group and eventually we meandered upstairs and hung out on the mercifully cool patio. The basement can get kind of hot (and smelly), but try to stick it out until after midnight, because if you come up for air, you might have to wait in a rather long line to get back in. read more

I have been here many time and mostly with groups of friends. They have a pretty decent happy hour. I also like coming here at night because the trees are lightened and looks very beautiful. I definitely like to being friends who are from out of town as a way to show off Los Angeles. The inside feels a lot like a frat house with an upstairs and downstairs area. On weekends you can hear various bands perform. My main complaint about this place is the music. If you want dancing music, This is not the place for you. They have valet parking for $10. read more

Basement Tavern - This venue is beautiful especially at night! - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Excellent spot! I especially love it when Adam Gust is on drums!!! HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY from 5 - 8pm read more

See all

I don't think I'm the target consumer for Basement Tavern: with the chalkboard menus, fruity champagne drinks, and cutesy decorations...I'm not exactly sold. Located right below the Victorian, this is the kind of place a group of sorority girls goes to for their 21st birthdays or bachelorette parties. Nothing bad about it, that's just what it seems like to me (and I've witnessed many of these parties here before). Enough about the atmosphere though, on to the rest! The drinks are actually pretty good and the prices are comparable to other places nearby in Santa Monica ($10-15 for the most part). The bartenders know what they're doing here! They can mix it up with the best of them. I love the Modern Fashioned but my girlfriend always gets the C'est La Vie and raves about it. My favorite part though is that they have a band playing most nights. It can get so loud and crowded that it can get to be a bit much on the weekends, but it's a fun place to start the night before there's a long line and zero room to move inside. The crowd is generally younger and rowdy as well, so that makes for a good time with the live music. It's not my first choice in Santa Monica (or on Main Street) because it's nothing special in my opinion, but not bad either! read more

Best cocktails ever. My favorite cocktail, not only at this place but of all time, is the cest la vie. I also really like how they have live bands play there; it gives it a more intimate feel, yet it's still a lot of fun. The environment is chill and the atmosphere is trendy-- you can sit back and relax at the tables or at the bar, or you can dance your heart away on the floor near the band, or really anywhere you find room. It also has a great environment to meet new people if you want, but is still easy to have more intimate interactions with your significant other or friends. I've really enjoyed spending time here. read more

See all

What an excellent, well executed concept for a bar! You enter through the south side of the Victorian parking lot. There is a sign that reads, "tavern". It's easy to miss, but not if you're looking for it. You walk down a flight of stairs into....a basement tavern. The room is lit with real candlelight, the walls are lined with chaulk boards, and there are large, (probably faux) leather chairs placed strategically around the room. There are a few flatscreen tv's playing music videos in the background that create enough white noise to make the setting comfortable, but not so much as to drown out a conversation. They don't have any beers on tap, and the bottled beer selection when we went was minimal. So we opted for wine and the server poured two generous glasses of chard for us. A live band was setting while we were there, and although we didn't stay, the idea of live music complements the venue perfectly. Definitely worth a look if you live/work in the area. read more

Sit outside in the lovely garden or go downstairs and rock n roll! They often have local bands playing and on Wednesday there was karaoke night. With a live band. How fun! read more

Basement Tavern - Atmosphere - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California