One of my favorite dive bars in LA. Always a live show on when i go and I am a fan of any live show. Its a pretty narrow place and the band plays up near the front with a few booths in front. most of the seating is back to the bar but its fairly well situated for people to get a feel for the music or allow you to sit further away from it if you would rather converse. The bartenders are also the management so don't F around j/k but seriously they "pour with their elbow" as the old saying goes. The drinks are strong, fairly relatively cheap drinks but you always get a double dose of liquor in your drink. And when your done drinking there doorway leads right into Canters Deli, so you can sit right down with out leaving and get yourself a nice midnight snack, well a 2 am snack. One of my favorite bands plays there on Saturdays, Caldwell Jack and the Six pack. read more

i never write reviews ever, but my experience here was so horrible it couldn't go unsaid. i went to my first open mic at this place last evening to support my friends- and a worker by the name of Jimmy who was clearly intoxicated not only would insult the performers over the microphone in front of the crowd (not jokes either- but saying they're untalented, he wants to bash their face in, youre an idiot if you can't tune your guitar quick enough, etc) but made me and my group of friends unbelievably uncomfortable the remainder of the night. i can surely promise me or my friends will never come here ever again because of that man Jimmy. read more

I'm sensing a 4-star trend in my reviews, but I sincerely like the Kibitz Room and have a great time there. It's got a kooky crowd, from the maybe-homeless guy who dresses like a pimp (I've seen him in Canter's/Kibitz Room countless times, it's great) to the Jimmi Hendrix impersonator my boyfriend struck up a conversation with, to the drunk-as-shit Greek patriarch wheeling around on the dance floor telling us at our table to love each other forever. So basically Kibitz Room is loud, STRONG cheap drinks (upon delivering our 7 and 7 and Manhatten rocks the grizzled bartender said, "Don't operate any chainsaws"), and Canter's just a few steps away. Long live Los Angeles. Perfect after a movie at the Regency just down the block. read more

GNR hangs out here! That's why i took a couple stars off, ha, j.k. Actually, it is a dark and lovely dive to disappear in, but $5.50 for a heineken? (I didn't order that, but my friend did), uncomfortable chairs at the bar. The plus is canter's is just next door, so you can order food to be delivered at the bar. read more

I've been here four times in the past month and it's always cozy. This is not a fancy place and is best appreciated by those with adventurous tastes. You don't ever know who may be performing but it'll definitely be good, interesting or great. Most of the folks here seem to know each other so it has a neighborhood vibe. It gets crowded and that can sometimes make getting a drink difficult but not impossible. I like this place and will return. read more

The atmosphere at the the monthly Kibitz Room Comedy Show is perfect for all you displaced east coasters and those nostalgic for NYC's Lower East Side. The Bookers and Producers, Ester and Jacklyn Steinberg, know how to put together a solid lineup, often getting famous pals to do a spot and showcasing some of the city's most talented unknowns. If you stop by this iconic Los Angeles deli, join us in the Kibitz room, grab a cocktail, sit back and enjoy the show. Past guests included: Bill Burr, Ron Funches, Matthew Broussard Avi Liberman Aristotle Athiras Eric Andre, Thomas Dale, Joe Kardon, Matt Portman, Ari Shaffir, Baron Vaughn, Andy Haynes (Conan, Jimmy Fallon) Fahim Anwar (Comedy Central, Goatface Comedy) Ben Bizuneh (Dat Shit Show) Adam Lustick , Moshe Kasher, Moe Mandel, and Big Jay Oakerson read more

See all

The bar they warned you about before you came to Hollywood. Came here on a random Monday on a late nite and was greeted by a charming foul-mouthed bartender and Taxi Driver being played on the TV. I couldnt feel more at home. Dank and dark like a good dive bar stuck in 1976 should be. read more

Music is decent- some nights better than others- Never know who you will see on stage. Sunday Night Open Mike. Canters Deli next door serves some great food- Drink Prices Reasonable- Could use some repairs- stage lighting could improve. and should include AV recording as much of the material is original- Kibitz is one of the few establishments that support local artists. Hats off to the establishment, Canters Deli, the musicians who enjoy the establishment. read more

So I have started coming here from the night I turned 21....The door man called me his "future" ex-wife. But all jokes aside this place is great. The drinks are strong and they have quite a few signature drinks that Eric can make that will put you on your ass. I recommend the Marilyn's Pussy. It tastes as good as it sounds, but after one or two, you better get a taxi or DD to take you home. They are super friendly. They also have great live music from Jazz to Punk. I have seen friends band play there and its a good venue. Its also part of Canters so you can eat a great deli meal after a few too many drinks. So many good memories there! read more

BANDS BEWARE. Played a free show, and packed the house. Not even a beer ticket, and they gouge us for parking. Just another venue that takes advantage of countless hours of work, and thousands of dollars worth of music education. DO NOT PLAY HERE. read more

Boy is this ever a dive! Canter's other half. This bar is known for where some of the most famous bands in rock started. Still, it is a dive and I came on a night when there was no live music. Still, there's no excuse for the lam-o beer selection (well, it is a dive), the high prices (uh, it is a dive?) and the crappy, stale tortilla chips they serve at the bar. What was the expiration date on those? At least the salsa/guacamole was decent. Always thought Canter's was an overrated deli and this is definitely an overrated dive bar. read more

I have no idea what happened to this bar - I've been a ton of times and the bartenders were always awesome and I always had a great time. I was there over Labor Day weekend after not going for probably 6 months, and the new bartenders were without a doubt the most horrible, insulting service I've ever experienced. The guy I dealt with was a whole other breed of awful. I was there with three girlfriends and he was a complete jerk to all three of us individually. To the point where he was loudly making fun of me (for trying to buy a beer) for the rest of the bar patrons. Then he tried to hit on me. He also bitched constantly that his paycheck was $5 short. Sorry Kibitz room, but I don't need to be yelled at by cranky bartenders. There are other dive bars in LA with better parking and MUCH better service. read more

As a 21 year-old going to this bar on a Sunday night to support a friend who was performing, I have to say that my friend and I were left pretty disappointed. The famous deli next door had the vibe of a Denny's or a worn out, mom and pop place with hideous servers, bountiful menu, ok prices and ok food (nothing spectacular). The bar, on the other hand, is a joke. Please, this is LA; there are hundreds of places to go. Yes, there is live music (AKA wannabes who sound terrible) and yes the drinks are cheap. So what? It's still a dump. Unless Michael Jackson rises from the grave and comes to perform, I don't see the point in spending any part of my weekend in that stifling, gloomy, hackneyed, reeking place. And the crowd? It was packed with grandpas who were well "pickled" and, while making googly eyes at us, hobbled and swayed from the bar to the booths while attempting to somehow, maybe, just maybe, start a conversation with us. I understand the positive reviews on here: these are regulars who enjoy dive bars (Goat Hill Tavern in Newport Beach anyone?) However, besides the 3-5 weird young chicks there (my GOD did they look like the artsy freaks from college!), I don't get what a young person should be doing there. Getting drunk? Losing their hearing? Yea... crammed, dirty, old, and not fun. And no, i'm not the "clubbing" type of a gal. I just appreciate my environment and seek a desirable atmosphere when I decide to go out with friend(s) and relax. This was not it. O, and if you do go, don't dress "nicely;" as in, don't wear anything you would wear around normal people because everyone, yes everyone, will stare at you like you're Lady Gaga. Visiting your local thrift store will make sure you fit right in with the crowd. read more

I think a good lounge is hard to come by, but this is THE spot. Attached to Canter's (mmm...deli) this place is easily missed unless you're looking out for it. The drinks are solid, and it's an intimate little bar. Rock and roll greats like Guns N' Roses have hung out and graced the stage here. I hear it's newly remodeled inside as well, so everything is clean and nice here. The band is quite fun as well :) Come here and have a chill time. read more

Man, this place is a trip. Only been once, but it was one of the more memorable experiences I've had in a while. Happened in there on a Sunday night and come to find out it's karaoke night, which was being overrun by some sort of traveling Australian glee club or something. Girl after girl belted out some show tune or another they'd rehearsed to a T, worked the stage like it was their debut night on Broadway, and then calmly walked off like it was no big deal in what amounted to some of the best/strangest karaoke I've ever seen. Pretty much everyone in there was taken aback by this, and we could tell this wasn't business as usual. That being said, the drinks were cheap, the bartender was super cool, and to say I was entertained would probably be an understatement. Overall, pretty cool little spot. read more

Nice spot, not crowded and not so "divey" after all. Here at 6 PM on a Saturday and enjoying happy hour $5 glasses of a nice Pinot Noir.

A buddy of mine told me that GNR played here back in the day, before the sold-out arenas and all the bad blood. Anyhow, the bartenders make good strong drinks and the decor is lovingly cheesy. It's right beside Canter's, so if you want good potato pancakes afterwards, go next door. I like to hit up the Kibitz after a flick at the Beverly. read more

Oh Kibitz Kibitz Kibitz. What do I say about Kibitz? Hmm well dirt cheap drinks that are strong to start with. Mix of a crowd from the burned out aspiring musicians to hipsters and to others who just don't give a damn. Live bands come and play but we all know Willy is the best. He gets the crowd rocking. If you want to have a night where you don't think about what you wear, where you don't care who is there, and you just want to drink, then this is your place. read more

i like the vibe... sort of old dive bar... great strong drinks that get stronger the better you tip the bartenders !! at happy hour they actually bring in canter classic deli sandwiches such as... reubens and hot pastrami's!! what more could anyone want??? read more

i was bar hopping here in hollywood it's not till we walked into kibitz room and the bar tender tom, made me feel right at home man hope all of you guys come here and meet him man hes the reason i will for always remember this place. thank you tom stay awesome you make this place happen man thank you read more

I absolutely love this place on Comedy night. Funny girl hosts it Ester Steinberg. Always great comics. the show is the last monday of the month at 8:30. I saw Moshe Kasher there when I saw the show. So funny. Food is good but kind of expensive. The host bought be a free drink because I said it was my birthday. Hella fun night! read more

Hah! What a gem. I stopped in on a monday evening for last call. Cheap drinks, old homey atmosphere with locals and music.

I slipped in here one rainy night to check out their Tuesday Night Jam. I was a member of a small roving gang of outsiders and misfits. The friends were the outsiders and I was the misfit, or maybe it was the other way around. The Kibitz Room is a strange little place, half deli, half bar and a quarter past 11 on a Tuesday night it turned into my loud dark, dirty little home away from home for a night. It's a total dive bar and though I never thought of myself or the other misfits I was with as the dive bar type but we all walked in, looked around this vintage place that time had forgotten and grinned a little grin because it strangely reminded us of home. My favorite part was that no one was carded at the door, we weren't patted down after removing the contents of our pockets and shoes and what not. There wasn't a cover. I hate and usually refuse to go a place that has a cover, just charge me $1 more for a drink and trick me into paying it if you have to. The worst are those places that charge a $5 cover. It's more of an annoyance and them just saying, 'ah, gotcha asshole, now go have a subpar time in our subpar establishment." I didn't buy a drink, the other misfits I was with bought a few beers but no one hounded us to buy something or get out. There weren't any drunk dicks in Ed Hardy fits pumping or LA whores trying to spread a fresh batch of STD's. Don't get me wrong there were some slutty looking ladies but it's Hollywood, it wouldn't be the same without. We just stood in the walkway between The Canter, which I really want to try now, and listened to the Tuesday Night Jam jam. Free music in Hollywood? Good free music in Hollywood. I never would have dreamed. I once said I hate LA because LA doesn't know shit about jazz. I'd like to mix that up a bit. LA still doesn't know shit about jazz but there are people that aren't from LA in LA that know some shit about jazz. PS, this totally isn't a jazz place but I just get the vibe that they know some jazz. It's purely speculation at this point. ha read more

This place is a first rate shit hole, but that is the beauty of it. It's connected to Canter's and at first glance you wouldn't even notice that it was there. BUT IT IS SOOOO THERE. I mean, you will meet some of the strangest people of all time, but that's what makes it so charming. Let me tell you, you will get wasted. I mean, FUCKING WASTED. Everytime I go there I end up getting over served and end up stumbling out of the place like I am a transient. I only regret it when I am still vomiting at 3 p.m. the next day, which is awesome no matter how hellish! read more

Bad ass little bar. Great drinks, great music from local bands who are up and coming, and an awesome little hangout joint. This place is iconic LA for classic music bars. Hey...the Chili Peppers got their start here. Enough said. Go. read more

I don't even know where to begin other than the bartenders are extremely rude. My girlfriends and I come here often and the last time we came, we ordered a drink and we had no clue it was discounted due to the bartender "being nice". The last, last time we came here, we ordered the same drink and it turns out to be more expensive than before so we ask if it was supposed to be less expensive and we were reprimanded for doing so. The bartender embarrassed us in front of everyone that was there and he said to never ask a question like that ever again because we can get the bartender in trouble for "being nice". AKA TOM. Who tf cares?? And also we had no clue it was discounted....You can just let us know the actual price and not be so rude. I'm so turned off and I will never ever come back here again. So unprofessional. Learn some decent customer service. Smfh. read more

If you love a good dive, this is the place to go! Strong drinks and an old, dark & dreary atmosphere. They are part of Canter's so you can even order food there. When they have live music, you never know just who might show up. read more

low-lit corridor bar spanks ass with canters next door. this is what la is about and the live road bands that come thru here are all you need as you down some booze on swivel chairs that have sat some of your most known or unknown musicians. read more

Kibitz Room - Music Venues Near Me - West Hollywood, California

See all

Great bar in this area. A lot of other bars in the area are full of fake people, but this bar is the real deal. Great customer service, and friendly people. They provide an actual dive bar ambiance, with a strong sense of community. Every time I go here I end up having a great night read more

Fun to go to if you're in the area (especially at Canter's), definitely not a place I plan a night to though...

I love dives like this. I also love old guy behind the bar with a heavy hand and a surly attitude. Check your pretentions at the door.

awesome little dive bar right next to Canter's. has a small stage so they have live music, but not while I was there. Drinks are strong, they have a sick old jukebox, and it's just an all around cool place to hang out. read more

Sadly, this was my last visit to Canter's / Kibitz Room after years of coming here. If you are a musician, or music lover - be forewarned... the staff love to walk through and tell the performers to turn it down in the middle of a song! This show was a quiet, softer jazzy vibe so I can't even see what they could have been complaining about unless they expect NO MUSIC. I've even seen it happen to famous musicians, I couldn't believe it - embarrassing and DISRESPECTFUL. I was blown away by one of the staff handing the bill with a pen to a musician WHILE PERFORMING to pay his tab. Note to the person booking this room - the rest of the staff are sabotaging your efforts. I will never again see live music here. I respect the art and artists too much to see what goes on here time and time again. read more

This is an awesome venue if you're lookin' for an intimate live-music experience. So quit kibitzing, and be sure to check out the back area of Canter's Deli for a fun time! Only recommendation is to put the air on - it gets hot in there really quickly ! read more

This cozy little spot tucked away behind the restaurant is pretty cool. I love the performances and free comedy shows. Bar staff is very fun and friendly. The only thing is that sometimes the room smells very strongly of meat from the deli, but it's understandable since it's connected to the restaurant, but being a vegetarian, it's a tad bit repulsive sometimes. And also the music is too loud. I'll still be coming here though! read more

I came for the cheap drinks, and I stayed for the bizarre clientele.

Love this place!! It's an LA staple. How could you to love a good Jewish deli?! But the kibitz room is a hidden gem. You feel like you're stepping back into a time machine when music was great, people were nice, and quaaludes were the range. Pop in on a Tuesday. read more

I would not call the Kibitz Room a dive. It is, however, a hole-in-the-wall, which is a better thing, mainly. Whatever you want to call it, just know that it's awesome. It's dark, the drinks are cheap and quite burly, the jukebox is great (someone put on "Sway" by the Rolling Stones, which is pretty much the perfect bar song), and there are tons of nice folks here. It is not glitzy or fancy, and it does not need to be. The Kibitz Room really reminds me of a nice Philly/B-more no-frills joint airlifted westward. It has drinks and they don't cost a bunch and you'll probably have a good time and make friends. What could be better? read more

LA is filled with talented singers/songwriters, rockers, jazzers, some of whom have been playing for over 50 years. On any given night at the Kibitz, you can catch some of these amazing musicians with NO COVER. Cheap drinks, good dudes at the bar, NO BULLSHIT. And if you get hungry, grab a nosh from Canter's Deli, which is literally in the next room. If you like dive bars, this is one of the best in LA. read more

Good bar, good prices. Great service. Not a real dive, but you can pretend it is without being too pretentious or silly.