Vibe 10/10 (dive bar + karaoke) Location 9/10 Parking Ample street parking Staff 10/10 Food 8.5/10 We come here often, and it never fails to deliver that fun, no-frills dive bar energy. The space is awesome. Two bars, one on each side, and a massive back patio that really opens things up. The left side (Bar 2) is where the karaoke happens, and that's when the place really comes alive. It pulls in a great crowd and turns the whole night into an experience. Overall vibe is cozy, relaxed, and very down to earth. Food is solid, but the veggie burger with onion rings is the star. Easily the thing we keep coming back for. Drink selection is moderate, but the bartenders are flexible and will pretty much make whatever you're in the mood for. Prices are reasonable, which makes it even easier to hang out for a while. The back patio is a big win, especially for groups. Great spot to step out, get some air, and still keep the energy going. The bartenders are genuinely friendly and make the place feel welcoming. You'll meet all kinds of people here, but everyone shares the same easygoing, friendly vibe. Overall, a fun, reliable spot when you want a laid-back night with a little personality. read more

Several Bar tenders are very rude, Jenna, Rocky and Chris especially. Customers are very territorial they keep saying, 'locals only can sit here.' Most of the regulars are angry and hate women. I honestly feel like it is a gay bar. The service is poor and everyone does coke in the bathrooms especially on holidays. I have seen several bar fights there in the last 3 years there. Not safe place for families or women. read more

I just want to update as a special shout out to the chef. This guy cooks the best food all and every day and til 1245am every day. Everywhere else is closed and you can still get food here so late. THE BEST. Shoutout to Rocky and Rochelle and Jan too. The best people w food. Thank you!!!!$ read more

Prince O' Whales - Chili burger with onion rings - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

We were on our way to Redondo beach and just happened to see the happy hour special sign outside. We had a few beers at a low price and then ordered the cheeseburger special. We were able to get half fries and half onion rings for the same price. The food was very good. Hit the spot Beer was cold and Rocky the bartender was the best. If you want to grab a beer and a bite for a great price this spot is worth a visit. Crowd is friendly and they also have karaoke read more

Prince O' Whales - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Just a random spot to grab a drink but was it really princess worthy? Coming here was a random time of my friend saying let's get a drink so I was all for it but it really did fall short as this was just too much of a sports bar for me and with that it seemed like our bartender was more involved with the game than they were with greeting and taking care of patrons that weren't here to watch the game. After a bit our bartender came over and got our drinks but it was definitely after we had made ourself noticed when that happened. Overall cold brews and a funky vibe something that wasn't the best so it's for that I doubt I'd be back! read more

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this dive bar has been in Playa Del Rey for over 50 or 60 years. I have not been here for at least 40 years. Went last week with 8 friends. We enjoyed it very much. Sat in covered patio are with heaters. There is a full bar, they only had a few beers on tap, but plenty of bottled beers. The food was greasy pub grub. It was delicious. Nothing on the menu was cheap. Our onion rings for the table were $14. Even a regular order of french fries was nine dollars. We had tacos, patty melt, chili cheese fries. Service was very good. No parking lot. Now a outdoor seating area. Street parking only which may be tough in the summer. read more

Perfect dive bar. It had an outdoor seating area with a ping pong table and ability to smoke, and the interior was exactly what a dive bar should be; cozy and inviting. I had a Stella Artois on tap, and the bartender was very kind. As a V.B. local, I appreciate how much this place reminds me of where I grew up. Totally recommend this place if you're looking for a last minute casual drink with light entertainment. It's right by the beach too, so take a gander if you want!! read more

Ya this place is mid. The nba playoffs were on and every TV was playing replays of the yesterday's dodger game. Music is way too loud. I'm over this place. read more

This place is one of those awesome dive bars but it's in the Playa...del ray that is. Love this place because of its seediness but the atmosphere is welcoming. Food is good. Fills the purpose. It's the people that work there that makes it a place to be. They are attentive and make some strong and I mean strong drinks. Come for the karaoke( dates may vary) and leave loving the Playa! Also it gets cold at night. Dress appropriately. read more

What a freaking VIBE. Just community all around-- came in for karaoke night, enjoyed the hell out of myself and made some new friends. There's an outdoor area that's smoke friendly, well portioned bar bites + some strrrrrong drinks! Rochelle was our bartender and she's a gem of a human being. Thank you for having us! Can't wait to be back for another karaoke eve. read more

What a great local spot. Went here on the 4th and they weren't busy. Had a couple of beers at the bar. My friends ordered the buffalo wings and they were tasty. There are multiple areas you can choose to hang out in depending on your vibe, including the back patio outside area. I would stop by if I was visiting again for the 4th next year. read more

Came here for some drinks with friends on a Sunday, walked past this many times and decided to finally give it a try. Can honestly say we loved it and were shocked with the many seating areas you wouldn't expect from the outside. It's a quaint local bar. Only downside was they don't have lemonade which is one of my fav mixers however she offered a subtitle that did the job. Beers were fairly priced and server was great. Overall great experience and would love to come back! read more

Prince O' Whales - Cute outside area to sit and play pong - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

This place is a real vibe! Had the burger special which was delicious and price was amazing. I devoured my food and I forgot to take a picture lol. But they serve sun cruisers here! Excellent way to continue my evening after that burger. Also the service here is so kind!! Come in!! read more

Prince O' Whales - They serve sun cruisers here! - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Great bar. Great people. I would just suggest avoiding the days that rochelle works there. Doesn't know what service is and has a terrible personality. read more

Food and Service are first class by Rocky snd Rachelle. Respectful customers from all walks of life.

Rocky is the best, most positive fun Bar keep you'll ever meet!!!! Even though this place is awesome outright, Rocky makes it a destination!!!!! Top Drawer!!! read more

Strong drinks, fast service and hot fries. What's to complain about? It's within walking distance from the beach, it's a total classic dive bar - old posters, jukebox songs and plenty of TVs playing sports. It's a bigger place than it looks like from the outside with back patio seating. Parking isn't easy but it's to be expected for the area. read more

Prince O' Whales - Bar seats view - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

It's just all right, just cause there's nothing else open in the area. Karaoke nights need some work or maybe some better patron.

Our favorite spot on the west side! Great people, extremely friendly bartenders and great live music on every other Friday! read more

Prince O' Whales - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

I had such a good time at Prince O' Whales today. So I stopped in for a quick cocktail which ended up being Sunday Funday, and ended up meeting some fantastic people. It's very rare for me to meet cowboy fans when I go out and today I actually met two lol. The people are friendly (Susan) and the pours are generous! And as an added bonus for my wheelchair users, there are accessible tables Thanks again Prince O' Whales. read more

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I almost don't want to 5 star this place because it has recently been invaded by (what I assume) are LMU kids, but I must do this place justice! I love it here - ping pong, darts, pinball, and the most amazing bartender, Rocky. Dog friendly outside as well! They have this deal, and I recommend going with a partner or friend, where you get a pitcher of beer and two burgers for the price of a sad, yet somehow bougie burger down the street. Customize your cheese, but don't order the side salad, because their fries are INCREDIBLE. Definitely worth the further belt loop. Has become my local and most frequented bars. Love to you all, keep doing you! read more

Prince O' Whales - Couldn't help taking a bite before taking a photo of their standard cheeseburger - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

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Stopped by after a dinner party to keep the vibes going, & this place did not disappoint!! Rocky was our bartender, and he was the absolute best! The bar was pretty busy went from 9-11:30 and yet he still never kept us waiting, great service, great bartender, & great people can't say enough good things! #livelaughloverocky read more

Prince O' Whales - Bar area with an old fashioned - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Opened in 1955 as the Bowspirit and renamed in 1972. This is a cool dive bar with plenty of outdoor patio space in back. The service is friendly and the prices are super reasonable with a few different tap beers and hard drinks. You can charge on a credit card as some dive bars only take cash. read more

Prince O' Whales - Old school since 1956 - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Accidentally wasn't paying attention when tipping and fixed it after learning my mistake but they still took the opportunity to shame me in front of the whole bar. As a young woman this made me very scared for my safety. read more

Love this place. Every bartender I've met here over the years has been a gem. Taken as a whole, POW is exactly what any true dive bar fan wants from a little beach-town bar. Don't listen to the complaints - if they were being honest with themselves, those people didn't actually want to be at a dive. And while we're on that note, if you're thinking about coming here but don't actually *truly* enjoy dive bars, do yourself and everyone else a favor and go elsewhere ;) read more

This was the most random place to end up watching the NBA finals at, but I'm more than glad I did. The bartender Rocky made us feel right at home. He let us know about the Monday special (a burger and 2 beers). They also have trivia nights on Monday. Rocky was amazing and helped the atmosphere thrive. read more

Prince O' Whales - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Love this place it's such a great bar the staff is really nice and the place is so so big! Plenty of outdoor space too.

Update. I ordered a half-pitcher (32oz.) of Pabst blue ribbon on Friday at 5pm and I was charged $12. Wait...a pint was $3.50 a few days ago. 2 pints is now $12? What up wit Dat? Also, the website says, Be on the look out for the Welcome Back Whale Special (see photo). They said there is no special. Their menu should state: "We cheat drunks and tourists" read more

Prince O' Whales - sign for a burger fries and 2, 000 light drafts drink easy in the summer - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

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Cool hope in the wall spot tucked away in playa del Rey. Multiple little bars including nice outside seating in the back.

The quintessential dive bar, really. No frills, fried food, cheap beer, and classic decor. In an area filled with ritzy cocktail bars and upscale dining, it's a breath of fresh air. The bartenders are always super nice and very attentive, and the crowd tends to skew young professional/college student which is nice because a lot of these types of bars don't draw that crowd. The food is delicious, but standard, bar fare. The Onion Rings were a notch above though -- I'd bet my bottom dollar they make them in house rather than buy them frozen. The only knock is the selection is a bit limited. You've got your standard draft beers and a handful of spirits, but it's very much a "Jack and coke" bar. Don't expect anything too complicated or fancy. read more

Prince O' Whales - Grilled cheese, onion rings - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

i came in with my service dog yesterday and the bartender (rocky) told me i had to go outside. i explained he is a service dog and it's illegal to tell me to go outside. he did not care and continued to tell me i had to go outside. the discrimination is unfortunate because it's a cute neighborhood bar but will strongly deter my friends from coming here again. read more

I'm not sure why this place is so highly rated. Would give 0 stars if possible. Bartender (older white woman with a limp) was absolutely awful - extremely racist, rude, yelling at people. Underpoured nonwhite customers, was extremely rude to anyone who wasn't a white male. There was another older woman walking around telling women and nonwhite people to leave. This place was dirty. Drinks were overpriced. Extremely rude and racist staff. Honestly appalled. Have never been treated like this is LA. This place should be shut down. read more

I took me 14 years of driving past before I went on a Monday to watch the game. What a great sport, great burgers and good crowd. Unpretentious. My new hang. read more

Been coming here recently for the Florida State watch parties, I really like it. Unpretentious and a great time. I love the veggie burger. I also love that it is next to a nature preserve. read more

It's been ten years since I've been here. Used to be a go-to dive bar with great food. Food is still pretty good, and it's still a dive bar, but the value is gone to #greedflation. Two (smaller than standard) pitchers of Pacifico, two order of (really very good) chicken wings and a basket of fries was just over $100. For wings, fries, and corporate Mexican lager. Almost $125 after tip. For fries, wings and (what should be) cheap beer in a dive bar. I'll miss the old Prince o' Wales read more

There is no soap in the men's room. Not an empty dispenser, or a used up container in the trash. Not even ... the thought or intention or will to have soap. Just everyone walking around touching everything. A soapless existence. It's like mad max in there. read more

Good vibe, good beer, skip the fish and chips. Been coming here irregularly for many years. It's a typical US impression of a British pub with cold beer, nice selection, indoor and outdoor seating, and darts. They use haddock for the fish and chips and the last 2x times it's been super gross. I was super hungry and ate all my chips. I couldn't take more than a few bites of the fish. I even asked about ithis time it and they gave me the cold shoulder. read more

I have been coming here ever since I turned 21. Ten plus years later and it's still my favorite bar. Rocky is the heart and soul of POW. He makes the best drinks and is funny! This place is a great time for all ages.The legendary Prince O' Whales should be a landmark! read more

We had to kill about 90 minutes waiting for my BIL to fly into LAX so we looked for a local dive bar and this place came up. Was only there for an hour but the locals were friendly, they have good pours on cocktails and the prices are great! Had to kill a little time in the same area a week later when we took my BIL back to the airport so we came in again. Another great experience. If you're looking for a dive bar in the area, this is definitely the spot. read more

God damn do I love a good dive bar with a patio and if you do too, prince o'whales delivers. I've come here numerous times as a neighborhood/local spot to me and every time seems to be a good time. The bartenders are friendly, they have a huge back patio and the food is solid bar food. It's right by the beach and the prices are reasonable. The food can get a bit steep but if you come in from I want to say 4-7 (or something around that) you can get two beers and a burger for like 12 bucks! What a steal. Also man talk about some solid onion rings. Good spot all around. read more

Prince O' Whales - Tots! - Dive Bars Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

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