Honestly great place to come and dance!!! Especially if you are into 80s rock and spanish music!!! Loved that they ended the night with cumbias! While I did not actually drink here, due to the conveniently close liquor store across the street and next door, I wouldn't mind giving their drinks a try. Noticing a lot of reviews saying the place is a mess and the bathrooms are disgusting, but I'd say hop off your high horse, this is exactly what I would expect from a bar of this type. Had a great time dancing like sardines, however beware: this place gets reallyyy hot when full! read more

My friend went to the Anarchy Library earlier, I picked her up at midnight. When she came out she was acting very weird. Turns out she was drugged at the bar. Lucky for her I picked her up and she didn't walk like she planned to. Ladies if you go out to the Anarchy Library please be careful. I hope the manager contacts me. read more

5 stars for keeping Downey's ancient Alternative Music Town status of yore in the BOOOORING Top 40 or worse Southeast of Los Angeles!!!! I remember back in the day when either you were a doped out arena rock weenie stoner or a disco biscuit (back in Bell - my hometown) there were rumors of a place where punk rockers thrived! Only a handful of them in Bell. Back then there was Middle Earth records too (now it's gone and these guys would easily put today's Hollywood Amoeba to shame - they had so much rare stuff- OMG!!!!) here in Downey. Anarchy Library came to save the day when it seemed Downey would become just another boring suburban wasteland! They used to play some really good live acts like Angry Samoans, D.I., CH3 and the Ms.Fits (an all female Misfits tribute band) and more. WOW!!! I remember at the Angry Samoans show the lead singer got mad at a guy that didn't know the rules of conduct of a slam pit (as contradictory as that may sound) who was acting out his aggression (maybe after leaving Downey Billiards haha!) on the crowd that was just there to have fun and enjoy the music. The lead singer even went to the trouble of calling this guy a Nazi. The little Nazi "punk" got kicked out. Sadly, bands like Angry Samoans and CH3 play here no more! I was told by one of the bar owners or employees that this kind of guy pretty much ended the era of good classic bands playing here. An era of really bad music followed. Two things have never changed here. 1. the drinks are cheap and they serve good beers like Guinness and Newcastle. 2. they have a great jukebox with just about all the punk anthems you could ever want! Now they have really great Rock En Espanol and New Wave nights. The crowd is mixed here so do yourself a favor and instead of dancing to Pitfool come and listen to some good music! read more

No cover= LOVE. Anarchy is fun. The drinks are cheap and strong. The music is good. I always have a blast here...when I'm in Downey anyway. Otherwise it would be too far for me. If you are a guy looking to get laid, beware: most of the girls are..um how do I put it??... BIG....However, most of the guys aren't lookers either. I always go with my guy so I don't care about that. Just a heads up though. I hate seeing the vulture guys just waiting to find their next victim. And I can't believe guys here hit on girls who CLEARLY have dates/boyfriends. Shady!!!!!!!!! Overall, Anarchy is a fun place to go to when you just wanna chill and dance to fun 80s/Rock en Espan~ol music and don't wanna dress up and conform to some lame dress code. read more

The name says it all-Anarchy Library. It has quite a kick-ass sound to it. Hmm, is it though? Fro the very few times I have came, it has, somewhat. The Anarchy Library is a small dive joint located in the small city of Downey, CA. This place is small inside with one dance floor. They do have different nights where theyn play different kinds of music. I have came mostly on Thursday nights, which are 80's nights. On those nights, it can get crowded but with a very noisy and somehwat fun vibe to it. There is no cover charge, at least from what I can remember. Their smoking patio is right in the front entrance. That is how small this place is. The ambience here is mostly of the rocker types(not sure if that is the accepted vernacular!!) and occasionally you get hipsters and your average everyday joe. The music here is pretty awesome, playing a wide variety from 80's to alternative to synthpop to throwbacks and such. The few times I have came, i have had a great time. as for the drinks, well, they can vary in price. I made the mistake of ordering a White Russian, which turned out to be watered down. The Dude would not approve! If i am looking for drinks, i will just go to their other owned establishment, Cocktails Anyone?!! Parking can get scarce, as there is only a few spaces, even in the back of the establishment. Nonetheless, I do like the vibe and will possibly return sometime in the near future. read more

YARGH! ahoy there mateys!! do ye enjoy a whale hunt as much as this old pirate?? aye? then grab yer harpoons and together well walk the plank to the anarchy library! where the only thing bigger than the thirst of the salty dogs who frequent this place are the size of their saucy wenches HAR HAR HAR *slaps knee* scallywags, ruffians, ne'er-do-wells, and rogues abound so ye be havin a mind ta bring yer cutlass and buckler ARRRRRRRR!! a patch o'er both yer eyes is the best, nay, the only way to be a-keepin from shoutin SHIVER ME TIMBERS at the lasses in the galley serving us wastrels aye, they make me mizzen mast stand up straight! YARGH! may i straight to davey jones locker go if i dont speak the truth, but not twice a fortnight hence my own telephone was shanghai'd from me! real pirates havent a use for a phone anyway! aye, and often betwixt looting and pillaging a man has a thirst but not much booty to show fer his efforts the anarchy library is yer own matey in sooth, the rum and grog is had for not more than a doubloon or twice and the sea shanties play long after the mermaids have all gone home with some land lubber dandy YARGH! Note: This bar is peg leg but not parrot friendly. I had to leave my parrot in the landing boat. Lame. read more

Anarchy is a dope spot but they had to change the music like we come for the music and they are like killing the vibe with this house shit bring back the bangers!!! Please please change the music back #notmyanarchy ................................................................................... read more

Within minutes of writting my review I was contacted (via email message thru Yelp) by the owner of The Anarchy Library, Juan V. Kuddos to him, as that shows he cares about the good reputation of his business. Juan V. asked me if I knew the name of the other guy, explained the situation with the restrooms, and agreed that it is a zoo on Tuesdays but that they try their best to make it an enjoyable fun night for all. Perhaps I will give the Anarchy another shot in hopes that the staff has received a pep talk and improves a notch... afterall Two Dollar Tuesdays, it is an offer you can't refuse. read more

This place is a toilet but I've never not had fun here...and I've had my birthday party here...show up drunk and you'll be fine. I'm surprised it's rated so high, I love drunk people. read more

This bar is awesome!! Live band heavy metal karaoke is all I have to say!! The band rules, you grab the mic, you are the singer, and it rules. If you can't have a good time at this bar, you're a douche. read more

My cousin took me here on my 21st birthday weekend a few years ago. Ever since then, it's been one of my favorite bars. Anarchy Library isn't necessarily my style when it comes to music, but their drinks are what keep me coming back! I can get white-girl-wasted here for just a couple of dollars! During my first visit, I remember my cousin told the bartender that it was my 21st birthday so he put extra shots of alchy in my drinks for me! What a sweet man. For some reason, the Tokyo Tea here is the best I've ever had!! It's strange that I remember this (since I was drunk and all), but the whole bar sang "Happy Birthday" to me that night! People here are always so nice and friendly--- both the customers and employees! I always have a great time here. Good times and good vibes, right? Parking is kind of tight and it's a little tiny on the inside but I've never had a problem with getting a table. PS. I love how the bar has a sign that says "Tip your fuckin' bartender!". LOL! Do it. read more

I actually moved at a walking distance from this place so decided to check it out. There was no cover and just a laid back guy checking id's by the door. 80sMusic was okay and they have projectors on the walls to go with it. I ordered a redbull vodka and the bartender put vodka and some juice from her soda gun in this tiny little plastic cup. Definitely not redbull. Second drink of the night was a Long Island iced tea. Again, it wasn't made correctly( I have a bar tending license).Then my date and I were standing by some tables and the air conditioner pipes from the ceiling were leaking drops of water on us. Most of the crowd seemed to be on drugs and danced by themselves. This bar will never be my first choice but I might consider going back if I ever don't want to drive somewhere. Wouldn't recommend. There was also no parking. Friend made me come back a second time and I had a whole different experience. There was no water leaks and the drinks were pretty great. I had sex on the beach this time and glasses were bigger. I guess it just depends on the night you go. read more

The music is good but the bouncers ruined the night got kicked out because another guy decided to yell and try and fight i am guessing he is a regular because they only kicked me and my friends out when we did not do a thing the bouncer said he would check the cams and see who started it and said next time i come he owes me a beer because i did not do a thing and next time i went sure enough nothing full of lies he just hassled me some more when i told him The bouncers are horrible Place smells like piss Restroom is disgusting Good drink price Great bartenders I personally would not go back because of the Dick Head bouncer read more

I have absolutely no idea why these people are criticizing this bar.. anyone who decides to hit up a dive should anticipate sacrificing spiffy luxury and trading it in for a comfortable drunken conversation with cool people you've never met before. It's a DIVE, people... button up your vests, adjust your watches and take it somewhere else. I've only been here for $2 beer Tuesdays a few times and I've had no complaints. Whether I might show up with company or without, people just wanna chill. Sure, you get a few assholes, but it's all about how you carry yourself in the end. Cheap drinks, cool people, loud music? Good enough for me. The loud music is usually a killer, but if you think about it it just gives you the opportunity to say, "I didn't catch that, could you come a little closer?" ;) read more

If your a punk, rockabilly, pyschobilly, hispanic, tattoo'd up, gangster this is the place for you. I haven't till this day found a bar as great as this for the type of people it attracts. Everyday they offer a drink special and a different theme. Good music, small but full house even on a monday! Always packed. This is definitely the place I would go to socialize. Sexy bartenders Super good drink prices Good looking crowd Good atmosphere Great music I just wish they could bring back the punk rock bands! read more

Alright Anarchy, you got your five stars! I've been coming here more lately since I discovered that some old girlfriends from high school are pretty much regulars. Their drink specials are the first thing I look for when I go there, next is the night of the week to see what kind of music they'll have. Wednesdays weren't my favorite except when The RizLas play there! "It's the reggae fever taking over, taking over my body and soul!!!" Either way, I really like the atmosphere, the music and the bathrooms are usually pretty clean. I need to go back for $2 jack and cokes soon! read more

I'm surprised that there's only one other review for this place, its fun, friendly, intoxicated grown up version of romper room at times; and there's usually a good show to catch there too. The bartenders are always friendly and social but with a twist of just enough attitude to make it just sleazy enough to tackle any conversation topic you can imagine. I've had my share of good times there, some random as fuck but none the less good times indeed. Its a place where people have been known to get a little belligerent, and in my experience there's been a couple times where a bartender had to mace someone or chase an unruly patron out with a wooden club... okay maybe once or twice. And there was an incident where someone fell off they're stool and smacked the shit out of they're skull on the floor piss drunk... not to mention the time i met these random fucks and went cruising further down the road to another bar, tried to make a u-turn and ended up with the car stuck on the island in the middle of the street that I had failed to notice and the run in with the cops, and them chasing the stranger that jumped out of my car and decided to run. ahhh good times... here's another example of the social debauchery that I've encountered at this fine establishment. So I was at the bar, and some girlie comes and says "we should make out" after she had just had a little girl on girl(ish) action in a dingy bathroom stall with a girl that clearly has bigger muscles than me and I was clear on passing up the taste of second hand "Vajj" hahaha! Any way, this drunk chick is passing out lap dances, and shes not that hott to begin with. Next thing you know she comes back and offers me some skull, but I wasn't exactly interested but I tried to hook another brutha up by saying "this man here needs a blow job"... but she kept insisting that she share her face with me, so I go out and have a smoke and come back in and shes showing a this bartender dude her tits in effort to pay off her tab in a more seemingly favorable way (if you consider offering someone an STD a favor) by the end of a little more than an hour that I was there, she was falling on the floor and still trying to get at something or another to put inside her... long story short, she finds the comfort sitting on an old fat dude who'll buy her the next round for a favor for some flavor.... eeeewwwweeee. can you say crusty bitch? but it was humorous none the less... ... besides all that, I have my own fond memories of rocking the stage there myself; it kinda feels like home, in a strange alcohol saturated drunken haze kinda way. read more

The Anarchy Library - "absinthe in the anarchy" - Dive Bars Near Me - Downey, California

Two dolla Tuesdays! Being a cheapskate, you can usually find me here most Tuesday in the summer where you can find me totally smashed for $12. The bar is small, dark, cramped, and loud. Maximum capacity is 50 people and that's probably pushing it. If you have contact lenses like me its no good because your eye will be dry and you will not be able to see. Value, quality, and strength of their drinks overrides ALL this so they STILL get five stars. I'm a cheap bastard, what can I say? I love the women's bathroom! Its bright pink with a leopard lounge chair inside the handicap stall. I don't know why they do this, except so lesbians can get their groove on. Anyways, don't sit on that lounge chair. TIP: If you drink on an empty stomach like me, you probably want to get some chips or a snack later. The liquor store next door closes at 11:00pm so you can go across the street to the gas station where they have fresher snacks. read more

This is what a great dive bar is all about, cheap stiff drinks with great music playing in the background. The place is really dark and it kinda reminds me of one of those old school Hollywood bars.I just recently visited this place for the first time and became a fan right of the bat. It took me back to my Rebel Familia days. Fellas don't think this is a hook up spot, because its not. The majority of women here are, hmmmm, how can i put it, "big bonned" :) Your better off bringing a good group of your friends and enjoy the cheap stiff drinks and the great music. Once in awhile you will find a cute little Downy chick in here but like i said that is occasionally. Crowd consist of RockaBillys, Punk, and your Beety Page wannabees. So if you dont mind mingleling amongs these roudy bunch, youll have a good time here. Cons: Place is kind of small, but what do you expect its a dive bar. Pros:Cheap stiff drinks, great music read more

This is one of those places you walk up to with a sense of dread and trepidation filling your soul, mainly because you know you probably don't fit the bill for the regular clientele. Note that this sense of dread and trepidation is probably correct. Otherwise, though, I had a surprisingly good time here. It was so dark that someone mistook my St. Patrick's Day tiara (yeah, I know, I don't own green, but my suspicion was that 99% of the people in here didn't either) for a bridal one. Service is not the best--it took ages to flag down a bartender. No beer on tap, just bottles, and their hard liquor selection didn't look too impressive. The people I ran into were really nice, although the crowd was really hodge-podge-random. The music is best described as "alternative", but it was definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the top 40 heterogenous sludge you normally listen to in clubs. (Although, I admit that I still like it.) If you're looking for a change of pace from typical night scenes, Anarchy Library is worth a look-see. read more

I went for the first time about a week ago & it was so much fun! They have a Dj it gets packed but it's fun everyone is just dancing enjoying the night & friendly. Bartenders are quick would definitely go back. read more

Cousin took my gf and I out here last night and I gotta say, it looks rough around the edges but it's a fun little hole in the wall especially if you're into the whole 80s rock, ska, grunge scene; they played some newer songs but they mainly stuck to that mix of music. The drinks here were meh but decently priced I guess (ordered 4 drinks for about $20) and I think it's cool how they play things like anime on the walls with a projector Hahah! I'm a huge fan of anime especially cowboy bebop which is what they were playing as a backtrack footage for the music which seemed to blend all together so seamlessly. Anyways without leaving a super long review. Have I been to better places ? Yes Would I recommend this place ? Yes Is it the prettiest ? Not really hahah but never judge something on the outside right ? read more

OK...first time to the Library. Must say YES...yes it was nice. Guy at the door was professional and no cover. Prices are good and service fast. dang fast. Thanks again to the bartender girl for treating us good. One word- "Class" Love this dive place now. Will grab friends and go back. One more thing...when you need to hit the mens room and find girls in there dont be surprised. Last item here...the DJ on Sat night was dang good. read more

Without a doubt a good spot to grab a drink during the week. Place attracts rocker types, feel ignorant for putting it that way, but I don't know what else to call them. Besides that, the vibe is smooth and its a great place to hang out. The music is a little outdated but its fine by me. I like this place and so will anyone who wants to have a good time. read more

This place had better vibes years ago, now its.....different. They revamped the look of the seating area, which looks weird now cause its almost like your perched up looking down at people....uncomfortably, kinda quarantine-like. The drinks are super strong and make a killer bloody Mary. Strange mix of people. There were tons old veteran homies last time I went, plus mixed up with guys with long gross goatees,and some chicks that were balloon-like. Yes I think I would go again, just to talk some shit at least, plus I enjoy listening to some Dead Kennedy's and watching old sexy Betty Page videos. read more

Mostly locals, very small. $2 Sunday's and Tuesday's No cover charge, ever. $2 drinks before 10:30pm Small bathrooms Small dance floors Small space basically. Serious dive bar Hole in the wall Definitely needs to expand!! Don't, i repeat, don't wear heels. It's not that kind of place. You'll most likely be standing a majority of the time. read more

Love this place! Bartenders are awesome. Music never disappoints. Good drink specials everyday! Arrive early to get a seat. This place is chill. I've only seen one fight here lol I wish their TV would start working!! Used to catch up with the Laker games here but oh well. read more

Don't understand the two star reviews to be honest. The place was so fun, lots of space to dance and drink. Our bartender was not only so sweet but funny and super welcoming. She made our experience so much better, my friend and I will certainly be back. The best place to get a drink! read more

Say what you want about this place being grimey and crowded but it really is a good time. $2 Tuesday's are the best. It gets really packed, but people there are friendly. Bartenders are nice, security is cool. What more can you ask for? read more

I've been coming here for years and what can i say i LOVE the place!! Thursdays used to be better before the "fubu" crowd infiltrated the place but its still pretty awesome if you like 80's, Spanish Rock, & New Wave plus drink specials till 10:30 PM. Weekends are pretty much the same thing. except that Sunday's is $3 dollar night! But my favorite night of them all is: TWO DOLLAR TUESDAYS! $2 Jack and Cokes $2 Dollar Beers! What more can one ask for! read more

Totally friendly atmosphere, everybody here is just out to have a good time. Not once have I've seen a fight here. The music is on point! You'll walk out of there feeling good and meeting new people. However to get a drink, let me just tell you, you'll be waiting a while. That's the only reason why I'm giving it three stars. They need to work on the bar. read more

I've been here quite a few times in my past. I grew up in Bellflower. My main qualm is with this owner guy J.V. I was going over the comments. And I seen that he said that they were in business for 50 years, and telling people to get their facts straight... how about he get his facts straight it was the rick rack before it was the Anarchy Library and that definitely wasn't 50 years ago! I Really have nothing against this bar ya it's a little dirty, yeah the crowd is a little Rowdy, and they should spend a little bit of that money (which they do make a lot of) to update their seats and tables but that's their choice. It is a dive bar, in a sh*ty location, don't expect much, but they don't clam to be high class, "hoity toity," which I do respect! read more

I went here last week and I had witnessed a woman getting tossed to the floor and pepper sprayed by one of the male bouncers. Not sure exactly what had happened but regardless of the situation I do not believe a woman getting tossed by a BOUNCER shall be allowed. Will never return to this place. read more

Downey? Where is Downey? What was i doing in Downey? yup i was at the anarchy library...that's right, i was there to see my friend perform (they have burlesque dancers on sundays so if you live in downey go!)...his bar is kinda in the middle of nowhere but i love it...it''s a rock n' roll bar, the place is not that big but it does have character. the bartendars & door guy was very nice but i'm sure if you get outta hand they won't be that nice. oh, did i mention they have fire shows as well...now that's HOT! read more

****PUNK ROCK & ROCK STARS**** This is a dark bar, they have $3 Blue Moons on Monday Karaoke AND $2 Tuesdady nights! Not bad for Downey, pretty good rockstars get up there and rock out, of course I haven't been drunk enough to Karaoke yet but I will eventually ;) The restrooms are VERY clean I was impressed with this but definitely a BIG bonus for this place! Oh yeah they have a taco stand outside, I didn't find the courage to order shit from there but they had a bunch of people in line to eat their tacos! Lol Parking is a little rough but it's not horrible. Check this place ouf if you have nothing to do and want cheap drinks you might run into a Gwen Stefani or better yet an Adam Lambert! read more

Every time I read a review about a dive bar being dirty and sketchy, it makes me want to check it out. lol. Only if it is appropriate with music and drinks of course! This place is small, plenty of sitting and has a nice small dance floor. The bartender was great, the security kept the place safe, and the music kept the people dancing. I went on a Sunday night, and I am looking to go for the Spanish rock nights (although they did play a few Spanish rock songs) and I had a blast. It was only my boyfriend and I but we hope we can take some of our friends here as well. Great little place in a random location but nevertheless, awesome gem. Also, it does not smell, it wasn't dirty, it just looks old...which is what dive bars tend to look like and that's what makes them great! read more

Pretty good ambient...Great Music!!! And drinks are two dollars from 8:30 to 10:30 you can't beat that

This past Saturday my friend came to rescue me from boredom. We decided to do a little bar hopping in Downey. This place was the perfect ending to the perfect "girls" night out. At first we were a bit skeptical: based on the outdoor looks of this place we expected a hard core "Hot Topic" meeting, or the Sons of Silence gang. We were relieved to find neither. The bar itself is cute, dark and small with a kind of a Mexican/pyschobilly feel to it. Dia de los Muertos (or was it Tikki god monster heads???) encrusted on the top of the bar. Leopard print seats and girls dancing on the dance floor with outfits that even Miss Betty Page would envy. Cheap drinks, and a dance floor that was pretty small but had a moderate size crowd kept us entertained. The only reason I knocked off a star from this place was the fact that some drunk asshole decided it would be funny to start a mosh pit to a Depeche Mode song, sending me and my weave across the floor. NOT COOL MAN! But I blame his intoxication and the D.J.'s poor taste to play a Depeche Mode song? It's 2009 buddy. read more

Like the Puka Bar I hate to be hard on a place that I really like and have high hopes for despite my issues with it. It used to be better...the staff and the crowd was awesome. Staff is still awesome...sometimes the crowd...not so much. I used to be a regular and still go on occassion because they do book some great shows...I've seen The Blasters, Los Creepers, The Fiends, some self proclaimed punk rock gods named The Skulls (douche bags de el sucko), The Dead Kennedys (of course not with Jello but the kid on the vocals was solid enough for me to see them again at the House of Anything But the Blues), The Vodoo Glow Skulls and the Angry Samoans, to name more than a handful. The bartenders are cool as hell and Richie the Bar Manager aka Richie Stretchpants will school you on any number of subjects including class war, law, social issues, music, etc. (he may have missed his calling as a Jeapordy contestant). Drinks are strong, the jukebox is badass (not one of those pansy digiboxes either) and it's better on the weekends (Four stars on Sat. or Sun. Five when there's a good band). Outside of the weekend if you're in the mood to get loaded with a couple of partners it's a good place to bullshit, commiserate or have whatever kind of conversation it is you personally like to have in bars. I recommend it but not overwhelmingly unless there's a killer show. I prefer Alex's Bar in Long Beach. read more

This place is dark, loud and almost always busy! I've been here a handful of times enough to know the drinks are cheap and strong but happy hour ends at 10:30 most nights so get there early. They have djs almost every night, and the entire bar staff is super friendly even though at first glance they may not seem like it. My only complaint would be the line for the restroom if half these girls would stop using the stalls as photo booths and just get straight to business and get out I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue. If you're looking for a good drink and a chill crowd the anarchy library is a good place to go any night of the week. read more

The Anarchy Library - These girls know how to make some good drinks - Dive Bars Near Me - Downey, California