Not bad venue, depending on why you're going. I can handle it being overcrowded and full of rules up, inebriated college kids. BUT the bouncer here sucks. I swear he's only there to start fights with people. Seriously one of the most unpleasant people and one of the main reasons I try to avoid this place. read more

A true watering hole for all of the bro's of Venice beach! I've been here way too many times and here are my takeaways: - Don't expect to get a delicious spicy skinny margarita here - if your drink has to be shaken, you might be asked to leave - the bartenders will ignore you unless you are AGGRESSIVE All in all, the lights are too bright, the bro's are too bro-y, and the drinks aren't drinkable. read more

Arash is the best! Not sure about the shared urinal in the mens room. Is it for the purpose of comparing dick sizes? J.k. Love that bar. read more

Nice bar in Abbot Kinney, solid DJ and warm atmosphere with a huge dance floor; definitely the best place to hang out in the area!

I walked into this establishment with my 13 month old not completely sure if it was a bar restaurant or just a bar. I was hosting family from Canada and we were eagerly trying to find a place to sit down and feed my son and rest. Staff was so rude and we might as well have been dogs they were shooing away because we were brining my son into their bar. There was a tone to the staff and I didn't appreciate it. None of us will be back read more

Terrible front door, bouncer service. Due to the two guys on shift tonight, my girlfriend and I will never return nor will I recommend this place to anyone. I will report them to their owner. read more

The Brig - Waiting - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

Great vibe, the bartenders are nice, plenty of space to hang out. . . .:(?:!?,.,??:/2 read more

Wow this place got a MAKEOVER. They use the patio from first fridays as a seating area so There is plenty of space to feel as socially distant as you possibly could for a bar. Haha. Thursday's they have a live dj and there is an area for dancing. We had a ton of fun. But beware it gets a bit rowdy, and that's not for everyone. read more

Don't sleep on trying some of the beers on tap. Gotta love a local Abbott Kinney spot that supports local breweries. Tried and loved the Pizza Port Kronic Amber which is out of Solana Beach. read more

I saw the reviews but I was also standing across the street hittin a joint and lookin at the spot and, I'm sayin - this place is dope! It's got a vibe for sure but I'm with it. Me and my girl copped a couch that faces out to the street. We got a nice little buzz people watching with zero interruptions. All sorts of the usual stuff to sip on and like I said the vibe is on 100. If we didn't have to shake for a work mixer - we woulda stayed for sure and turnt up. No cap read more

The Brig - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

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I use to love going here, great spot. Then I I watched one of the bouncers grab my girlfriend and rip her arm out of her socket. After it happened I told other bouncers what happened and they all shrugged it off like it was a normal occurrence. If you're not ready to be assaulted DO NOT GO HERE. read more

The Brig is located in Venice on Abbott Kinney. This place is usually a popular spot to hang out at because all the fancy food trucks are always parked outside of this Bar. I was here recently with a friend of mine. There was no line to get in. And, it was easy to find parking. We parked in their parking lot. I had to pee real bad.. so I rushed in thinking I'd run for the bathroom. HA. That didn't happen. Once I got in, the place was packed like a can of sardines. Standing room only. You could not move around ANYWHERE. There were so many people here. In order to get to the bathrooms at the other end of the room, I had to squeeze by on the dance floor. Yes, there was more room to move on the dance floor, than elsewhere in the bar. :D I get to the bathrooms, and there are two. Unisex. Naturally I picked the line with more guys in it. Hey they're quicker. The wait is not bad, but once I get to the bathrooms.. ugh gross. It looked like someone pissed all over the floors. The floor was wet and NASTY and dirty! I had to roll up my jeans farmer john style so they didn't touch the floors when I took them off. The roll of napkin looked like it had been clawed by a cat that was pissed off. And the napkin was wet. There was wet napkin stuck to the toilet seat. Nasty. Nasty. Nasty! I unrolled my jeans once I was outside the bathroom. Made my way to the bar and ordered a drink. The wait was not bad. The bartenders here are all hunky. The drink was good. The brig seems like an okay place. I'd come back here. read more

The Brig - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

ZERO stars for this place. I had to chose at least something to be able to write a review. Today I felt like we were back in 1600. I heard a white female bartender reject a black man from serving him WATER. She said "we're closed" it was only 1:40pm. Closing time is not until 2:00 am. Not only did she reject him a basic necessity but once he walked away under her breath she told her coworker "fucking n***er" ......I am baffled. read more

The actual place was nice and the staff seemed chill. Hence the 3 stars. But the type of people that go here is very much stereotypical LA transplants. So just a little fyi for LA natives/locals probably not gonna have a fun time cause when you try to talk to people they are very cold and rude, which honestly I've come to expect from the "influencer/ wanna be influencer" crowd. Everyone seemed very happy to stick to their little clique and overall was unsociable. Giving LA a bad rep I swear smh. Admittedly I did come with my non-native friends and probably wouldn't have come of my own accord ‍ read more

One of my favorite bars of all time. Great drinks and great booths! Love you guys. Go!

Felt like I faced some racial discrimination here tbh. I was standing at the bar with my friend's card out, ready to order. Everyone standing around me at the bar was white. The white dudes to my right order some drinks, the bartender comes back with their drinks, they order more drinks, the bartender returns with their drinks again, then they order a third round of drinks, and receive them soon after. I make clear eye contact with a couple of the bartenders and gesture that I'm ready to order, but they skip right past me onto the next group of white people. The people to my left get served. I suspect that I'm not being assertive or noticeable enough so I lean more forward to get their attention. This achieves nothing. I'm even wearing a light blue denim shirt that stands out in the dim lighting, so it's not like I'm blending into the darkness. Several times I see people being served who aren't doing anything extra to receive attention, they're just showing up after me, standing at the bar, and being served within a few minutes. My light-skinned friend shows up and stands next to me for like 30 seconds before the bartender who was floating around me and making eye contact for the past 10-15 minutes asks him for his order. We didn't tip. Perhaps this was simply the chaos of a busy Saturday night, but it definitely felt very off. I don't think that the white bartenders were intentionally discriminating against me, but they clearly are subconsciously prioritizing other white/light-skinned people. Or maybe they really are just a bunch of racists. Regardless, I felt like I didn't belong and it kinda ruined my night for a little bit. I'll probably never come back here, but I hope the owners of the bar read this and better their staff. In the words of the wise, black bouncer that I spoke to as I was leaving, "turn this into a teaching moment." Gonna be sticking to the east side for a while Oh also, we ordered some aperol spritzes on two different occasions and both times received what were probably watered down palomas. The spicy margs from the outdoor bar were fine though lol. read more

Good drinks - especially the 'Main Event' - unfortunately Westside / Abbott Kinney prices so not very economical read more

The Brig - a drink in a glass with a straw - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

Had a fun friendly match of chess with a gentleman on the patio. He was rude to my friend after I dropped a $20 (that I expected to lose against an obvious master). He had me checkmate in 1 move and proceeded to insult my friend and tell him he can't comment on an ongoing game, and that my friend was intrusive and screaming at him (he wasnt). Immediately security moved in and "made sure everything was chill" which because of course it was, I lose after playing 1v1 starcraft all the time. But the chess master, after winning the match, complained to management that I was causing problems. I asked management "do you sponsor this chess player to make money off of patrons at your establishment?" They said yes, he's friends with the owners, so of course I backed down. This place is fun, but I do not recommend playing against the chess guy. I expected to lose, but I love chess and a cool $20 is nothing for a good match. The guy is set up to hustle patrons of the bar. No big deal, but he didn't have to be a dick to my friends about it--within 1 move of checkmate, he blew up on my friend for saying something... anything about the match. My friend was just commenting and being a fun spectator. Afterwards, my opponent, the winner, complained to the GM about me. The GM was a cool guy but casually explained to me that the chess guy was protected by management and it put him in a tough spot. Do I recommend this bar? Yes. Just don't play chess--the guy is a dick who will harass you when you lose, be a dick to your friends, and be an ass when he takes your money. 0/5 stars read more

Sat 9p, no line, meter parking but we ubered. Great casual bar w pool table and room to dance. The bartenders are quick and helpful. Jeff was able to recommend drinks for each of our preferences and they turned out really good. We would go back again. One issue- they only have one women's bathroom. This means long lines and wasted time there instead of dancing and hanging out. Pee before you go. read more

The Brig - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

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Very cool place with great drinks! I got the cosmo cooler, which is only $7 on happy hour and really hit the spot on this super hot summer day. This place is like an upscale dive bar- mostly 20 and 30 somethings, and lots of cute girls. They have a DJ later at night. On the 1st Friday of each month, they have a bunch of food trucks next door. It's a super hot day, and their AC is blowing strong. They also have free Wi-Fi. And biodegradable straws! read more

The Brig - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

The bouncer called me a cunt! It was 1:30am and he was ushering one of my friends out, I asked why, and he screamed (& spat accidentally) in my face that I was a cunt and needed to move. My friend was being kicked out for bringing in an outside drink -- totally fair, but I didn't know what was happening! It was just an honest question. I'll still give it an extra star because it's a good location and the outdoor area is fun. But maybe some anger management training is in order. I was not trying to be a cunt, I was just confused. read more

I coordinated/attended a private event here and the staff was really great. It's also a great venue. Just the right size to feel intimate, but also spacious. The furniture, layout, bar location, pool table and different corners make it feel like both a lounge/speakeasy, living room, and also a local bar. If you throw a private party, you can get pizza/salad/pasta delivered. They offer valet. Even if you don't have a private event here, I imagine the place is very fun and it sure has a huge local following. Worth a visit! read more

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This place is decent, nothing crazy. It's the only actual bar on Abbot Kinney. I came during non-peak hours so I was able to enjoy the space and walk around. There were no annoying people to deal with and the bartenders were very attentive. Ample street parking in the area. read more

The Brig - Pisco Punch $14 & Old Fashioned $12 - Music Venues Near Me - Venice, California

I am a venice local I have been for ever and I had an experience last night where a gentleman with an Afro light skin short worked there Who scared a lot of women and was being extremely creepy was drunk as hell totally bad experience many women were scared that he was drugging their drinks (and I wouldn't have put it past him the way he was acting) when I asked security who he was they said that he worked there and continued to let him drink without removing him he was sitting at many different peoples booths leaning on many different women it was a completely scary and uncomfortable experience and I would not recommend going back until management decides to fire whoever that is Not to mention he followed my guy friend into the bathroom and stuck his head near his genitalia as he was peeing. I work security for two super high volume bars in venice and would never ever ever let a coworker stay on the clock when customers are complaining that he's SCARING THEM. read more

Would give a 0 star but that's not an option. I am visiting from Seattle as a 23 year old and the security guard not into denied it, but proceeded to be extremely rude and deny our government ID. Would not recommend this place due to rude staff 0/5 stars from us. read more

DO NOT COME HERE. They spike drinks at the bar. Felt extremely drunk, dizzy, disoriented, and confused for hours after a single drink. Awful side effects the next day. While I thankfully didn't pass out, others have experienced the same scenario, unfortunately worse cases than my own where they nearly did pass out. Management has been informed of this and done nothing. So please, as someone of the community, tell your friends and do not support. read more

Don't come here unless you want your wallet and/or phone stolen and the people who work there can't be bothered to return a phone call to tell you whether they found it or not read more

My boy Hebe is the man. He took care of us. As soon as we sat down, he got us everything we needed. I work in the industry and he is killing it! read more

Not a bad spot if you're into semi-divey bars! Equip with a pool table and some spots to sit and chill, otherwise you'll be standing. Came here on a Wednesday night -- there was an eclectic group of people inside, but it was not packed. I could see the bar getting more crowded later in the night, but it was never crazy to the point I couldn't walk or move. My friends and I were able to get a couch and a couple chairs to hang out at. Easily got drinks at the bar. I remember the music being fun. Found street parking with ease. Con: 1 restroom for the entire bar read more

I honestly come to the brig all the time. I have heard nothing but good things about this bar. But I was serviced by Anja and she was the worst bartender I have ever had the disappointment of dealing with. She was very rude. She was also short with me as. A paying customer. And she was just not friendly and welcoming. I honestly would probably never come to this place ever again because of her. And how terrible her service was. She got my drink wrong. And then when she remade it. She seemed annoyed about it. And then when I ordered a second round. She got all the drinks wrong as well and did not try to fix the error of feel bad about or try or replace them. It was such a bad experience. And next time I will for sure avoid her or not come to that bar again. read more

Came here on thanksgiving. I love the staff. Vibes are good. Drinks are great. But the speakers were killing my ears. The top end of the sound was so sharp that it made me want to leave. Fix the sound system, and the Brig is back baby!!! read more

Raul needs to get rid of the doorman. I get it, I've run venues in the past and a good doorman is not supposed to be liked. However, to the extent this man continues to ridicule is incredibly insulting. As an artist and patron, to have the doorman go out of his way to tell me to bring a matt if I want to draw because I left a table "dirty" is incredibly insulting. Not only because I literally asked the bartender for a towel so I (the paying customer) could clean it off to get this man off my back, but because the table was sticky and wet from the last people being there to begin with. It was an appalling expression of self loathing, and I even saw customers leaving because they saw this. On top of that, when I was entering the bar, another customer was told he couldn't enter because of a mask, which is totally understandable. I told the customer where he could get one (which was right down the street) and he thanked me because of course the doorman wouldn't even give him the decency of a response. The doorman then asked me where I bought it, and when I told him he asked the price. I told him I don't remember and he blew me off as if I wasn't worth his time anymore. On top of all of this, the doorman kept walking inside to check his phone in which he was charging on the wall. I even saw him peeking through the window to make sure it was still there. That in my mind is incredibly embarrassing as an owner. To see the doorman more concerned about his phone than the customers... I felt so ridiculed that I took time to write this review (and I hardly take my time to write something unless it is worth people knowing). I just hope the owner knows how much money is being turned away as I have seen multiple people, through my short time attending, walk out away from such a narcissistic and destructive person. read more

A few years ago I dropped in on this place in the middle of an afternoon for a beer. There was only one other patron at the time, so I figured grabbing a quick brew wouldn't be a problem. Except that two people serving didn't want to bother with me. Having worked in retail, I try to give people a break if it looks like they've got something to deal with, like a boss giving a talk, cleaning something up or fixing something broken. Yet in this case, nothing was going on except server conversation. Put off, but curious to see how far this would go, I stayed, staring at the servers. It took a good 7 minutes or so before someone finally gave in and served me a beer. Again, I was one of two patrons. Flash forward to 2019 and I figure I'll give this place another shot as I have now relocated down the street. It's a crowded weekend night and I finally get a bartender's attention. It's loud, so I speak up that I would like a Stella. I don't shout. The bartender sarcastically barks "OK! ONE STELLA." I don't reply, dumbfounded. As the bartender goes to pour me a beer, two women sitting next to me explain that everyone working at this bar is super rude. It's just the way this place is. Why she and her friend chose to return here, I don't know. Perhaps because it's the only real bar on this end of AK Blvd. Perhaps they liked being abused. I don't know. But it was my cue to never give this place a third try. read more

Nice patio area, but the staff are truly horrible and all have such a bad attitude. Seeing all the other reviews makes me wonder how this place is still in business or at least not under new management. Will never return. read more

Now that COVID is (more or less) behind us, we're less concerned about compliance and more concerned about friendly staff, solid cocktails, and a small but nicely curated beer list. One of our Venice faves. read more

As an astute vacationing day-drinker, I am always on the prowl to find at least one destination mecca. Heyy-ohh - Brig. Walk in to a darkish room right off Abbot-Kinney that screams underpopulated cafeteria or roller rink. Very clean and sparse. Door closes out the LA sun. Barfly-esque. I'm a soundtrack of my life person, so queue Metronomy, "The Look". What do I mean by that? Cool. Understated. Thoughtless. Gimmee a drink. Great liquor and beer selection. I drink ciders and they had a couple great ones. They also have an expansive house cocktail menu. Something for everyone. The staff - superb. I'm chatty. They obliged. Talked about the difference of a 400 sq ft LA apartment vs. my ph-a-t 1200 sq ft Cleveland (rocks) loft. They advised - stay home, visit A LOT. They let me take a menu and several coasters. If we had more time, we would have played pool. The bar sign is unforgettable. Definitely going back on my next Venice trip. read more

Really love this spot - so much outdoor space and seating to sit down and hang with a busy indoor area with a dance floor weekend nights! It can be really relaxed on weekday nights and has great cocktails. If going on a Friday or Saturday it gets very busy so go before 11 to avoid an insane line! read more

I got racially discriminated by the bouncer from this bar. I'm sure it had to be management that gave this response to kick me out. So the scenario goes like this. Three guys step into this bar, one white, one black and me, I'm Korean. I've ordered couple beers/mixed drinks and after a hour passes, the bouncer kicks me out. I tell him I have friends in here and I also have a bill to pay. He says it's ok just leave. But I try to convince him I came in here with a white guy and a black guy pointing them out, he lets me pay the bill. I had to convince I knew the white dude since the bouncer knew him by name as a regular. I'm sure I'm not the only Asian guy that got this kind of discrimination. Just letting you all know this establishment discriminates. I didn't go back to this bar since that was the message pointed out to me. read more

Had an $86 tab that I closed and signed on and before I left, checked my bank account and saw that charge as well as a second $60 charge. When I asked the bartender about it she told me "sometimes they put a hold on the card and that the charge would knock off in the morning." (Which is total BS.) She then asked if I wanted another drink, I'm assuming in the hopes that I would be too drunk to remember this in the morning. Have called them multiple times and gotten no response. read more

Music and vibe was great. Wish they promoted more of a dance floor by making the music louder. DJ focus and illa had a great mix just needed more volume to encourage more dancing! read more