The Dive

08/17/07

My favorite neighborhood bar

by midwestgirlincali

I've never had a fun, chill place to call "my neighborhood bar." Well, I found it!! First good thing ... Loren (one of the bartenders) is the BEST! He makes great drinks and knows how to treat his customers. You never leave there complaining about your bar service. The patio outside is another good feature about The Dive. There are plenty of tables and it's always nice to get some fresh air. The digital juke box is GREAT!! I always end up putting $5 or $10 in :) If there was just a little small dance floor, that would make it even better. But, still no complaints by me! They have a list of "speciality drinks," many of which I need to try. (Bacardi and Diet Coke is a regular of mine ... creature of habit.) Deep Purple, one of the featured drinks, is really good! It's a little tart, but if you're in the mood for that, you'll be happy. The food is good, too. The pizzas never disappoint :) Overall, the whole staff (bartenders, waitresses, cooks, etc.) is very friendly, which adds to an already fun night out with friends! I definitely recommend stopping by The Dive :)

• Pros: bartenders, digital jukebox, atmosphere, reasonable prices, service

04/18/07

Cool and Comfy. Fresh and Yummy.

by msnetworker1

I hesitate to write this 'cause we like getting seats without waiting, but...

My friends and I went to The Dive the other night to celebrate a very important birthday. We wanted somewhere NEW and FUN that wouldn't break the bank. We're all food snobs and I think what we liked the most was the variety in the menu--and their dedication to fresh and local. We all not only respect this attitude, we want to support and encourage it. Plus we loved the staff---made us feel right at home on their outdoor patio. Drinks were all made with fresh juices and after 3 or 4 of their Smokin Cactus cocktails, we all found a new reason to live! I think we tasted every single brick-oven pizza on the menu and couldn't decide on a favorite. Guess where we're going for MY birthday? (June 12 if you want to join us---I'll be the one on the patio wearing the silly hat!).

• Pros: Stands up to a party planner's rigid criteria for a great place for a party!
• Cons: I miss the old Highland Grounds BUT I always appreceiate a free upgrade.

04/17/07

Bad All Around

by magicruby2

Don't be fooled, this is the worst disquise of its predecessor and comes with an arrogant empty element which disappoints any old fans of the once wonderful Highland Grounds. The food is way off; who can't make eggs for example? The "new" focus was meant to be on the wood burning stove (given the convenient location to Mozza) , but it turns out the owner - who 'relocated' the former manager who we loved and the music elements as well- which we equally loved, along with the food and drink which was at one point very nice. Decided to turn the place into what was meant to be a money making pitt for the business, yet they called it the Dive, prices went up and quality down. Too many new renovations to support the kind of quality that was had before by loyal patrons of the place. Too bad for all.

We don't need expensive exotic drinks in exchange for losing the best open mic in LA, so you can make money, bad choice, but business is business.

I say you go to the Bowery on Sunset at Vine, its a much better experience, the owner is nice and the food is exceptional. Voted best Burgers in town and the bartender Brian can make you a much killer drink without attitude and the price. No live music but you can't get that at this place anyway. But you can get good eats and nice people. Worth the ticket for admission.

Skip this DIVE.

04/16/07

I guess the reviews worked...?

by christophermullen

I had been to The Dive once before, not too long after it re-opened in it's current format, and only for a beer. I was left unmoved, but at least no longer thirsty. After checking back in with the CS listing I was surprised to find some rather glowing reviews, to which I called FOO-Y. That is "Friends Of Owners" planted postings. One in particular had the tone of a Hired Gun PR written piece. I realize this is not an uncommon practice, and I cannot blame The Dive for what appears to be planted reviews. The tip off is when multiple reviews are posted on the same day by people who have never posted before and the verbage is too precise. But regardless, it has prompted me to return to The Dive to see what I may have missed, so mission accomplished...I guess.

04/10/07

The Dive's alive with saucy deliciousness

by styol

Wow ever since this fine establishment morphed into its new rendition, The Dive, its been nothing but an upgrade from the old highland grounds! The atmosphere is totally comfortable and laid-back, the music is usually happenin' with a saucy e-jukebox thingie, and the food and drinks are simply outstanding.

The drunken ribeye with a merlot marinade and dirty mashed potatoes was just mind-boggling. Finally a place that does garlicky mashed potatoes right! And i dont think i can even begin to describe how delicious the ribeye was, because id probably end up running out of space... but yah gotta try one of their specialty drinks, so unique and tasty that im gonna have to try a new one each time i go back.

If you havn't been there before or havn't been there yet, the time has come my friend....

• Pros: Food, drinks, location, atmosphere, good times!
• Cons: ummm... uhhh... theres no parking on highland from 3-7pm daily