Del's Saloon
(310) 207-1978
12238 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles,
CA
90025
34.0397
-118.4647
Neighborhoods: West Los Angeles, West LA
Last updated 6.13.09
What People Are Saying About Del's Saloon
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A strip mall may seem like an unlikely location for this watering hole, but somehow Del's Saloon fits right in next door to Smart & Final. Patrons sidle up to a long, dark-wood bar as severely uncool bartenders pour traditional cocktails and beers. The clicking of pool balls combined with the dinging of Golden Tee creates a very casual atmosphere in this dimly lit space. People who shy away from the uptight trendy scene at many L.A. bars can relax here.
The Draw
Once sprinkled with strictly geriatric types, Del's is now part of the singles scene. Saturday nights find this joint packed with 20- and 30-somethings looking for love--and karaoke. The performances say a great deal about the diverse clientele: Tunes from Britney Spears to Guns 'N Roses to Frank Sinatra get almost everyone singing, everyone except those grumbling in the corner about the youngsters taking over their bar.
User Reviews
Anonymous
February 21, 2008
This place is great! It's a hidden gem which makes it even better! The location isn't necessarily ideal to the typical Hollywood/nightclub go getter but is perfect for the Santa Monica/West LA local. Small, dark, complete with pool table, darts and a juke box....big screen tv for games and video game screens....what more can you ask for out of a dive bar? Oh yeah! A friendly bartender who makes the stiffest drinks around. They have karaoke on occasion (I think Wednesday and Saturday nights). The night we went there was an AWESOME karaoke host who happens to actually be a good singer (often a rare instance around the westside karaoke scene). There's a smoking patio out back, small but usable bathroom and security cameras. This place was recently in a movie (Knocked Up I think?) so a few hopefuls will get the chance to enjoy it's dive bar charm.
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gemgrrl82
July 23, 2007
Ladies and gentlemen, the definition of a dive bar per the internet is: A dive bar, or simply a dive, is a drinking establishment (or sometimes a restaurant) with a run down appearance and atmosphere. In a dive bar, the drinks tend to be cheap and of low quality, but frequently are of a high alcohol content. Since dives lack an appealing atmosphere, people tend to frequent dives for the sole purpose of drinking (or sometimes eating) inexpensively, though sometimes there are regulars who appreciate the laid-back atmosphere. If you live in the West LA area, Del's provides a great night cap to a Saturday Night spent dancing and bumping hips with snobbish industry people. One reviewer mentioned Busby's. Sure it could be a better option, if you get there early enough to avoid the ridiculous 50-person line that usually is formed by 10pm, don't mind paying the $10-$20 cover, and love a cramped and musty dancefloor. Del's sort of wings it every night that I've been there. I've never been accosted, jostled, or relentlessly pursued, something that tends to happen at Meat Markets in the area. You can always find a great pool competitor. Karaoke on Sat nights brings regulars from around LA. Bobby, the host, deals with a lot of drunk a-holes pleading to get their song first. So, if you slip a little in the tip jar, you may get taken care of faster. Just be respectful. One night everyone was sick of the karaoke so Bobby just started playing Top-40 and turned the stage into a dance party. Fun was had by all. I'd rather pay $5.50 or so for a heavy-handed drink than $12.50 for some foo-foo martini that doesn't give you the slightest buzz. You can go with your friends and be the party, or roll up alone and be guaranteed to get a good conversation. But remember, this is a dive bar. It ain't the Ritz, it isn't Sunset, and it sure as heck isn't some pretentious little yuppie sports bar down the street. It's got real people with really affordable drinks.
read full reviewirishrovering
February 08, 2007
This place sux. Karaoke is always a fickle mistress, but this place is the beer goggler of them all. You think you're walking into a gem and it just turns out to be another t*rd in the an*s of Los Angeles. The door man wouldn't leave us alone and when he finally got the hint, he started harrassing us, carding us, accusing us of stealing glasses! I told him there's a place called ikea, you should check it out. Then the one person you don't want to ignore you is the fugly bartender who was fuglier when she smiled. Twenty minutes we waited! We went to the karaoke guy who wasn't happy either. As for cheap drinks, cheap maybe, if cheap means crappy. If you want to be the Hail Mary (read desperate last attempt to get some from every guy) at last call then this is your home! If you want to shag dried up old 50 something urban cougars are you in for a treat. Cause that is all there is here. In a little bar guide, we read this is the best singles bar voted by UCLA. I'm sorry, did the Republicans rig this vote too? Oh wait, there's more! If you can get past these few short comings, there's entertainment, homeless guys fighting in the parking lot behind the bar. And if your lucky, one will come up and steal butts from the can outside. Just like on the discovery channel! Where was that sting ray when this dude was around? I'd rather use the dog park in Brentwood then go into that cr*p closet again. It smelled. Playing pool was ok, people were nice enough, except for this troll like creature who sipped out of a silver goblet and wore a glove. There is no beer garden, it's a tent that you can't take your drinks out too. My hands hurt from typing just Go to Busby's, three blocks to the beach on the same side. You'll be glad I sent you.
read full reviewThe Details on Del's Saloon
Parking:
A benefit of the strip-mall location is the parking. Take advantage of the free lot in the back.
When to Go:
Karaoke is offered Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Happy Hour:
Daily, 6am-10am and 4pm-7pm.
Category:
Lounges, Beer Gardens, Bars & Pubs, Restaurants
