01/05/09

You Just Never Know

by MartyK09

A Mecca for drunk surfer dudes, old surfer dudes and just dudes, Ercoles is one of those places that you just deal with. The bartenders seem to know exactly how far to push their attitude before you walk, and then pour a stiff one to make up for it. The patrons lack all sense of decorum; it's perfectly acceptable to mindlessly yell at the TV while bumping to anyone that's close to you.

The jukebox is a classic; from Jimmy Hendrix to Frank Sinatra and everything in between.

Sundays seem to be especially bizarre. The "anything goes" vibe that's reflected in every piece of wood being inscribed with somebody's initials accounts for most of the atmosphere.

If you don't like what's happening at the moment, wait five minutes for the next act to walk through the door.

07/14/08

made my holiday

by diainsy

i have just returned from a 2 week vacation from Liverpool England to Manhattan Beach CA. i knew Erks from my vacation last year and was delighted to see it hadn't changed a bit.

All the barmen are sooo friendly. A big hello to Paul and Martine.

One of the highlights of my time in LA was being in Erks on 4th of July about 3pm when a customer with a trumpet got up and gave a rendition of the USA National Anthem. I'm not American but i was moved to tears! Brilliant!!!

Erks is the best bar i experienced in Manhattan Beach. it's not pretentious but it doesn't try to be.

Hopefully see you guys again next year. xxxxx diane xxxxx

04/18/08

Not for everybody.

by jr003

"I can't believe this place. First we got carded by this old, sloppy red-headed doorman in tight shorts and a knee brace whose English is almost completely unintelligible, but is a local legend for some reason. I went to the bar, and the bartender who was falling-down drunk himself made me a cocktail so strong that it was almost undrinkable. Then, when I pulled out my American Express card, everyone just started laughing at me. They were playing rock-and-roll music on a juke box, and there were some big, drunk Australian guys in rugby shirts bumping into me. Then some blonde came over and, without saying a word, jammed her tongue in my mouth while this other loud chubby girl who claimed to be from Uruguay would not leave my friends alone. Five stars."

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Manhattan Beach dive bar with pool table and juke box serves up burgers and cheap drinks to beach-going locals.

11/11/07

Ultimate Dive Bar

by jnrcal

Look up dive bar in the dictionary and you will find a picture of Ercoles. It's a chill place with cheap drinks with a typical beachy dive bar crowd.

07/05/07

Locals hamburger heaven

by cicciolina

I almost hate to post this in case non-locals read it and decide to takeover the joint . But, Ercole's hamburgers are BY FAR the BEST EVER on the PLANET. In-N-Out? Forget about it. Ercole's has a special recipe and uses the best burger purchased from the gourmet deli next door. So juicy that you'll probably need to bathe afterwards. The bar itself is cool, low-key and locals oriented - great for afternoon sports watching. But the burgers are the real reason to go back.

• Pros: hamburgers; drink values; relaxed beach atmosphere
• Cons: no full menu - burgers and dogs only; packed on weekend nights

08/14/02

Best Dive in MB

by roger

all you could ask for in a dive....cheap, cold beer and local flavor....

• Pros: cheap, stiff drinks
• Cons: sometimes crowded

08/07/02

Excellent place to hang

by pistolas

This is a local hangout with great, relaxed atmosphere, a pool table in the back, and a grill if you're hungry. The bartenders are friendly, the patrons are accomodating, and the prices are right if you're looking to catch a game on TV and sip a pint or two...or eight.

• Pros: Close to the beach, Laid back
• Cons: Can get crowded

05/16/02

Best 'Dive' in Manhattan Beach

by ROG

While dive is hardly appropriate, it is still the best place to get some suds with your friends. MB has plenty of bars, but the clientelle are getting more upscale (along with the prices) every year. It's great to have Erk's there for you when you need it.