Del's Saloon

07/23/07

Inexpensive drinks, no pretentious people, and NO LINES to get in a.k.a A FUN DIVE

by gemgrrl82

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.

• Pros: drink prices, parking, people
• Cons: one bathroom

02/08/07

The last review from boulder said it all...

by irishrovering

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.

• Pros: what was the question?
• Cons: read the review

01/29/07

Not a fun karaoke vibe at this dive.

by boulder22

I went to Del's for Saturday night karaoke, and I put in my karaoke request at 9pm, and at 1am it still had not been played! I went up to the karaoke guy to check out his list and see if I was even on there, and he turned off the screen and told the other karaoke guy not to show me. There was no reason for my being ignored besides the fact that I didn't put a dollar in his jar at the moment of my request. He was an utter a--hole, and it's really not my fault that he works at a dive bar for change.

As for the rest of the experience, it was treacherous to sit through the entire night listening to American Idol rejects and other sincere and off-key retards and delusionals. Karaoke should be about having fun, and not about being discovered.

05/24/06

A good place to chill out

by mollyfast

I met up with two friends here last night and it reminded me while I always love this place. It's easy to find a place to sit, easy to get a drink and you can carry on conversations without feeling like you're being watched (or stalked) all night! Easy parking, which is always a plus!

10/26/05

Great dive bar - plenty of games - cheap beers

by kidandy

Exactly what the title of this review says. Lots of darts, pool tables, video poker, and such to entertain you at this dive bar. Bring some friends and challenge some of the old pool sharks for fun. Beers are cheap for this town. Cash only. Went on a week night, so not sure how the weekend scene is.

• Pros: Games, Space, Cheap

01/04/05

great 'regular' bar

by kyle_tuna

Hard to find a real bar in LA these days, but if you kick kickin back with a few cheap Bud longnecks and shooting some pool on a real table this is your place. I avoid karoke nights because I hate karoke, but I can always count on Dell's for a good mix of people not looking to impress, instant service and a casual night out with friends

• Pros: cheap, pool

08/14/03

Hipsters and barflies coexist in boozy harmony at this Westside dive.

by Contributor

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.