The 11 Best Bars in Culver City for Every Taste
From classic dives and vintage lounges to creative cocktail bars, discover Culver City's most memorable nightlife destinations.
The 11 Best Bars in Culver City: A Local’s Nightlife Guide
Culver City, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, boasts a vibrant bar scene that offers something for every mood and taste. Whether you’re searching for a nostalgic neighborhood dive, a sleek cocktail lounge, or a buzzing spot to enjoy craft beer and a lively crowd, Culver City’s diverse range of bars promises an unforgettable evening. This guide presents the 11 best bars in Culver City, highlighting their unique charms, signature drinks, atmospheres, and the experiences that make them local favorites.
1. Backstage Bar & Grill
Est. 1939 | Classic Dive Bar with Karaoke Flair
Backstage Bar & Grill stands as a living piece of Culver City history. Just across from Sony Pictures Studios, this bar has been a neighborhood staple for generations. With its dimly lit ambiance, pool tables, and expansive bar, Backstage exudes all the nostalgia of a classic L.A. dive. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights come alive with epic karaoke sessions, drawing an energetic and welcoming crowd—from Sony staffers unwinding after a shoot to first-time visitors warmed by the bar’s retro vibe.
- Signature event: Rowdy karaoke nights with supportive patrons
- Menu highlights: Simple, hearty bar food like burgers and fries
- Vibe: No-nonsense, unpretentious fun; great for groups
2. The Culver Hotel Bar & Lillie’s Lounge
Art Deco Sophistication & Live Jazz
Located in the historic Culver Hotel, this bar feels like stepping back into the golden age of Hollywood. The hotel itself dates to 1924 and has hosted legends from Clark Gable to Judy Garland. The lobby bar serves vintage-inspired cocktails amid velvet furnishings and Art Deco-style fixtures. On select nights, the adjacent Lillie’s Lounge offers live jazz and refined small plates, all in a glamorous yet intimate setting.
- Atmosphere: Old Hollywood glamour with modern elegance
- Must-try cocktail: The Prohibition Old Fashioned
- Features: Live music, romantic lighting, sophisticated crowd
3. Seventy7 Lounge
Speakeasy-Style Cocktails
Hidden behind an unmarked exterior on Culver Boulevard, Seventy7 Lounge rewards the curious with a dimly-lit hideaway straight out of the Prohibition era. The bar is renowned for its inventive, precisely mixed cocktails—think house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients—and a rotating menu of seasonal concoctions. The intimate space, carved out of exposed brick and soft couches, takes on a festive energy with late-night dancing and live DJs.
- Vibe: Speakeasy mystery meets playful nightlife
- Signature drink: The Smoke & Mirrors (mezcal, ginger, citrus)
- Bonus: Occasional burlesque performances and pop-up events
4. Public School 310
Classroom-Themed Gastropub
Public School 310 delivers an original twist—a whimsical schoolhouse theme, complete with chalkboard menus and shelves adorned with books and globes. More than just clever decor, this spot is serious about its beer selection, with rotating taps featuring West Coast craft brews and a comforting, elevated bar menu. Happy hour buzzes with professionals and locals alike, indulging in share-friendly plates and creative signature cocktails.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, fun, and ideal for groups
- Menu: Truffle mac & cheese, crispy calamari, loaded burgers
- Drinks: Extensive beer list plus boozy ‘recess’ cocktails
5. Old Man Bar at Hatchet Hall
Dark, Quirky Sanctuary for Whiskey Lovers
Tucked behind the acclaimed Southern restaurant Hatchet Hall, the Old Man Bar is anything but generic. The vibe is gothic and eclectic, with low lighting, taxidermy on the walls, and curious antiques lending a mysterious air. The highlight is its menu of nine unique Old Fashioneds, including the smoky Oaxacan (featuring mezcal and Aztec chocolate bitters) and the patriotic American Trilogy. Whiskey aficionados especially will find much to savor.
- Atmosphere: Cozy, dark, and uniquely decorated
- Specialties: Rare and classic whiskeys, inventive bourbon cocktails
- Price: Upscale, but the craftsmanship justifies it
6. Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantina
Mexican Bar with a Lively Atmosphere
Kay ‘n Dave’s brings a splash of festive, south-of-the-border energy to downtown Culver City. Known for its vibrant, colorful setting and friendly staff, this cantina is popular for both family dinners and late-night gatherings. The bar features a robust selection of tequilas and mezcals, inventive house margaritas (try the signature Spicy Cucumber), and a full menu of modern Mexican fare. The outdoor patio is perfect for soaking up Culver City’s sunshine during happy hour or brunch.
- Jumping vibe during weekend evenings and Taco Tuesdays
- Signature drinks: freshly muddled fruit margaritas, spicy palomas
- Menu: Tacos, enchiladas, and vegetarian options
7. Auld Fella
Authentic Irish Pub Experience
The Auld Fella, with its wood-paneled interior and classic pub decor, brings a touch of Ireland to Culver City’s bar scene. The bar is famous for perfect pours of Guinness, traditional Irish whiskey, and hearty comfort food—including fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. Live music and trivia nights provide lively entertainment, drawing both homesick expats and locals looking for a cozy, sociable night out.
- Must-try: Guinness and the corned beef sandwich
- Features: Spacious patio, live folk music on weekends
- Friendly staff and a community-centric crowd
8. Citizen Public Market & Bar Bohemien
Skyline Views and Modern Mixology
Citizen Public Market reimagines a historic 1929 building as a dynamic food hall, with Bar Bohemien upstairs offering panoramic downtown views and a modern lounge ambiance. The bar focuses on cutting-edge cocktails made with local spirits, house infusions, and market-fresh ingredients. Guests can savor their drinks on an elegant rooftop deck, paired with global fare from the market’s casual eateries below.
- Atmosphere: Hip, airy rooftop with skyline views
- Drinks: Seasonal cocktail menu, creative mocktails
- Main draws: Sunset happy hours and Sunday brunch cocktails
9. Rocco’s Tavern
Sports Bar with an Italian-American Twist
Rocco’s Tavern has cornered the market on festive game-day gatherings in Culver City. With big screens covering every major sporting event, ample seating, and a classic pub menu, this Italian-American themed bar is perfect for groups and die-hard local fans. It’s well-known for daily happy hours and generous pours, plus plenty of pizza, wings, and hearty snacks to ward off late-night hunger.
- Best for: Watching Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams games
- Menu: Classic sports bar food, hearty pasta dishes, pizza
- Atmosphere: Bustling, energetic, and welcoming to all ages
10. The Velvet Lounge
LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar with Creative Cocktails
The Velvet Lounge offers an inclusive, vibrant experience at the edge of Culver City’s nightlife corridor. Known for its regularly themed nights, drag shows, and DJ events, this LGBTQ+-friendly venue welcomes all. The drink program emphasizes original cocktails crafted by passionate bartenders, with seasonal twists and plenty of Instagram-worthy presentation.
- Signature nights: Drag bingo, dance parties, open mic events
- Crowd: Diverse, friendly, and lively
- Drinks: Hand-crafted martinis and colorful specials
11. 33 Taps Culver City
Laid-back Sports Bar with Extensive Beer Selection
For beer lovers, 33 Taps is a must-visit. The name says it all: 33 different varieties on draft, alongside a substantial bottle selection and solid pub grub. With a light-filled, modern industrial space, plenty of TVs, and long communal tables, it’s an easy spot to watch the game, catch up with friends, or host a larger group meetup. The bar also offers trivia nights and fun community events to keep the crowds coming back.
- Drinks: Craft beer, cider, and hard seltzer variety
- Menu: Burgers, loaded fries, vegetarian and vegan-friendly items
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly until late in the evening
Comparing Culver City’s Best Bars
| Bar | Main Attraction | Best For | Signature Drink/Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backstage Bar & Grill | Karaoke & Dive Vibes | Locals, Group Nights | Karaoke Nights |
| The Culver Hotel Bar | Historic Glamour, Live Jazz | Date Nights, Special Occasions | Prohibition Old Fashioned |
| Seventy7 Lounge | Speakeasy Cocktails | Cocktail Lovers | Smoke & Mirrors |
| Public School 310 | Gastropub, Craft Beer | Happy Hour, Group Outings | Truffle Mac & Cheese, rotating beer taps |
| Old Man Bar | Whiskey, Dark Vibe | Whiskey Lovers | Nine Old Fashioneds |
| Kay ‘n Dave’s | Tequila, Mexican Fare | Brunch, Happy Hour | Spicy Cucumber Margarita |
| Auld Fella | Irish Pub, Live Music | Trivia, Traditional Fare | Perfect Guinness Pour |
| Citizen Public Market / Bar Bohemien | Rooftop Cocktails, Skyline | Sunset Views, Date Nights | Seasonal Craft Cocktails |
| Rocco’s Tavern | Sports, Italian-American Food | Game Nights, Large Groups | Pizza, Beer by the Pitcher |
| The Velvet Lounge | LGBTQ+ Events, Themed Nights | Dancing, Drag Shows | Hand-Crafted Martinis |
| 33 Taps Culver City | Draft Beer, Sports | Beer Aficionados, Families | Tap Takeovers, Trivia Night |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bars in Culver City
Q: Are Culver City bars suitable for large groups or events?
A: Yes, many bars such as Rocco’s Tavern, 33 Taps, and Public School 310 are great for groups. Some have private event options and large communal tables.
Q: Which bars are LGBTQ+ friendly?
A: The Velvet Lounge is known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ events, but most Culver City bars are inclusive and open to a diverse clientele.
Q: Where can I find the best craft cocktails in Culver City?
A: Seventy7 Lounge, Old Man Bar, and Bar Bohemien excel at creative, expertly mixed cocktails using fresh ingredients and house infusions.
Q: Do these bars serve food, or should I eat before I come?
A: Most featured bars offer a menu—from classic pub fare at Rocco’s Tavern to savory Mexican dishes at Kay ‘n Dave’s and upscale small bites at The Culver Hotel Bar. Food is a highlight at several of these venues.
Q: Is there a particular time when Culver City’s bars are most lively?
A: Weekend nights, especially Fridays and Saturdays, see the biggest crowds, along with themed event nights such as trivia, karaoke, and live music events throughout the week.
Planning Your Night Out in Culver City
Whether you crave the timeless comfort of a neighborhood dive, the sophistication of a jazz-filled lounge, or the sparkle of a rooftop cocktail bar, Culver City’s best bars offer a spectrum of experiences to suit every personality. With walkable downtown streets, excellent transportation, and a collaborative local spirit, this neighborhood is the perfect destination for a memorable night on the town.
- Check bar websites or social media for updates on happy hours, special events, and reservation policies.
- Parking in downtown Culver City is generally available in public lots, but rideshare is recommended for hassle-free fun.
- The diversity of venues means you can easily plan a bar crawl or simply settle into a favorite haunt for the evening.
Ready to explore? Culver City’s vibrant bar scene invites you to raise a glass and join in the local revelry!
