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    Basement Tavern

    3.5 (474 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Basement Tavern Photos

    BASEMENT TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Classy
    Loud
    Live music

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    Recommended Reviews - Basement Tavern

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    Jules B.

    Basement Tavern became known as the post-Bungalow spot for an extended evening with friends in Santa Monica. If you believe that the combination of very dim lighting, awesome happy hour menu/prices and live music are elements to a great hang out spot then you'll love Basement. Oh, I shouldn't forget to mention, no cover charge at the door. Happy hour is Monday - Saturday 5pm -8pm, Sunday 5pm till closing. From $3 beers to $13 for Chili Verde Nachos. Pretty sweet deals happening here. Decent bar food -I've had worse. Basement has historically created good times for me with a good friend and friends of my friend. As during the summer and fall of 2015, a pretty fun reggae band called Bohdi Rock would play a couple nights at Basement. Between the live music sets, there was music overhead and videos playing on the ceiling and one of the walls as well. And, if you aren't a bit entertained by that neon sign in the stairway (see my pic) -we probably won't get along

    Backdoor entrance gives a great Speakeasy feel!
    Daniel E.

    Hidden Vintage with amazing drinks and a loud fun vibe! Great Bartenders and a National Landmark!! You have to ask people around for directions to get in since it's very well hidden- But great service overall, music assortment, and Mexican Food! No bottom shelf liquor- all top shelf !! YELP** On weekends, Basement Tavern is open at 5pm!

    Dirty Honey performance
    Clyde V.

    Cool venue for live music It's a basement, obviously. But it doesn't feel all claustrophobic despite the large crowds on weekends. Park in their designated lot or opt to park 2 lots over for free after 9pm Great chandeliers; great staff!

    Mary P.

    I've been coming to this bar for a long time and wanted to review it now because after all of these years I am still so so happy with the service, atmosphere, food and drink that I get here!! This soy-rizo pizza is TO DIE FOR and the drinks and events are always on point I come here first and only when I am on main Street In Santa Monica and Venice and have been for YEARS! Favorite place servers are great, food is amazing and drinks are always on point!

    Jenga. jenga, jenga!!!
    Rey L.

    Came by on a sunday nite to check out the happy hour. I was told this was a good nite to come. Not as packed or crazy as weekend nites, from what I was told. Very good prices for beers and house wines. The speakeasy aspect is a nice touch. Reminded me of the Room in Hollywood back in the day. Kind of tucked away in the back and only known to those in the know. Dark down there as it should be. Very cozy and melo vibe. The "games" they have are an excellent complement. I sharpened my Jenga skills this evening! We tried the connect four and battleship as well. Considering all the pieces missing, we still had a blast. Most definitely coming back.

    Kathryn T.

    I really really like this place -- especially for happy hour. I'm surprised that I don't come here more often. I need to. The happy hour drink and food prices are extremely reasonable and the quality is good. I had the Snakes on a Plane -- which was a whiskey based cocktail. It was gone in five minutes. My friend had a vodka cocktail of some sort. It was also good. We split a plate of truffle fries were were a great size. The fries were not those wimpy shoestring fries or way-too-thick-cut-it's-actually-half-a-potato. They were in the exact middle -- which made them perfect. The drinks are pretty good but the vibe is the big sell here. It's an upscale dive bar with plenty of standing room and comfy couches. It can get a little loud depending on the time of day. Only downside (or upside depending on your situation) is the fact that there isn't any cell service. It's great because you can really talk to the people you are with but difficult if you're trying to get in touch with each other and find your group when the place is crowded. Overall, it's on my list of bar suggestions in Santa Monica if you wanna just settle with a drink and catch up with friends.

    Vodka soda + lime AND included a Sprite for the designated driver! So nice!
    Kimmy T.

    Dark, dank, hot but fun! Also google maps doesn't tell you that this is actually on the backside of the Victoria - go to the parking lot and then down all the way to the back corner and you'll find a bouncer to check your IDs. Mysterious right? Cool band, hip decor, nice little seats around perimeter, lots of bar in the middle so easy to get a drink but jeeeeee why can no one have a basement bar with adequate temperature control?! Only $9 for a vodka soda and water and Sprite were pro bono for my drunk birthday girl and my designated driver husband so that was a nice surprise! Fun (but tiny) dance floor w/ good music between sets! Crowd is twenty/early thirty somethings who enjoy bar/club hybrids - truly for the claustrophobic at heart. I'd probably include it in a hop but not somewhere to stay for hours unless you like saying "excuse me" a ton and are a big fan of humidity. Meters are free after posted hours. We were there around 11pm and had no trouble parking.

    Ernest goes to.... great drink!

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    2 years ago

    Attempted to go today for happy hour (5-8 pm) however once we arrived they stated they didn't open until 10pm

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    3 years ago

    One of my favorite iconic bars. I used to live nearby. I still love going here. Great music and atmosphere.

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    8 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Basement Tavern Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Basement Tavern

    Is this a different, separate venue from the basement inside the Victorian? Waited 2+ hours at the Victorian to go down to the basement & was told it was going to be a DJ, no live music. None of the staff members seemed to know what was going on.

    Is this place still open for business?

    How much does the Calamigos wine cost during happy hour?

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Basement Tavern

    (Thanks Landon!) It's right next to the Victorian (a pretty poppin lounge) and it's a little crowded but I can honesty say the vibe is on point.

    Mentioned in 42 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    I loved this bar. It was such a vibe. Very dark and moody, and served up great drinks. Located in…read moresanta monica, its a great spot to walk to from a few other eateries. I had the french 75 and it was tasty. We werent there long but it was busy for a Thursday night, would love to come back.

    Intimate setting speakeasy, perfect sized room, great for date night and conversations. Nothing…read morememorable or impressive, not bad if you're around the area and want to stop by for quick drinks. Left after one drink, and went to another bar. Most of the bars are dive bars in downtown Santa Monica, and parking is quite accessible for this place. So I'd recommend for that reason. In terms of the drinks, I'm a huge fan of cocktail but I would say their menu selections are a bit limited. Nothing in the signature cocktail looks interesting to me, so I had the bartender make a classic cocktail instead. He's very attentive and friendly, didn't take forever to get a drink either, no attitude. Drinks aren't watered down either. Nice! You come here to grab quick drinks when you don't feel like being at a loud dive bar in the area, it's in a hotel but not too upscale, no strict dress code. Music is not loud and they have couches and booth if bar table if not your thing, you don't have to yell or pretend you hear everything to hold a conversation here (lol). ** Keep in mind 20% gratuity is automatically included in bill, it's my first time here. But I think I've other spots I'd prefer to be in, even at Santa Monica. Wouldn't be self-motivated to come back because there are better places that specialises mixology, and there are also better upscale hotel bars to be at. But if you're around the area it's a great intimate bar for date night that's not overly pricey. Wouldn't travel all the way to here just for this (if you know what I mean).

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    Shutters On The Beach - Pearfection spritz

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    3.9(819 reviews)
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    Dear Shutters on the Beach Team,…read more I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for such a beautiful and memorable experience during our recent stay.especially Cyndi Enriquez who helped us . From the moment we checked in, I was impressed. One of your team members, Julie, remembered my last name and greeted me so warmly--it immediately made us feel welcomed and valued. The ambiance throughout the hotel was wonderfully quiet and calm, which made a huge difference from our first visit. It truly felt like a peaceful escape. Our room was an incredible surprise. The ocean view was breathtaking--we ended up spending the entire afternoon and morning out on the balcony, simply enjoying the scenery and the serenity. Thank you as well for the thoughtful surprise birthday cake. That gesture meant so much and made the stay even more special. Overall, it was an incredible experience. We truly appreciate how you listened to us and went above and beyond to create an even better, unforgettable stay. We will absolutely be coming back. 10 stars! Warm regards, Pamela Madden

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    Basement Tavern - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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