11/25/2009 A Yelp friend, David knows the bass player in the band playing here. The Mulhollands. They go on at 11PM. Finding parking here on a busy night which is just a Wednesday before the Thanksgiving Holiday was really a huge challenge. Especially when I only have $4 in my pocket and the parking is at least $10. I finally found a parking spot so I can head over to this place. Made it to the bar and got it in without any problems. The place was dead or at least a few patrons here and there with couples scattered around. I soon realized at the back of the place is a sign on the door saying for the live bands, enter through the alley. I head back outside and the doorman says, "you are looking for the live band, aren't you? I asked, is that part of your place too? You have to go over there to those guys. They will let you in. It's part of ours where it's leased out for events like this." So I go over and ask if this is part of Boardners and the guy said, it will be $10. Is that also $10 if I'm on the guest list? He quickly gets out one of those wristbands and puts it on my wrist and says, go ahead. I make it to checkpoint number 2, the guy with the clipboard says, that will be $10. Even though I'm on the guest list? Name... It's under Jeff. Is your name Jeff or is that the name of the list? My name is Tim, it's under Jeff for the Mulhollands. Tim what? What's your last name? Tim C. Go right on in. That seemed easy enough. I wish I had grabbed my camera because there was a fountain that they put big candles on every time where you can tell they just let it burn throughout the evening. All the wax has dripped down the holder to make such a view of the fountain. It's almost like a chandelier but eye level. The stage and sound was done right not like the last time we saw this band in Sherman Oaks. With one of those old microphones hanging from the ceiling, that gave the singer different microphones to choose from to sing into. Lots of different types of people coming in here and pretty too. I think I want to come back here on a club night or live band night and party. Minus 1 star, too long of a wait just for drinks. Isn't that typical anyways? My friend told me that have a restaurant part too so there's food here. Hopefully I get to come back here to try it out. read more

I guess you need to know the bartender to receive friendly service. And sorry probably THE WORST old fashioned I've ever had. No one ever did a quality check, so I left shortly after a few sips of my drink. $20 down the drain! read more

Blue mondays? More like lame ass mondays. I won't even say much but bad service bad people bad crowd, and not a nice place overall. Don't come here if you're looking for a good time because you won't find it. read more

I've been going to blue monday's for some time, has usually been a delightful time accept when the theft started happening. I've had over 5 friends get their phones stolen here and bouncers/management do absolutely nothing to help. So if you go, you better hold onto your phones and whatever else for dear life. Also lots of older creepy adults come on blue monday's which is targeted for the younger millennials but that's not too surprising. Just be careful! Good music and atmosphere inside other than that. read more

I tried to get into the Blue Mondays club and the bouncer refused it let me in accusing me of using a fake drivers license-- I am from out of state. He said that he had scanned it but all he did was take it from me for about less than 5 minutes and told me I need to show him my real ID. he also could not make up his mind about how he verified it was a "fake ID" saying that he scanned it and that he then put a flashlight to it, mind you he never even went inside with it he just walked down the block and showed it to some other bouncer. He also said "I would normally cut these up, but this time I won't", showing that he had no actual proof that they were supposedly fake and didn't want to get in trouble for perhaps cutting up a real ID. the bouncers here are assholes and idiots. Go anywhere else in Hollywood for a good time. read more

This place is actual trash. Nothing but bad experiences from this place that literally sounds like they're just playing a Spotify playlist on repeat. Especially from the Sonya Blade wannabe, power tripped security who is very discriminative. She's really out there wearing an entire empty holster belt only to do nothing but excessively grope, harass and kick out innocent people. She then had the nerve to tell me "Yeah your phones going to get stolen" bc it was in my pocket. If she's literally aware of the fact that people get their phone stolen every night why is she not actively trying to prevent this problem?? Instead I saw her all night running around taking shots at the bar and threatening to kick out people for vaping. A bartender tried taking advantage of me and overcharging me multiple times and when I asked her about it Ms Sonya and two other rent a cops kicked me out and threw away my $40 of drinks. Don't be fooled by their "second DJ on the patio" it's literally just the entrance room and it's so dead. I've tried their Thursday & Monday events and it never gets any better. Thursdays are lame and Mondays are over crowded to the point where you're squished in people and wait an entire hour for a non-stocked dirty restroom. They really just want your money and don't care for you at all! $15 for songs you could listen to on the K Earth radio!!! And $10 for a small drink. One night they closed two hours in with no warning. read more

Boardner's - A security kicking me out after failing to over charge me at the bar and then poured out my drinks I had to pay over $40 for. - Dive Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

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Nice downstairs dive, minimal light and velvet curtains, friendly staff, I always try and drop in when in LA

ANGEL the security guard was extremely rude to my party and I about the type of identification we had. I understand if what we had brought was not sufficient to enter the event however when a person talks to you as if you are beneath them, it ends up being a greater disappointment to the night and makes one not want to return to any events hosted by this venue. read more

Novelties are wonderful things. I'm not talking about the innovative kind, like automated ramen bars or T-shirts silkscreened with flippant puns. I'm referring to those quirky oddities from yesteryear that have somehow managed to endure the test of time and offer new generations a taste of the past. Diners with table-side jukeboxes and drive-in movie theaters. The original Atari 2600 gaming console or a trip to see the Cabazon dinosaurs featured in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. They're more than just droll curiosities, they're comfort food. Reminders that in this fast-paced, ever-changing world, some things are just too damn good to go the way of the dodo. Dive bars are such a novelty. While they're still a fixture in small towns, they've slowly faded from the landscape in larger cities to make way for chic sleek watering holes with offensively overpriced drinks and deejays who wear sunglasses at night. Los Angeles is one of the world's leaders in tearing down the old reliables and replacing them with new gimmicks. Many of the city's best dive bars have been supplanted by gastro pubs and cocktail lounges. Boardner's ranks amongst the best of those that managed to endure. The bright yellow neon sign out front does the place justice, and the faded velvet curtains that all customers must pass through should never be replaced. The interior small and intimate, with high-backed booths and dim lighting. The clientele a glorious mixing pot of eccentrics and oddballs. The wraparound bar stocked with more lesser known brands than familiar favorites and the music audible, not deafening. Few things offend me more than jiggers; those little metallic measuring cups bartenders use to assure their pours are irritatingly precise. In my mind, they're as out-of-place in a dive bar as Donald Trump at a gay pride parade. I'm happy to say that Boardner's operates without them, and their bartenders free-pours are reliably generous. But what I like most about coming here is that it's a bar, not a scene. An oasis of unpretentiousness. The atmosphere and the vibe consistent with a spot you patronize to enjoy straightforward drinks and good company. read more

Boardner's - Dive Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

I've been going here for years. The new door guy is an absolute jerk. Security treats people like they're criminals. The drinks are super overpriced. Unless they find a way to turn around the attitude of the people who work there I don't see this place lasting much longer. read more

I'm living for the velvet curtains in the back room. The security was a tad excessive for some reason? But once inside the service was inviting and helpful. Calm venue with great drinks. Check it out. read more

My phone got stolen here. My friend's did too. Not worth it at all - the music wans't even good!

Historic spot off the Hollywood walk of fame. They have great happy hour specials on food and plenty of drinks to choose from. Great place to wet your whistle. read more

Boardner's - Happy hour menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

On March 18th I was waiting in line to get into the club. The bouncers started checking peoples ID's as they were in line and I handed my ID over to one of the bouncers. He took a look at it and then brought it over to another security personnel. I then see that gentlemen walk away with my ID and after waiting for five minutes a completely different bouncer walks over with my ID in hand. He says, "I'll give you one opportunity to give me your real ID." I've never owned a fake ID in my life and I am twenty two years old so I thought he was joking around initially. After realizing he was very serious and being told byhim that my ID was scanned multiple times and was 100% fake. After trying to convince him the ID was indeed real and that I needed it back for a flight I had in three days, he just walked off. I followed him over to the side entrance of the club, trying to get my ID back. He became more aggressive and insisted that I was not getting the ID back unless I called the cops. The arguing continued and the tensions got higher and another bouncer stepped in and said, "just give him the ID back and tell him to get out of here." I was then reluctantly handed my ID back and obviously annoyed I made a snide comment as I was walking away. The bouncer called out, "yeah, keep walking f*ggot," and then walked past me and shoulder checked me on his way to go and check other patrons ID's. Horribly unprofessional and disgusting behavior over a completely legitimate state issued driver's license. Come to find out, they said that they don't even have a scanner in the club, ridiculous. Crazy how our night got ruined because this guy eyeballed my ID and presumed it was fake, getting so worked up as to call me a slur and physically assault me. Not saying I acted perfectly that night, but I was frustrated at the idea of my ID being taken by this man when I am definitely of age. It was a tall, African American male, long dreads, double hoop nose rings on the left side of his face, and grills. His name was either Zu/Zeke/Zee. read more

My favorite bar. Best happy hour in Los Angeles. Always an unusual cast of characters with incredible conversation. Amazing atmosphere. And I love my dudes Keenan and Kenny. read more

Should have listened to the reviews. We got let into the "special" bathroom because a guy was friends with the workers there. We go in, come out and they say we're too drunk and we need to leave. Mind you, this is the first time they saw us since the hall there is private. They didn't ask if we had a ride when they should have if we were SO drunk. Just put us outside in like 40 degree weather. Bouncers were weird, all wearing masks that cover their faces and the main guy was bragging about how he wouldn't tell us what he does for a job when we didn't inquire. Eerie. Total boys club, very predatory considering there is nothing but young girls there. They were mad we wouldn't separate either when we went to the private place and it was very trafficky feeling. read more

Was recommended here by Antonio, a regular at The Frolic Room last night. He was spot on. This place is a cool dive bar! Relative to the Frolic Room I'd say... it's dark and intimate but clean and definitely has that retro style! Right down the vintage neon out front! Drinks were good and we even got here in time for Happy Hour! Yes! Even a happy hour on Saturday! Bitchin! read more

Boardner's - Vintage neon signage out front! - Dive Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

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Dive bar on another level. You walk in off the street through a heavy curtain and you are transformed into a dark semi seedy bar/lounge from the 40's. I felt like I was on a movie set or traveled back in time. THIS BAR IS SO FREAKING COOL. We sat at a half circle booth and had a drink all while watching an old B movie from the 70's. I had a red velvet champagne cocktail and my husband a gin and tonic. Both were made well although a bit on the pricey side. Of course we looked totally out of place here but who cares? Nobody! We came here for a drink after dinner at Musso and Franks. Ha! What a dichotomy of worlds. Both Hollywood landmarks preserved and thankfully still in business for our generation to enjoy. There were many different groups mingling and having a good time. I wouldn't say the bar was hipster, or goth, or ganster, or gay but it was all of it wrapped up into one. Definitely the coolest bar I've been in! read more

Absolute horseshit pretend vintage bar with a sketchy club attached ... The staff couldn't be any ruder and more apathetic. Drinks are weak and way over priced for the area. It's full of velvet and gold with dark walls. Looks like a cross between a bordello and Donald Trump's bedroom. Ick. The only saving grace is that they have a little fountain courtyard attached but that's usually where drunk couples go to make out and finger bang. Gross gross gross. This place has a history ... It's been around since the 40s and they trade on that reputation. However you'll pay $15 for a weak ass Martini with well liquor and served with no smile. There are much better vintage spots nearby ... Pig N Whistle is a bit of a tourist trap but the vibe is just as good imho. Dresden Room is much better. Micelli's food sucks but they have a cool little bar in the back. Musso and Frank is really cool and actually less expensive. Even the new Powerhouse puts Boardners to shame. All would be better choices than Boardners. If you are looking for rude staff, weak drinks at high prices and grimey velvet Boarders is your spot. read more

Came here at Feb 7 around 8 pm. The bartenders working this night were very welcoming and accommodating. The bathroom was clean.

The ambiance is cool, but the DJs are not. There are a lot of 2 hour long songs that sound like computer generated "industrial" music, possibly AI generated. Does not compare to Ministry or the other 80s original, iconic bands. I'm here now for Morrissey night, one of my favorite artists. In the main room is Abba night, which also includes Dolly Parton, disco and whatever else. There are mainly a bunch of drunk people who can't dance. I head over to the Morrissey room, expecting to hear Morrissey for some reason. Instead, it's a live Morrissey cover band. The band is fine but it's also the smoking lounge. So if you want to hear Morrissey, you can go home and put on Apple or Spotify. or be okay breathing smoke and listening to a way less talented version of Morrissey. At least put the smoking lounge somewhere else other than on the dance floor please. The only good place to dance to alternative music in LA is Club Underground. So in conclusion, the dance club scene in Minneapolis is way cooler than in LA. WTF? Do better LA. What's going on here? read more

One of my favorite spots. Why? The food is underrated! Their menu is diverse and everything is delicious. It is a good old dive bar with amazing food. The drinks are not fancy, but they're good! Service is great! For the most part it's the same bartenders that's been there for years. It is the oldest bar in Hollywood, and the ambiance is best described as dive'y but still classy. Booths are perfect for dates, the bar is perfect for socializing. Location is center Hollywood. read more

My favourite bar in Hollywood. A sanctuary off the Boulevard with a local clientele and amazing decor.

Apparently this review got me in trouble So sorry this bartender who's name I don't even know after five years brought my displeasure up in a meeting. Dont complain about here they will punish you read more

I used to go to Boardner's about thirty years ago Way to go, staying power, looks like the courtyard has been updated nicely

I genuinely love this place. And have since I was legally allowed to enter the building. But the security team needs some training... I have epilepsy and security was strobing their lights in my face and I kindly asked them not to do that lest they trigger my epilepsy... I was getting dizzy... The security guard threatened to kick me out. My friends did step into action and asked for a manager and called head of security, Sean, who acknowledged ADA laws and reasonable requests. So shout out to him and I sincerely hope they train their team on ADA stuff. All I asked was for them to not strobe their flashlights in my face and instead I got threatened. i wasnt intoxicated, I was merely hanging outside to get some air. Other than that, shout out to the kind DJ who was nice enough to not strobe lights during his set (My friends snuck off and asked him, was not my request lol, I just avoided that room) and again, to head of security who took my friends call. read more

Stopped by here on a whim. Charming noir-gothic vibes with a courtyard-patio to match. Might be neat for a private party. For such a great location, this place was disappointingly dead. I think their cocktail menu needs some work. El Guapo was poorly balanced and offputtingly sour. A bit of simple syrup or liqeour would have fixed the problem--perhaps something for the owner to look into. Also the lack of garnish made for a bland presentation ill-befitting the ambiance of this venue. read more

this place didn't let us in because they thought our friend had been taking shooters outside the club since before it even opened.... we all got off work past 8. The point is that it was definitely not true and they're just racist. They were so rude about it too and there was no proof of this occurrence. My group was not let in for no reason. They lost over $105 in entrance fees for my group just because they wanted to make false accusations. horrible experience. read more

Today was my first night at boardners and when I walked in they blatantly accused me of being there earlier drunk and drinking prior to them opening . Security was terribly rude and j would suggest not going here for your night out read more

Cool night @ a cool location. But the security are always complete assholes. Rather it's Bar Sinister or another event at this venue, we've always had some kind of issue dealing with these overbearing meatheads. Last night it was 2 separate ones within 10 minutes of walking in. Wtf? Good nightclub security should not be seen or heard. These guys act like they are managing & running the place. We don't need that kind of bullying vibe at the door to sour the night before it even gets started. Inside the club is just as bad. Hard to relax and enjoy yourself with these big pushy gorillas constantly in people's faces telling them not to stand here or there and stomping around mean-mugging us and looking ready to fight at any moment. Please consider an entirely new and different type of security team for this amazing venue. read more

PICKPOCKETS take care of your things bc security will do nothing to help you. The live shows are the best on Saturdays sometimes and they have Gigi dancer on Fridays. If you go to the events on Mondays and Thursdays, the DJ is always playing the same playlist, good for tourist not a real goth club. read more

3.5 stars We spent our NYE here for countdown. The venue is kinda small and not too glamorous but it served its purpose. Parking is like typical Hollywood parking. Lots near by are 20-30$ and very scant free street parking. There was a line to get in but it went quickly which was nice. The ticket prices were awesome. Either 15$ individual or 25$ for early bird couples. Coat check in for 3$. It's warm inside so def don't need your coat. One room played 90s throwback music with a DJ which was cute. The other room had a live band and it was more funk jazz music. There were a lot of steps and step off in this lounge so be careful of tripping! There was also an upstair area but I think it was only for VIP. Available photo booth downstairs but the line was crazy long! We ended up getting in line anyways. They def overpacked the place as there was barely any room to stand or dance. The ticket included champagne but it ran out when we went to get ours. :( the balloons didn't fall at midnight and I think our countdown was off by 10 second haha. Overall, had a good time though! read more

One of the classic Hollywood hangs. Whether you pop in for a solo lunch and a couple pints, or you're there to see an up and coming local band (some comprised of known players), or you and your friends just want to say you had a cold one where Bukowski used to knock back his breakfast, it's impossible to beat Boardner's for its authentic Hollywood vibe. Come often and switch it up. This place serves many purposes and is a versatile spot for those looking to ad a place to their social rotation. Best parking is across the Hollywood Blvd. on Cherokee in the public garage. There is closer parking on the Boardner's side of Hollywood & Cherokee, but it can be crowded or full at night and the short 1 minute stroll to the City's public garage became a habit for me. Being free for the first 2 hours is also an incentive. read more

Good drinks, good music, Happy Hour, Sunday Funday Come on down. $5 specials Nachos Mac & cheese Ribs Tacos Chicken strips Potstickers Sliders read more

Boardner's - Sunday, Funday happy hour, good music, and dranks. - Dive Bars Near Me - Hollywood, California

My favorite bar. Great drinks. Great food. Like seriously, stuff is tasty. Don't lose anything though. I'm clumsy and if I lose anything, it doesn't ever come back. But that's probably just because... it's Hollywood. Anyway, there's a jukebox to play some music. I love coming here to relax, have a drink, and put on nice music. Made friendships and lost friendships here. Met more interesting people than creeps. The kinda place you make friends with randos and do shots together. read more

The staff here made everyone uncomfortable and were very unprofessional. I do NOTTT recommend going here there's better clubs. There's a reason it's usually empty. Additionally, the ugly staff were rude to my friend in her birthday and kicked her out because while our of age friend was dancing, my b day friend held her drink up high so it wouldn't appear as if she was drinking. Despite this, we all (party of 20) got kicked out. What was she supposed to do? Leave it on the floor? That's begging to be date raped which wouldn't surprise me in this place. We all politely tried to negotiate and suggest they take our drinking wristbands so no more alc could even be purchased. He yelled at us to just gtfo? Rude. only go if you wana waste your time. read more

the manager or wife's manager is the rudest bartender/worker i have ever encountered in the county of Los Angeles. my boyfriend and I had just turned 23 last year and just recently started drinking and going to bars for the past couple of months (he is the sweetest guy & likes to get recommendations at new places) so he asked her for a recommendation in a kind way & she had a weird shitty attitude about her. (can't disclose how a person looks on yelp) she was a couple hours away from bringing a new human into the room so maybe that had to do with why she was so rude for absolutely no reason. sorry but one star. we never encounter rude people when we go out whether it be a restaurant, bar, cafe so this just caught me way off guard. gross! maybe don't be working there when you know you're in the condition of being a such a B. read more

Very cool dive bar! Love the vibe and all of their drink options available! Would love to come back again in the future! edit: Tim, the bartender, if you ever see this... you are so cute and sweet! Thank you for serving me both of my drinks! I will come back here just for you! Thank you! read more

We came here on a Saturday night and it wasn't all that happening. It seemed like a cool spot that's a little bit off the main strip so I had high hopes for the place. I did like the dark, old-school interior so a plus there. The bartender was fairly nice and I couldn't say anything bad really. I guess that clientele was varied and that's necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps we were looking for a more energetic vibe so we didn't stay for too long. I'd like to give this place another shot if I'm in the area. read more

I'm lucky I wasn't killed the singular time I went to this place. Friends and I agree I was drugged here and when security found me on the floor they dragged me outside and left me there alone with no help in my situation. When I woke up (!) I was on the opposite side of the street and an angel of a human being was helping me get a lyft home, but I have no idea how I made it across the street in one piece on a busy night in Hollywood! Based on some other reviews here, it seems like management and security don't really care about their customers but my experience here was absolutely horrific. Would give 0/5 stars. This is a serious issue and it means people should be afraid to come here. read more