Great local watering hole -great people and truly excellent burgers!! Always good laid back vibes and fun conversation with strangers. Mostly locals. read more

Ercole's - The burgers are A+ - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Been in Manhattan Beach since January, 2020 and was introduced to Ercole's by my landlord. All the crew (Mike, Reuben, Martin, Barnes, Allison, and Irene) are consistently welcoming and honestly enjoy the interchange with their loyal customer base. They have become like the relatives you love to tell stories about. All characters, always well meaning. Mike has memory like an elephant. With all he has to deal with, he always remembers that me and my daughter always drink Pacifico. If not enough, Martin makes the absolute best hamburger imaginable. By the way, don't get a big ego if you are female and Martin calls you BEAUTIFUL. He does that to everyone :-) Warm, welcoming, fun, good prices and great food. My daughter and I always consider broadening our bar options, but somehow we always find our way to 1101. Lastly, they are open for take out service. Hit 'em up, you will not be disappointed. read more

Ercole's - Telling Marin how to do his job :-) - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

I came here on a Wednesday night and it wasn't super packed. We parked about 5-10 minutes away because the parking lots near the restaurant are metered (some are paid metered parking 24/7). There are TVs everywhere that are playing different sports games. There's a pool table in the back and there's also an arcade game in the very back as well but it doesn't seem like a lot of people play it (maybe because they don't even know it's there). There are a set of stairs in the back but it doesn't go anywhere (we checked). It's just a path that leads to a couple of locked doors. The restrooms are a little small and the men's restroom door couldn't lock. The booth tables are a little weird because your seat is connected to the seat behind you so if the people behind you are moving a lot in their seats, you feel it too. That's what happened to me and it was a little annoying. And like everyone else has said, it's cash only. A friend wanted to try the Wednesday special that consists of two burgers and a beer. I also ordered a Moscow mule which was $7. The total came to be $23 including tip which means the special was about $16 which is not bad for two burgers, two bags of chips, and a beer. The Moscow mule was pretty good; it seemed like it had a lot of ice in the glass and not enough liquid. The burgers were surprisingly really good! I didn't know what to expect when I ate it but it was just a damn good burger. We also got chips for each burger which was cool. Overall, this is a nice place to go in the Manhattan Beach area with a nice chill atmosphere. read more

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(This is from 2019 - moved from an old yelp account) The legendary Hercules subdued and destroyed monsters and criminals and is renowned worldwide; however his physical strength and political power were not enough to earn this reputation. It was his wisdom and great soul that earned those honors and ultimately made him the legend he is today. Ercoles, Italian for Hercules -- because being the son of Zeus isn't enough, he also has to be Italian -- is a dive bar two blocks off of Manhattan beach, in South L.A., California. At 11:04am on a Tuesday, five retirees already sit at the bar with beers in hand: nothing pretentious, just Coors and Bud Light. I ask the bartender for a menu -- even though the burger reviews are the draw here -- and it turns out there are only three choices anyway: burger, chicken sandwich, hotdog -- the latter two for reasons unknown. The "side" of chips are the same individual bags kids get in their school lunches: Funyuns, Doritos, Lays, etc. But don't let that fool you: any bar can fry chicken wings and french fries. Minimal focus means maximum deliciousness. Literally, they do one single thing perfectly besides knowing your drink and your name, and that's burgers! Cooked in front of you by the same person who pours your drink and made with routine-love like a family cookout. F-ing OMG amazing! The reason I came and suddenly the reason to live. The popular meat market next door creates a relationship of the chicken-n-egg variety, but it doesn't matter which came first, because they're here now, together like a love story (though, if you must know, 1927 and 1932 respectively). Quality meat, toppings piled high, but don't trust me, trust the truth. Don't be surprised if you see regulars like Vince Vaughn or a few local NHL players -- literally, don't be surprised. Celebrities come here to live in the illusion that they are like everybody else. Let's help keep it that way. You'll come for the burger -- and please, please come for the burger! -- but you'll want to stay and come back for an undeniable sense of the familiar. People come and go, everybody knows everybody's name, they introduce you to each new brother or sister or second-cousin (twice removed) that strolls in, and you'll know this is where you were always meant to be. Happiness made simple. It includes the usual bar talk -- sports controversies, living on Mars, an Uber-like business for prostitution -- and includes the usual crowd: Rocket-Man Jay, Hockey-Bob, Ricky-Ricardo and F**king-Gene, and as for the guy that walks in followed with the echo of a resounding "Norm!" well, he's just Norm -- which says everything you need to know. No travel or amateur food-critic app will ever capture the essence of these guys; and it never will if they have anything to say about it. Wives are sweetly referred to as The War Dept, which continues it's peace-treaty agreement nearly every weekday morning. You'll have to start drinking early to catch these guys. Check-in at 10:45am, and be ready to stay til around 2:00pm, when The War Dept. calls them home one by one. I mostly live in the knowledge of my own inadequacy, while all I long to do is move mountains. But they let me in like a kid out in the rain who needs a friend. I am overwhelmed. They say dogs can sense danger, and dogs walk right into this place; no doubt knowing they'll leave with some love and a juicy piece of meat. At Ercoles, Da Guys drink without expectations, and hail your name without knowledge of the sins of your past. Their faith is blind and Truth is something not on the menu. Order a Coors -- or a vodka-cran if you're a Spring-Breaker like me -- get a burger with everything, and let the wave of beautiful routine and remarkable simplicity wash over you. You're welcome in advance. And -- like Ercoles did for me -- it will save you. read more

Ercole's - Da Guys! "Same seats!" - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

I moved to Manhattan Beach a little over a year ago and this place has turned into my local watering hole. Staff is engaging and friendly, crowd is fun and don't forget the pool table. The most surprising part of this bar is the burger. The burger is a classic 1/2 pound chuck on sesame seed bread with all the fixing. No frills, no nonsense. I love it! read more

If you're a local you probably know about this place just a stones throw off the beaten path but otherwise you may never come across this hidden gem. It's like the best version of an all encompassing dive sports bar hangout place. Not sure if they still are but they were cash only. read more

Burgers were tasty and a good portion size too. We came during the 2 for $14 deal but I'd probably pay full price. Service is pretty straightforward when you order from the window outside. Can't say much about the ambiance since we ate our burgers outside. read more

Great burgers and beers. Decent prices. Only reason I'm withholding a star is because every time I've been there I've had to clear off my table from the previous patrons myself. I get it, around mealtimes it gets busy, but still. read more

I love bars like this and have been coming here for about 7 years and that's nothing compared to so many people down here. It is an institution and a tradition for so many. Same staff and same prices. Same drinks and Mai Tai's. All great! We put up with the noise and old booths because is it what Erc's is. We don't fight the cash only either. We roll with it. It's that great pair of old docksiders. It's that favorite beach chair. It's an old friend who you pick up with immediately. It's the tee shirt your wife tries to throw away Last night we sat and had a couple of pops and my wife got her epiphany and I got mine. Always good to get them while drinking. Now, keep in mind these are Erc's epiphanies. She always has Chardonnay and they serve you a little airplane bottle type wine. Well, last night she saw an open bottle of good wine and asked for a glass of that. Who knew??? Kind of a wine list wine!!!! Hell yay! Mine was again the burger. This Martine knows his stuff and I still think it's one of if not the BEST I've ever had. No big affair, just great meat and perfectly cooked. Erc's is what makes up small towns and I for one love it! Please never change!!!! read more

Awesome institution. Fun and great bar food and libations. Mike at the bar is a legend. Have always love this place read more

Thanks again for Real Reviews, from Real People (aka Yelp)! What an awesome dive in the heart of downtown MB. And this is no bourgeois spot, pretending to be a dive. It is truely a hole in the wall dive. Stepping in here you'll forget that you just walked by million dollar homes and fancy dining establishments. Great drink prices for the location. They can easily charge more, but, kudos to them for keeping it old school. Oh, and I picked a great cheat day to try out the burger. Man... Get. The. Burger. That's all I gotta say. You'll thank me and everyone else who makes the same suggestion. We'll most definitely be back. read more

Ercole's - Cheat. Effing. Day. Bam. - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Fantastic Burgers, would definitely come back just for the burger. Aesthetics of the building were nice. Was a great place to just hang out with some buddies and put back some beers. The bouncer at the door was a very nice guy, very polite when we enter them when we left. People behind the bar seem to be a bit annoyed, but to be fair we were there later in the night so they might I've just been tired at that point. Overall was a great place read more

Ercole's - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Great dive with friendly staff and patrons. Great bar food. Prices are still very reasonable, especially considering it's location. I will visit again when in town. read more

Wandered in starving on a Monday. Never left a place happier. All the bar basics. Pool was free (coz Monday). Bartender was pouring drinks and handled the tiny grill. She produced the best backyard bbq style burger I have had in a long time. Thick patty, crispy lettuce, just enough onion and juicy tomato. My burger came with a polish sausage on top. The lady went for the classic option. Two burgers and beers $36. No complaints. This place is a gem. read more

What happened tonight was horrible. My colleague and I walked in and sat down at the bar, and waited for a bartender to greet us. We were the youngest patrons in the bar by far, as it was an older crowd for sure and showed the bartender our IDs as she asked for them. Her demeanor clearly showed that she disliked us, although we literally did nothing wrong. After checking my colleague's ID (she was just asking for a glass of water), she told us that she wasn't comfortable serving us and told us to go to another bar. I was very confused and sincerely asked what we did wrong, to which she responded "I don't have to explain myself". We were very confused at this point, we didn't say anything back, got up and started leaving. She then gave us a middle finger. Luckily, my colleague was able to snap a picture for proof. I will never come back to this business in my entire life. I don't know how many other patrons were mistreated, but I sincerely hope no other customer is disrespected in this way ever again. read more

Ercole's - The bartender giving me a middle finger for sincerely doing nothing wrong... I am never coming back to this place again. - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

A dive bar in the high rent district of Manhattan Beach, CA Cold Beer Great Burgers Snarky bar tenders Amazing Eat it! read more

Ercole's has been in business for almost 100 years. It is in my Top Two south bay bars and, a favorite of the locals. Great Burgers, Dogs, drinks. An old school laid bach look and feel. Let's keep the amazing staff that runs this historical institution busy read more

How far is this little bar! The cocktails report perfectly, good access to seating, and the food at the bar, cooked right in front of you is perfect Kate night grub! read more

Wonderful place to eat. The owners are awesome great food great service they need a five.5

Again, we went to yelp for a burger suggestion for my birthday friend, day one was Pono Burger, today we wanted a place in Manhattan Beach, close to where we were headed. You never disappoint!! The name Ercole's (Ur-Cole-less) came up. We always try to visit the 'tried and true' places and this gem has been serving up their small menu since 1927!! Painted as a 'dive-bar', we walked in and up to the bar to order a couple of cheeseburgers and chips, (they don't have fries or rings) they came hot off the grill, which was behind the bar at the front door, the window next to the grill was open, (I think; always, where the aroma is constantly wafting into the street) I hear they get their meat from the way-cool meat market next door.... OMG! (Reviews have said 'best burger in LA) Pretty sure I have to agree.... Going back soon..... oh, and BTW, looks like they have a full bar menu as well, although we only had sodas.... read more

Ercole's - Ercole's Memu - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

This was our last stop on our bar hopping adventure. It was my turn to buy this round of drinks, and noticed the "cash only" sign. Thankfully, they have an ATM in the bar and I pulled much required cash to purchase our last round of drinks. As I made the purchase, my friend went to go find a place to sit. She was fortunate to find bar stools along side a partition ledge. Not the likely place I would like to end my evening with my last drink. Luckily enough, a party just left a booth and swooped in. Yes! A more relaxing situation for the end of the evening. I've got a long hour plus drive ahead of me, and it needed to be relaxed. I order a 7 and 7 with a lime for the both of us. Pretty standard drink and was a perfectly fine beverage for the price paid. The service pretty standard as well. It was our last of 5 bar stops, I kind of didn't pay attention to much of the detail I normally do. That might be because I was about 8 drinks into our adventure. One final note (not related to the bar, but will affect you if you park nearby), be careful about parking in this area. Read the signs carefully. The parking sign said that we must evacuate the spot after the 2-hour maximum. My mistake, I thought the 2-hour maximum time we can put money in for. No, that means 2 hours total and move to another spot if you're going to stick around. I returned and fed the meter again so that we could be out and about for another hour, and I got a parking violation! Holy cow! $52!!! So be careful out there. I'm contesting my ticket, cause I think that the signage isn't clear. read more

I was really excited to try their famous burger until I saw how they prepare it. The man making it was using his bare hands after handling cash, forming raw patties, and wiping his nose. I couldn't justify eating it ): Super bummed because I heard such great things about this place! read more

Southbays best dive bar!!! Why five stars for a dive bar? Best Cheeseburger you will find anywhere.. they get their hamburger daily from the meat market next door. They grill it to order making it a juicy flavor packed burger l, topped with lettuce tomato and onion, all for under $10 bucks served with a bag of chips. They also do a great hotdog. Foot long grilled to perfection. Topped with standard condiments. For $2 bucks. Ice cold beer too... That's what makes this a great dive bar! A must for anyone looking for a good burger, dog and a beer! read more

Nice little local hang out, very good drinks. Husband & I hanging out having a couple of drinks, taking in the local vibe. Very cool place to chill and have a drink or two read more

Yes, it's a locals bar where all are welcome. Owned and operated by Stacy Clark and husband Dennis. Two of the nicest people you'll ever meet. read more

Poor Service. Did not even count my money back!!! Dirty. No pool. Place not even cleaned during COVID-19!!! Bar Tender is rude! Does he own the place? He has got to go. read more

Great food, good service. Can't ask for more than that! Prices were fair. We enjoyed the steak tacos and the tostada bowl. The margaritas were phenomenal as well. I don't stay in the area but will definitely visit again when I am near the Manhattan Beach area! read more

Best Bar on Manhattan Beach I love dive bars and this is a classic. ALL CASH! Important to know walking in, but the good thing is you won't need much. Lot's of good beer selections, but the main stay is the famous Mai Tai. Nicely done and potent. A very local place, so mingle and hear stories of volleyball and surf from years ago. To eat, try it Wednesday night when it's 2 for 1 burger night. Martine whips up a mean 1/2 pound burger that will rival you have ever had!! Serious, this is one great burger. They laos have a 2 for 1 taco night (Tuesday?) and those are good as well. I guess the reason I love this place is the history of it. You always hear a story and someone always buys you a beer (or vice versa) so its kinda of Cheers in Manhattan Beach. Thanks read more

Straight up beach dive bar, but totally cool. Nice mix of eclectic, but generally respectful patrons...no one too loud and raging, and all folks looking like they're enjoying their beverages and conversation. Our party of 7 ambled in on Friday night late, after that debacle at The Strand House, and we were looking for a place to sit, sip whiskey, and talk / laugh / feel human. We certainly found the spot. 1) CASH ONLY. But no sweat, ATM inside, cash machines close by at the Chase bank, and it's all good. 2) SUPER CHEAP DRINKS. I'll say that one more time. A double Jay-mo over ice with a little lime juice was not $306 bucks like most "clubs and ultra-lounges" it was $5.50...just over five bucks for a stiff drink. Man oh man. Sign my cracker ass up for that every damned day. 3) Nice bartenders, nice doorman, nice floor staff. All this makes for a good experience. 4) Relatively clean place, even the potty. Working sink and plenty of paper towels...what a frickin' concept!! A lot of higher end "bars" obviously don't care about cleanliness and germs (aka Sharkeez!!) but Ercoles does....kudos. 5) We got a decent sized booth right away, no one bitched we pulled up a few barstools...and everyone did their thing. People smiled, people played pool...folks weren't total assbags and skankapotamusses. 6) Great music...fun mix of a little old school rock, 80's/90's alt rock (loved the Psychedelic Furs song!), a little recent alt/synth/milder EDM...great mix...for relaxing and actually speaking with humans (versus yelling over top poorly mixed house/dubstep at a place trying to sell itself as a Miami Beach ultra-club). 7) We had a fun time right until they wanted to mop the floors. When you find your spot...you know it and you stay there...time flies...conversations flow...and you realize you don't wanna go home (or to 3am breakfast at The Kettle, but I digress)... Great place...just divey enough without being too divey...not clubbish...not too hipster...cool without being cool (if you get me). I'll be back...cash in one hand...whiskey in the other..! read more

Went there last night on a spur of the moment and I loved it. Bear and I needed a drink after a long day and this place was perfect. It was packed and exciting. The music was fun. The crowd was super chill. Everyone seemed like regular customers. The bartender was drunk of his ass but really friendly and fun and he made amazing (strong) drinks. $6 per drink =p I could definitely come back here even though I'm not the dive bar type at all. read more

Great atmosphere, perfect location. Staff is very nice and welcoming. Just tried Racer 5 IPA by Bear Republic while watching a foot book game breathing the perfect ocean breeze of Manhattan/ Hermosa Beach. Will definitely come back to this bar whenever I'm in the area. read more

Ercole's - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

What the F does the name mean anyway??! We were giving friends directions and kept telling them, "Air-koo-lees".....They'd say, "What?? OH, Hercules, okay...". Man, I don't know if that was why they never found us or if they did find it, took one look inside, and ran scared. Or maybe 'cause the gray-bearded bouncer didn't even know the address. Although, the place that night was filled with good looking 20 and 30 somethings all dressed kinda nice....like they were at some hip bar or something. I didn't even spot any staple old locals sitting at the bar...hmm, strange. The closest I got to grimy was surfer dudes....who turned out to be the coolest people we talked to! Then comes my favorite part of dives...ordering drinks. There are always colorful bartenders working these kinds of places....friendly, funny or fascinating. Our order: 2-voka+crans, 2-vodka+sodas, 1-vodka+redbull...grand total = $27! (cash only) The maaajor bummer was the bathrooms--1 measly toilet and 1 friggin sink separately contained in 2 small cramped rooms...ugh. read more

Ercole's - I liked that their table lamps had winged, fat rodents on them - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

I was kicked out for saying I didn't like this place. I hit my vape once, was asked to stop, responded "I don't like this place" and a minute later was told I was banned. The owner made the doorman tell us to leave rather than do it himself, and when he saw I planned to finish the drink I had paid for first, came up to us and told my friend I had to go outside if he was going to finish his beer. Nothing about this bar was cool. There's way too much space dedicated to a pool table for how many people they try to pack in there, they don't tolerate people using vape pens, and they make the nice old door guy kick people out for dissenting opinions about the place. I understand vapes are being banned but not every bar is banning them. Any bar with any sense let's people hit their vapes. Fuck this bar. "Never come back," he said. Haha. I said "I never will." Why would I go somewhere that doesn't let me vape? And then takes my money without letting me finish my beer? I was in the middle of a really interesting conversation with some new friends. Yeah if you like vaping and/or saying things, there's a way cooler place up the street. Edit: to the guy who told me he's glad they kicked me out: enjoy your shitty bar. read more

Mosque on Wednesdays! Two-for-one Burgers (2 for $6) just like everyone said on Yelp. This place is better than In and Out Burger, Fleming's, and umami Burgers! This is a lost treasure, it is a gem in disguise , it is a diamond in the rough, it is Mt st. Helen in Manhattan Beach! I got my burger medium, it comes all dressed up with cheese, lettuce tomatoes mustard ketchup, and I think mayonnaise. The burger was juicier than Kim Kardashian on crack. Gotta try it! Will give you a hi and will get you coming back every Wednesday. read more

I am rarely in the area and I didn't think we'd be able to find an appropriate dive bar so close to the ocean. Among the big bars packed to the brim with younger folks in Hermosa, Ercoles in Manhattan is a welcoming dive bar filled with an older crowd and cheap drinks. $6 for a mai tai and $7 for a moscow mule. Whoa, you can't get any cheaper than this in this expensive strip of real estate/retail space. Crowd is older; the median age was probably around late 30's and up. Fine with me because there were no annoying games of beer pong or screaming round of shots. It's just a watering hole where locals enjoy adult beverages on the cheap. It was bit crowded but there were a few empty seats. I have to say the best part is that it's short waking distance to The Kettle which is excellent for late night bites. Definitely earns a repeat visit! read more

MB neighborhood staple!!!! Ercoles has the BEST burgers and when my husband and I found out they were doing takeout, we could not wait to support a local business during this unprecedented time. When all we have done is keep to ourselves and stay home the last two weeks, we were excited to get out of the house for a bit. We were able to chat with other locals and friends (while keeping our "social" distancing of 6ft) and have a delicious burger, making it feel a bit like normal times. Highly recommend stopping by to grab a burger and great conversation with Barnes if you are out getting some fresh air!!! read more

Went on a Friday night with two friends. Not too busy, but there was a good amount of people ot the point where you didn't feel like you're the only ones there. This bar is pretty small but it works because of the dive bar feel to it. Only a few booths along the wall to seat the most 4 people, seats at the bar, one long bench table in the middle, then a pool table in the back. Drinks are anywhere from $6~, people there are nice. The age of people range from younger twenties to older people. Everyone just minds their own business, company, and enjoys a good time. read more

The burgers here are freaking delicious. Omg homemade patty's. Love, love. I will be back for sure for the burgers. Thank you chef

I am a 25 yr resident of MB & have eaten here several times. Pls BEWARE the man cooking the burgers doesn't wear gloves or face covering. I watched as he shook 3 ppl hands... exchanged money and without washing his hands went back to handle food. Not cool in current Covid conditions. Otherwise a good neighborhood bar read more

Came back. Better than I remembered. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Worth the trek down from venice. I hope I come back soon. Plus the people are super nice and friendly. The server joked around with us, and the woman behind the bar was kind and friendly. If you like burgers or dive bars and haven't been, go. read more

Ercole's - Amazing burgers. - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California