Answer this question before continuing reading because I do not want to waste your precious time. Are you a smoker and a drinker? - If yes, continue reading If NOT a fan of smoking and drinking, SKIP THIS REVIEW Totally a hipster bar and lots of locals that comes here. Boyfriend and I decided to finally check out this place, once we walked in...already a negative. You can smoke indoors while drinking. So if you are a smoker and actually want to inhale smoke into your lungs while drinking with your buddies and such, I guess this is a place for you! As for me, on the other hand, disliked it. But hey, it's rare to find bars where you can smoke indoors right? Quite small bar. You can either park in the back or park on the side street. We ended up parking in the back, spaces are pretty tight, just FYI. There are TVs and a live band playing. Drinks were pretty strong. Not dive bar price. It was more of a regular bar place kind of price. We both got a Jack and coke, and it was about $7.50 each? After that drink, we bounced because we seriously could not take it with the smoke. So ding ding ding... if you are a smoker and a drinker? Here's the place to be for you If you are NOT a smoker and only a drinker, I apologize that I have wasted your time. read more

As per request of a friend, I'm coming back to Yelp to do a review in 2011! I came here about a month ago and thought it was an awesome little dive bar. For some reason, this place opens at 6AM.. I hope some AAA activists stop by this place sometime soon, but otherwise, pretty cool place to visit. There's always local music and definitely brings back a "small town" feel...which is what Arcadia used to feel like. Drinks are decent priced, nothing too expensive or too cheap... I'd come here when the "trendier" bars are out of my price range/too impatient to wait. read more

I remember entering the bar. I don't remember leaving the bar. That means extra stars because I am told I had a blast. I am told that I had fun dancing all night to the band. I am told the drinks were strong. I am told that the people there were nice and friendly and I chatted them up. I am told I passed out in a car while my friend had to take a taxi home to get their spare car keys since the original set went missing at some point. I am told I said "I have no idea where those keys could be. I don't have them. Sheesh. Check the floor." The next morning I found a strange set of car keys in my pocket that weren't mine. Interesting..... read more

Awesome place. Brett the bartender threw a drunk guy out before a fight could start and he was a pro the entire night. Def coming back.

I have been going to First Cabin for about 8 years. Great place, friendly people. I love listening to Pat O' Brien and the Priests of Love. They always play great, I do not know why they are not more famous. Like everyone says, Bobby, the bartender, serves great drinks and is really fast. I walk in and my drink is on the bar before I can sit down. The cocktail waitress is just unbelievable, do not know her name. Incredible hour-glass figure. No food except for maybe the beef jerky, so go in full. Pat O'Brien starts playing at 9pm, the place is usually full by 10pm on a Friday or Saturday. As most people wrote, it is a kind of a dive bar. But, hey, it works. The bathrooms and glasses are clean, that is all I care about. They run a clean ship, even if it is a little old. The decor must be from 1959. In the back there is a horse racing hall of fame. Go eat pizza at Zelos and then pop over to First Cabin, that is what I do. read more

First Cabin Bar - Pat O'Brien guitar and close up - Dive Bars Near Me - Arcadia, California

Live music, cute bartender, and awesome owner! It's very dive-bar ish feel with older crowd but it was still fun with my friends :] +Came in last Friday for a night of casual drinking. One drink turned to two and soon enough we were having 5th or 6th cocktail thanks to the cute bartender, Alli! She's smiles all around and encouraged us to kick back and drink more since it's Friday night. Alli was super sweet, attentive, and personal. Two thumbs up for her. +I think the main bartender is also the owner of First Cabin Bar? He is plain awesome. We caught him drinking while bartending and he seemed pretty buzzed. Love it! +Cheap drinks! I bought a round of drinks, which included 4 drinks and total was only $37. Wahhh I love it! +Live band plays on Friday I think? They happened to be there this past Friday at least. They take song requests if they know how to play the song. We requested Gun n Roses' - Sweet Child of Mine but unfortunately they didn't know. :/ But they played us some AC DC song and it was good! +Street parking available at the front of the bar. We'll definitely come back again for another night of drinking here. read more

This the diveyist of dive bars ever, and that's why it's so great! Dim lights, cheap drinks and chill vibes are exactly what you get here...and the live music is top notch during the weekends. Just make sure to bring some ear plugs as it's a very small space, so the sound can be magnified read more

Pat O'Brien is the best live entertainment. Plus. A good pour on every drink. You can't go wrong at first cabin. The best local place with live music every weekend read more

I met a gem of a man at the bar who's been drinking there for 33years called Patrick. Say hello to him next time you're there he's salt of the earth!! He goes there for the ambiance & he's a man in the know. read more

Great drinks and prices. Solid dive bar vibes. I was here for a night that included live music which really added to the over all experience. Welcoming staff and regulars. I'll definitely be back! read more

Actually a quiet cozy little dive bar that's open late on a Sunday. They've got tv on and some music. The drinks are cheap. The service was fine. Nothing fancy here. Not sure they deserve 5 stars compared to some high end lounges or whatnot but couldn't find a reason to give them less. I wanted a hot toddy because just needed something to relax with on a Sunday evening but they didn't have hot water so I settled with a bourbon on the rock (just one rock). read more

This is a divey dive bar in the best sense. The bartender ("Captain Bob at the helm") is an old guy who looks like he fell out of a circa-1940s sailor movie, and he makes a mean Long Island Iced Tea. The house band, Pat O'Brien and the Priests of Love, throw down rollicking 3-hour-plus sets of blues-rock every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. If you're looking for a no-nonsense, stiff-drinks-for-cheap, rockin'-music type of night out, the First Cabin is not a bad stop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szcliZ2ZPuM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFlBBa104hE read more

This place is first rate, all the way. It is an implicit dive bar with all the perks. Not Golden Gopher-ed out (yet) so every Hwood yuppie is NOT crowding you. I'm pretty sure Smitty (the bartender) would pull a sawed off shotgun to the dome at the first inkling of any Affliction/Ed Hardy. Douchehood is very much not tolerated. Smoking is very much encouraged inside. I'm pretty sure they've been grandfathered out of the no smoking in CA policy. We met someone who played there in 1971, nuff said. They sell cigarettes and there's an 85% chance Smitty will be puffing on one while strong pouring your cocktail. Grey Goose/Belvedere and soda's are $5.00. No, not $50.00. $5.00. Drinks haven't been this cheap since I was trying to buy them underage. Our group literally had 3 Crown/Coke, 3 bourbon rocks, and 3 Grey Goose/soda; tab totaled $29. They can't possibly be in it for the money...they probably paid it off in the 70's and are just open to give them something to do. We usually go on Monday nights, which are pretty quiet. I know they have a famous stage where many talented bands have played, but I have yet to see them. The restrooms are a little cramped because the place itself is teeny tiny, but those restrooms are impeccably clean. Overall, no frills, no ridiculousness, and a super fun place to get your drunk on. read more

The drinks are nice and strong but if the local band is in you will never be able to hear any conversation. Sadly the band seems to be playing every single time we go. They're talented, but just waaaaay too loud for the tiny venue. read more

This is a dive bar, no getting around that. For years, it has had younger, (arguably)hipper bars and dance clubs next door but those places always close down and First Cabin stays open. Its success has a variety of ingredients, here are the two that I'm most familiar with: 1. Bob at the Helm. The bartender who years ago cut off what could have been an award winning mullet serves up great cocktails. I've never gotten a bad drink at the first cabin, and I've never paid more than $5 for one. 2. Pat O'Brien and the Priests of Love. This dive bar band plays blues and classic rock, often better than the band they're covering. Pat O'Brien appears like a vampire, mainly because he's porcelain white, not an ounce of body fat, and drinks protein shakes between sets. But appearances aside, you will be rocked by this man, do not doubt it. Every break he takes, he commands you, "...priests of love gonna take a break. get a drink, catch up on your conversation." make sure you know what day of the week it is though, he's only there Thurs, Fri and Saturday. I have seen a variety of craziness occur at this bar but usually peaceful chaos. i've been going here for 20+ years, and i've never seen a fight. If you're under 30, expect to be the youngest person in the bar. read more

Should be called the Worst Cabin. Not only is their house band, the Priests of Love, predictable you can guarantee you will hear the same set every weekend. Not to mention...I absolutely abhor that kind of music. The few times I have been there I was always dragged and was sure to get shitty service. Case in point, the mullet toting booze-slinger behind the bar is as up to date with his customer service as he is with his hairstyle. At 1:30 a.m. the bar was practically vacant and i still couldn't get him to close my tab. The drink menu was limited. The combined customer intellect was just as limited. Pass this one by and hit the Pepper's bar down the street, and don't forget to say hello to Rudy. Hell, even the 100 to 1 has an "up" on this bar. read more

Dropped in on a Sunday. For those of you that like live music, the band doesn't play on Sundays. Excellent prices and good bartenders. There's only metered parking. They also take cards, so this isn't one of those cash only joints. read more

Since Joe broke First Cabin's Yelp bubble, I might as well throw in my two cents. This place opens at 6am, and when I walked by the place at 8 in the morning to run in the park, you can catch the whiff of the comforting and familiar smell of cigarette smoke combined with carpet as the jukebox blasts and you have one or two regulars already there. One wouldn't think such a place in Arcadia would exist, but this is a true dive bar at its finest. With Captian Bob at the helm, drinks are STRONG and cheap, and one of the best bands that plays blues and classic rock, Pat O'Brien and the Priests of Love are there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It's a tiny spot, so if you want to get a good seat, I highly recommend getting there early, otherwise you'll be SOL for a good view. Bring your singles too, because the band takes cash requests, and they know a good number of songs to play (so long as you keep to the blues/classic rock for the most part; though I hear Pat does an AWESOME Wicked Game I have yet to hear) This really is a place for people who love listening to live, rocking music and have a stiff drink while doing so. It's also great to see all the regulars cut a rug right in front of the stage. Last time I was there, someone requested "Zoot Suit Riot" and my cousin and I were challenged to swing to the song right then and there (he's my swing partner). So we did. Never a dull moment at the First Cabin. read more

My first time at the first cabin was last night. A friend of mine has been a regular there for years and he talked the place up so much I thought there was no possible way it could be that great but it actually was pretty darn cool. First off, I saw an open seat at the bar and asked the old guy sitting next to it if it was opened, he said it was just for me and he liked my hair. For that alone I would give this place at least 3 stars. The crowd was pretty awesome. A friendly, non-threatening bunch of people, everyone was there to have some drinks and some good times. The house band also fits, everyone got into them and I was entertained. The fourth and fifth stars are for Bob. He really does makes good drinks at decent prices and the second round definitely seems a little stiffer then the first. He was also very attentive making sure all his patrons had a drink in their hand. I appreciate not constantly having to do back flips to get the bartenders attention. Also I gotta mention for the bathroom. I know, I know... but seriously for a dive bar the ladies room was pristine. I don't know if it was just a good night but that impresses me. read more

What can I say? I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE First Cabin. It's a tiny - seriously, it has one row of high tables, the bar, and about a 2' stage - but it's GREAT! My favorite bartender at the helm - Bob - sweetest man with a mighty good hand for pouring drinks... If you want to make a whole night of it (which is totally doable), get there a little early so you could actually find a seat at the bar or get a table. Again, it's tiny so finding your spot might be a problem after about 10 pm. The drinks are served well. Size and price can't really be beat. One of the best parts - the music. The house band - Pat O'Brien and his Priests of Love - is super great. The lead singer kind of reminds me of Iggy Pop, long hair, super slender, super lean muscles (it's hard not to notice, he always plays with his shirt off). Their music is a great blend of jazz, soul, garage rock, and all other genres that are cool and require a smokey voice and bad ass guitar riffs. When the band isn't playing, it's usually a pretty good selection playing over speakers. It's easy to strike up conversation with most people that go there. A ton of locals from the 210 and 626 regions. I've met some pretty awesome folks, even if they are just one-night barships. So if you're headed down Hunington Dr. and need a drink or need a break from the monotony of club music - this is the spot. read more

Bumping this one up to 5. My favorite bar through the Arcadia/Monrovia/Duarte corridor on a weeknight, hands down. Weeknights are sometimes dead, sometime medium busy. All ok and tolerable compared to the weekend rush. Cheap drinks if you stay away from the more intricate cocktails and a good heavy pour. read more

First to Cabin bar and drinks were amazing plus the ban was playing some great music.

Awesome place, great drinks, great music! Can't beat the live music coming out from this bar! Too bad it's not close to home or else I'd visit more often:/ Can't wait to go back!!! read more

What a place! It is very cozy, and so very clean. Only the decor on the wall, and the savored patrons can tell how long the bar has been standing there. One thing I still don't understand, is why would the dive bar open at 6am? :) How stressed out are people in the city of Arcadia. Bar tend's name is placed on the wall, small corner reserved for live band action. Comfy chairs facing plenty of TV sports, and the music they play is very relaxing. The owners or whoever is responsible for decoration the place, had wall to wall mirrors, even inside the bathroom. That is a very smart move, which visually expanded the limited real estate into a whole other dimension. The drinks are delicious and potent, the price is righteous, service is great! I enjoyed myself thoroughly. read more

First off..I am the hugest fan of dive bars. And after a long day of work, there is nothing better than a couple of drinkis in a dark little bar. So at 11:30 on a Monday night we were in search of a chill little dive (out of towners) with a jukebox and strong drinks...and we hit gold with this place. Definitely the sweetest little dive in Arcadia. Everyone was super friendly, including Phil the bartender. He poured us shots while we shot the shit. The music was a great mix of 70's rock. The drinks were great, and the bar looks like something out of a time warp. We had so much fun, we're heading back tonight. read more

Now this is a true dive bar. Not a dump. The owner is not sitting around getting drunk. He is out there for his customers chatting and helping out with service. Now that's hospitality. He also keeps the place clean and tidy and organized. read more

Randomly stopped in to kill some time with a cocktail. Decent prices, friendly staff. Crowd is a little wonky/older so if you're looking for a club environment this isn't the spot for you. But if you're lookin for a dark place to have a cocktail and chill in the corner you'll be right at home. read more

I was dragged out to first cabin bar on a saturday night. My friends older brother does not go out much but when he does, he likes to unwind here. We parked in the rear, next to the chase bank. Our group proceeded to enter the bar through the alleyway. I guess only "tourist" enter through the entrance on Huntington Dr. To each his own. Don't get it twisted, this is dive bar. The bar might be small but offers cheap drinks and good live music. If you get hungry, you can always snack on their signature beef jerky. I passed on the jerky on this occasion. The band is called Pat O'Brien and the priest of love. They play blues and classic rock. The bar also has a designated smoking area in the rear but the smoke penetrates throughout the bar. If you prefer not to smell like smoke at the end of the night, make sure to carry the febreeze in your car. To my surprise the mens restroom was very clean. The male bartender was good at serving up the stiff drinks and bottled beer. But the female bartender/barback was exceptional. She was taking drink orders, clearing tables, and holding conversation like nones business. I am glad I made it out to Arcadia. The crowd is a bit older but don't let that discourage you from having a drink here. If you love classic rock, you will love the first cabin bar. read more

The best bar in the world! They open at 6AM. Perfect for when you've worked overnight. My brother and I stopped in. We had a Bombay gin & tonic plus a Captain & Coke. The tab? $7. COMBINED. The hot bartender said the total after my brother's drink order, so we assumed that it was the price of his drink alone. We were surprised to learn that the $7 was for both! We'll definitely be back! They sell cigarettes and snacks as well. We went to The Station right after and the same two drinks cost $15. Lame! read more

The Band Pat O'Brien and the Priests of Love, they rocks,fun regulars on Fridays, get your favorite drink from Anna and Bob they know just what I like. Horse players love hagen out hoping to get that winning tip and watch all the racing action along with Dodger games. Sports on 6 TVs catch me here on Fridays The first drinks on me. read more

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Nice bar, definitely one of the better ones in the area... It has a good atmosphere, good crowd, and generous bartenders who work a great selection. Ermm... just a heads up, don't go if you have a problem with second-hand smoke... read more

best place to go after work. nice, chill atmosphere. PHIL, i love you man!! which bar do you know that open at 6am?! yeah, first cabin baby! read more

Service was ok. Super tiny bar. People are smoking so you inhale thief second hand smoke throughout the whole night. Even the bartenders smoke! Cool vibe. Few seats. Great band! They were rocking the whole night and they sounded amazing. If I'm in the area I might come back but only for one drink. The smoke is just way too much! read more

This has become my new favorite place. The people are cool and friendly, the drinks are strong and cheap, and the live music is the best. I love the Wednesday night band, Jimmy and the Meerkats. I even found them on youtube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr9xGRWarTs For a Wednesday night, it doesn't get any better than this!! The other band, The Priests of Love, is equally great. They play on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. What a cool place. read more

Stumbled upon this bar after a friend and I didn't feel like paying $20 to get into a very empty Arcadia Blues Club and I'm sooo glad we decided to check it out. It's a small true rustic dive bar with a very relaxed atmosphere but is also very clean and not run down. The crowd seems generally older but I'm not a party music/atmosphere kind of 25 year old at all so I felt comfortable anyway. It was a Friday night and they had this incredible blues band playing that apparently plays there every weekend, so I'll be coming by more. Don't expect to be waited on, just go up to the bar and ask for your drink. The drink prices and the pours are great! First time getting a glass of Woodford Reserve neat and filled to the rim. I SO appreciated that! read more

I love love LOVE this place! Thank Goodness my friends had sense to bring me here a few years ago! totally awesome! I love Pat O'Brien and the Priests of Love who play on weekends. There's nothing like hangin' out at a dive bar, getting trashed with friends on decent priced drinks while Priests of Love are getting down on some Zeppelin or Stevie Ray Vaughn... they are so bad ass. I don't care if they are as old as my dad! Crowd also provides entertainment. I like to see the cougars in action and sometimes we get to see this guy who comes in with shorts and socks with birkenstocks rockin' out. Bob is a great bartender and the waitress is great as well. Get there early if you want to sit and have a table on weekends... otherwise standing room only! read more

I love the Cabin! It literally is the best dive bar in town. Drinks are well made, prices are reasonable, and the environment is perfect for that post work drink, especially during the week. Toward the weekends, Pat O Brian puts on an amazing performance. I highly recommend watching his act, especially if you're into classic rock and blues. I tend to like the quieter, chill Monday nights where the bar is filled with only a handful of people, and the vibe is lax. The bartender, Phil, is a fantastic guy to just chat it up with too. Manchester United! I love this bar and stop in every chance I get when I'm in that area. I suggest you do as well. read more

1. wednesday nights with jimmy and the band 2. candy dishes 3. stiff drinks 4. bob and phil one of my favorite dives read more

If you are looking for a low key, fun rock & roll night, this is the place. One of my favorite dive bar. I go there for Pat O'Brien on Friday or Saturday night. Most people are generally a little older, local, casual, but nice. Not a place for people watching, but that what I need while I am in LA, a place you can actually get a drink with a decent price, and enjoy some live music. It is never overly packed, you can always sit down a bit. There is a tiny dance floor near the front door, in front of the band. People have to make space for you though, if there are more than 6 people on the dance floor. A place that I would return. read more

This bar is not just an old dive spot, its a community. Now When I read some of the negative reviews, I could not help but laugh. This is not the type of bar you come into expecting to be served or attended to like a child. This is a grown up bar. I love all the bartenders because they have personality and know their stuff. The bar is busy any time of the day, so sometimes its good to take the initiative to head to the bar and order your drink. Friday and Saturday Night are the most popular because of Pat o ' Brien and the Priests of love. I love the band they are so talented there's 3 of them and it sounds so full. Prices are great, I would consider myself a regular as well as my own parents. We make first cabin a weekly spot because of the ambience. I would 100% recommend this bar to those who value good conversation and laughs. read more