Arrived at our table around 6:30pm on a Thursday night, a waitress who appeared to be counting money and a lady bartender the only ones there. When I sat at the table she came over to give my friend the change, never asked if I would be having anything to drink or eat? After about 15min I decided to get her attention to order a couple drinks. We were down to the bartender by 7pm. and I had to go to the bar fetch another drink. The same went on all night, Salsa band started playing at 9:30pm thank goodness or the ambience would have stayed dead for the night. Price on drinks was good service was terrible. Maybe I just chose a bad night... read more

A small place, across from the Los Alamitos racetrack with an older crowd. My friend and I went on a Saturday night and it's definitely not a place to go if you're under 40 or actually under 50! The band was lively and played a variety of old and new school songs and the drinks were good, so we had a nice time dancing and drinking. read more

This is a nice place to hang out and have a drink. The dance floor is huge and music is great! The crowd sometimes be a little long in the tooth. Nice and roomy bar, never seems too crowded... read more

We had fun last night. It was great with awesome music as usual. The only bummer was we had to put up $100 to reserve a table for two. They didn't use to do that before. I was advised it was something new. We decided to take our chances and not reserve a table. We got a good spot after all but the waitress never came around. There was a long wait at the bar. Don't know if this was just a bad night or what. Hopefully next time it will be better. It was nice to get out and dance. A safe place as always. read more

They do bike nights on Wednesday, so I gave them a chance- 3 times. The first night, I got there around 5:30 and it was pretty quiet. Walking through the swinging doors, one thing immediately hits you. It's pitch black in there. Give yourself a couple minutes to adjust, and you'll be alright. I ordered a jack and coke, it took a while, but the nice bartender finally poured it. Instantly disappointed. I wasn't there to get smashed, but the soda was flat and you couldn't taste the whiskey. If she had been behind the bar, I would have had her try it- but she disappeared somewhere. After a few minutes, she showed back up and I let her know. She rolled her eyes and poured another one. Better, but not great. I knew it wasn't going to get any better- so I just drank it. The redeeming quality to this place is the food. For what it is, they can cook some good stuff. Will I be going back? No, but that's me. They get a ton of business, so I might be the crazy one. read more

I really love going to this place only for their comedy nights. I've been coming here since I was under 21 and all they do to me is mark me so that I don't order alcohol. They have Stand Up Comedy every Tuesday night from 9pm-11pm and there's no coverage/entrance fee. The comedians are about as good as the ones in the Laugh Factory. It's pretty much a hit or miss. Depends on what kind of jokes you're into. So far it's mostly been hilarious for me because I like their kind of jokes-perverted. But if you're into more low key/innocent jokes then stay away from here or you'll just be offended. warning!! If you don't want to be picked on or you're easily offended, then I suggest that you sit in the back tables cus most comedians will pick on the ones up front--and they don't hold back. They claim that there's a minimum of 2 drinks but you can always sub them for food. But most of the time, I end up not buying anything because the waitresses are soOoO slow and rarely/never get to me. Personally, this is a good thing because I can just enjoy a free show without having to pay for anything. However, if you actually do want to drink or eat, then I suggest you eat first before you go and bring an extra waterbottle with you so you don't get parched from laughing. But they serve at an ok/fast pace if you order alcohol. If you do order anything, then I suggest that you come to the bar at the back and pay ahead of time before the show ends because they're usually super slow about the bill and everyone is rushing to pay the bill at the end. It's casual attire, so don't worry about having to bring your clubbing outfit or something nice. There's also a free parking lot right in front of the place so you don't have to worry about your car. have fun! read more

I've been to the Gate a few times over the last eight years but it is really starting to grow on me. Dropped in on a Monday night and discovered "Movie Night." They were showing "The Big Lebowski" and serving (you guessed it) white russians. A few caucasians later I have mentaly upgraded this place to "has potential." Stella on tap and pitchers available plus the competent and friendly bar staff means I'll be back -- with friends. Update -- No movie night, no consistency, new owner. Wait and see??? read more

It's a dive bar, but it's a good dive bar. Bathrooms are clean and usable, quality entertainment, the food is ok with plenty of choices. But its the people that make a place what it is...and Becca kicks ass behind the bar and Corey is the best server thay have, thank you ladies for always taking good care of us and the great personalty that helps make visiting "The Gate" such a great time! read more

Not the cleanest place I've ever been but as far as dives go, this is in the upper exhelon. They have a full bar, Megatouch, decent food, TVs and TONS of entertainment. Drawback is the bartenders are not super attentive. Usually have to flag them down for service, remind them for napkins and nag them for silverware. read more

Great dive bar for cheap drinks. Their Tues Night Comedy is unusually pretty good. Same line up you'd see at the Improv or Comedy Store on the weekends. Excellent street tacos! Thursday night salsa with a partial live band is also good. Make no mistake though, this is an old dirty dive bar. Don't expect too much! read more

Love this place! Steelers Bar on Sunday (Monday or Thursday!) we do a 50/50 raffle, donate to charity, sing happy birthday and so shots when they score a touchdown! If you are a Steelers fan, definitely come and join our family!! read more

I've been here on several occasions in the last year. Even though there is a menu, I would not eat here. They have a good bar and they make good drinks! What I do like about it, is they have some really good bands and a large dance floor and I love to dance! They need a decent cover charge to keep the sleazy, creepy 'hitting on you' morons out. I was there with my boyfriend and got hit on 5x when he or I went to the rest room. It is somewhat of a dive, but for most part the clientele is mixed age and types. Good place to people watch. They have a huge screen TV with the game on and the service can be really good or bad depending on the waitress. The restrooms are clean, but are a joke and should be redesigned, the partitions have to be no higher than 5'6. There ADA bathroom is almost as long as the bar! If they could eliminate 10% of the riff raff male clientele, I'd give it an extra star. I would not go there without a date! read more

The Starting Gate keeps looking better and better. The new world floor near the bar and the new carpet under the tables look great. We love the Sunday afternoon country music. They always have a dance floor full of dancers moving to their outstanding country bands. Their food is pretty good too, and not overpriced like many live venues. There is usually a 2 drink minimum during live entertainment, but you don't have to drink anything alcoholic. It's also a sports bar, with many different screens showing a variety of sports. It's sad that the motorcycle bike night has been discontinued. It was fun seeing all the beautiful bikes. read more

I used to really like the Starting Gate, or just the "Gate", as my friends and I call it. The closest I can come to describing this place is a Honky Tonk, but west coast style. On the weekends, there's dancing and the music is directed toward an older crowd, of which, I happen to be a member. On Wednesdays, they used to have a Bike Night but not anymore. Bike night was a place all of us of the Harley persuasion could get together for some camaraderie, act like teenagers again and generally have a mid week break from the day to day. Not anymore. The dumbass is bringing in a band. On Wednesday night. Wednesday night at 9 o'clock. What the hell is he thinking? It seems the owner doesn't like bikers. Either that, or he's trying to change the image of the Gate. I can't imagine him giving up all the money from Bike Night. You have to understand, on any given Wednesday night there, there are at least 200-400 People, bikers. During the summer, there are probably close to 600-800. Of course, I'm just going by the full tables and full parking lot I see,but you get the picture. I could easily drop 100 bucks on Wednesday. We have a table of at least 8 old geezers on any Wednesday and most tables have at least 4. As far as trying to change the image of the Gate, come on. It is what it is. He's have to completely tear the place down and rebuild it to change it's image. It's a dive bar with semi-decent food. OK, the food is bar food. Good bar food, but bar food. The Gate has been it's present configuration for many years. It is what it is. Leave it alone. Along with Bike, we used to go some Friday and Saturday night but I won't be going back. If the owner won't keep Bike night, I have no interest in going there any other time. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. read more

I've frequented Starting Gate for mostly non-alcoholic reasons -- I like their breakfasts. I usually phone in my order for their omelettes and they typically don't disappoint. They are on the greasy side so the health conscious should mind this place and if you are, then you already know. As for the alcohol, I haven't come here enough to get my drink on, but the most memorable time I did come they had a very inexperienced bartender who did not know how to make most drinks. It became a game as we were telling the bartender how to make drinks. Normally this would be a big negative (started at 3 then -2 for drinks, +1 for breakfasts) but we had fun and ended up getting hammered on poorly-mixed drinks. read more

I went here last night with a few of my girlfriends for the comedy show. The seats were comfortable and the staff was friendly. Especially our hot waitress.. Lol she always checked on us and made sure we always had drinks. I will definitely be back! By the way...there was no cover to get in and there was lots of parking. Also there's a liquor store conveniently located next to the bar in case you want to get munchies or some gum or in my case a shot of whiskey before the show! Lol read more

I went to this place last night by myself to check out the comedy for DA first time. It was great. I had a wonderful time. Most of the acts were funny. The seating was perfect. The food was very good. The waitress was very sexy and friendly. I think her name was Christine. The host was great and he was very entertaining. It was also free admission. And it was close by the house. As u can see.... I really enjoyed myself and I definitely will b going back next week. I officially have something to do on a Tuesday night. Starting gate read more

The good news is that The Starting Gate has an amazing breakfast special on Sundays. The bad news is that it is a dreaded Steelers bar so if you are from Cleveland, you will be better off attending a high tea in Bellflower during football season. On Sundays they also have both kinds of music in the afternoon, both Country and Western, so if you dislike C&W as much as I do get in before ten and clear out by noon. Other than these two technicalities, it's become my go-to Sunday breakfast joint. PS, disregard anything you see here about crappy service, it's very good. read more

My last visit there was a stale smell but the remodel took care of that. Service was great and I saw all the security was very observant. I had a great time last night. The band was excellent! read more

Me and my friends have been coming here for years! Tuesday's are fun. Live comedy at 9pm and they do a good job at rotating comedians to keep it fresh, taco specials (taste great) , and drinks are prices very reasonably. We've been several Friday & Saturdays and gets really busy. Top 40 cover bands. Nice size dance floor. Sound & Lighting is pretty hip also. I think you can reserve tables if you want to plan something but we usually just set up where ever we can. ( most tables were reserved) but plenty of room to walk around. On weekends we have stopped by with family for breakfast, great breakfast! Everyone left happy and full! read more

STEELER FANS UNITE!!! What an improvement!! This place has needed a inner face lift for longer then Ive been going! The TV upgrades make watching my Steelers here fun again. The new owner says hes working on the menu & Im looking forward to see what is added...something along lines of an Italian hoagie that can be found in Pittsburgh would be great! Game specials should include decent beer..not just the watered down Coors/Bud that every other place offers (some of us are a bit more discerning). Just because Im across from the track dont make me feel like Im AT the track! The staff is friendly & quick...many regulars continue to flock here on game day & Wed is "bike night". Stay tuned...this place has potential again. read more

Food is going down hill STILL! And prices are going up. Place is in need of a very deep clean. Women's restroom smells like a sewer and is never clean, there are broken tiles, with the broken tiles just left on the floor. Toilets leak so be careful to not get your pants wet!!! Please owners do some remodeling and clean up !!!! read more

Great place to relax and have some drinks at. Staff is great, food quality is typical bar type food (not bad) and drinks are priced fair. Depending on what day and time you come here, parking could be abbot challenging. They host country days and nights here as well. The good thing is country Sunday's are all ages so you can bring the kids along to hang out. read more

This place is awesome I can't believe I only just came here for the first. I went on a weds night and was looking for something laid back, not crowded, affordable and my expectations were exceeded. Friendly staff, karaoke, good strong (yet affordable) drinks, fun people and overall a great experience. I will be back for more. read more

Such a great place I love coming here I love that every night is different. The food is great the drinks are good a lil different from most places but hey it works and a shout out to the bartender who went far and beyond to help me get a table ...OK NOW AS FOR THE SERVICE by the waitress man she was awesome but man was she slow I know it's busy but I couldn't even catch a buzz I had to wait so long in between drinks and for that I only give 4 stars . read more

We had a funeral reception in the back. The staff is great but they can't make a drink to save their life. I can't understand how bartenders can't even make simple shots. We bought about 45 shots 3 different kinds and no one had a clue how to make all three, then charged full price for them. We could hardly drink them they were so terrible. read more

I review as I go... no server literally had to find the unidentifiable employee. Ordered western cheeseburger. $10.50 average price... My Party enjoyed the Philly Cheese and I believe the BLT. Everything else seems to be standard fare. We were at the race track. So we ended up spending an extended amount of time here. Whoever the guy was With the voice like Sylvester Stallone's forte may not be serving. But he was the only one working. At shift change, the place became a little bit more authentic. We actually had a server come ask us if we wanted water this time. So we actually started getting served. If you strictly want food I would recommend the cafe, but for drinks also, it's your best bet. It seems to drawl win many locals which is pretty cool. People seem friendly. All in all if you want some drinks, some quick food, this will work. I think because The race track always will attract customers, I think they act without impunity. Lackluster service because they will always have customers if that makes sense. read more

Great staff, amazing dance floor! Wonderful patrons! Mirage Groove love to play there! read more

Starting Gate - a band performing on stage - Lounges Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

I have to say I'm a FAN of starting gate. I met my husband there almost 2 years ago. I went there with my friends to just listen to the band, hang out & avoiding annoying pushy guys in a club scene.... little did I know I met the love of my life at starting gate. Drinks are not so expensive, ok dive bar/lounge people are friendly, they leave you alone and you can have fun alone. read more

After arriving after 12 o'clock.... ask the band to play one more song, which they did. Bartender/employee/representative of establishment gave us attitude and basically kicked us out of the place. Wouldn't let us talk further with the band.. such a disappointment. read more

OMG Michael the security guard is so awesome! He made sure our taxi arrived to retrieve us!! Just don't ask him about Walmart! Lmao read more

We went last night worse live band Crowded for old people. Manager freaking rude dress up like his home and no manners. Need to go back in school. Food frozen! And so freaking hot! Kinda like no AC! read more

This place is fun for a gathering on a Friday/Saturday night. It's kind of a dive bar with some class, and the live band is always really really good. I was apart of a party that rented out the room behind the strange which was awesome BUT (and the reason I'm only giving this place 3 stars) the people working at the bar completely forgot about the party reservation and there was so much that was stored back in that room and it wasn't moved in time for the party. Myself and some other friends had to personally move tables, open chairs, put stuff in a different room, etc just to make sure the room was somewhat presentable when the rest of the party arrived. Cool place but very unorganized. I will continue to visit this place BUT will never schedule an event here. read more

This place is fun!!! and the security that is there makes sure it's safe for everyone to enjoy there time there.. read more

Starting Gate - Lounges Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

Been coming here pretty regularly and today made me never want to come back. Went in during Karaoke, spent $60 on food and drinks. Decided to hang around to see what band was performing and was told by some smug barhand that we needed to purchase 2 drinks in order to stay. Excuse me I just spent $60, I'm not gonna buy more drinks just to listen to whatever crap ass band you have playing. The new management here has turned this place into a shithole. Do yourself a favor and find a better bar to go to. Ashley (the waitress) is the only reason that we even still come because she is phenomenal. The rest of the staff is garbage. If I could give 0 stars I would. read more

Danielle was awesome! So friendly and welcoming. Good times during the week! Thanks for a fun night

This place is a great place to watch a game hang out with friends go dancing watch comedy and meet new people ! I enjoyed the atmosphere while getting great service! The price or decent the drinks are great but one of my favorite nights is Tuesday night the tacos are amazing! I highly recommend it one of my favorite places to go to unwind after work or a long week! 10 stars! read more

I come to the starting gate once in a while when I want to go to the racetrack next door I have different sandwiches like a roast beef sandwich and a omelette or something like that. Or sometimes I'll just come in to have a beer and some snacks uncle Tommy. read more

I would give this place 0 stars if I could. This is my first yelp review and I feel so strongly about it that I must share what I just experienced. First of all, I was excited about coming to my first comedy show ever here on a Tuesday night. It all started out smoothly, the comedians were ok. Overall, a little raunchy if you're into that. The table service was mediocre. After the comedy show was over, there was a "2 for 1" drink special going on. I ordered a whiskey and coke and got one for free, nice. I went back to the bar and ordered a couple Stella's. Long story short, when I tried closing out my tab, the bartender, a girl with a shaved head overcharged me an extra drink. When I confronted her politely about it, she rudely said she was going to charge me the drink whether I like it or not. What the hell, really? When I asked to speak to her manager, she said she is the manager. Wow. She had no business card either. So ridiculous! She then proceeded to kick me out and escort me with security. The so called owner came out with my bill and I let him know I have never been treated so shitty at an establishment in my life! Honestly, this place is shit. It seems to attract a lot of Latinos, and being a Latina myself, I will never return here nor my 8 friends I came with. Don't waste your money on watered down drinks and the worst service! They don't stand behind their drink specials. And beware of the shaved head bartender/manager. She is a monster! read more

Wow, after going to this place for over 40 years. Sunday after noon stopped to have a few drinks and dance. The server came over real quick and wanted my order. I told her not just right now. She got huffy and said had to order for there was a two drink minimum at the place and had to order. again said not right now. She said she was telling the manager. He came right over and got in my face about the two drinks or at least a order of $10.00. Again told him also was not ready to order right now for I never know what am going to drink. He kindly said to order or leave. and not come back. Guess the 60 buck spend the Sunday before doesn't count or the amount spent there Friday night doesn't count and a forty year customer doesn't mean anything. Guess the younger generation of management don't know that repeat customers make the business. There loss. June 8 2014 read more