- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Backstage Bar & Grill
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Karaoke
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
430 reviews for Backstage Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
-
"And their garlic fries are my secret guilty pleasure." In 48 reviews -
"Happy hour is awesome, really great deals." In 70 reviews -
"Note: I tried their mac 'n cheese and it's uh-may-zing." In 19 reviews
Loading...
430 reviews in English
-
Review from nicholas s.
Culver City, CA
Updated - 4/9/2012
Just to reinforce my earlier rating, Backstage is really an all-around amazing place. The atmosphere is fun/casual, not hipster, not stuffy, not anything, just perfect. The drinks are great, happy hour is legit, and karoake is hilarious.
Thankfully I live within walking distance, which really seals the deal on this being my go-to bar.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Cynthia A.
Torrance, CA
4/24/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I've been plenty of times, usually on weekends because a friend is celebrating their birthday or something along those lines but just to go for no reason...not my cup of tea. Friday and Saturday nights get EXTREMELY crowded and uncomfortable. There is only one bathroom/toilet for women...need I say more?! If you have your heart set on singing karaoke...get there EARLY because if you show up pass 10:00pm you might never make it to the mic, they stop the karaoke at 1:00-1:30am and there are some mic hogs out there. Their food is typical bar food, their prices are decent for drinks, and the staff is cool. I'm just not a fan of being a sardine in a can, I can't stand constantly being knocked into by drunk people or rude sober people..."excuse me" goes a long way, some people should try it before they shove.
TIP: Their sister bar, Mom's Bar, is in Santa Monica and a lot less chaotic and bigger...I say try that dive bar...specially if you want to do karaoke, the list is not as long.Listed in: Shots! Shots! Shots!
-
Review from Christine T.
Encino, CA
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm definitely a fan of Backstage Bar & Grill!
Cheap drinks & food during HH, karaoke, fun atmosphere, and unprentious.
On my last visit, we had a couple of beers and my current obsession, Johnnie Walker Black & Diet. As for food we had steak skewers and the chicken quesadilla. Drinks were strong and food was probably the best bar food I've had.
The only thing that prevented BB&G from getting a 5star is because my CC was charged $55 more than my actual tab. I had to spend unnecessary time on the phone with my bank and BB&G but was able to resolve the issue. Apparently, the server somehow entered the wrong amount when finalizing the bill.
All in all, great time minus the bill incident.Listed in: Bars, Bars, AND more Bars
-
Review from Rosario C.
Santa Monica, CA
5/25/2012
Great music, low prices, strong drinks, decent food. Somewhat small so it gets crowded quick! Other than that, they just need to work on expanding the ladies' restroom and this bar will be pretty perfect!
-
Review from Pam A.
Los Angeles, CA
5/4/2012
I'm so glad that I'm walking distance from this place cause I have gotten hammered here so many times! If you're not too thrilled about karaoke like me, the night you want to go is WEDNESDAY to check out the band King Chris & the Groove Thang, they are awesome! NO seriously, NO cover to hear this blues/rock Jim Belushi vibe that gets people dancing!
I can't say enough good things about this place, their food is on point everytime. Garlic fries are highly addicting, the mac & cheese is damn good and their signature cocktails I hear are great but I mostly stick to beer. The service is always attentive, great waitresses that can sing too! Plus, a photo booth to mark your night of drunkeness for $3. You always meet an eclectic group of people but the crowd is always fun. -
Review from Nicole B.
4/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I like this place because they have really good food. Im greedy so this is important when picking a bar!
I absolutely love the beef sliders and the AFF is my favorite drink. It really takes me there all while being tasty!
Parking is iffy for me. I always park on a nearby street in the residential area but I'm not sure if its permissible. In any case, I have never been towed!
I will say that this place gets way too loud when they have performers or whenever they play music. You can't hear what your neighbor is saying and after a while it just begins to hurt. -
Review from Michelle L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love dive bars! This is such an amazing place to chill and grab drinks with friends.
It's the sister bar to Mom's on Santa Monica, and their menu shares some of the same drinks.
The bartenders are friendly and helpful, and the drinks they serve are stroonnggg.
Amazing happy hour deal! -
Review from Ciara G.
I was lured with the promise of a great time, bomb bar food, and cheap beers. It's 2pm on a Sunday afternoon, Where am I??
First, I know what you are thinking. Ciara you,
A. do not go to bars let alone at 2 in the afternoon
B. you do not drink beer
C. Chicken fingers, Mac & Cheese, potato skins and deep fried snickers are not beneficial
So where am I?? At The Backstage!!
When I received a surprise awesome invite from the equivalent of the "Cool Kids Club" I HAD to be sure I was there. I sauntered in to a dark uncrowded room and the only way I knew what direction to go was the hoot and holler I received once I was spotted. Amen for the cheering section. It took quite some time for my eyes to adjust but once they did I happily found out they offered Blue Moon on draft (the only beer I can stand to drink) and a whole menu of not beneficial fried goodness. Before I could even put in my order for Chicken Tenders I popped a potato skin in my pie hole and it was love at first scarf down.
Chicken Tenders arrived and they were everything I wanted them to be. A side of buffalo sauce is a must. Great ranch btw. But the star eats from this bar goes out to my new friend Mac & Cheese. Easily one of the best damn macs out there. Portion is HUGE, price is not, flavor is cheesy goodness. And just when you thought you were all fried out it's dessert time. Three words for you, deep-fried-SNICKERS! Trust.
I'm no bar whore but you can take me to the Backstage any day.
HOLLA at the Cool Kids (Dehn, Frenchie, Eric, Ryan and Holly). Now if it was only appropriate to Yelp the after party at The Spank Bank.... -
Review from Sarah B.
3/13/2012
I had fun at the Yelp event here. The Culver City Slut, basically a White Russian with a dash of Coke, is delicious.
So I also went to karaoke on a Thursday with the roomies and it was PACKED at 8:30 PM, and all the tables were reserved. Bummer. I asked some guys if we could at least set our drinks on the other half of their table and they were cool about it, luckily. Then my rooommate requested Gin And Juice for karaoke and was told somewhat snottily, "We don't have hardcore rap of any kind here." Whaaat? All right, dude... we wanted to make this our new karaoke spot cause I had fun at the YEE but it's way too crowded, and my roommate pretty much only raps at karaoke so she's not a fan. We'd reserve a table at least next time.Comment from Ben G. of Backstage Bar & Grill 3/13/2012
Last Thursday was especially busy. We had a bunch of… More » -
Review from Andy K.
3/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
It's kinda tough to write a review about a place that you went to an Elite event for, but I'll try my best. The bartenders were all very nice (and cute). The drinks were strong (and free, Go Yelp.) and the food was delish. The chicken skewers that were being passed around were soooooo tastyyyyyyyy plus the mac and cheese. Oh the mac and cheese.
Let me tell you. Wait, that's not good enough. Just go there and try it.
Also, watching drunk people sing karaoke was probably the funniest thing ever. Okay, maybe not the funniest, but definitely up there. If you went to the event and heard a guy singing outside the bar after it ended, that was me. Sorry.
Back to the restaurant, I digged it, minus the lack of legitimate parking, but I'd definitely go back, and you should go too. Hell, we should go together! WHO'S DOWN?! -
Review from Clement H.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2012
This is a most amazing place I have been to.
Great ambiance, and service is great.
Right accross of Sony Studio, this place is definitely a jewel.
You have to see, feel and appreciate the service and atmosphere.
Definetly recommended -
Review from Amanda M.
Culver City, CA
5/7/2012
Favorite local bar! If you are looking for the typical pretentious L.A bar, please don't go. Backstage is a kick back and relax neighborhood bar. Good service, great (strong) drinks, and one of the best house bands in the L.A on Wed nights. It is a small bar and can get a bit crowded but it's a cool crowd. The people that give bad reviews need to drive down to the strip where they can feel important while paying $20 for a drink. See you on Wed night friends. I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly...
-
Review from Crystal K.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good times, good food, good people, good price drinks and GOOD MUSIC!
Listed in: Bars
-
Review from Kimble M.
Culver City, CA
4/22/2012
I know I'm just adding one to the fire, but Backstage Bar and Grill is a decent bar for decent folk. They do a good job bringing out bar food that appeals to the drunk or drinking, garlic fries positively reeking of garlic, meatball slider with average sauce, and keep the beverages cheap. When it's not karaoke night, it's a chill scene for hanging out with a friend or two by the fire place and contemplating the world, and when it is karaoke night, well, it's karaoke night. I don't know that I would be making special trips across town for this place, but I'm certainly glad I know it's there.
-
Review from amy j.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2012
Last night I head over to my usual Sunday night spot, the Backstage Bar & Grill, for my usual game of trivia accompanied by more than a few drinks. My friends and I are all excited to play; we look forward to this all week.
We walk in and we are shocked, dismayed even. Our favorite bartender is no longer there! When we ask the new gentleman behind the bar, he tells us that our favorite, Danny, is no longer working there.
Now we enjoy the Backstage Bar. They've got good food, cheap drinks (all of our tabs were always less than $40 - and we drink a lot), fun company and trivia is always a good time. But we mainly kept coming back for Danny the Bartender - a bit of friendly conversation, a strongly-poured drink - our favorite bartender in the city.
So adios Backstage. We (my group of friends and I) will not be back. I've enjoyed our time together, but we'll be taking open applications for a new favorite bar. -
Review from May P.
2/15/2012
Eh. This place gets REALLY crowded very quickly. I don't like having to stand in line to get into a bar that's not even that nice inside. It's not even Hollywood.
They're known as a karaoke spot, but don't expect to ever get on the mic unless you come really early to sign up.
I know I'm only 28 years old, but the crowd that comes to this bar makes me feel old. It seems like everyone's in college.Comment from Ben G. of Backstage Bar & Grill 2/15/2012
Hi May, Friday and Saturday do get busy, but even when we… More » -
Review from Kristina K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/5/2012
Now that I am sober enough from the Yelp Elite event, I can actually write a straight review!
This was my first Elite event and I am so glad that Backstage Bar and Grill was chosen as the destination! It is located in Culver City, close to downtown and literally right across the street from the Sony Pictures Studio. Parking is a HUGE pain since patrons only have the choice of metered parking on the streets or in the neighborhoods...well, actually no. The neighborhoods require a permit only EXCEPT on Sundays (luckily for the Elite-rs who were attending this event), but it is only until 6 PM.
I didn't want to risk parking in the neighborhoods because the signs kind threw me off, so we decided to park in the metered parking.
We weren't sure of what to expect since it was both of our first Elite event, but we were ready to face it! The bar is relatively spacious and there is tons of seating around and a small dance floor for people to dance to the people singing karaoke.
There were 3 different kinds of drinks going around (3 out of their various, interesting-sounding drinks). The Culver City Slut, Absolute-Fucking-Fabulous, and the Margarita. My main drink was the Absolutely-Fucking-Fabulous - delicious! I think it had raspberry vodka, peace liquer, cranberry and key lime juice. The cranberry and key lime juice definitely masked the strong vodka, but it was still strong enough to get me on a good buzz - especially since the bartender made our drinks in the longer cups..was he trying to get us drunk?! It's 4 PM, sir!
I also tried the Culver City Slut, which kind of had a little too much cream and Kahlua for me. Very strong and recommended for those who want a fast buzz. The Magarita was pretty standard, too.
Onto the food that was being passed - the restaurant started with their Backstage Sliders, which was a generous proportion of hamburger patty, cheese, lettuce, and their "secret sauce" - which, to me, tasted like a mixture of bleu cheese and something else. No complaints, here! It was great!
The next item that came out was their Chicken Skewers/Satay. This was probably my favorite of the night - it had cooked-to-perfection chicken smothered in Thai peanut sauce. I think I had around 3 skewers that night, which proves how tasty they were. The Thai peanut sauce really topped it!
The next round was the Cheese Quesadillas. This came on a soft, fresh, piping hot tortilla and I have no idea what kind of cheese, but oh my goodness was it melting in your mouth. We were given sour cream to dip it in and I was in heaven.
The next item that was being handed out was their Mac and Cheese. Okay, I lied about the previous Chicken Satay Skewers... The mac and cheese was my favorite of the night! The skewers will have to settle with 2nd place. The mac and cheese was seriously one of the best mac and cheese that I have ever tasted. Unlike typical dishes, this one seemed like it was just pasta with different kinds of shredded cheese melted on top. The different kinds of cheese gave it a plethora of flavors and did not make the dish seem heavy at all, which is not only unusual, but amazing!
The last dish that came out was their Fried Snickers. Yes, you heard me - fried snickers. At this time, the event was ending and I was stuffed. I passed on this one. My friends ended up sampling one for each of them and they thoroughly enjoyed it - that or they were just so drunk that they could not decipher the fried mix of chocolate candy.
Overall, the karaoke was so much fun and I have seen that Yelp Eliters really know how to belt out some tunes! The food was fantastic and were perfect portions. The drinks were strong and I ended up passing out when we got home. We had our opportunity to sing a few songs collectively, but I am sure that my friends and I will be back some time soon! -
Review from Tonya T.
3/1/2012
The only minus to this place is that it's way on the other side of town!
It's a pretty cool dive bar, with the cheapest drinks in LA!! No doubt, this is the first time I've paid $4 for a pint of decent beer since I moved here. They don't have a ridiculously huge selection, but a little something for everyone.
Other pluses include:
+ The great tunes coming out of the jukebox. Pretty much every song made me want to sing and dance...but from the glances from my associates, I presumed this wasn't the time and place to bust out with all of that.
+ An indoor fire pit
+ Pool table
There were probably way more pluses, but these four simple things put a bright smile on my face.
Oh, did I say they have really cheap beers? -
Review from Aidan B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012
Where do i begin?
I came here on a whim after working 120+ hours and i just wanted something close to work so i wouldn't have to drive so far to get my 'drink on'. This place fit my budget. $3 beers? You cant beat that.
From the outside this place looked like it belonged in south gate. It definitely looked sketch! My friend and i were able to grab a table before it got really busy for the Laker game. We started off with two shots of patron (shocker), two beers, fries, chips and salsa and jalapeno poppers. The total? $33 bucks! FREAKING CHEAP!!!
After a few drinks, this douche bag kept using the usual lines: "Um, excuse me! Have we met before?" --- Um NOOOO we haven't.
"Can i buy you guys some shots?" --- um NOO thank YOU! Were good on the free drinks.
Aside from the douche bags, they also have karaoke! There was a guy who was singing "bump and grind" and if you're reading this "Mr.-Future-Bruno-Mars"... you don't know this yet, but you must realize that i will marry you one day. I love you. You were freaking amazing. xoxoxoxox.
I love this grimy place. Will be back! -
Review from Eder P.
1/3/2012 7 Check-ins Here
This was my first time doing Karaoke and I fear doing it anywhere else now.
Sure, from the outside this place looks a like a shack and inside is cramped with minimal seating and the first person I heard when I first walked in was singing a bad version of Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' but after a pitcher my buddy signed us up as a duet combo for Radiohead's 'Creep'
Before our time to shine, some extremely talented Karoke-singers took the stage. One of them was their bartender who was god-awful amazing. We kept biting our nails hoping we wouldn't be the poor saps to go after a good performance.
After our 3rd pitcher it was finally our turn. It was a little nerve-racking but the ambiance is so chill and the crowd so inviting. And everyone ends up singing alongside you so you don't know if you're being good or bad.
After your first time though, you have an adrenaline rush that makes you wanna sing the whole night. Luckily I predicted this and signed up right after my friend... so 4-5 people later we were back at it singing Foo Fighters' 'Learn to Fly'. Again, the crowd was receptive and I didn't care if we sounded good or bad, but having a good time singing awesome songs making you feel like a tiny rock star.
The waitresses/bar girls all were so damn nice I was surprised when I found out they worked there. Bartenders were also in high spirits. The garlic fries are pretty amazing, albeit a little too salty/garlicky for my tastes, they were still amazing. Prices were also real decent.
This place is a karoke bar that made love to a dive bar. Very small and quaint. It could be upsetting and lame if you get stuck standing for hours so if you see an empty table, jump on that bad boy and enjoy the entertainment. -
Review from Nelson F.
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of my favorite westside sports bars for happy hour. Nice blue collar bar next to Sony, so you see a lot of business casual dressed people here too along with the t-shirt and jeans crowd. Great chicken wings, sliders (both chicken and beef ), and mac 'n cheese, which are the highlights on the happy hour menu among an impressive comfort foodish menu. They also have pitcher deals and large screen tvs to watch sports events. Fun crowd, friendly waitresses. They host popular karaoake nights too. Also the bartender made us this really good special drink too, but I forgot what it was called. Just ask him to make you something and trust him.
Listed in: Westside Happy Hours
-
Review from Jennifer W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great little dive bar!! I go here often for drinks with friends, karaoke, or to catch a Laker game. They have a tiny dance floor, but they pull down a big screen to put games on. The bartenders are amazing.
They also have a decent happy hour which I believe goes til 8pm. -
Review from Jessica H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2012
Backstage is the go-to place for my coworkers and I when we finish work and want to go grab some happy hour food and drinks.
.. their drinks are very well mixed and the bartenders never skip out on the alcohol.. theyre strong but still taste delicious.. i always order off of their happy hour drink menu. i've pretty much tried everything on there.. it probably consists of about 10 mixed drinks.. all of the ones i've tried are good..
..food wise. the mac and cheese is something that we always have to order.. it tastes really good.. their other foods are good too.. expect to see your regular bar food items on the menu..
.. when you first walk into the bar it takes about a minute to adjust because its really dark in there.. but once your pupils dilate its a good place to just relax and grab a few drinks... the happy hour lasts until 9pm i believe..
.. on the days where they have karaoke anyone can go up and request a song and sing away.. -
Review from Corey C.
Fresno, CA
3/3/2012
Only good thing about this place, other than the bartender with the 'stache, was the cougars.
COUGARS flock to Backstage.
Make sure you call before and get a head count before you go! -
Review from Justin S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/14/2012
This place charmed this shit out of me upon walking in. I think I heard Kylie Mingoue's song "love at first sight" in my head while walking through the doors. It was dusk, after a long bike ride to Hermosa and back and this was exactly what a new comer to the city needs, a dark as night bar with food and lil' cutie patootie bar tenders. A calm place to sit to quaff a couple Raging Bitches.
Wednesday evenings there is a house band that rips like a blood sucking vampire. They seem to like to play Hall and Oates and Steely Dan, they sprinkle it with some Sade too. TK (a tender) rips some Alicia Keys, so watch for that. Hall and Oates is badass, so, just saying.
Side note, the garlic fries here will be my last meal on earth...with ranch. And the food in general is delish. You'll feel like Samual Jackson in Pulp Fiction and say out loud "this is a tastey burger". no joke. I almost ordered two turkey burgers.
After the holidays the bar wasn't stocked to perfection and the tenders comped me a drink, which is nothing but cool. This hasn't happened anywhere I've ever been to yet in this fantastic city.
The crowd is about as eclectic I've seen any place which is nice, everyone is friendly thus the vibe is cool. And they serve Raging Bitch which is one of the best beers in the world.
A colleague and me went for a bike ride around Culver City on both Thanksgiving and Christmas to see what kind of pubs and or food places were open, we ended up coming here both times.
Cool people, great food, great bar staff and great hours. Every experience I've had here has been nothing but exceptional. Support your local businesses, and fellow man and woman and tip them.
This place is absolutely pure. -
Review from Michelle R.
Tarzana, CA
3/17/2012
I absolutely LOVE this place. You can't beat their prices, and the bar food is really tasty. I had my birthday here two years in a row, and my friends and I have nothing bad to say about this place. The atmosphere is very down to earth. No matter how bad people suck at karaoke, the crowd is very supportive and treats them like a rock star. They have all kinds of music to sing ... the crowd is very diverse. Can't say enough about this place!
-
Review from Lin G.
12/18/2011
To someone who is not a fan of dive bars in general, Backstage is not so bad. The place looks small from the outside but once you walk in, it is much bigger. They have a fire hearth that you can sit around, though the seats are not glued down and if you sit too close the edge, you could tip the seat and fall down, which I did a few times before planting my little ass more firmly on the seat.
The first time I came here I tried the pear ale and it was decent. We missed happy hour so it was around $4.
The second time I came we again missed happy hour. I got a corona and we shared a chicken fingers appetizer. The sauces came in tiny bowls that does not fit a chicken finger, maybe just a human finger, or a fry, or a small grape. So that kind of sucked. I guess we could just POUR the sauce on but that's messy and there's not enough sauce anyway. I love chicken fingers, but only with LOADS of sauce. If we caught happy hour and got half priced apps, it would have been more tolerable. But who can ever make it on time for happy hour?
The servers were friendly and one even comped a drink or two for us because she took a long time to come over initially. The drinks being very reasonably priced already, it was a nice gesture. -
Review from Alonso R.
West Covina, CA
5/11/2012
Love this place! Full of intoxicated people who think they can sing! Bartenders and servers are super friendly. Sometimes it does take a little long to get a drink. But hey! When you have 75 plus drunk people trying to order, it can get a little crazy. Its definitely a great dive bar, and if you are lucky, you'll run into a celebrity here since it is Culver City. Its within walking distance of downtown culver city, so you can even bar hop if you are wearing the right shoes. The bouncers are super friendly, and will even get your drink for you if you are free. They are also quick to throw people out if you are acting up. This serial killer looking dude was seating on a corner by himself staring at my fiancee and I. Kind of freak her out. Before I even said anything, the bouncers were on him! Seems like they had history with him and he seemed to sneak in somehow (maybe new person at the door?). But yeah, he got thrown out super fast. So all in all, safe place to party
-
Review from Katie Z.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012
Favorite! The bartenders are awesome and friendly, and the prices are amazing wether or not it's happy hour or not. There's even an adorable photobooth!
Great for 2 people, or a group!
Divey and fun -
Review from Robert C.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Niiiiiice.
Fun bar. Plenty of parking. Nice doormen. Busy yet spacious. Decent Street parking. $3 drinks. Basically everything you usually don't get at LA bars. -
Review from Albert N.
Garden Grove, CA
1/8/2012
Perfect spot to drink, eat some fried food, and sing some throwback songs while buzzed. All of the bartenders here have been nice/chill (been here 2x). The food is the basic bar food you come to expect as American fare. All of the people that frequent this bar are cool and you can easily strike up a conversation without feeling intimidated.
You can't beat drinking a PBR while listening to offbeat karaoke champions singing Madonna's "Like a Virgin." :D -
Review from JENNIFER N.
Redondo Beach, CA
11/8/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Hey I'm not picky about bars. Heck, I don't even drink but I enjoy good neighborhood dive bar! I remember coming here back in the days because it's dark and old and smoky. From the outside, it looks freaky and scary. I thought only drunk alcoholics hang out here.. Am I wrong?!? lol
Well, it's still DARK and old, not smokey anymore because you can only smoke outside on that round table by the door.
It's chill and laid back, maybe a little bit too laid back!! Sing your heart out! Even if you don't think you can sing, a night of Karaoke at Backstage, you'll start to delusion that you are a pretty damn good singer after all.... (NOT)
If you like this bar, you'll love Mom's Bar on Santa Monica Blvd. They are run by the same mangement! -
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Backstage Bar & Grill is like the Long Island Iced Tea of local pubs with equal parts of everything poured together to make it worth drinking over and over again. The recipe seems simple. Is it?
One part Dive Bar
One part Karaoke Bar
One part Studio Hang-out
One part Sports Bar
One part Burger Restaurant
Apply Happy Hour to taste
Top it off with a Pool Table
The Happy Hour from 4:00-8:00 SEVEN DAYS A WEEK offers $2 domestic beers, $3 well drinks, and half-price appetizers. Since it's happy hour and not a weight Watcher's meeting, my recommendations are the Jalapeno Poppers, Chili Cheese Fries, or the Nachos with Steak.
For a brew, the Backstage Pale Ale is ok, but others like Newcastle, Fat Tire, or Blue Moon may be better for your mood. There are plenty of mixed drinks that seem popular with the ladies like the Culver City Slut, Nuts & Berries, Kool-Aid, or a shot of Kahlua, Baileys, and Vodka topped with Whipped Cream that you MUST drink without your hands.
Stick around after HH because at 8:00 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, it's Karaoke Night. That's right. Drunk people "singing" their favorite tunes while you laugh and drink more. The DJ does a pretty decent job of keeping it moving. In general the service is good. It's a busy bar, so, don't expect to be waited on hand & foot cause it doesn't happen.
The place is smaller than it sounds and gets incredibly busy during sporting events (10 TVs) or karaoke. Parking is the biggest problem. Do NOT park on the side streets south of Culver Blvd. cause it is hard-core Permit Only. Grab a spot on the north side of the street and work your way across.
If you're tired of the Disney-esque places in downtown Culver City, come to this local legend across from Sony Studios. The Backstage Bar & Grill simply delivers food, fun, and drinks. Leave your ego at the door. -
Review from hhhhhh g.
Los Angeles, CA
3/6/2012
The absolutely best bar and karaoke bar in Los Angeles! They are very customer oriented, parking is easy to find compared to brass monkey on Whilshire Blvd. Good luck with that. A lot of karaoke bars, you have to pay for parking, sometimes there is a cover charge (for a bar really?), on top of that there is a two drink minimum, and then on top of that it is customary to tip the DJ.
At Backstage, parking is easy and free, no cover charge, no drink minimum, and they don't put a tip jar for the DJ. Which I would actually like to tip the DJ but it is refreshing to know that I am not pressured to. To top it off, the bar food is AMAZING! And prices are very reasonable! DJ Shawn is so awesome and fun!
It's nice to know, especially in this economy you can come stop by and enjoy yourself without feeling pressured to stay because you paid for that cover charge and parking, then to top off that forced to by two items when all you really want is a beer and leave. -
Review from Michael G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2012
Glorified dive. Have a drink next to the ghost of Bukowski.
-
Review from Daniel K.
1/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Been here more than a few times,
it's been great every time.
except the other night.
Blond female bartender was unprofessional, cold, S L O W as diddly, literally had most of the bar wondering what was up...wasn't even busy :\
I REALLLY WANTED TO TIP, but seriously after no effort was shown, i'll keep my bucks for someone who deserves it.
could've been an off night for her, understandable. Won't diss the whole bar in a review due to one flukey bartender, but damn dude...come on
I'll be back to UP A STAR after my next happy visit. -
Review from Adam M.
Culver City, CA
4/29/2012
Ok first of all karaoke 3 nights a week can be a little much. How many journey covers do we need to hear. But with that being said, this place rocks! Non pretentious, not a scene. The best part is you couldn't put a label on the patrons. Actually feel like your at a normal bar. Staff is awesome and treats you like family, drinks are good and the food is tasty as well.
-
Review from Elizabeth C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2011
So, it turns out I'm a Culver City Slut kind of girl. I'd never've considered the possibility of being pinned to one drink so easily, but upon introduction to this sweet and creamy and significantly alcoholic beverage, now consider myself a convert to the Church of Slut.
My, but this is turning out to be a classy review.
I came here with a semi-large group for a birthday celebration*, early enough to beat the barhopping weekend crowds but not so early that we felt inappropriately skeezy for wasting away the day in a bar. The earlyish hour ensured ample street parking and guaranteed that we'd have no chance to noise pollute the neighborhood, as requested by the sternly worded signs waiting outside the bar.
Turns out, this in-between time is exactly the right time to visit Backstage: There are enough patrons to provide ambiance** without enough bodies to crowd the space, the bar and kitchen are at their most efficient, delivering food and drink*** far faster than one would ever expect/hope for, and the karaoke is exactly what you'd expect from a bunch of strange people drinking heavily at a bar at seven thirty in the evening: awesome. What's this? You have Skid Row AND Jazzy Jeff?
Mind=blown!
The single downside was the EXTREMELY creepy older gentleman sitting in front of the video poker computer at the far end of the bar, precisely where my group was situated. I'd say he was playing video poker, but I'm pretty sure that it's impossible to ogle everything--XX and XY--in sight, breath heavily, lick buffalo fingers clean of all sauce(!), hide an erection, AND play video poker at the same time. Unless you're, like, really talented.
On the plus side, the lovely bartender said Breathy Von Ickmas was not a regular. That has to count for something.
Four stars!
*Happy Snappy, Jesse Jo!
**"ambiance," of course, meaning all those drunken TMI conversations that I live to overhear. I mean, is there anything better than listening to strangers discuss their sexual problems in graphic detail in a public setting? Didn't think so.
***seriously, you guys: get the garlic fries. Don't ask, just do. You will thank me, and the fifty or so other reviewers who have previously mentioned this heavenly manna, later. Or right now; we will wait. -
Review from Danielle B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a great time here tonight. I found parking pretty easy (as I should have being 4 and all) on the street. Be aware that after 6 they ticket in the neighborhood side. Once inside the place was small but roomy with several tables and bar stools. The karaoke was blasting and people were friendly. They were passing around mac-n-cheese (the bomb), chicken skewers (yummie) and sliders (didn't try cuz I don't eat cow or pig). The bar-tista(o)'s were super nice and the drinks were fine. I had come here once years ago for an impromptu birthday party and had a blast as well. Keep up the good work.
-
Review from Rebecca P.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Have I really never reviewed this place yet?! I guess not... Either way, I like it here quite a bit, but those who don't like somewhat divey bars filled with a mixed crowd of everything from Sony folk to cougars to a few 'N Sync fans beware! More fun for me...
The beer is reasonably priced and the cocktails, though sometimes small, are often made strong enough to justify their price tags when your goal is buzz over flavor (e.g., margarita with a big dose of tequila, AFF with a lot of vodka). It really is a menu to please a spectrum of wallets and tastebuds... And, as long as you don't mind walking like a block, the parking isn't too difficult either (use the meters past 6 or all day Sunday or park in the streets west of Backstage). And although you never really get a seat when it's busy (and it's busy often, so if you are even considering singing, sign up immediately or it may never, ever happen), you do get entertainment... from people singing with skill in the early hours (before everyone's drunk) to the people with liquid courage towards the end of the night. Plus, the mac and cheese is mahhhvelous, gooey, garlicky, cheesy (although occasionally they have their off nights where it comes out a bit dry and oily rather than cheesy: check with the chef when ordering!)... and the chicken satay pretty darn tasty (nachos are okay but not amazing--a bit too cheesy and in need of more beans and some taco seasoning), warming up your whole mouth with saucy chicken goodness with a kick! And, the Culver City Slut (which comes in a pint glass) is as yummy as a coke float with Kahlua, and the Key Lime Pie cocktail (served in a martini glass) absolutely scrumptious! Yay!
