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Chimneysweep Lounge
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
98 reviews for Chimneysweep Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Free popcorn, good drinks, reasonable parking." In 12 reviews -
"Perfect dive bar and very nice staff." In 39 reviews -
"And then we have Nina who is like my favorite person." In 9 reviews
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97 reviews in English
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Review from niki h.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2011 14 Check-ins Here
I almost hesitate to write a review of this place, because there is nothing I can say that will change anyone's opinion of the Chimneysweep; you'll either love it from the moment you walk in, or you'll wrinkle your nose and wonder what anyone could possibly see in the place.
My five-star rating is kind of a giveaway as to which category I fall into.
I will admit, I was not a member of the Rick (referred to here on yelp as 'the cranky old guy') fan club at first, but over time I've come to appreciate his surliness as part of the charm of the 'Sweep. Nina is, without a doubt, my most favorite bartender ever. She makes a MEAN dirty martini, and you never know what hilarious thing she's going to say next. Nina and Rick are definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the entertainment value they provide is priceless in my book. No they will not kiss your ass because you wave a dollar in front of them, but if you're patient and friendly (well, it works with Nina, at least...), they will treat you well, and remember you the next time you come in (I recently discovered that Rick knows my name, and I even made him laugh once, so I know it's possible to crack that shell).
Do they have draft beer? No. Do they have waitresses? Sometimes... but they never seem to last long. The place will be insanely crowded one Saturday and a ghost town the next. One night it's filled with the over-60 crowd, and then next night, 22-year old hipsters; I think perhaps this is because people read the great reviews, come in, and then they just don't get it.
If I want to have a conversation with my friends, I'll tuck into one of the tables around the edge of the room; if I want entertainment, I'll sit at the bar and watch Nina and Rick work their magic. The people-watching is always fun, and you never know when you'll spot the random celebrity in there (personal past sightings include Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minillo, DJ Qualls, and Stevie Wonder - and a friend got the thrill of a lifetime when he got to ask Jessica Simpson what it was like to work with the Muppets).
In my mind this bar transcends coolness, because it's not trying to be anything, it just is what it is. If you can appreciate that, great, I'm sure I'll see you in there some time, if not, The Oaks Tavern is right around the corner. -
Review from Erin H.
4/2/2012
I guess I'm like a total bar noob because despite having been to several bars, I didn't really know what a "dive bar" was.. even though I had been to some previously.
Anyway, first point. Parking sucks in Sherman Oaks. Next point, crowd is def older (I'm a college kid), so when I walked in I was a lil surprised, almost thought I came to the wrong place.
Music can get pretty loud, so it's hard to talk. I met up with a few of my high school friends to grill our newly engaged and soon to be married fine gentleman of a friend. It's kind of small too, and the bathroom is tiny. Mrawr~ probably won't come back -
Review from the s.
Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2011
I see the children of the nineties reviewing this place in the context that it is supposed to offer you a prepackaged experience replete with the latest micro-brews or a gourmet burger.
I review bars in particular for what they are and how people behave within the confines of such.
This is a relic of a by gone era in the valley. Amber colored 80's style English street lamps and swanky decor seem sullen after decades of existence; however, everything seems to be in its right place. There is the requisite dart board, pool table, juke box and smoking patio.
The regulars are such that their routine is written in stone and aren't there so much to socialize as maybe maintain the previous nights indulgence, some bags are heavy and some are spry but all are flies.
Alcoholic perfection. -
Review from Nikki L.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2012
Went there on a Friday night...crowded, no where to sit. Finally squeezed in at the bar. I looked at the bartender and I found myself having flashbacks of the movie "The Shining". Finally he sees me and walks over in his 20 year old penguin suit. I order a rum and diet, repeating myself a few times because he can't hear me. Get the drink; sucked for the price. Get punked from the little spot I squeezed in at because apparently the douches who were sitting there were on a smoke break and wanted their little territory back. Went around to the dart board which was being half used by some people who were half playing. Same with the pool table. A very hostile environment for a seemingly lo-key place. Finished my drink and left....never going back. Cool fireplace though.
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Review from Lenna D.
Glendale, Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2012
Cool little dive bar with a lounge feel. Never too crowded....
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Review from Brad C.
10/9/2011
If you've ever drank in Stickney, IL you can appreciate this place.
Dark wood walls, low lighting, nothing to appreciate but the beer kinda place. On tap, nothing. I'm OK with that, I know a bottle is semi-clean.
The noise level here is great for conversation, the drink selection is limited. The staff is older, not really interested in the clientel. There were a few girls next to us that said they come in here weekly with the goal of getting the male bartender to smile... they have limited success.
Stuck in LA for a week and thinking 'I'm in the mood for a simple beer and conversation with some drunks' this is your place. The Chicago hot dog joint at the end of this strip mall got my attention too... I wonder if they are related. hrmmmmm. -
Review from Randy B.
10/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Come see the 142 year old bartender! Some of my friends love this place, me...not so much.
It's a classic style bar, nothing fancy, and has a small outdoor patio for smokers. A few small TV's may have a game on, but good luck getting the channel changed. The aforementioned bartender, both times I've been, is super grouchy. He just might be whispering curse words while serving you.
If you like this sort of service -- go for it. Also, no happy hour specials! -
Review from Jorge G.
Sylmar, CA
10/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
3 1/2?
Chill spot, older crowd, not crowded.
Dive-ish kind of place, reminds me of Copper Bucket but not as crowded I guess?
No drinks outside in the patio area, which is pretty wack. Chill spot though. -
Review from Matthew O.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2011
I don't know what my problem is, but I've been coming here for at least 25 years and have never had any trouble with the bartenders, even when I order a mixed drink on a crowded evening. I actually like both bartenders. They're no-nonsense drink-pourers. They're not going to light the bar on fire or do their "Cocktail" bottle-tossing impressions. The drinks are fine, the selection is good, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Good jukebox, free popcorn, sports on the TV, pool, and darts. It's all okay with me. Parking can really suck.
What kills me about these reviews are those people who claim to "love dive bars," yet complain about the service/bathrooms/plastic glasses, etc. when they're actually in one. Dive bars are gross, not kitschy. They're supposed to have sucky elements that make you feel uncomfortable and a little ashamed of yourself for being there. That's part of the charm. This is NOT a dive bar. It's a little dark and there's a pool table, but that's about as divey as it gets. This is a neighborhood bar, not unlike other neighborhood bars.
P.S. - Could you people please stop saying shitty things about the bartender? It's obvious that he simply doesn't know how important you are. Otherwise, he'd greet you with a hello and a handshake, as he does with me. Thankfully, I doubt he even knows what Yelp is, so I doubt he reads the reviews. If you ever told him that you were going to say something bad about him on here, he'd give you that look that any bartender should give some young Coachella bracelet-wearing punk who comes in asking for a tray of Appletinis on a packed night.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jennifer L.
Detroit, MI
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This bar is in another dimension. A dimension where it's still the 1970s, and possibly the Soviet Union. The bartender lady doesn't smile, and doesn't serve you until she's good and ready. She has a very heavy accent and was probably around for the Russian Revolution, so I imagine she has a lot of interesting stories to tell. Maybe if I can get her to tell me her stories she will also make me a drink.
If you get the feeling you're being watched here... it's because you are. Take a look around and you'll find at least 5 surveillance cameras. What in the world are they doing at a dive bar?
The crowd is a seriously mixed bag. It's mostly pretty young, but you've got your middle-aged and a few senior citizens thrown in. Everyone seems pretty laid back and cool, though.
I'm not sure what this place wants to be. It kind of looks like the owner took all his bowling trophies and weird paintings, stuck 'em on the wall and called it interior design.
This is a creepy place. Creepy cameras, creepy bartenders. Even the women's bathroom is creepy. The door is about half the size of a normal door (hot dog, not hamburger). I'm afraid if I enter it, I may never return.
I might go back, but next time I'll dress like a Russian Spy and order my drinks in code.Listed in: LA Bars, Not To Be Confused…
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Review from Alexis P.
Burbank, CA
8/12/2011
I was here once before and had a good time, cheap drinks, mellow vibe. But I organized a meetup there last night, so 30+ people showed up to hang out. The bartender (old guy) was rude the whole time. He made rude comments to us and gave attitude when people ordered drinks. Jeez, sorry to inconvenience you to do work. *eye roll*
The last straw was him shoving by us (when we're basically the only people in the bar, save for a few others) and he said "You haven't figured it out yet, you're in the way"... In the way of what? No one else is here! And every time I went to get another drink he acted busy or looked away, thankfully the lady bartender has some social skills.
I like cheap drinks but I don't like shitty service. Probably won't go back. Or, at the very least, won't bring 30+ people since the bartenders prefer not to work or make money. -
Review from Lotem B.
2/11/2011
Ohh myy...
Been here twice ages ago... At both occasion the place was empty. Empty from people, life, music and... A friendly service lol
Now, those who know me know how much I enjoy, love and appreciate dive bars... Honest, I am not a picky girl when it comes to bars....
Though this place.. Mmmmm.... it's just dead lol....
When I ordered my drink ("Martini vermouth, easy on ice") the bar man nearly snapped at me with rage!!! "Blimey", me thinks.... Ok, ok I'll have an ale...
"What ales do you have?"
Again ( the rage!!) , he did not appreciate my question.... Good God... "UHH, Do you have newki... Uh, Newcastle Brown please??"
Haahaa....
Sorry, not too impressed and don't think I'll be back. -
Review from Courtney H.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/16/2011
What a miserable sack of ruin that male bartender is. I don't expect, nor want, anyone to kiss my ass as a bar patron... but if you hate your job so fucking much, GET A NEW ONE. It's never a chore to serve me, so if you act like it is, your life has been too easy.
Listed in: The Fist List
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/15/2008
I used to like this place... it used to be a well-kept secret. Now it's the newest and greatest… Read more »
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Review from Kat W.
Pasadena, CA
6/23/2011
I have been a long time fan of the Chimney Sweep or the "Sweeper" as my little crew affectionately calls calls it... and by long term I mean over 14 years. WHat I LOVE about the Sweeper is that it doesn't change!
I went in last night after not having gone in for several years due to the fact that I've relocated to the other side of town... and going out drinking 45 minutes from home is never the best idea. Mina, the waitress/ server there remembered me immediately and came over to say hello and catch up. Now THAT is service! how many bars can you go to and feel comfortable having a drink by yourself, or with a large group of friends? For me, only one. And that's the Chimney Sweep.... I have ever been able to find a local hangout near me to replace it, and I never will.
The drinks are cheep, the people are great, pool table and darts, TV's to watch the game, and nice dark corners to sit in and catch up with your friends.... what more could a person want? -
Review from Kate M.
6/28/2011
When I walked into the Chimneysweep Lounge for the first time, my mind flashed to the late 1980s--the leather living room sets featured in "The Price Is Right" showcases, the soccer trophies I earned for the most humble of athletic performances, how I imagined the study in the "Clue" mansion might have looked.
It's more than a bar. It's an artifact of a time and place that exists rarely outside of our memories anymore. Even the price of drinks hasn't seem to caught up to now, with a well drink and a glass of wine going for $9.
The only reminder of the 21st century beyond the heavy door is the jukebox, which tends to back up for an hour or more on a weekend night with mostly contemporary rock. But every so often, the voices of John Denver or Lionel Richie fill the spacious room, and you'll take comfort in knowing that the fabric of your childhood is neither forgotten nor gone. -
Review from Vanessa W.
Sherman Oaks, CA
3/31/2011
Found myself here for some pre-7pm drinks today. Came from somewhere else and didnt have my purse on me. Walked in, sat down at the bar. Old cranky bartender asks us if we have our IDs. I say "actually I don't" (with a smile) and he says "well then you actually can't be here!". Fine, fair enough. I say alriiight and we walk out. I remember that I keep my backup ID in my car so I went and got that. Walk back inside. Hand my ID to cranky and sit back down. He looks thoroughly confused.
"Do you have fat tire?"
"Nope."
"Do you have Sierra?"
"Nope."
"What do you have?"
"There's a list right there." [motions to a list behind the bar that I can't read]
As my friend proceeds to rattle off the short list of beers, cranky is just STARING at me with this look of utter confusion. I have to ask.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeahhh" [said in creepy confused voice]
"...are you sure?"
[cranky (who we will now call creepy) looks down at the floor]
He spent the rest of our time there at the other end of the bar just watching us.
Anyway, Chimneysweep is awesome! -
Review from Barry W.
11/28/2009 1 photo
*** C'mon how can you not be a fan?!? ***
Sweep is the quintessential valley dive bar.
1st came here 10yrs ago ... it ain't changed.
So seeing a buncha yelpers here on TG Day
for the Loser UYE was absolutely perfect imho.
The old dude that tends the bar is f'n classic, man.
He's stoic, says little to nothing and no expression.
Me: Anything on tap?
Him: No
Me: Got Macallan?
Him: No
Me: Dewar's 12yo?
Him: A piercing stare that said "wtf keep it simple"!
Me: Ok ... JW Black and a Guinness chaser, sorry.
Drinks are cheap and he pours 'em deep. Me likes.
He'll charge your credit card after every round. (lol)
(Do dive bars trust anyone anymore? I think not.)
Now as for those 12-deep motley crew of Yelp losers ...
oh this bunch was uber mellow, conversational, and that
Joan dropped it like it's hot when she gave me a lap dance.
I owe you one, sweetie ... you were drunk and vulnerable ...
and also alone on the holiday ... I won't tell nobody. (oops)
Hell if you cannot get drunk and lol here, you need drugs.
*** No weepers ... it's a keeper ... they pour 'em deeper. *** -
Review from Joan S.
11/27/2009 1 photo
Three or four stars, let's say three and a half.
This dive was pretty packed on Thanksgiving night. If a bar is lively, that's good enough for me, and I am likely to have a good time just watching the crowd.
We sat in a corner where some Yelpers were gathered. My Thanksgiving had included a bit too much delicious wine (no I wasn't driving) so by the time I got to Chimneysweep I was feelin' no pain, haha.
I recall getting carded at the door, unless that was just part of a beautiful dream.....
Then I might have sipped on a shot o' whiskey that made me frisky. I might have sat on a couple guys' laps, apologies to my victims.....
Chimneysweep was a perfect place to cap off a lovely Thanksgiving day, actually. I felt thankful to be in the company of treasured friends.
Dunno what I ever did to deserve all the good stuff that's flowing my way lately, but I think The Secret to unlocking the gateway to happiness is appreciation & gratitude for the great people in my life. I don't take a single minute of these good times for granted.
I'm waaaay too old to be carded, but not too old to be havin' the time of my life......Listed in: Bars & Spirits
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Review from Roman T.
Updated - 11/20/2009
Wow.... I was a jackass in my previous review.
I think my preferences changed a bit. I prefer to drink in quiet now ( quiet, when compared to other bars in the area). Still, there are tons of other bars I would rather go to, but everyone should check this place out at least once. You might enjoy the worn out feel.....Listed in: Booze + Roman = What more can…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2008
Stop #3 on our Wednesday adventure.
I have no idea why I keep coming back to this place.
The service… Read more »
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Review from Rachel B.
I had a crappy Saturday afternoon.
It happens. IMHO, the cure for a crappy day is a better evening, so in the interest of making lemonade, I set out with a girl friend on an impromptu bar crawl.
The adventure quickly felt like an adjusted version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears... Big Wangs was too trashy, Fox & Hounds was too old, Laurel Tavern too pretentious.
But the Chimneysweep was just right.
Sure it's noisy and dark, but we were able to find a little space to ourselves. Happily, the same guy (Jamie) has been working the door there for years, and is always friendly and glad to see me. The bartenders are some interesting folks as well, and if you haven't been in to see Rick & Nina, you absolutely should make the trip out and see if you can't get Rick to crack a smile. I bet you a round of drinks that you can't ;-)Listed in: Spots for Internet Daters, The Best of the Valley, My ROTDs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2008
I think it's odd that a few of the reviews here say that the staff at the Chimneysweep provides hit… Read more »
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Review from Bobby S.
Sherman Oaks, CA
6/10/2007
This is a cozy little place with an antique fireplace and a dark environment. Some call it a dive bar, but that label is so loosely used these days. Its definitely "divey," and the crowd is hit or miss: Sometimes its an upbeat, trendy crowd that seems to have just gotten off work from the studios in Burbank. On other nights, its ugly locals dressed in tank tops and Big 5 type attire. On most nights, its a mixture.
The bartenders wear black vests over white dress shirts. One of the waitresses, who has a Russian accent but claims she is from Baltimore, is quite friendly and always recalls your drink when you come again.
Above all, I love that its down the street from me in Sherman Oaks. I just wished they had beer on tap. -
Review from Andrius A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2009
I love rock n roll so put another dollar in the juke box baby.
One dollar equals two credits. Some how you will end up with one credit though certain songs needs two credits. And vice versa. Who determines which song is more or less credit worthy of others?
I spent about $10 playing music. They have every song ever created. For that they get three stars.
I hope the fireplace is for show and they dont turn it on ever. It looks nausiating.
Good drinks - good music. This place is ok. It was cool to meet a few friendly yelpers.Listed in: Thirsty
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Review from Joel W.
Glendale, CA
10/16/2007
I have to admit. I miss the Sweep. It was always such an anomaly.
-Dive bar with a great crowd.
-Rude staff that are great once you get to know them, if you're not a dick.
-Packed with a line out the door one Friday, empty the next.
-A jukebox with millions of songs that always seems to play the crappiest old songs imaginable.
-A smoker's patio that you can't drink on after midnight.
-Tons of TV screens that are as likely to show Animal Planet as they are to show the Dodgers.
The Sweep is hit or miss. If you go once, you might have a great time or you might not. It's inconsistent as Hell.
But I miss the place. Go with a group and you'll have a great time. Just be prepared to be patient at the bar! And if you pay with a credit card, don't expect to grab your tab and leave quickly. -
Review from Joseph A.
North Hollywood, CA
1/9/2011 8 Check-ins Here
The man can pour a fine drink while making you feel like you did something wrong at the same time.
Great locals bar. The help is always friendly but the owner always seems like a dick.
Every time I come here I always fear that the owner will hate me but still make me the best drink because he loves making drinks and my money more than he hates my guts.
Awesome blossom.Listed in: Bars.
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Review from Jana B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
(2.75)
Lets be honest: if you frequent 'the sweep' you have more important things to worry about than what your peers rate [it]. That said, it is apparent that most of the reviews come from the occasional, not chronic, attendee. I'm not sure if my intense self-hatred or my uncanny attraction to the overtly bisexual cocktail waitress (her name is dani) keeps me coming back...Or perhaps it is the super-great juke-box and stale popcorn? But for some reason (most likely the close proximity to my *SUPER AWESOME JOB*) I cannot avoid the sweep.
Please take the following advice to heart:
1. PAY IN CASH - Some of the bartenders (*cough* *rick* *cough*) are notorious for changing tips on credit card bills)
2. Ask for the SNACK MIX - public popcorn has NOTHING on salty crackers and peanuts
3. Order food from CARNIVAL (the restaurant next door) - The sweep has no kitchen but you can order anything from Carnival's full menu and they will bring it over.
Good luck, and if you go home with Dani , tell her to say hello to her mother for me. -
Review from Mel D.
Burbank, CA
9/24/2007
Ah, Chimneysweep. One of the few places in the Valley where I don't mind getting my drink on.
I've come here on many occasions. To pre-pre party before shows. To lament the fling gone horribly wrong. To just sit and watch the good looking crowd. I was even here on a particularly sad Valentine's Day, where my other single friends and I sipped on rum and diets and watched the Westminster Dog Show on the big screen TV. Our conversation that night: "Bah! Boys! Who needs 'em when you can watch dogs groomed like mops!"
But I digress... This place actually seems to be a good litmus test for dates. Can they charm Nina into offering up some of the "kibbles and bits" she offers to her favorite customers? Will they appreciate the divey atmosphere? Will they sidle up to the bar and attempt to make the old cranky bartender smile? Will they pick something decent on the jukebox?
So much you can learn in a divey old bar, grasshopper.Listed in: Favorite Date Places
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Review from Nina H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2008
Can't help but love this place. Normal people. Not a scene but not too divey either. There are usually two bartenders- a man and a woman. The man is miserably grouchy and the woman is delightfully friendly. You never know who you're gonna get.
Really good sized room with flat screens all over the place. Comfy seating. The bar is really comfortable to sit at too. The lighting is just dark enough. Fantastic chimney-themed art on the walls.There's a small space outside for the smokers. Totally easy parking.
And last, but not least, the POPCORN! There must be something in it because it's impossible not to stop eating it... you can go bowl after bowl and not even know.
Another wonderful feature- totally convenient location. -
Review from Aaron P.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/7/2008
This place, upon my first visit, reminded me of a Burt Reynolds movie for some reason. It has this vibe of a bar you'd find in the lobby of a hotel off the Vegas strip who had it's hay day in 1975.
And all of that above is a compliment.
It almost feels like you've entered someone's living room. Mind you, the person probably drinks Pabst and hunts deer while listening to Molly Hatchet or something, but that's the vibe I got.
Still, a compliment.
The beer is reasonably priced and the ambiance during the day is a completely different world than at night. If you head in at night, especially Friday or Saturday, expect it to be crowded with a lot of 20 and 30 somethings. The place still gives off a nastalgic cozy vibe.
That reminds me....I think I need to go there sometime soon. -
Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2006
It's Cheap.
It's Chill.
And it's a great little Valley dive bar for a hang with friends.
There are no shortage of locals here and the place probably hasn't changed since it opened. But in that lies the charm of a good dive bar. They also have little fire pits, that never seem to be lit when I go in, but hey it's decor and decor doesn't always have to serve a working purpose.
There's a parking lot and usually plenty of street parking, oh and they have free popcorn. Need I say more?Listed in: Los Angeles Bars!, Los Angeles Things To Do
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Review from Jonaya K.
Hollywood, CA
6/11/2007
Being from the East Coast, a dive bar is usually not that special. The Chimney Sweep however is an experience you don't want to miss if you're in the Valley.
It's dark and doesn't have much of an atmosphere(you have to make it on your own, and I for one do), but the servers are great and reminded me of home. The drinks are cheap, so if you want to have a few too many and cozy up by one of the too fireplaces then you won't go broke.
The crowd is always a toss-up. Sometimes the crowd is colorful locals, some of whom believe that breasts only need vaguely elastic tops in order to be contained. Other times you have a few vaguely upscale folks just knocking back a few.
There's a jukebox and a game room, but don't bother. Go for the people and the conversation. This bar is great for people watching. Oh, and there's free salty food, and you know, I don't know about you, but when I'm knocking back a few vaguely fruity drinks I need some popcorn.Listed in: Down and Out in the Valley
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Review from Dennise D.
Woodland Hills, CA
10/11/2009
Meh.... the drinks are ok...the first two I ordered were watered down. For being a "dive bar" the drinks are not all that. One of the bartenders gave me the feeling that serving us was a chore.
Geeeeez.......we're paying for your watered-down drinks at least act like you give a shit. Free burned popcorn....rude bartender....oh and found a worm on the counter. Save your money and go elsewhere. -
Review from Joie P.
La Verne, CA
9/3/2007
I have no effin idea what the hell I was doing in Sherman Oaks.
Whiskey and cokes.
That's what it was.
I was blackened to perfection but I'm not sure if it was the soot, the company or the drink.
If I get lost in Sherman Oaks again at least I have a place to go.Listed in: Stomping Ground
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Review from Rachel M.
Frisco, TX
9/27/2007
The Sweep!! You know, dive bars like this are hard to come by! Especially in the SFV where they are on just about every corner like Starbucks. You can find people from all walks of life here. College kids, suit/tie professionals, and some folks who bear a close resemblance to your own grandparents... with this mixed crowd...you can't go wrong.
If I had it my way I would rename this place Chimney "cheap" sweep! The beer and mixed drinks are less expensive than any blue light special at Wal-mart. And who can forget about the free popcorn, pool table and kick-ass dart board. Add all these figures up and you are bound for a memorable night...or at least half of it! If you are looking for a great dive bar and are in the Valley...The Sweep is your place!!Listed in: Everything Is Always Great…
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Review from Apryl V.
Woodland Hills, CA
12/4/2010
Classic neighborhood dive. I maybe ruining the secret but I love this place and its not because they offer the best wine selection. The martinis are awesome though. Just ask Millie for her Lemon drop! The patrons are really what make the place. I always meet the most interesting characters here. I had the best time on election day and found out some interesting secrets about the neighbor hood LOL! Maybe TMI!
Also I love that they will allow you to order food from neighborhood restaurants and deliver it to you at the bar....Who does this???? Its awesome. Darts and pool and free popcorn. Great place to hang out without pretentious BS. -
Review from Chad H.
Sherman Oaks, CA
11/11/2009
A hole in the wall with a vow to maintain good prices.
Darts, pool, cheap drinks and a good jukebox. The Chimney sweep is the textbook definition of "The local watering hole"
Its never TOO crowded but your bound to see new faces with every visit, along with some familiar ones. Free popcorn popping in the corner and big comfy leather chairs will keep you there for hours, not to mention the prices.
They have PGA Tour arcade golf (which i personally could spend hours on).
There is a small seating area outside with a few chairs and tables, mainly occupied by the smoking crowd (if there is one).
Not to much to complain about with this one. Its not flashy, no lines, nothing particularly "special" about the place. Great place for one of those nights when you want to hear a good tune or two, play a round of darts and strike up a conversation over a drink... -
Review from Adam R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2010
My Valley pals introduced this place to me a few months ago, and I wasn't disappointed. The bartenders might have one foot in the grave, but they still know how to pour a beer or mix a drink. The ambiance is a throwback to a rumpus room in a 1970's Ohio basement. The jukebox has something for everyone. There's a steady influx of hipsters, including plenty of pretty young ladies who are actually willing to talk to guys (*gasp*)! A note to newcomers: don't stand in front of the unmarked door toward the back, waiting for someone to come out... it's a supply closet, not a bathroom!
Pros: Hip, low-key, cheap
Cons: well, if you don't already live in the Valley, then you're looking at a schlep. -
Review from Ubu R.
Cumming, GA
5/23/2007
Fine bar, dark, clean, good atmosphere, great jukebox as corporate jukeboxes go, but one problem...
Look, I'm cool with grouchy, old-school bartenders, actually I prefer them. I can't stand the T & A bartender who won't do her job, but prefers to chat with her friends all night. This guy is grouchy and taciturn, fine enough, but he pours a weak drink; yes, the one unforgivable sin in my bar book is a weak wrist on the pour. Sorry buddy, but that vodka soda was, at best, a "by the book" pour, I'd have gotten better from an electronic spigot. I go to dive bar happy hour to get a little buzz; a good dive has me there at drink one.
-Ubu -
Review from Kevin K.
Studio City, CA
3/17/2007
This was one of the first dive bars I ever went to in the Valley. I was meeting a blind date there, and I thought I'd try to impress her. So at the bar I ask what they have on tap. The extremely gruff and grumpy bartender glared at me and growled, "Water." Nice, so much for impressing her.
She proceeded to order "Dr. Peppers", which if memory serves was Bud Light in a pint glass with a shot of Root Beer Schnapps dropped in. She was half my size and drank me under the table.
So obviously, this place has some fond memories for me. -
Review from Courtney S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2008
As a West-sider, I rarely venture up to the Valley, but because a friend had a friend in play in Sherman Oaks, my face made a rare appearance to this side of town. What a find!!!
This place is 70's kitch cool. All staff were wearing "I (heart) Chimneysweep" polyester vests or t-shirts. The decor was 70's-tastic: charcoal drawings of little chimney sweep boys, an in-house fire-pit, and woodwork that has obviously adorned the walls for several decades. They had pool as well as "digital darts" for patrons to play with.
My cocktail (Sapphire and tonic) was satisfying. They didn't seem to have any beer on tap, which I found pretty surprising. The homemade popcorn was also pretty dang good.
Parking was a bit of an issue, but happily we found a street spot not so far away.
If I lived near this place I'd prob be a regular. It's pretty effing rad! -
Review from Scotty P.
Anaheim, CA
8/5/2011
This place is definitely a dive bar but a fun place just to lounge at. This place really reminds me of the old bars that you see in movies where there are only a couple of people at the bar who all know the bartender and a few people sitting around and even some people playing darts. The bartender seems like he has a stick up his ass but if you come by enough and tip him well enough he starts to open up. The drinks are very cheap and they even have free popcorn. There is a dart game as well as a jukebox. The atmosphere is definitely like a lounge bar. Parking is a little hard to come by though.
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