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Kibitz Room
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
419 N Fairfax AveWest Hollywood, CA 90046
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 651-2030
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Trendy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Kibitz Room
48 reviews in English
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Review from Eleana C.
8/29/2011
I don't drink much, but apparently no one has drank more than 3 Long Island iced teas here and not spent the next day either 1) puking their brains out or 2) going to the hospital. What?!
That being said, the drinks are super cheap! Live band but it can be a hit or miss whether they show up on time ... -
Review from William L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011
One of my favorite dive bars in LA. Always a live show on when i go and I am a fan of any live show. Its a pretty narrow place and the band plays up near the front with a few booths in front. most of the seating is back to the bar but its fairly well situated for people to get a feel for the music or allow you to sit further away from it if you would rather converse.
The bartenders are also the management so don't F around j/k but seriously they "pour with their elbow" as the old saying goes. The drinks are strong, fairly relatively cheap drinks but you always get a double dose of liquor in your drink. And when your done drinking there doorway leads right into Canters Deli, so you can sit right down with out leaving and get yourself a nice midnight snack, well a 2 am snack. One of my favorite bands plays there on Saturdays, Caldwell Jack and the Six pack. -
Review from Graham S.
12/9/2011
Man, this place is a trip. Only been once, but it was one of the more memorable experiences I've had in a while. Happened in there on a Sunday night and come to find out it's karaoke night, which was being overrun by some sort of traveling Australian glee club or something. Girl after girl belted out some show tune or another they'd rehearsed to a T, worked the stage like it was their debut night on Broadway, and then calmly walked off like it was no big deal in what amounted to some of the best/strangest karaoke I've ever seen. Pretty much everyone in there was taken aback by this, and we could tell this wasn't business as usual. That being said, the drinks were cheap, the bartender was super cool, and to say I was entertained would probably be an understatement. Overall, pretty cool little spot.
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Review from Julie A.
11/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hah! What a gem. I stopped in on a monday evening for last call. Cheap drinks, old homey atmosphere with locals and music.
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Review from Susie M.
Van Nuys, CA
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love dives like this. I also love old guy behind the bar with a heavy hand and a surly attitude. Check your pretentions at the door.
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Review from Sunil S.
3/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is straight out of the movies...yeah, it's in Hollywood. What I liked about it however, is just how grassroots the place felt. The bartender was some old guy who eyed my friend to gauge whether he really was 21 or older (He's 29 but he looks young). We sat there as aspiring musicians performed nearby. Just around the corner, was the booth where Guns N' Roses used to hang out there too, making it a place of musical historical relevance.
There were a couple idiots who shouted while the live musicians performed, giving it a feel like I was in a two-star small-town bar somewhere...but that just adds to the whole realness of the place.
Drinks here are reasonably priced, so it's a great place to pre-party before heading out for a night of clubbing. However, if you wanted to come to just catch some great live music and maybe catch the nextx big thing, before they go big, this isn't a bad place to do it. I'd come back to check it out if I come back to LA. -
Review from sabrina b.
Los Angeles, CA
9/9/2010
Blah blah dive bar blah. Yeah, Guns n Roses used to hang out here. Yes, a lot of the bartenders look like they're time travelers from 1989. The drinks are strong, fairly cheap, and you can get awesome food at Canter's. It's wandering distance to the Silent Theater.
But more importantly, wizards hang out here.
Not just any wizard, but dudes with long white hair in sequined vests and crushed-velvet Sergeant Pepper jackets, hitting on aging Tawney Kitten wannabes, while the ghost my eighth grade goth self from 1995 rocks out to some horrible Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band. There is no other place in L.A where you can get this unique sampling of people. On any given night, Elijah Wood, three hipsters, two elderly war vets, a former groupie, and a pregnant woman in a fishnet shirt might all be hanging out at the bar. If you're any kind of artist, this is a fantastic place to observe the human condition. -
Review from Teresa W.
Hancock Park, CA
11/23/2010
It pains me to give my beloved Kibitz Room only three stars but---
Went the other night after a stellar program at Cinefamily. Was looking for a drink or two and, more importantly, some good people-watching.
It was pretty crazed with a band playing (Sunday night-the band was about as generic as could be-not really a complaint-at least they had live music) and the place was filled. I cleared off a table and brought the glasses up to the bar (I'm finicky about tables piled up with glasses but do not mind doing the work to clear them). Seeing as the action was at the bar, I called my sister over to sit there instead.
Seems there were a bunch of Aussies there getting their Sunday night party on. Rounds and rounds of Jame-o were being poured to the entertainment of me and Sis. The bartender happily joined in and it was Bromance Central.
The boys proceeded to tumble and wrestle and make a mess-all of which I support (they were playful and keeping it amongst themselves). However it became an exclusive party as the bartender decided to only focus on them, ignoring the rest of the bar.
The other bartender (it was challenging figuring out who was "working" as hanging out and flirting were their priorities) grabbed my bottle of beer and tossed it. I told him it wasn't empty. He pulled it out of the garbage dramatically and tipped it pouring out the remaining beer into the garbage. Ooops. Guess he thought he was going to show me. He grudgingly asked if I wanted another beer and I said 'yes' being as they were already on my nerves (after repeatedly ignoring me and others). So, fair enough, he gave me one but then all bets were off.
Now I am all for bartenders living it up with their customers and having a good time. But when it comes at the expense of a crowded bar not getting served-no. The first bartender came around from behind the bar to join his bromancers then proceeded to scuffle with them a bit and toss them all out! These boys were not harming anyone and he had been encouraging them all until he was apparently done with them-or all his Jame-o was kicking in bringing out the brute in him.
The perverse thing is when I ate at Canter's about two weeks prior, the bartenders had thrown out other patrons and even roughed them up outside! I know this because *they told me*! A plate glass window from the next door business wound up getting smashed out due to these shenanigans. So twice in less than three weeks patrons had to be tossed out? It's looking like the bartenders are the ones hopped up and looking for trouble. Sheesh.
Then Bartender Number One continued to ignore the other patrons so he could focus on what he thought was a cute girl. Hey, I'm no cock-blocker but it's a little challenging when you hear the bartender say loudly "blah blah I have a girlfriend blah blah" (to her) then proceed to come out from behind the bar again to hang out and very obviously hit on her. Meanwhile Bartender 2 has his back to the whole establishment as he chats away with randoms.
Boy, I don't know. I'm not giving up on the Kibitz Room (have loved that place for at least 15 years) but forget going there when the Sunday night Douche Patrol is working. -
Review from Madison B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh Kibitz Kibitz Kibitz. What do I say about Kibitz? Hmm well dirt cheap drinks that are strong to start with. Mix of a crowd from the burned out aspiring musicians to hipsters and to others who just don't give a damn. Live bands come and play but we all know Willy is the best. He gets the crowd rocking. If you want to have a night where you don't think about what you wear, where you don't care who is there, and you just want to drink, then this is your place.
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Review from Ed C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/6/2007
Um - why am I the first one to review this Los Angeles-area institution?
Maybe it's because the Kibbitz Room is attached at the hip to Canter's Deli and is often overlooked.
Anyhoo, as most of you know, the Kibbitz Room is a great place to watch young rockers get their groove on.
Most of the bands are, uh, rough-around-the-edges, but their various hangers-ons, groupies and shills seem to have a hoot-'n'hollering good time while supporting them.
Plus you can rub elbows with young foreigners (mostly from Europe) who are staying at Orbitz, that youth hostel around the corner on Fairfax. Of course, they've been warned about preying Los Angelenos, so you better be one charming pig to get YOUR groove on.
Four stars.
P.S. And if you get pissed drunk at the Kibbitz, you can stumble over to Canters for a mile high Reuben sandwich or over to Damiano's for a slice. -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/1/2009
Yeah, so I still haven't actually eaten anything at Canters. Ally B wanted to get some pastries and we stopped by to get some. I mentioned I've only gone to the Kibitz Room.
"What's the Kibitz Room?"
Wha!? I sort of found it funny that while I have never eaten at Canters and she had been going for years, she never knew of their (in)famous bar.
So we had to go and easily were the youngest people in the room (minus the one dude playing bass for the band). Where else can you go to watch old dudes in velvet capes talking loudly about their facebook pages and every guy has shoulder length (or longer) hair?
Kibitz Room!
I like how the older bartender insisted on seeing my ID and then remembered my name the rest of the night. In fact, that's how he established our tab (while taking cards from others).
Drinks were on average $6.50 for well and $7 or $8 for call liquors.
Yeah, I love this bar.Listed in: Whiskey & Such, Real LA Dates
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2008
The Kibitz Room was rocking out on 80s hair bands the night I went. It was all sorts of crazy.
The… Read more »
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Review from Valentina D.
Miami, FL
7/26/2007
Ever since the day I saw the three biggest cockroaches in the world doing battle over a piece of bagel in front of Canter's, I resolved to stay well away from that area instution, even if it is only a few blocks from home. I like dives as much as the next trendy hip unutterably and breathtakingly cool person, but I don't really want to eat in them. I'll have a scotch, maybe (no germs in alcohol, right?) but that's as far as it goes.
So, I guess the Kibbitz Room was tarred with the same feather as Canter's. I was singing "I Don't Wanna See No Roaches" to the tune of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" every time I walked by. But, the night was beautiful, we weren't tired, we wanted to hang, and so we just walked in. And you know what? The Kibbitz Room is cool, daddy-O. It's tiny, and dark, with horseshoe shaped vinyl booths, 60s light fixtures, a little bar at the opposite end of the room, and a miniscule sliver of a stage where a very rockin' band was playing to an appreciative audience. It was so much hepper than the Dime across the street, which is such a self-consciously snotty kind of place. The Kibbitz Room was the real deal, and furthermore it had soul. That's hard to come by in nightclubs these days, so I'll take it where I can get it, cockroaches and all. -
Review from Joseph W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2008
This is one of the first bars I ever went to when I moved to LA in 2001. I was with a bunch of friends from NYC who grew up in LA and they all used to go here when they were 16 or whatever.
I had a hard time being around people of this age when I was this age, and going to this bar is basically like reliving the worst years of high school all over again. Lots of hipsters, lame-o's, and people you would normally have to be paid to be around, yet for some reason the bartender keeps asking ME for money!
I have nothing against a "bar" in and of itself, but the patrons of this place are just kinda annoying. I'm not a hater, believe me, and it gets 2 stars for having relatively cheap booze and a decent selection of music. But there are just so many other places in this city that justify their own existence.
Also, some little high-water pants douche with a Bloc Party shirt tried to start shit with me here the last time I went, for no good reason. I'm always up for a good old barfight, but I didn't really fell like putting some trust fund ass in the hospital that night.
You can be young, hip, have good taste, like indie music, whatever, but above all BE FUN. This place is full of people who are NO FUN. -
Review from Chris B.
Pasadena, CA
9/23/2007
A truly world-class hole-in-the-wall.
It has been a while since I've been in there, but the Kibbitz Room was one of my favorite places when I lived in the area. The beer was super cheap, and the jam sessions were endlessly entertaining. The musicians weren't always good, but many were extremely talented. The energy in the room was amazing at times, especially when everyone played together and got into some serious improvisation.
The Kibbitz Room is merely an annex of Canters, which is a good thing if you like their food. If you don't, then you simply haven't been drunk enough.Listed in: Punish Your Liver
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Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
7/17/2007
This dive is a surprising find, we wandered in here on a Saturday night to find a rocking live band made up of old timers. At least one of these dudes was about 70 years old. Wearing a black shirt with music symbols in silver glitter, he played some kick ass drums. The band of the night, Scott Columbo has their own drummer and the dude was a guest drummer for a few songs. We talked to him a bit and he said he's actually a lead singer with his own band, Artie Vegas which plays every other Sunday. For an old guy, he has a good ear and complete control of the drums. Damned good. Scott Columbo is a bluesy band with a harmonica player / singer. None of these old timers let up for a second. The peeps seem to be mostly the band's friends. This place is pretty divey, black vinyl booths, though way cool, no cover charge, either.
10-29-07 Update
I ventured back here on a Friday and watched as a band was setting up. I was more than mildly traumatized from an extremely fugly looking band. Omg, one member had bald patches in his filthy, stringy hair that was hanging over his face, complete with a leer, baggy jeans and dirty flannel, plaid shirt as he strummed his guitar. What happen to decorum when in public, and even more so while on stage in a band?? Omg, I'll pretend I don't see him. Downgraded from four to three stars due to the inconsistency in booking talent that can jam and be presentable. Their saving grace, no cover charge. Also, my friend put some money in the juke box and one of the dudes just came over and unplugged it when the band got started.Listed in: Mid City Area, Dance & Music Related
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Review from Joe D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/20/2008
I've been coming here since I was 20. The same bartenders that work here now were working back then. They know my name and my drink even when I do not show up for months. I can say the same thing about the regulars who have held court here for years. This is the way a bar should be. I always feel like I am with family here.
EVERY bartender here makes a stiff drink but every single regular and bartender will agree that the drinks made by Danny are the ones that will kill a farmer and his horse.
A word of advice to newbies, go with cocktails and not beer. The cocktails pack the wallop and therefore are worth the price. The beer is the same as every place else.
Here is your bartender guide:
Danny - Mustache and always with a leather vest and hat. Makes the drinks strongest.
Erik "El Diablo" - Long Hair, moustache, goatee and usually a baseball hat. Knows countless facts about sports. A great guy when you get to know him and if you want to play a show here, he is who you should be talking to. You can hear his laugh echo throughout Fairfax. He invented the drinks, "El Diablo", "Pussy", "Selena's Pussy" and "Marilyn's Pussy". All of which are great tasting but will make your brain feel like it is floating in water the next day.
Steve - Greyish long hair. Usually in a button down. He loves a good dirty joke. He also usually keeps the flat screen TV on Animal Planet which is oddly calming.
Skot - Skot is the youngest bartender. He is skinny and has long hair. He is chock full of energy and adrenaline. Picture your favorite wild man rock star tending a bar and you got Skot. He has a heart of gold. He also invented a shot called, "the Crackwhore". It is like a short addictive burst of alcoholic mayhem.
I think one or two others have been added but I do not know them as well.
Sometimes there a few douche bags here and sometimes a band will suck but this place will always exist as a second home.
Don't forget that you can always wander to the deli next door and sober up with some deli food before driving home.
C'mon. Eat Something. You're nothing but skin and bones. A nice knish, maybe?Listed in: My Old OLD Neighborhood
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Review from Karla R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/15/2010
Well, ah this place.
The Rocking history, the music, the Buttrock scene of yore...the hairspray and ratted hair.....oh it must have been heaven. :D
Ok. First things first:
Drinks are reasonably priced.
YOU WILL GET CARDED so don't be stupid
Some hipsters are there, but usually it's people that know the bands performing. Fun stuff, people chasing their dreams. :D
It's next to Canters.....so you can eat after you're drunk off your ass.
Nice bar to sit at.
Restrooms are actually on the same level, and unisex :)
There are booths for bigger groups, but it's LA it's tiny, and you might be standing...but people move around a lot too..cuz they wanna dance to some tunes.
So I say
If you're in Fairfax area,
check it. :DListed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from niki g.
North Hollywood, CA
8/2/2009
Cougars on the dancefloor, West Hollywood dates and coverbands executing your soundtrack for tonight's adventure.
The liquor selection is quite curbed. Yet, it does dull the edge. There is always a blind grab in the dark. You will never know who or when the line-up is. There are usually 3 bands a night. I love that you can chill with a nice cold beverage and listen to artists jam. Something resonates well with me and the idea of sponteneity.
This is a typical grungy dive minus the indoor smoking. The bar setting is dated and is attached to Canters. The bartenders are friendly, the regulars are awe-inspiring and eclectic. There are half circle booths for guests and a dark wood bar with red polyester bar chairs.
Not everyone is beautiful in this establishment, yet the experience is fun and enjoyable. Finally for one night i can drop the "Hollywood" and get my suburban garage on.
This is a consummate location for friends, libation and harmonious appreciation. -
Review from Phil R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2008
Stopped by after a bite next door at Canters. What an odd scene. Walked through a slab of a wooden door into what felt like pitch black at first. Once my eyes adjusted, I saw a spectacular blacklight mural of some sort of tropical lagoon. There was a jazz quartet on stage (every member over 50) with a cool loungy sound. The singer reminded me somewhat of Keely Smith.
We sat at a table. There were a few rocker tourist girls at the bar, excitedly talking about Guns n Roses to the grizzled bartender wearing a biker T shirt and sporting long gray hair that was thinning on top. At another table were some rockabilly kids eating deli sandwiches and drinking beers. At a third was a family complete with a nine year old kid wearing a sweatband over his long hair, totally reminding me of Luke Wilson from the Royal Tenenbaums. The mom was having a great time shouting out requests to the band and clapping.
The bar is kinda grungy, but I like grungy. This place has been doing it's thing since the 30s, which in LA is a very VERY rare thing. Paid 24 for four drinks, including tip - which for Hollywood is also pretty rare.
All in all, it was a fun couple of hours. Live music, blacklight decor, cheap drinks. I'd go back again.Listed in: Get your drink on.
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Review from John N.
Los Angeles, CA
6/12/2008
Ok, I'm writing this review from the perspective of someone who has actually played at the Kibitz Room. Not once, not twice, but probably about 40-50 times. My band had a Friday night residency here for almost half a year, and I've played countless other times with other bands.
Let me just say this - it is not easy to find a musical community in Los Angeles if you're not Rick Rubin's kid or something. However, I found many musicians here that were not only talented people, but became some of my closest friends and musical collaborators. Eric, the booking guy, comes across like a jerk sometimes, but he's actually one of the nicest guys to work with in town because he has the attitude that people should work together to create something great, its not all about screwing everyone else over to get to the top.
Also, the drinks are cheap and extremely strong (thanks Danny and John) and there's a 24 hour deli conveniently attached to it, in case you have one too many (or sometimes just one).
Plus, campy pictures of 80s hair bands everywhere! -
Review from julieanne s.
Brooklyn, NY
9/11/2007
Every time I come to the Kibbitz Room, I neeeeeeearly sleep with somebody I shouldn't (note: NOT other customers. No amount of Scotch in the world will induce you to sleep with K.R. Regulars).
Remember that time you went on a three day creek-walk and went straight home to clean out your grandma's garage? You now have another use for that outfit.
Come. Wear your dirty Bears sweatshirt. Almost get laid. -
Review from Amy L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/9/2008
It's a complete and total dump.
With live music - that is, open mic nights on a tee-niny stage. Also the occasional so-called comedian, so be warned.
The drinks are fairly cheap, at least - $4.50 for a well Scotch. Our bartender had a mile-wide vindictive streak.
The clientele appeared to range from young, hungry musicians to older, jaded bottom-feeders, though when spoken to, they were smarter than they appeared.
But guess what happens when you combine a dive bar and fabulous Yelp babes with too many scotches and Mr. Random?
Mayhem ensues. And lots of giggling. -
Review from Lynn C.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2009
Although my memories of this place are not of the fond variety(that's not their fault). I really have always liked the look of the place. Really vintage, I can just see kids in the 60s hanging out here after eating some delish deli delights next door. Girls in short dresses boys in tight pants and shaggy hair, oh wait that was only a few years ago.
Anyone know if they still have a 60s/band night?
I need to go back here soon, if not just for the mediocre matzo ball soup next door and the kitschy vibe. I miss the mojo filters and astrum, aww...my early days in hollyweird. Groovy stuff man!Listed in: Nobody walks in LA... but they…
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Review from Nicole P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2009 6 photos
This review is about the weekly Tuesday Night Jam at Kibitz Room...
Some call it a dive bar - it is.
Some say the drinks are strong, and the bartenders blissfully ornery - they are.
Many like the fact that they can slide seamlessly between the bar and the infamous Canter's 24 hour deli for some pastrami, Matzo Ball soup, fries, or dill pickles.
But not everyone knows about the killer jams that have pulsed through the thin walls of the Kibitz Room... especially on Tuesday nights. It's time you know - and go.
In the early 90s, Kibitz on Tuesdays was a secret spot for everything from soulful swan songs to hardcore rockin' riffs played by members of the Wallflowers, Guns N Roses, and any number of equally talented local musicians. DJ/singer Morty Coyle (The iMPOSTERS, Men Without Sex, All Day Sucker) acted as emcee and frontman to a rollicking and regular crowd that gathered week in and week out to sing and play along. The jam rocked for a good many years until the original galvanizers went on to other things... but the Tuesday Kibitz was missed by those who started it, and those like me who just showed up to enjoy.
As of January 6th, 2009, the Tuesday Night Kibitz Jam is BACK! Coyle reunited with Wallflowers / Foo Fighters Keyboardist Rami Jaffee and other local jammers Rick Torres, Jordan Summers, JJ Blair, Dan Rothchild, Paul Ill, drummer Gersh, Nick Sharpe and others to bring back the spirit of kinship, Kizmet and smooth grooves we Kibitzers all grew to know and love. Well, sometimes the impromptu and by request grooves are not so smooth... but everyone has fun trying!
The later it gets, the louder. And the more you come, the more you feel like you're part of a unique and wonderful family united by a love of music and positivity. Check it out... you can't beat the free cover charge, or the happy ringing in your ears come 2:05 a.m.Listed in: I'm not getting old. You're…
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Review from Kris R.
Santa Cruz, CA
3/4/2010
L.A.'s a big place, and still this is one of the 2 I'd be caught dead in. It really is the best place to go for a cheap, unassuming beer and the occasional live set. And if you get hungry, the best deli on the W. Coast is just a door-jam away.
Disclaimer: not for the velvet rope typesListed in: Best Bars in the World
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Review from Andy F.
Los Angeles, CA
5/15/2008
L.A.D.S. #2
(what's LADS? look up my Barney's Beanery review or look us up on facebook or myspace)
The Kibitz was our 2nd event, and was much lower than expected. After having 36 peeps show up, we were down to 10. A couple of new people to get hooked, so that was good, but we made the best out of it.
When we first showed up, it was us and the drunks. I mean, this is where I'll be when I get divorced, lose my job, and all my money. These will be my people. A little shady at first, and the bartender was nowhere to be seen for the first 20 minutes, but then he came and served the 4 of us that were there. Some of the shadier guys left, and some younger people made their way in. It was still dark, quiet (except the baseball game blaring in the background), but even my friends chatted with some of the regulars that were there. The drinks are stiff and good. And cheap. They were setting up for live musc, but by the time we left, they weren't even close to ready.
Good haunt to go to when you want to dissapear into something very not L.A. But then again, it's more L.A. than most places because of it's history. On a night when they've got music going, it's a fun place to be, but for us LADS, a slower night to throw a couple back and catch up, worked in our favor.
Stay for one or two when you can, if you're down for the Jaeger shots, go for it. At least next door you can get some grub.
Look up the Los Angeles Drinking Society on facebook or myspace. -
Review from Ryan S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2008
If I had a bar that I considered my hang out, this would be it. Maybe its the hipster chicks that hang out there on the weekend or maybe its the old ex biker looking bartender who always remembers my name. I can't figure it out but I love this bar.
If you are in to dive bars then peep this joint. There is live music almost every night and the drinks are decently cheap. The bartenders are always good for at least one drink/shot too, if you play it cool. There is never a cover either, rare indeed.
Kibbitz isn't always jumping during the week but if you are looking for a chill spot then this is your place. If you're lucky you'll catch this blues band ( I forget their name) that take requests. I requested "my funny valentine" last time I was there and the woman lead singer sang it directly at me, which was awkward but I didn't mind.
Its also a nice spot to bring your lady (women who are reading this are probably saying hell no to that but Kibbitz is a good spot to chat and have a couple brews)
The Kibbitz Room doesn't close early like a lot of other LA bars either, which is key.
Free parking is kind or a bitch some time because of Largo and the Dime being across the street but you can usually find a spot in the surrounding neighborhoods if you are patient so its not horrible.
Check out Kibbitz for its live drinks and strong bands, you won't regret it. -
Review from David W.
3/14/2011
Fun to go to if you're in the area (especially at Canter's), definitely not a place I plan a night to though...
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Review from Heather J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/22/2009
I'm not a barfly by any means, unless if by "bar" you mean my bed and a large cheese pizza on any given weeknight, but The Kibitz fucking rules. Lucky for me, it's walking distance from my house, so it's really the only place I "go out" to.
I have had a raging blast every time I've gone. I love the bartenders and the weirdo regulars. I love the cover bands, rapping grannies, and warblin' singer/songwriters. Most of all, I love the down-home, no-frills energy of the place. There is NO snobby LA pretense here. In fact, the Kibitz could be lifted straight outta the south, the heartland, the desert, or some other movie-mythologized place where bars are always full of perfectly appropriate classic rock jukebox hits and smack-talkin' locals with hearts of gold. It really is like that here.
So cozy, so fun, so welcoming. There really is no reason to go anywhere else. -
Review from L S.
Tustin, CA
9/19/2011
As a 21 year-old going to this bar on a Sunday night to support a friend who was performing, I have to say that my friend and I were left pretty disappointed. The famous deli next door had the vibe of a Denny's or a worn out, mom and pop place with hideous servers, bountiful menu, ok prices and ok food (nothing spectacular). The bar, on the other hand, is a joke. Please, this is LA; there are hundreds of places to go. Yes, there is live music (AKA wannabes who sound terrible) and yes the drinks are cheap. So what? It's still a dump. Unless Michael Jackson rises from the grave and comes to perform, I don't see the point in spending any part of my weekend in that stifling, gloomy, hackneyed, reeking place. And the crowd? It was packed with grandpas who were well "pickled" and, while making googly eyes at us, hobbled and swayed from the bar to the booths while attempting to somehow, maybe, just maybe, start a conversation with us.
I understand the positive reviews on here: these are regulars who enjoy dive bars (Goat Hill Tavern in Newport Beach anyone?) However, besides the 3-5 weird young chicks there (my GOD did they look like the artsy freaks from college!), I don't get what a young person should be doing there. Getting drunk? Losing their hearing? Yea... crammed, dirty, old, and not fun.
And no, i'm not the "clubbing" type of a gal. I just appreciate my environment and seek a desirable atmosphere when I decide to go out with friend(s) and relax. This was not it.
O, and if you do go, don't dress "nicely;" as in, don't wear anything you would wear around normal people because everyone, yes everyone, will stare at you like you're Lady Gaga. Visiting your local thrift store will make sure you fit right in with the crowd. -
Review from Peter c.
3/7/2010
3.5 Stars
Who knew, the lounge in Canters had an amazing history of live music. I guess everybody but me.
My friend was playing a small set on a Friday night. I arrived at about 9:45, his set was at 10. I decided to check out some of the neighboring stores. This is definitely a cool little strip on Fairfax, with Animal a couple doors and Golden State across the street, there's good food abound. There are also some cool shoes stores and a couple of bars all within walking distance.
The Kibitz room is small and very old school. A mix of hipsters, bar regulars and strays populate the place. The drinks are cheap and the musical acts are eclectic, mostly good ole rock n roll. This place is great for grabbing a drink and hanging with friends. -
Review from Nichole M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2010
Oy ve! I dig it. This is a dainty hole in the wall attached to Canter's Deli.
The 'tenders pour strong, the room stays full of a vast array of regulars and the drunky passerby, and the music is sometimes live (but even on jukebox night I was rockin in my booth).
If you want to chat with a war hero, a spaced out hippie, or a wannabe rockstar, you can find it. Everyone is chill and you can get drunk off your keister without losing all yo skrilla (that means money). -
Review from Harrison G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2008
Really cool place with a lot of history. It gets 4 stars because while it delivers a fun time with good music (usually), it is way too small. There's no room for it to expand because of Canter's and other stores, but it really gets too crowded and uncomfortable.
I see my friend's band here every couple weeks and always enjoy myself. If you get here early you can snag a seat and order some food, otherwise you're stuck milling about in the crowd or dancing in the small dance floor. I wouldn't come here unless I knew the band or knew the music would be good. But it is a fun place to come with frirends. -
Review from Raquel M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2009
Jesus I'm so over businesses in LA going on and on about how famous people used to hang out there, or got their start there or whatever.
So what? Your bar still reeks like rotten meat and toilet water and you charge $3.50 for a half pint of Coors. -
Review from Tiffany G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/30/2008
Okay so hands down I'm giving the Kibitz Room three stars, not because of it's wonderful martini's, classy people and ambiance, but because it's probably the ONLY place in town where drinks are $4.50 a pop...and strong ones too!
I stumbled into this place, after a night out at the Grove, and hearing so much about the famous Canters deli....but, being the semi - lush I am, of course I just wanted a drink in a low key environment.
Yes the Kibitz Room is a dive bar by all means, but if you're going to go check out a dive bar, why not check one out that the Rolling Stones and Guns N Roses got their start at? This bar is known for its (far from a top charting band performances) but on the wall there are pictures of all the now legendary groups that once performed at the Kibitz room. I'm sure 20 years ago this place was the happenin spot!
Seriously guys go for the amazing yummy food at Canters and pop in for a drink or two at Kibtiz. I was so excited $9 bucks got me two drinks...and yes I was a little embarrassed I asked for a Kettle Tonic and ended up with a well, but at the end of the night it's all the same really...well, kinda.
Don't go here looking for a date, and note that there will be either emo kids, or women aged 50 in mini skirts, but I must admit I had a night of good old fashion fun. -
Review from wayne s.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2009
GNR hangs out here!
That's why i took a couple stars off, ha, j.k. Actually, it is a dark and lovely dive to disappear in, but $5.50 for a heineken? (I didn't order that, but my friend did), uncomfortable chairs at the bar. The plus is canter's is just next door, so you can order food to be delivered at the bar. -
Review from Emily P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2009
I'm sensing a 4-star trend in my reviews, but I sincerely like the Kibitz Room and have a great time there. It's got a kooky crowd, from the maybe-homeless guy who dresses like a pimp (I've seen him in Canter's/Kibitz Room countless times, it's great) to the Jimmi Hendrix impersonator my boyfriend struck up a conversation with, to the drunk-as-shit Greek patriarch wheeling around on the dance floor telling us at our table to love each other forever.
So basically Kibitz Room is loud, STRONG cheap drinks (upon delivering our 7 and 7 and Manhatten rocks the grizzled bartender said, "Don't operate any chainsaws"), and Canter's just a few steps away. Long live Los Angeles. Perfect after a movie at the Regency just down the block. -
Review from Tricia Y.
Monterey Park, CA
10/14/2010
i like the vibe...
sort of old dive bar... great strong drinks that get stronger the better you tip the bartenders !!
at happy hour they actually bring in canter classic deli sandwiches such as... reubens and hot pastrami's!!
what more could anyone want??? -
Review from Adam B.
5/9/2009
Boy is this ever a dive! Canter's other half. This bar is known for where some of the most famous bands in rock started. Still, it is a dive and I came on a night when there was no live music. Still, there's no excuse for the lam-o beer selection (well, it is a dive), the high prices (uh, it is a dive?) and the crappy, stale tortilla chips they serve at the bar. What was the expiration date on those? At least the salsa/guacamole was decent. Always thought Canter's was an overrated deli and this is definitely an overrated dive bar.
-
Review from Aaron G.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2008
let's start a petition to blow this place up.
next will be canter's. they both epitomize the term: overrated.
If you do end up "having to go there", I'm sure you'll end up at the dime bar instead, where you just might end up having a decent time, and if you play your cards right, end up in someone's pants... end up.
so yeah, it leads to a relentlessly confusing pattern of "ending up"... at least mr. pizza's delicious calzone is just across the way. mmmm. ricotta.
