- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Maui Sugar Mill Saloon
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for Maui Sugar Mill Saloon
Review Highlights
"Definitely check out Monday night Blues: they had..."
(in 3 reviews)
"I am an avid live music junkie."
(in 6 reviews)
"...butter flavor popcorn on every table plus the actually..."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Christopher K.
Tarzana, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love me a good dive bar and the Sugar Mill fits the description perfect, actually it goes a few steps further b/c on three different occasions they have had a band and I've enjoyed each of them.... someone mentioned the Blues bands here... I can attest to that, I was blown away (and I'm hard to please).
Drinks are strong and cheap. The buxon bartender is cool and fun. The fact that I even walk over there for a couple of drinks on a dead night is a testament to this place as a good old fashioned watering hole. Believe me, I was shocked too when I saw that it was in a strip mall in Tarzana. I dislike nearly everything about the valley (and will soon be moving) but the Sugar Mill is a glimmer of light in this area (along with a couple of Indian restaurants). -
Review from Clara B.
Studio City, CA
8/23/2011
I haven't been here in years until my friend invited me last night and we had the best time. Definitely check out Monday night Blues: they had incredible blues legend ROY GAINES and his TUXEDO BLUES ORCHESTRA. He was in the zone and then a female blues artist came up and she sounded like Janice Joplin, wish I could sing like that...
The drinks were good and a fun crowd. Great atmosphere and they gave out popcorn which was perfect. -
Review from Korey K.
Valencia, CA
Updated - 2/8/2012
ok, so make me feel like an ass now. As I am more educated, I appreciate the knowledge and send my deepest apology to the Folks on MONDAY night at the SUGAR MILL, if they would SAY hey, folks, we are this, and we support that, so please we dont charge a cover, we only ask that you buy two drinks, and we promise they will put you on your ass, and maybe help you get lucky....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/7/2012
OK. My lady and I went last night. Dropped our son and Gran's and booked to the Valley. Based on… Read more »
Comment from Tim C. of Maui Sugar Mill Saloon 2/7/2012
The Sugar Mill Saloon is one of the very very few local… More » -
-
Review from Lowell H.
Sylmar, CA
Updated - 1/31/2012
Sadly the restaurant next store closed, so no more burgers, but on Monday's Zacks' Blues Party and Jam has a different food truck show up each week at 7:30, so you can eat and see the show. This weeks show was incredible, Albert Lee, backed by a great local blues band, and some local blues stars showed up and played some amazing music. The house band includes guys who for years backed up guys like Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Roy Buchanan. This is the most amazing show in the valley. Busty bartenders serve up drinks, free popcorn. I go there about every other Monday, and often feel like I am missing out if I am too tired to go.
Listed in: Live Music, Blues Clubs
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
3/29/2011
Now you can get a 1/2 lb cheeseburger, fresh chips and a beer of your choice, i.e. Guiness, for… Read more »
-
-
Review from D G.
Reseda, CA
1/18/2012
I love this bar
-
Review from Kat C.
Encino, CA
12/7/2011
This place was great. My boyfriend and I went there for the first time last week. I must admit there was a time before that we went, but after looking at the outside I passed on checking out the inside and we went somewhere else. Good thing we gave it another chance :) The staff was friendly, the drinks were good, the free popcorn was tasty and the people watching was AWESOME.
-
Review from Minoti V.
Tarzana, CA
7/13/2011
This is a pretty decent place. The crowd varies depending on the night, but they have live music on most nights and some of the band's friends always show up which is always fun - because they talk to everyone and get everyone excited. I'm a musician and I find this place is a pretty good stage for up and coming acts - and also a good place to network.
I like this place because the drinks are reasonably cheap and the food (catered from the restaurant next door) is fairly good. The servers are cheerful and friendly, the music is usually good and they have popcorn on
every table.
I gave it 4/5 stars mostly because sometimes, it's pretty dead. It gets crowded on weekends though. But all in all, a pretty good place.Listed in: Bars I Like
-
Review from Bruce S.
CA
11/23/2011
Well I hadn't ever been here until going to hear some bands one night. Nice crowd good drinks, decent prices & decent service. The Neil Deal played Neil Young's music and the place was totally maxed out, but still a great fun vibe. Afterwards a Bruce Springsteen tribute singer named Josh did a cool Bruce set on acoustic. Xlnt Bartender!! Some friends who ate the basic bar food said it was delish. Prices reasonable, free parking, nice people, good music. No city pretention, just a good place to hang, we'll be back!!
-
Review from leone i.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/24/2011
It's definitely a cozy little blues bar and the people who work there have been there many many years so am am told. I actually have had one of the best Lemon drop martinis there! They serve butter flavor popcorn on every table plus the actually serve some pretty yum bar food .
I am an avid live music junkie... especially for real talent!
I go to support the musicians who are my dear friends for many years and my man Kylae who is an astounding alto sax genius!
They play mostly down home Blues and sometimes some funky R& B every last Wednesday of the month. *Kylae Jordan* (Alto sax) Paulie Cerra (lead sax), Billy Haynes (bass), Sam Meek (guitar), Billy Steinway (keys),and the legendary James Gadson (drums)
It's always so much fun and everyone is uber friendly.
I understand that every night has different R & B , Blues & Jazz... come support live music !!! -
Review from andi g.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/19/2011
great convenient dive bar ..clean .. lots of regulars .. shit talkin all in good fun. sports on what ever you like .
plan , simple , dark .. love it ! -
Review from Hazel F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely stop by on Monday for Blues Night. I had a roommate who was a drummer and used to come here regularly. I thought the name suggested tiki drinks, but it is really a good place to order a SoCo, according to a plaque I noticed on the wall. There is no cover, but there is a tip jar, and a suggested minimum if you are planning on occupying a chair. I did notice popcorn coming from the back, but I had no idea where it was coming from. When I went, one of the performers was Big Jay whose first hit was in the 40s. Nice to see an old man who can still jam at the young age of 80.
-
Review from justin k.
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in to have a couple drinks with a friend from out of town. The place had a very laid back feel to it. It was around 4 o'clock when I sat at the bar and ordered some Fat Tire from the tap and the gentlemen behind the bar was extremely nice and very attentive. Unknowing to me the owner was at the bar and decided to treat us to a free drink each. What a unbelievably nice place I look forward to coming and having a drink next time I am in the area.
-
Review from Erin B.
6/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Total dive bar, complete with old lady bartenders, wood paneled walls, and dim lighting. They have some good live music tho, they give out baskets of popcorn, and everyone is always friendly. What more do you need in a local bar. Cheers!!!
Listed in: The SFValley
-
Review from Debi K.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
8/1/2011
This place is a best kept secret for some of the best blues you will ever hear in LA. Cadillac Zack puts on the Monday night blues jam with a featured artist starting the party. I am new to the blues scene but from talking to others, some of the best and most accomplished musicians take the stage. The bartenders and servers are friendly. The drinks are not too pricey and they serve very good food from the adjoining restaurant . There are many choices other than the standard bar fare. The amazing thing is that there is no cover but there is a tip jar passed around with a suggested donation of $10. This is a bargain considering the caliber of musicians. This donation goes straight back into keeping this place alive. I am sure there are many logistical costs incurred. If you want a guaranteed great time on a Monday night with first rate entertainment, check out this place. Come with friends and make it a party at a party!
I -
Review from Catherine W.
Thousand Oaks, CA
6/16/2009
My coworkers and I were overdue of a happy hour. Last time, we went to Vino, a wine bar. This time, I was in the mood for something casual with cheap drinks.
I chuckled over the amusing Yelp reviews, but had to check this place out for myself. I have found my new favorite dive bar. About 7 or 8 of us showed up on a Friday night, 6 PM-ish. We sat on the couches near the fireplace. The interior is your standard dive bar interior, but fairly clean. Lots of wood, the old tiffany like glass, carpet, high tops and adequate restrooms. Later on in the evening, after several $6-ish Tanqueray and tonics, a cover band came on. About that time is when things got a little hazy for us.
The service here is super friendly. I don't know who my server was, but she had brown hair and was totally on top of our drinks, brought us popcorn, helped guide us to the right round of shots and put up with our shenanigans. We also ordered some food, but I can't remember if it was good, but it wasn't gross because I ate it.
After a few Alabama Slammers and chanting, "shot, shot, shot," dancing with the locals and shouting out song requests, our night came to a close. Our server thanked us, invited us back and we chuckled over the weekend at our hazy memories of this friendly, laidback dive bar.
Definitely check this place out. I have to say, I enjoyed it more than Chimneysweep in Sherman Oaks, although this is more of a group hang out for people watching and reckless abandonment (not a place for your Prince Charming). Friendly service, cheap drinks and go incognito, my kind of place.Listed in: Westside Watering Holes
-
Review from Ayelet I.
Los Angeles, CA
4/30/2008
Part two of my unsuccessful "Learn to love your neighborhood tour," at least this place brought the curve up a bit. The decor here is cool-lots of rich wood, Tiffany style light fixtures, old fashioned signs and patrons as old fashioned as the goods on the walls. They are friendly but a little bit off-kilter and sorta trashy. I realized this as soon as I stepped into the bathroom before getting a drink. As I began to lock the stall door (there's only one) a lady ran up and begged me to let her go first telling me when you get old it's hard to hold it and by the way she just lost 220 pounds. Erm, okay. Then she proceeded to tell me her life story while taking a piss. Another woman talking on her phone in the room left because she was so loud, but not before exposing a whole lot of ass crack on her way out. Ahhhh, this would so be my Cheers bar if I was a little trashier and in my forties.
Drinks on offer were praiseworthy enough- Hefeweizen on tap and Irish Coffee available, which is what I went for. As the warm liquor lined my belly I was kept entertained by middle aged women in halter tops swinging their fried hair around to the live music like it's still the '70s. I liked the place, but I think more as a novelty than a place I'd ever be truly comfortable at. Still, zero attitude and friendly people-this is why Reseda ain't so bad if you're in the 'burbs for a little while longer like me. -
Review from Rachel B.
10/18/2009 1 photo
Yeah, this place is no bueno.
I'm in a state of perpetual distress, as I'm always trying to find bars between my house in Valley Village and the homes of my friends who live in Woodland Hills. I grew up west of the 405, and couldn't get out fast enough, but unfortunately, some people still love it.
So my friend and I tried the Sugar Mill because we hate Little Rock. The parking there is a massive pain in the ass, and it's always the lifted Ford truck crowd there. While some Little Rock patrons are perfectly lovely, others, well, I could live without them!
The Sugar Mill caters to the 55+ crowd, and on Saturday nights features a boring cover band at an annoyingly high decibel level.
I have written this before, but I will write it here again: I do NOT want to hear a band at a bar, play pop culture trivia at a bar or sit through another karaoke night. If I wanted to play board games, see a band or sing badly, I'd do all of those things at an appropriate place- I go to bars to hang out and talk. And drink.
The thing that sealed the deal on how bad I thought this bar was is the condition of the limes in my $7.75 kettle/soda. They were 50-60% brown.
It's like the place is determined to never have anyone under 60 enter the joint!!! I would have loved to have a decent time here, and been able to see my friend in a pleasant environment. Sadly, the overall impression was that the details have been neglected by the management.
But, on the bright side, Wednesday night offers an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner for $4.95. That'll bring out the young people ;)Comment from Tim C. of Maui Sugar Mill Saloon 12/8/2011
Hi Rachel! Just wanted to let you know the Sugar Mill is… More » -
Review from Julie L.
Glendale, CA
4/23/2011
You'd never expect it but situated at the far end of Tarzana Square strip mall lies the Sugar Mill; a great place to hear amazing live jazz and blues. Its dark and cozy inside with fireplace, popcorn, pool table, huge menu from next door and cocktails of course. Monday night blues is fun.
-
Review from Krystina C.
Lawndale, CA
5/7/2007
There is only one reason to visit the sugar mill. And that's Marty. She is by far the friendliest bartender in town. She cares, she remembers your name, and she's got that "cool" mama vibe going. She's the reason for the 5 stars. You can find her there on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights. She's been there since the late 70's and boy does she know how to pour a stiff one.
At the Sugar Mill you'll find an older crowd that might glare at you for entering their domain.. but don't pay that no mind. Once you've gone a couple of times, they turn out to be quite friendly. I prefer this bar over Little Rock ( which is almost across the street) because of it's laid back scene and better priced drinks. It's also cute to sit there and watch the older crowd mingle and dance.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Shirley B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011
If you want to visit a local, dive bar that will try and convince you you're in Beverly Hills with all the frills of older, snotty socialites, rude waitresses, and high-priced drinks ($4.50 for a coke), even though you're in a shopping center in Tarzana, then this is the place for you--not me. I heard this bar was owned by the same obnoxious guy who owns "Club Sixty 25", which also has it's share of horror stories, and now I know why I hate it here. I've tried this bar 3 times now with friends (who are ready to disown me for dragging them there), and this third time was not a charm. My friend called ahead to check if they had a dance floor, and they lied and said they did. She drove down from Santa Barbara to Tarzana just to see a band performing there she liked. Their idea of a dance floor, is leaving the 5pm "unhappy hour" mobile pool table in the middle of the dance floor all night, while lively dancers try to do everything to rock ,aside from dancing on top of the table. When you do make your way, stumbling over the drunk, 50-something, blonde bimbo's, to the front of the stage, to rock with the band who invited you there in the first place, you will almost pass out to the full-blown fire brewing in the quaint fireplace, where the also quaint, geritol crowd in parkas hangs out sipping on their 10th drink, the antique cocktail waitress has delivered with blinders on. There's no rockers here, with the exception of the lively group of us who came solely that night to appreciate the band. This bar is not my idea of a rocking, memorable good time, nor a bar that has the safety of sober drivers on their mind. I've seen many intoxicated patrons stumble out of there or over me to get to their car to drive. There's no security here, and that is an important factor for me. I'm straight to the point--and mind you--my review is from that from a down-to-earth non-drinking rocker, not a snobby, phony, socialite drinker.
Comment from Tim C. of Maui Sugar Mill Saloon 12/1/2011
Rather than charge our guests the $5-$10 cover most places… More » -
Review from Jessica M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2009
All I can say is... Holy Crap. One of the most bizarre nights ever.
I went here with a good friend, and everyone (definitely an older crowd) assumed we were a couple. But they were buying us drinks, so we went with it. A man named Randall who wouldn't leave us alone claimed to have written every song that played on the jukebox and to be Britney Spears' former manager. Then he took a "power nap" on the couch across from us. He also told my friend that it was obvious we had lived together for at least a year (probably because we weren't being very affectionate...)
Drinks are CHEAP and STRONG. The bartender gave us a number of drinks on the house, for no apparent reason. I am almost certain there was no coke in any of my whiskey-and-cokes (can't even remember how many I had). Maybe they're trying to lure in some young folks?
We played erotic photo hunt on the video poker machine for a while, and then, as if things weren't interesting enough already, KARAOKE happened. The place had started filling up a bit more, and they turned down the lights and started passing out free (delicious) popcorn. After watching some truly strange renditions of "Wild Thing", "She's Like the Wind", "Sweet Caroline", and "Green Green Grass of Home", and having numerous drinks bought for me by people trying to convince me to sing, I ended up on stage doing a duet of "Unforgettable" with a sweet older man in a bolo tie. I might have been able to convince myself it was just a dream, but when I woke up there were videos of it on my phone.
In the end we were there for like, FOUR HOURS. Lots of regulars showed up - everyone seemed to know each other, and I have a feeling that when I go back they'll remember me. Probably next Tuesday for karaoke.
Seriously, there could be a movie about this place. It would be like if David Lynch made a version of "True Stories". Just go. Embrace the weirdness. Drink more whiskey than you planned to and accidentally sing karaoke. I promise, it'll be great. -
Review from Jack T.
Van Nuys, CA
2/3/2011
Friday and Saturday nights are the best nights for entertainment with Lil Elmo And The Cosmos every other weekend! CLASSIC ROCK AND ROLL PLAYED WITH PASSION!!
-
Review from Wesley S.
Reseda, CA
9/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A dive bar at its best! Great ole entertainment!
-
Review from Paul F.
Van Nuys, CA
4/6/2007
I met a friend for drinks on a Thursday at about 6:30. The place was of course quiet at that hour. We were there until about 8:00, when many more people started showing up, including some live music. We never saw the live music. The atmosphere is pretty average, but there are comfy couches, booths, a few TVs, and music playing. The bartender and waitress were extremely friendly and accommodating, regularly checking up on us. Nice folks. The crowd was on the older side (50's+), but my friend and I (in our late 30's) felt totally comfy and welcome.
-
Review from J M.
Encino, CA
11/25/2009
I love Marty! She is awesome. My favorite bartender.
Anyways, I am about 40 years younger than the average patron here at the Mill but you know what???? I have always had a great time here.
If you are looking for some trendy place then go back to Hollywood. -
Review from Phoebe W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/12/2010
Upon discovery, this quickly became my local bar, even if only for the fact that it's kind of the only one in the area. The drinks are strong and cheap, though not quite as cheap as you will find at other dive spots. The only place I've ever witnessed a patron actually ask for their Jack and Coke to be poured out a bit and filled with more soda.
I'm 22 and usually one of the youngest in the place. I've been on a few Saturday nights when the place has been packed with a sudden throng of hipsters, but usually it's a crowd of 40+, very entertaining folk. Live music almost every night I've been with the exception of two, I believe, karaoke nights. I like the nights when you can play pool, though a lot of time they have to remove it in order to get the band equipment through. The older bartender women are my favorite as they are all very sweet and less "spacey" as some of the other bartenders that I've had serve me there. The food from next door, which they serve you in the bar, is very good as well, or there is always the free popcorn at every table.
All in all, cheap, laid-back, and definitely worth checking out. (Try to score the coveted couch by the fireplace if you're early enough!) -
Review from stephen o.
Long Beach, CA
7/20/2010
I used to go there for the blues jam Mon night.Way better than the clusterf#$% at Cozy's.Really cool guy Zack runs the jam.Great players easy going vibe.But the secret weapon there is the bartender there that has the best vibe.I dont know her name but shes one of the younger bartenders there and looks like something out of a Russ Meyer flick.Totally beautiful and a great attitude that seems to really enjoy her job.Check it out.Cool unpretentious place.I had to move away but ill miss her and that place.
-
Review from Mahsa J.
Tarzana, CA
4/14/2010
Exactly what I expected and more at a 55+ tavern environment. Im definitly about 40 yrs younger than the average crowd but sometimes need to get away from my agegroup! I'm an old soul. A friend of mine, Gina, works there on tuesday nights and that's how I got introduced to them. Needless to say...it isn't the only night I patronize the bar! I became friends with all the lovely staff! Marty shouts to you because you are awesome!! Lauri...luv you too lady! They never fail to make you feel at home. And, oh yah, St. Patty's day was awesome. Not only because of the amazing Arnela, but the out of this world Corned Beef N' Cabbage. If I were you I would definitly ignore the review that says they didn't like the Little Snot and went over there. I mean who compares anything to that ghetto spot. If thats where you changed from then y are you reviewing the sugar mill anyways ?? its a totally different scene. And to comment on their bands. I have recently become friends with a great coverband that plays there pretty frequently on Friday nights called the Red Muffs they are great. I mean as a 25 yr old I defnitly could have better things to do on a Saturday night since i hear the coverband is that bad. The Kareoke I could possibly live w/out, but my girls love it (and have A-mazing voices) so i dont complain. I mean kareoke is luck of the draw anywhere...drunk people that think they can sing for the most part!
