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The Anarchy Library
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8:30 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
114 reviews for The Anarchy Library
Review Highlights
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"Some cool ass 80's, indie rock, and rock en espanol." In 5 reviews -
"They have an awesome live band who I love." In 5 reviews -
"But my favorite night of them all is: TWO DOLLAR TUESDAYS." In 3 reviews
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113 reviews in English
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Review from Shane B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/11/2012
If your a punk, rockabilly, pyschobilly, hispanic, tattoo'd up, gangster this is the place for you. I haven't till this day found a bar as great as this for the type of people it attracts. Everyday they offer a drink special and a different theme. Good music, small but full house even on a monday! Always packed. This is definitely the place I would go to socialize.
Sexy bartenders
Super good drink prices
Good looking crowd
Good atmosphere
Great music
I just wish they could bring back the punk rock bands! -
Review from Rene A.
Artesia, CA
Updated - 3/12/2012
People associated with this business are trolling.
just got even worse and i didn't even go to this place again. some shit eating little cunt of a man is trolling this little section of reviews. why? because he probably has something to do on why it smelled like piss the day i went. so Juan V. please stop with your stupid little trolling.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/25/2012
this place blows. came here 3 times and all 3 times were horrible. smelled like piss right when i… Read more »
Comment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 2/26/2012
Like I've said before, we aren't for everyone and can't… More » -
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Review from Priscilla M.
Downey, CA
3/11/2012
Say what you want about this place being grimey and crowded but it really is a good time.
$2 Tuesday's are the best. It gets really packed, but people there are friendly.
Bartenders are nice, security is cool. What more can you ask for? -
Review from Mary B.
Pico Rivera, CA
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here for the first time last night, and had a damn good time. The music was excellent, and had me singing along the whole time. They played a mix of 80's, and alternative, and a random punk song. Gets crowded as hell, you have to fight your way to the bar. The bartenders made some strong drinks, one was drunk as hell and cracking jokes. She was hilarious, and friendly. The other one with the leopard tattoo had an attitude problem. Ladies, if you come with a group of girls be prepared to be eye fucked like no other. The guys here are skeezy. There is a dance floor but it gets super crowded, and it makes it hard to get to the restroom. All in all a good time was had, and we will be back!
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Review from A M.
Norwalk, CA
5/25/2012
OK sooo the last time I was here a sick brawl kinda broke out. Basically me n buddy avoided a fight w this greaser gang(Bozzis) lol but the rest of the bar didn't. This shit was straight crazy. I mean we all banded together and got rid of the bad element but I hope security has improved. They need at least 1 person in there w some serious skills. Just saying. Besides that this place is awesome. Its grungy dirty cheap but that's my kinda place. Go elsewhere if u a. Get offended easily or b. Have a stick up ur a$$.
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Review from Glitzy G.
Pico Rivera, CA
5/17/2012
I became a regular for two years straigh t(21 ad 22), I dont have as much time anymore to stop by.
I recomend this bar for the freshly 21 year olds or the locals (bell, cudahy, SG, Downey, Pico Rivera, ect)
My favorite nights were $2 dollar Tuesday And Reggae Wednesdays & sometimes Saturdays.
You wanna get laid? Go!! Bunch of SINGLES READY TO MINGLE...
I met my ex there...GIRLS NOTHING BUT SCUMBAG GUYS THERE..JUST SAYING lol
I MISS RICHIE & CHRIS!!! I LOVE JOCELYN, Best Bartender! I LOVE BOB!!! :D -
Review from Mia H.
Whittier, CA
5/15/2012
I love the vibe, and music they play (although they could use a louder system rather than a quiet jukebox) 2$ tuesdays are always packed and for sure to crack. Only complaint is that its very small and the bartender with the cheetah print tattoo is extremely rude and always throws money on the wet counter when I'm holding my hand out so she can hand it to me. Other than that its a cool spot.
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Review from ReBecki P.
Cerritos, CA
4/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My friends just played a free reggae night on a Wednesday. The bar had specials for Red Stripe beer and rum drinks. The last time I was there was over ten years ago and it looked nicer and less scary than I remembered. The staff was friendly, the crowd was mixed ages and scene. No hipsters so that was nice. Plenty of seats and the sound of the music wasn't bad for a small venue.
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Review from Lakhena L.
Greater Los Angeles, CA
2/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Front door bouncer was very cocky and rude that last two times I went. And the last time I went, we were waiting in line for like 35 mins and then we finally moved to the front of the line. So we are just waiting... another say 6-8 minutes in front of the bouncer because the place is "over capacity". The bouncer didn't acknowledge us. (Which is fine... who cares right?) Until he looks past your group to the group right behind you and says, "Hey... don't you work at [bla bla bla]. Heyyy how you doing??? Come in! Come inside! Your whole group." And pulls like 8 people in front of us!!! RIDICULOUS! I thought that was a super DICK move. Seeing that we were next in line (a party of 4) and he went and pulled the people that were standing directly behind us in front of us! Come on! That is some douche shit!!!
I can understand if females get VIP or if you have a few friends that just got in the back of the line and you notice them and you pull them from the back of the line and let them in. Or if you have a guest list.. whatever... but how are you going to be a douche bag and simultaneously notice someone and pull the people right behind us and let them inside and make us wait another 5-10 mins.
Come on man, we came here to have a good time too. Not to be treated like shit.Comment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 2/26/2012
Sorry to hear about what happened. I sent you a private… More » -
Review from Emmalyn M.
Long Beach, CA
3/1/2012
My cousin took me here on my 21st birthday weekend a few years ago. Ever since then, it's been one of my favorite bars.
Anarchy Library isn't necessarily my style when it comes to music, but their drinks are what keep me coming back! I can get white-girl-wasted here for just a couple of dollars! LOL. During my first visit, I remember my cousin told the bartender that it was my 21st birthday so he put extra shots of alchy in my drinks for me! What a sweet man, I know. For some reason, the Tokyo Tea here is the best I've ever had!! It's strange that I remember this while I was drunk, but the whole bar even sang "Happy Birthday" to me that night! People here are always so nice and friendly--- customers and employees! I always have a great time here. Good times and good vibes, right? Parking is kind of tight and it's a little tiny on the inside but I've never had a problem with getting a table.
PS. I love how the bar has a sign that says "Tip your fuckin' bartender!". Lmao! Do it. -
Review from Jessica J.
Downey, CA
4/12/2012
Good place to go in Downey. Good crowd. Not pricey. The times that i have gone the dj plays mainly 80s music which is nice. However the dance floor is small and when the place gets packed it can get cramped! All in all a good time.
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Review from Angelica M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
I'm gunna enjoy coming here again and again. I went 2 Thursday nights in a row and had fun both times. I was drunk both times and danced my butt off both times. Thursday nights is 80's night.
I really love the look and feel of the place. The bartenders are not stingy with the alcohol and above all they are nice. They have awesome security constantly on the prowl for trouble which makes me feel safe.
I can't wait for the next time I go. :) -
Review from Wendy F.
South Gate, CA
1/19/2012
Love this place! Bartenders are awesome. Music never disappoints. Good drink specials everyday!
Arrive early to get a seat.
This place is chill. I've only seen one fight here lol
I wish their TV would start working!! Used to catch up with the Laker games here but oh well. -
Review from Miguel R.
12/8/2011
5 stars for keeping Downey's ancient Alternative Music Town status of yore in the BOOOORING Top 40 or worse Southeast of Los Angeles!!!!
I remember back in the day when either you were a doped out arena rock weenie stoner or a disco biscuit (back in Bell - my hometown) there were rumors of a place where punk rockers thrived! Only a handful of them in Bell. Back then there was Middle Earth records too (now it's gone and these guys would easily put today's Hollywood Amoeba to shame - they had so much rare stuff- OMG!!!!) here in Downey.
Anarchy Library came to save the day when it seemed Downey would become just another boring suburban wasteland! They used to play some really good live acts like Angry Samoans, D.I., CH3 and the Ms.Fits (an all female Misfits tribute band) and more. WOW!!! I remember at the Angry Samoans show the lead singer got mad at a guy that didn't know the rules of conduct of a slam pit (as contradictory as that may sound) who was acting out his aggression (maybe after leaving Downey Billiards haha!) on the crowd that was just there to have fun and enjoy the music. The lead singer even went to the trouble of calling this guy a Nazi. The little Nazi "punk" got kicked out. Sadly, bands like Angry Samoans and CH3 play here no more! I was told by one of the bar owners or employees that this kind of guy pretty much ended the era of good classic bands playing here. An era of really bad music followed.
Two things have never changed here. 1. the drinks are cheap and they serve good beers like Guinness and Newcastle. 2. they have a great jukebox with just about all the punk anthems you could ever want!
Now they have really great Rock En Espanol and New Wave nights.
The crowd is mixed here so do yourself a favor and instead of dancing to Pitfool come and listen to some good music! -
Review from Marco F.
Long Beach, CA
2/24/2012
Hey I must say this place has a little of everything, it is beginning to be a Thursday hangout for me and my friend. The place is a little crowded at times but overall the people and atmosphere are excellent. The thing that bothers me is the damn light that for whatever reason they do not turn off and is right in the center of the dance floor. They have good lighting for the basic Dj, but what is the deal with that bright light. Truth be told when you come here try to dress down I.E. don't shave for a week, torn shirt, skinny pants, and a vest LOL this place is awesome.
Will definitely continue my visits to this place... -
Review from Don S.
Newport Beach, CA
12/12/2011
OK...first time to the Library. Must say YES...yes it was nice. Guy at the door was professional and no cover. Prices are good and service fast. dang fast.
Thanks again to the bartender girl for treating us good. One word- "Class"
Love this dive place now. Will grab friends and go back.
One more thing...when you need to hit the mens room and find girls in there dont be surprised.
Last item here...the DJ on Sat night was dang good. -
Review from Chris S.
Downey, CA
3/17/2012
Dope bar tenders, good drink specials, fun ass crazy crowd. I've been here countless times and my friends and I always have a good time. Even after having to evacuate the bar after people getting pepper sprayed.
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Review from Alyssa J.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/1/2011
Alright Anarchy, you got your five stars! I've been coming here more lately since I discovered that some old girlfriends from high school are pretty much regulars. Their drink specials are the first thing I look for when I go there, next is the night of the week to see what kind of music they'll have. Wednesdays weren't my favorite except when The RizLas play there! "It's the reggae fever taking over, taking over my body and soul!!!"
Either way, I really like the atmosphere, the music and the bathrooms are usually pretty clean. I need to go back for $2 jack and cokes soon!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2010
Not a full five just yet!
I have passed this place countless times and always wanted to come in but… Read more »
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Review from E M.
Torrance, CA
4/2/2012
I liked coming here up until that rounchy ass bartender with the leopard sleeve tried to hate on my girls and I. She harrased all night and even made a stupid comment to my friend. In all seriousness, we liked coming here the music is cool, the drinks are cheap, and the people are cool but i guess it's out the window now. This is no way to treat paying customers. HATER!!!!
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Review from Maria O.
Updated - 8/25/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Within minutes of writting my review I was contacted (via email message thru Yelp) by the owner of The Anarchy Library, Juan V. Kuddos to him, as that shows he cares about the good reputation of his business.
Juan V. asked me if I knew the name of the other guy, explained the situation with the restrooms, and agreed that it is a zoo on Tuesdays but that they try their best to make it an enjoyable fun night for all.
Perhaps I will give the Anarchy another shot in hopes that the staff has received a pep talk and improves a notch... afterall Two Dollar Tuesdays, it is an offer you can't refuse.Listed in: I need a Drink!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2011
A friend and I made a stop here on a late Tuesday night. We were there at about 2330hrs and the… Read more »
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Review from Trina L.
Alhambra, CA
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Finally experienced the Anarchy Library after a few years of hearing good reviews about it. The drinks were pretty cheap and the crowd was chill as fuck. The bartender was a pretty chick and I liked that she said "thanks baby" after I tipped her. She was nice. I got a Lost Coast on draft, and it was my first time trying it. The beer had a good flavor. Friends got a Jolly Rancher and a Long Island I believe. You can even get a cup of soda for only a buck! Sweet... My other friend also got some Newcastle and Sierra Nevada, all good priced too. I love the cute bathroom decked out all in pink and leopard print. Especially the one stall that had its own sink... very convenient. The bar is small with a dance floor towards the back. Good '80s music ranging from the typical Smiths, to Joy Division, to Stacey Q, and Social D. But also, catering to the rockabilly crowd cuz c'mon, we're in Downey. I'd go back if I were in the area or that's the plan of action for the night, but I usually stick to my local watering holes.
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Review from Justine T.
West Covina, CA
2/13/2012
Sunday nights - $3 beers, open late - what else do you need?
I came with a tiny associate of mine with whom I occasionally raise hell with. We found parking easily though there were a lot of cars. A roped off area with an ash tray is the makeshift smoking area. At the door they scan your ID and give men a quick go-through with a hand held metal detector, females gets their purses checked. 21+ receive a wristband.
Your basic, cramped dive bar filled with a palpable air of teen angst. Everyone looks under-aged and/or on some type of high; definitely a young crowd. This particular night, it literally felt we were living a Cure song. (My friend said they play better music on other nights; though I thoroughly enjoyed the songs played.) The designated dance area makes up a third of the bar with knee wobbling and slow dancing participants, some dancing solo and making you wish you had their confidence. There's a leopard print booth before a mirror across from the bar and tables with less integrity than some girls' panties. My friend accidentally dropped a (three dollar) beer of someone's and we quickly slipped out before any fists came to cuffs. I didn't see the problem, but oh well.
All and all a good bar: cheap drinks and thrills, an old-timey feel of your basic high school misfits, desperately clinging to what had been and isn't mainstream right now, though you so desperately wish it were. The 'uncool' is the cool. -
Review from Yesica R.
Whittier, CA
2/18/2012
Had so much fun! Only downside is it gets super crowded, but chill crowd, good drinks, and great music! Love this dive bar!
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Review from Emanuel E.
Lynwood, CA
2/24/2012 5 Check-ins Here
$2 Tuesdays!! enough said! This place is awesome, except if you come in late. Why? the place is small, so room isn't an option. If you decide to come, make sure to be there before 10 to get a place to sit, or else you will be standing and have people trying to get through all the time.
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Review from Spike S.
Inglewood, CA
6/14/2011
I was confused when i walked into this place i didn't know weather i walked into a bar or a slim fast commercial, no lie this place was full of pigs wearing make up!
The beer was cheap u get a tall can of PBR for 5 bucks thou but it was too crowded and smelled like a recycling center, i'm a fan of dive bars but this place needs pretty girls and i enjoy a foul mouth friend but the gentlemen here were tough guys with daddy issues......the music was ok thouComment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 11/12/2011
Full of pigs wearing makeup....funny. We welcome all shapes… More » -
Review from Priscilla C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is pretty legit. No cover, and drinks are pretty cheap. I love the vibe in here, hella chill, and sometimes there's bands playing in the back. You can also choose music in the jukebox, and since I heard that this place had a more rockabilly feel to it, I was surprised that Bloc Party and Rock En Español ended up playing on it. I've made this a go to spot when I don't want to go to DTLA to go to a bar and when I don't want to spend too much money on drinks.
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Review from Massoud S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here
At first I wasn't too sure about this place because it was a new scene for me, had an arrogant bastard for $5 served by a pretty hot bartender, music was pretty cool and even thou the dance floor was a little small it seemed like it fit the occasion pretty good, the bathroom was actually not too bad, parking was easy and it seemed like security had good control over everything overall a pretty good DIVE bar oh and ladies, this place is full of scavengers, that could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you are looking for lol I'm pretty sure if I was into that type of scene I would have gave it a 5 star but at least I tried :)
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Review from Sarahi J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/5/2011
No cover= LOVE.
Anarchy is fun. The drinks are cheap and strong. The music is good. I always have a blast here...when I'm in Downey anyway. Otherwise it would be too far for me.
If you are a guy looking to get laid, beware: most of the girls are..um how do I put it??... BIG....However, most of the guys aren't lookers either. I always go with my guy so I don't care about that. Just a heads up though. I hate seeing the vulture guys just waiting to find their next victim. And I can't believe guys here hit on girls who CLEARLY have dates/boyfriends. Shady!!!!!!!!!
Overall, Anarchy is a fun place to go to when you just wanna chill and dance to fun 80s/Rock en Espan~ol music and don't wanna dress up and conform to some lame dress code. -
Review from Eddie H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/10/2011
Love this place! This is my local bar! Karaoke on Monday with live band! Reggae night on Wednesdays with great dj's and live bands. Great dj's wth different styles of music throughout the week, lots of dancing going on Thurs-Sun. Seen some great punk / metal shows when they had them going on there. Staff is friendly, and are always willing to chat. Lots of cuties there!
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Review from Bianca L.
Bell, CA
1/17/2012
My watering hole! I love this place good vibes good bartenders. Overall sweet place to get hammered.
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Review from Gavschavs C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/18/2011
Rolled up on Labor day (Sunday Night) and walked in saw that it was pretty busy for such a little place. Ive been here before on Monday (live band) which I like, Tuesday ($2 BEER) cant go wrong with that and been here on a Thursday (80's night) which is chill. I honestly cant complain about this place but it has its flaws. Tables/Bar tops take to much space from the floor, the lack of awareness of knowing when to cut someone off from drinking alittle too much, and needs to improve the girl to guy ratio.
But its a definite hangout spot for a drink or two before heading to a busier spot -
Review from Diego P.
Bell Gardens, CA
6/8/2011
I have absolutely no idea why these people are criticizing this bar.. anyone who decides to hit up a dive should anticipate sacrificing spiffy luxury and trading it in for a comfortable drunken conversation with cool people you've never met before.
It's a DIVE, people... button up your vests, adjust your watches and take it somewhere else.
I've only been here for $2 beer Tuesdays a few times and I've had no complaints. Whether I might show up with company or without, people just wanna chill. Sure, you get a few assholes, but it's all about how you carry yourself in the end.
Cheap drinks, cool people, loud music? Good enough for me. The loud music is usually a killer, but if you think about it it just gives you the opportunity to say, "I didn't catch that, could you come a little closer?"
;) -
Review from Jessie S.
11/13/2010
Ok, this place is truly bipolar.
Manic side: AMAZING music, I mean they played the jams. I've never been to a place where one moment they are playing Smiths then Jaguares then Joy Division then Mana, weird...
Depressed side: the crowd... ohmygodness... I felt like I was in a movie about East L.A. When we got in line to have the bouncer check our id's, we noticed that they made the guys lift up their shirts and get a pat down. Everyone was dressed extremely causally with pot-a-dots galore and basketball jerseys in every corner.
I got really grossed out because the girls here are SKANKY, I mean no morals, straight up about to have sex on the dance floor. I felt dirty and the need to vomit crept up several times and I finally convinced my friend to leave. The guys are no better, they eye eff you like no other.
OH, and waaayyy overpriced drinks for a cheap dirty bar. Five bucks for a bottle of Bud Light? AND the restrooms are disgusting.
Just to clarify (for the professional owner Juan V.), I didn't have any "stiff drinks" so my memory was fully intact also given the fact that I was the designated driver and sorry Juan but I'm use to a little more class (just the San Diego in me). Reading other customer's comment do nothing for me, Yelp is meant to review establishments which is what I did (too bad so sad you're not a fan of mine). Furthermore I meant dirty not "dive", I suggest you learn the difference and while you're at it learn to accept criticism rather than being defensive. Showing some degree of professionalism would do you some good FYI.Comment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 2/11/2011
Manic side: Thanks for the great compliment on our music… More » -
Review from Greg G.
Paramount, CA
11/22/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This place is good for a cheap drink and it being close to home is always a plus. Park in the street if you don't want security bugging you. Tuesdays and Thursdays get quite packed.
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Review from Jason S.
Canoga Park, CA
8/25/2011
Its that bar that everyone loves it or hate it. To me, its just another bar with cheap drinks and I dont expect much as always. Security guards are rude, bartenders are rude and the people there are soo random. (My god, someone stunk soo bad that night.) Anyway, music is great. And I dance my drunk ass off with some friends I came along. At 1:30am, they tell everyone to "GET OUT" as they push everyone out the door. lol yea so go here for the good 80s music and cheap drinks.
Comment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 11/12/2011
Finally, someone that gets it: get in, get drunk, get down… More » -
Review from sarah r.
Long Beach, CA
11/7/2011
Love this spot always great music and a great mix of people. A little small but still a great place to go!
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Review from liliana c.
Signal Hill, CA
11/16/2011
I come here all the time awesome music awesome environment I have no bad experiences always fun drunk times cuz the liquor is cheap
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Review from Paul S.
Fullerton, CA
12/6/2011
Crazy people and Two dollar tuesday! Nuff said!
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Review from Derek D.
Cypress, CA
10/11/2011
Mondays with The Burn rock! I think they are a pretty damn exciting band, and to be able to sing for them is AWESOME!* I have been here quite frequently on Mondays to sing, and for a couple $3 Blue moons! The people who come here a very 'vintage/rockabilly fill.' I love the style even tho I don't quite fit in, I have never felt out of place here.
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Review from Mrs. Mac O.
Bellflower, CA
11/9/2011
What happened to this place??? They dont have bands anymore?? It use to be kinda cool but not anymore : (
Comment from Juan V. of The Anarchy Library 11/11/2011
We still have bands sweetie, just not as many nights as… More »
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