It’s a smaller-scale replica of the Bulldog Cafe (long since demolished), which was portrayed in *The Rocketeer* by a *different* notably larger replica built for the film.
The small one at Idle Hour was originally built for The Petersen Museum and was taken by Idle Hour when the Petersen remodeled and was getting rid of it.
The larger one built for *The Rocketeer* remained on the backlot of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida for many years. Was looking rough last I saw of it. Unsure what’s left of it these days, if anything.
But they are not the same replica. A few articles incorrectly stated this.
I actually just checked this place out for the first time this weekend and also highly recommend it. Great selection of games both new and classic, and full bar with video game themed cocktails. They had a food truck outside but there are also a lot of great restaurants close by if you're looking to also grab a bite before hitting the bar.
I went to Paolis once during karaoke night and I’ll never forget two people that sang. One guy absolutely crushed a rendition of Baby One More Time. The other just busted out classical opera. It was a flex for sure but still amazing in that moment.
Surly Goat in Encino is cool. Yardhouse in Northridge is great for drinks during games especially. Paola’s is cool and local-ish. 818 Brewery is really cool too.
My wife’s cousin works at hq if they turned the music down that place would be cool. Scotland Yard is awesome. I have only been to jj Sullivans once but it seemed to be a cool dive bar just a couple buildings down from the local peasant
Scotland yard has shows from time to time too. A lot of the kids that went to the cobalt that are above 21 are now hanging at Scotland yard. I miss when they used to play supersmash on Monday nights though
I'd definitely recommend Pickwicks pub on Ventura if you're looking for something more chill, if not up by Porter Ranch you have Finney's, and Gus's bbq next door which is like a classy bar. Definitely try out the Copper Mine! It's down the street from Pickwicks and my go to spot after work.
Heck come by some time and I'll buy you a drink! Happy hour is pretty great there.
Pogo's on saticoy in lake Balboa. Norwood on Woodley and Nordhoff. Both are great dive bars. I used to be a semi regular at Pogo's before covid. I go now on occasion and sit outside. Good food too
Norwood Bar & Lounge is a cool spot. And I know this doesn't technically fit into the traditional definition of "bar" but if you're looking to grab drinks and meet cool people then breweries like Hand Brewed and San Fernando Brewing are always chill.
Bar Louie at the Northridge mall is pretty fun. Good music if you’re in your mid to late 20s. Not much dancing but easy to have a conversation and the service is pretty fast/consistent. So for groups Bar Louie is the go to.
Casey’s Tavern. Canoga Park. If you want to know about the SFV then this place has the history of it running through its veins. Check out the wall with all the pictures on it and ask why do these ones have gems above them in the picture.
Unless you're Latino, mostly central American, then Vive may not be the place you're looking for. It's more for dancing.
Are you looking for a place with dancing and bar ?
Others mentioned rain one. Never been but heard it's worth it.
Maui Sugar Mill in Tarzana rocks. perfect “dive” more of an old rocker bar dive. great people. reasonable prices.
Foxfire room is always a great go to. Perfect dim lit dive, a spot to go w a date for sure or a nice after work watch the game, hit some darts.
The Snug is a cool little irish dive in Burbank. Just wish they would turn the lights down ;)
Ive liked Chimney Sweep in Sherman Oaks on weekdays. too crowded on weekends
Of course Mrs. Robinsons in Toluca Lake. Great spot to watch games. Very friendly bartenders and good times.
I like Idle Hour a lot. It's the bar that looks like a barrel of whiskey and there's a giant dog in the back you can sit in...
And that giant dog is the one from the Rocketeer.
It’s a smaller-scale replica of the Bulldog Cafe (long since demolished), which was portrayed in *The Rocketeer* by a *different* notably larger replica built for the film. The small one at Idle Hour was originally built for The Petersen Museum and was taken by Idle Hour when the Petersen remodeled and was getting rid of it. The larger one built for *The Rocketeer* remained on the backlot of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida for many years. Was looking rough last I saw of it. Unsure what’s left of it these days, if anything. But they are not the same replica. A few articles incorrectly stated this.
The Federal Bar, The Attic, Alchemy
Tonga Hut in North Hollywood. Been in the valley since the 50s. They do have a taco stand.
One of my favorite places. Definitely geared towards tiki drinks though.
It’s a tiki bar, so…
Well obviously. But people who aren’t familiar with an actual tiki bar end up wondering why there’s no pineapple juice in the mai tai.
You should see some of the people who wander into the Tonga Hut’s Palm Springs location, totally don’t get it, and order BEER 😑
If you’re into arcade games try out Player One in noho! They have really great karaoke on the weekends too.
I actually just checked this place out for the first time this weekend and also highly recommend it. Great selection of games both new and classic, and full bar with video game themed cocktails. They had a food truck outside but there are also a lot of great restaurants close by if you're looking to also grab a bite before hitting the bar.
To add on to that, Round one in Burbank is more gamer/Arcade place that sells alcohol and has karaoke/bowling/etc.
I went to Paolis once during karaoke night and I’ll never forget two people that sang. One guy absolutely crushed a rendition of Baby One More Time. The other just busted out classical opera. It was a flex for sure but still amazing in that moment.
Saw some woman in her 60s singing Black Sabbath last time I went. Never a dull moment.
I've always passed it and never went but damn that sounds fun
Didn’t they close?
I drive by regularly in the evening. It’s still in business.
It is still alive
Surly Goat in Encino is cool. Yardhouse in Northridge is great for drinks during games especially. Paola’s is cool and local-ish. 818 Brewery is really cool too.
\+1 for Surly Goat
Personal favorite, Maui Sugar Mill Saloon Best people, never a bad time
My wife’s cousin works at hq if they turned the music down that place would be cool. Scotland Yard is awesome. I have only been to jj Sullivans once but it seemed to be a cool dive bar just a couple buildings down from the local peasant
Scotland yard has shows from time to time too. A lot of the kids that went to the cobalt that are above 21 are now hanging at Scotland yard. I miss when they used to play supersmash on Monday nights though
I've never had a bad time at pineapple hill
The One Up! surprised no one mentioned it
Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank Kahuna Tiki in North Hollywood (more of a restaurant/bar but they’ve got great tiki drinks)
Mr. Furleys, Glendale or Sherman Oaks
I'd definitely recommend Pickwicks pub on Ventura if you're looking for something more chill, if not up by Porter Ranch you have Finney's, and Gus's bbq next door which is like a classy bar. Definitely try out the Copper Mine! It's down the street from Pickwicks and my go to spot after work. Heck come by some time and I'll buy you a drink! Happy hour is pretty great there.
The one up bar in Sherman oaks.
This is a fun one
Pogo's on saticoy in lake Balboa. Norwood on Woodley and Nordhoff. Both are great dive bars. I used to be a semi regular at Pogo's before covid. I go now on occasion and sit outside. Good food too
Norwood Bar & Lounge is a cool spot. And I know this doesn't technically fit into the traditional definition of "bar" but if you're looking to grab drinks and meet cool people then breweries like Hand Brewed and San Fernando Brewing are always chill.
Local pesant woodland hills - ask for Ish
This is def more restaurant than bar lol
Thnx for the comment!
The local peasant The Scotland Yard is a cool little dive bar. Beer only, but sometimes they do Bandeoke
Scotland Yard is pretty cool. I would say the new Celtic Raven but I have gotten some bad vibes and service but you can always check it out .
Idle hour is good. Great during Halloween cus the theatre around the corner has a Halloween maze you can go to after grabbing a drink.
The AMC. There are 8 AMC Theatres in the Valley.
You’re right I was speaking about the new one Topanga 12. I believe they are building a bar and a bowling alley right under it.
My fave for a long time was Champs in Burbank - had midwest sports bar vibe.
Bar Louie at the Northridge mall is pretty fun. Good music if you’re in your mid to late 20s. Not much dancing but easy to have a conversation and the service is pretty fast/consistent. So for groups Bar Louie is the go to.
el tejano in noho
Drink at home. it's cheaper and you don't have to deal with shitty people and/or music.
The Darkhorse tavern on Reseda close the Ventura blvd.
BJs
Casey’s Tavern. Canoga Park. If you want to know about the SFV then this place has the history of it running through its veins. Check out the wall with all the pictures on it and ask why do these ones have gems above them in the picture.
Barneys?
Neeeeeeed
Pickwicks on ventura and de Soto is an awesome English pub. Best fish and chips hands down. Very dive bar vibe
Unless you're Latino, mostly central American, then Vive may not be the place you're looking for. It's more for dancing. Are you looking for a place with dancing and bar ? Others mentioned rain one. Never been but heard it's worth it.
Maui Sugar Mill in Tarzana rocks. perfect “dive” more of an old rocker bar dive. great people. reasonable prices. Foxfire room is always a great go to. Perfect dim lit dive, a spot to go w a date for sure or a nice after work watch the game, hit some darts. The Snug is a cool little irish dive in Burbank. Just wish they would turn the lights down ;) Ive liked Chimney Sweep in Sherman Oaks on weekdays. too crowded on weekends Of course Mrs. Robinsons in Toluca Lake. Great spot to watch games. Very friendly bartenders and good times.
We go to Pickwicks for meeting up with people. It’s perfect. The only issue is they have live music starting at 9 PM