Dublins

...Dublin's Irish Whisky Bar / Dublins Sports Bar, found on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, is by far my favourite bar in the world; it has it all. I've been there hundreds of times and it is where I would just permanently hang out if I could...I just feel at home there.

The whole place (which is pretty big) is designed to emulate what Americans mistakenly think is an authentic Irish pub, complete with red brick walls, lots of green paint, ...
...baskets everywhere.

Dublins is open from 11am to 2am, free admission, age 21 and over and the address is:

8240 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA (323)
Tel: 656-0100

(the cross street to find it on Sunset Strip is North Crescent Heights Boulevard).

They take American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

If you go to L.A, you have to go to Dublins, it's such a ... more

UPDATE....TRAGEDY...having just got back from L.A (10th Nov 2040), to my horror I find that the gaff has closed (hopefully just temporarily). Word round the campfire is the place had one too many drug busts and consequently lost its license. Hopefully it will re-open soon under more intelligent management!

Anyway, will leave my original review unchanged...

Dublin's Irish Whisky Bar / Dublins Sports Bar, found on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, is by far my favourite bar in the world; it has it all. I've been there hundreds of times and it is where I would just permanently hang out if I could...I just feel at home there.

The whole place (which is pretty big) is designed to emulate what Americans mistakenly think is an authentic Irish pub, complete with red brick walls, lots of green paint, a tin roof, four leaf clovers, Irish glassware yada yada. The fact is they couldn't be more wrong (hence the lack of Irish people there), but you have to forgive them that and recognise that it's still a great great place.

Although Dublin's was created to cater to the serious sports fan, most patrons are actually a blend of jocks, hipsters and business people (primarily due to its outstanding location). The jocks come not only for sport and the fact it was twice nominated (2001 and 2002) for 'Best Singles Scene' (as well as Best Sports Bar) but because it is next door to the equally famous Bodyshop Strip joint (where my sister and many friends worked). It's a great environment to meet people and even better if you're English (and male) because California gals just can't resist the British accent; ask me and I will tell you some WILD stories!!

The business people come because it's trendy, the food is good and the valet parking means your executive car is going to be well looked after!

The hipsters come because....well; it's a damn hip place. (I think I will place myself in that category!)

Ok, lets get down to the small print...Fifteen satellites receive all major sports packages and special events and there's no such thing as a bad view because there are at least 100 TVs both inside and outside.

Aside from being located next door to The Bodyshop, it is also on the same stretch as some other great and famous places (not necessarily both) such as:

Miyagis (Japanese restaurant and bar)
The Whisky a Go Go (World famous for bands)
The Hustler Shop (24 hour porn shop and cafe)
The Liquor Locker (groovy off license)
Viper Room (Johnny Depps place which River Phoneix died outside)

It has a couple of floors, a small VIP area, outside seating (heated in the evening) and two bars. Valet parking is tip based, you should pay at least $3 on drop off and pick up. It gets busy so if you arrive at 11pm on any night in the Summer, don't be surprised if they're full (although I would always give them $10+ in that situation and they find you a space believe me).

Smoking is only allowed outside but to be honest, the climate suits sitting outside anyway and if you sit still for 10 minutes and look ahead; you will see a major star stroll past (or even come in, I met everyone from Matt Dillon through to Sarah Jessica Parker).

The door policy is very strict, no age ID, no entry (I'm 29 and they still ask for ID so don't take it for granted you look old enough).

The restaurant is mainly American / Mexican bar food but you get plenty, there's lots of choice and it tastes great. Good presentation too. They stop serving food come mid evening but Miyagis is over the road and the food there is superb.

Both floors have pool tables, upstairs has a dancefloor but it can get slightly moody up there in the darker boothed areas by the gang contingent (which is unfortunately prevalent everywhere in L.A). However, security at the club is great and you always feel safe all in all. They have Karaoke but it is only on certain nights in one part of the bar (thus escapable).

It's always bustling, very crowded and has an equal male / female mix across a wide age group. There's no dress restrictions, L.A stle anyway is dress scruffy so it's positively encouraged...you can just be yourself.

The bar has a wide range of drinks, good draught beers, waitress service and is very reasonably priced (they do happy hour also). Bar staff are cool and efficient, tip 'em at least a dollar each round though.

Toilets are excellent and have an attendant to pass you towels, aftershave etc (you do pay a dollar for that).

Lots of nice little touches, I liked simple things such as the free cashew nuts which are in baskets everywhere.

Dublins is open from 11am to 2am, free admission, age 21 and over and the address is:

8240 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA (323)
Tel: 656-0100

(the cross street to find it on Sunset Strip is North Crescent Heights Boulevard).

They take American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

If you go to L.A, you have to go to Dublins, it's such a great launchpad for your whole evening whether you stay there or move on to other bars. 

...less