TR!P Santa Monica

"Went on a Tuesday about 945pm. Average age in here about 55 I’d say. Got a bar at the bar, decent vibe. 65* Sergio was a nice guy and bartender, overall good time. Hit up poom thai after!"

"edit: READ UPDATE BELOW, SEVERAL ISSUES WERE RESOLVED New ownership. It could work but I don't like the changes overall. For one, many fewer beers on tap. Bummer. Open mic nights used to come with a drink ticket and now the concession is that drinks are discounted but honestly I don't remember what the prices were before so that could have been absorbed. The windows behind the stage are open instead of curtained now during open mic night which I guess is better for advertising or foot traffic or something but is distracting and takes away from the vibe. Every performance is now against a backdrop of commercial real estate and cars zooming by. Probably the most egregious error is keeping football on during performances, on like 10 TVs around the room. Again distracts from the music and feels like a loss of respect for art. Somebody had a vision for this place and that vision was to make it just another bar. It's sad. I'm not mad, just disappointed. This place used to care and I just don't think it does anymore. Edit: bumping up to five stars because they turned the TVs off, closed the curtains, and restored the drink tickets for performers! It should maybe still lose a point because some of the advertised beers weren't available and the ATM machine didn't work, but I take back the remark about not caring because clearly they're listening to some criticism. And that alone is worth an extra star. If you're going for open mic night, sign ups start an hour early and fill up fast!"

"A very nice, cozy, and welcoming dive bar on Lincoln Blvd. With the ownership change, the new name is Rock and Rod. Some changes to come, and curious to see how everything develops. Staff and owner are super friendly and there are theme/activities scheduled throughout the week. Looking forward to visiting regularly and making this a haunt."

"Absolutely abysmal service. Waited 10 minutes in at the bar with a friend while all 3 bartenders ignored us. I eventually gave up. Came back 30 minutes later because I really wanted water. Not a single soul waiting to order the bar. The female bartender told me “I’ll be with you in a second”, walked away and then conveniently pretended she couldn’t see me and served the white patrons who walked up. The two men also ignored me. After 10 minutes of waiting, the (white) guy sitting at the bar asks “what do you want?” Within 30 seconds they were able to take his order. So thanks to the nice man who ensured I could actually get a drink. Would never return. If you’re white, this bar will treat you well."

"The place is pretty big. And, surprisingly the sound there is underrated. Because they have curtains all around the stage it's a very clean sound both for musicians and the audience. The PA system is not overpowering so you can still have a conversation. The bar is nice but you can also focus on the music if you want to. Coming from somebody who performed there but who also has been enjoying the amenities. All in all because this is not on the prime West Side, but off Lincoln, location it may sometimes be overlooked. They have less attitude and better prices than others, and it is just a more welcoming atmosphere. New fresh bands, as well as seasoned pros, every night is different."