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Hip cocktail lounge on lower level of an old house providing retro drinks, light bites & live jazz.
Hours
| Friday | 10:30 PM–1:15 AM |
| Saturday | 5 PM–1:15 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
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Related Web Results
Basement Tavern | Visit Santa Monica
Basement Tavern Santa Monica is a speakeasy hidden away at the beautiful event venue The Victorian Santa Monica, located conveniently on Main Street.
Basement Tavern | Santa Monica CA – Facebook
The Basement Tavern is hidden in the basement of the Victorian. The Basement Tavern is currently #1 Buffalo Trace account in the nation. We love whiskey!
BASEMENT TAVERN (@basementtavern) – Instagram
It is heartbreaking driving through Santa Monica on this eerie day. During these crazy times we look within ourselves and our community. The Victorian family …
Reviews
Tali Peretz
I had an absolutely awful experience at The Basement Tavern last night. I presented my REAL, valid ID, and the bouncers immediately decided it was fake. They kept repeating, “Real IDs scan now too!” as if that alone proved anything. They examined it over and over, but instead of admitting they were wrong, they doubled down.
I even showed them additional proof — photos of my passports, other forms of ID, documentation — literally everything. They refused to acknowledge any of it. They talked down to me, were rude, dismissive, and acted like they had already decided who I was before even looking at the evidence.
Then it escalated: they confiscated my ID and refused to give it back, which is not legal in California. They kept it even after seeing all the proof of my age and identity. I felt humiliated, helpless, and genuinely treated like a criminal for simply trying to enter a bar with my legitimate identification.
I ended up having to call the police and stand outside in the cold while waiting for an officer to come by just so I could get MY OWN ID returned. The entire time, the bouncers acted smug and entertained by the situation.
No establishment that treats people this way deserves business. If you value professionalism, safety, or basic human respect, avoid this place at all costs.
… moreI even showed them additional proof — photos of my passports, other forms of ID, documentation — literally everything. They refused to acknowledge any of it. They talked down to me, were rude, dismissive, and acted like they had already decided who I was before even looking at the evidence.
Then it escalated: they confiscated my ID and refused to give it back, which is not legal in California. They kept it even after seeing all the proof of my age and identity. I felt humiliated, helpless, and genuinely treated like a criminal for simply trying to enter a bar with my legitimate identification.
I ended up having to call the police and stand outside in the cold while waiting for an officer to come by just so I could get MY OWN ID returned. The entire time, the bouncers acted smug and entertained by the situation.
No establishment that treats people this way deserves business. If you value professionalism, safety, or basic human respect, avoid this place at all costs.
Jan Schachel
The Basement Tavern is a cool, laid-back bar with a great selection of craft beers. The place has a relaxed, almost speakeasy feel with its dim lighting and vintage décor. They have a killer burger that pairs perfectly with any of their local brews. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is chill, so it’s perfect for a low-key night out with friends. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in LA’s bar scene, this is it.
… moreAnthony Navarro
We were searching for a speakeasy in the area or at least a place with speakeasy vibes that we could have a good drink and hang out in a small group. This place is NOT that. It is in the basement of the Victorian, which definitely has a college club vibe. Then you go to the basement to get to this part and that seemed fine because we expected the vibe would be different downstairs and it wasn’t. Same loud music you had to yell over with a focus on a DJ and open floor versus seating and chilling. Could be someone’s scene, but not ours and not a speakeasy or chill space.
… moreS
College vibes, super loud music, frat bros peeing outside. NOT A JAZZ CLUB AS ADVERTISED and you can tell just from seeing the clientele and hearing the music outside
… moreFloraa Clayton
Went here last night, extremely good bartenders. They really know how to make a drink with style and super cool. The games with classics like pinball games and group games with up to 10 people on one single game. Overall a good cool bar with a great atmosphere.
… moreAudrey Z
The place is very cool. But it gets three stars because the drinks are a bit pricey, even with happy hour. I’ve been here a few times, but the last time we were there, a pipe above our table was dripping. They told us it was from the bathroom upstairs, which definitely didn’t help too much.
But it wasn’t a huge deal, there was plenty of space and we moved, but the pipe leak upgraded from a drip to a stream, so be on the lookout for dripping ceilings.
… moreBut it wasn’t a huge deal, there was plenty of space and we moved, but the pipe leak upgraded from a drip to a stream, so be on the lookout for dripping ceilings.
Brian Guizar
Aesthetically pleasing. The live music is the cherry on top.
… moreTrevor Newman
One of my favorite hang out spots on Main Street Santa Monica. Often have some great live bands. Definitely not a location for deep conversations or really getting to know someone as it can be very loud and crowded, but if you like live music and a bar with a dark ambiance it’s a real gem.
… moreMeaghan Haas
My absolute favorite bar in Santa Monica. Awesome happy hour until 8pm, which is perfect when paired with the Tuesday Food Truck gathering in the accompanying parking lot. Sit out on the patio, have a delicious $5 bourbon cocktail and eat your fill of food truck findings. Also, their food menu is super cheap and really tasty – so no need to limit your visits to Tuesdays! Love the furnishings and lighting in the basement bar, and staff is all really friendly. Highly recommended!
… moreAllie Elozory
The place looks charming, but the service was horrible. The bartender completely ignored my party despite us being the only ones in the bar. When we were finally ordering a drink, she seemed inconvenienced by us speaking to her. She was very dismissive about questions on the menu, and offered no input on the drinks. She clearly believed our IDs to be fake, and demanded passports from us (not a second form of ID- a passport, specifically). When none of us had a passport with us (as we are traveling within the continental United States) we were refused service. We went down the street to manchego, which has much better drinks, much friendlier staff, and required no passport for entry.
… more