Looking Back At Hermosa, Manhattan & Redondo Beach Drinking Landmarks
Some of these legendary South Bay bars are gone, others have changed and a few remain local favorites. This PubClub Classic remains one of our most-discussed articles because everyone has their own opinion about the South Bay’s greatest bars.
By Kevin Wilkerson, South Bay Nightlife Historian
After personal experiences, consulting with several others – over drinks, of course – and running down memory lane, PubClub.com has assembled a list of the Top 10 iconic bars of all time in the South Bay Beach Cities.
This is the best of the best in Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo Beach. This list went through many changes and placement adjustments, but this is what our team of South Bay experts – veterans of the bars – deemed to be the most worthy establishments.
They are the wildest, most fun, best pickup places and best hangouts in the history of the South Bay.
This is the first of many stories on historical drinking landmarks in the South Bay. Future articles will be on the Top 10 Sunday Bars and Best Current Bars, Top Bars With Speciality Drinks and whatever else we can think of to celebrate the rich history of nightlife in the Beach Cities.
The Top 10 List
1.). La Paz, Manhattan Beach
Probably the wildest of them all, this was a dark dive bar six days a week. But on the seventh, its upstairs patio was full of sunshine and every single person who was smart enough to get there before 3, Sundays at La Paz was a weekly ritual. It pretty much only served beer but that was enough to get people buzzed, often until well into Monday.
It was located where the upscale Strand House now sits, quite the contrast! Its prime time was from the 70s, thru the 80s and into the very early 90s.
2.) Beach Bum Burt’s, Redondo Beach
Located where the Cheesecake Factory is now, Beach Bum Burt’s was a nice and classy Hawaiian restaurant and bar. It had excellent coconut shrimp & mahi mahi.
But on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, the singles swarmed in and it turned into one of the South Bay’s all-time great pick-up bars. The roof opened up and there was a catwalk around the top where you could look down on the action, then go dive in it yourself.
Long-time locals fondly remember Beach Bum Burt’s bar. It was at its peak in the early mid 80s.
3). The Original Sharkeez, Manhattan Beach
To many, the original Sharkeez (where FishBar is now) was not just a great locals’ watering hole, it was a drinking landmark. Sharkeez had everything – great music, sports, those awesome surf videos, fantastic food and strong, creative drinks served in big plastic buckets.
Most importantly, it had the crowd. It was such a good-looking crowd, someone visiting from out of town stood at the door with his mouth open for several minutes and them remarked, “my gosh, it looks like a beer commercial in here.”
Yet it was better than any beer commercial could even create, a real-life one-stop-for-everything fun bar with Mexican tropical decor and a crowd that was all South Bay singles. In its time, Sharkeez was the #1 spot for Friday Happy Hour and Friday night, for sporting events and as a singles bar.
Sharkeez was at its best in the early to mid 2000s.
4). 12th St, Manhattan Beach
Soon after LaPaz went away – Sunsets never captured the same Sunday magic outside of AVP weekends – a local fun guy named Pat opened a bar on 12th Street at Highland. Right off the bat he put in Joe’s Band, the South Bay’s all-time party band, and the party was on again in the South Bay.
12th Street was the Sunday evening bar that turned into Sunday nights, a blur of dancing, drinking and hooking up with singles. Eventually, 12th Street became a tag-team partner of a bar that opened up right behind it, H2O. This awesome run f fun lasted pretty much through the 90s.
5). Red Onion, Redondo Beach
In its heyday, the Red Onion was the notorious singles party bar with locations throughout Southern California. The one in Redondo Beach had the reputation all over the city being the best of them all.
Locals went there for super cheap food and big drinks and used that as fuel to make sure the place lived up to every bit of its singles reputation. It must be noted that the Red Onion operators are the ones who created Sharkeez.
The 80s was the prime time for the Spread, er Red, Onion.
6). Tequila Willies, Manhattan Beach
Tequila Willies, located in the Manhattan Village Mall, was what the South Bay does not have not now– a must go-to Happy Hour Friday bar. There was no discussion about where to go then because everyone went to Tequila Willies every Friday.
It had a large bar with margaritas flowing out as fast as the bartenders could make them and a train running above the bar. There was a patio outside but the real action was inside by that big bar. The South Bay really needs a Tequila Willies again for those Friday Happy Hours.
It faced out and eventually disappeared – Islands burgers is there now – in the mid 90s.
7). Harry O’s, Manhattan Beach
This was Cisco’s, once owned by one of the Smothers Brothers, then became Brennans and, eventually one of the legendary nightclubs in the Beach Cities.
Harry O’s had bands – frequently it was Joe’s Band – crammed onto its tiny stage, a packed dance floor and singles would lean in and around that big rectangular bar. It was the bar of the LA Kings and visiting hockey players and was once even shown in Sports Illustrated.
This was the easiest pick-up bar in the history of the South Bay; the girls would tell the guys right up front whether or not they were interested and if they weren’t, there were plenty of other choices.
WIth bands like the M-80s and Pine Mountain Logs, it’s where everyone who did not get laid on the weekend went on Sunday nights, earning it the nickname of “The Last Chance Saloon.”
From its prime in the mid 90s to early 2000s, Harry O’s eventually became several other places and is now Sharkeez Manhattan.
8.). Sunsets/Beaches, Manhattan Beach
Eventually – over several decades – the owners of La Paz wanted to make money more than one day a week, so they went somewhat upscale and created a restaurant and bar called Sunsets. Later to be called Beaches (and, for old time’s sake, La Paz, and then back to Sunsets).
Anyway, the locals took over the downstairs bar and with the dish of a bartender named Trish dishing out wildly-strong Cadillac margaritas the place was suddenly one of the most packed places in town.
Friday nights were the best times on a weekly basis but the craziest times were during the Manhattan Open when the AVP was at its peak in the 90s and 2000s.
9). Shellback Tavern, Manhattan Beach
The dive just up from the pier still thrives today. “The Shell” is the off-the-beach-bar that brings in sweaty volleyball players who buy beers by the pitchers, and then the place gets hot and steamy at night as it’s swarmed by 20s and 30s South Bay singles.
There’s nothing much to it, just a good, kicked back bar serving drinks in a beach casual environment, making it a true South Bay classic.
10.) Chillers, Redondo Beach
Some locals still carry the scars from this bar. They would get hammered on those frozen drinks – the rum-heavy Passion Punch was a PubClub favorite – then attempt to bike or rollerblade home and get “party fouls.”
The large side patio was THE Sunday afternoon destination after 12th Street went away, and it stayed that way for many years until neighbors complained about the noise and an undesirable crowd began to take over from the locals.
In it’s prime, which was in the 90s, it was a prime place indeed. Nothing has made it in this location since, despite being in a prime place next to Ruby’s in the King Harbor parking lot.
Honorable Mention Best All-Times Bars
Australian Bistro, California Beach Rock ‘n Roll Sushi, Cassidy’s, C.J. Brett’s, Critters/North End, Ercoles, H2O, Orville & Wilbur’s, Pancho & Wongs (held the Miss Michelob Light bikini contests and had bands at night), Sharkeez Hermosa, Hennesseys Manhattan (dollar beer Thursday’s), Pancho & Wongs, Sangria (after AVP tournaments), Toe’s Tavern (especially when The Fox played), HBYC (Hermosa Beach Yacht Club, a classic dive still around today).
Current Honorable Mention Best Bar: Pancho’s
This bar has been around forever. The cantina is packed every weekend night with a rock-n-roll Hall of Fame series of musicians that make up the band – the sax player toured with Kenny Loggins, the bass player with Fleetwood Mac the drummer could be from any band from Styx to Alice Cooper. It was also one of the last places that Jay Spel – the original keyboardist for the Jimmy Buffett Corral Reefer Band – played (see above video).
Still More Classic Bars Of The Bygone Era
Cisco’s (dirty dancing night, then Brennan’s; co-owners were Clint Eastwood and the Smothers Brothers), The Flying Jib (60s & 70s one of the all-time wild ones in the South Bay; dirty dancing contest the ones got their clothes off the fastest won; where Body Glove is now located), First National Food & Beverage (where El Porto Liquor is now; locales called it the “First National Food & Drug Co,” and it was also Jimmer’s, and several other names), The Hole In The Wall, The Frigate (the place for stewardesses, where FishBar is now), The Strand Bar (right on The Strand at Rosecrans).
Did PubClub get it right? Which South Bay bars would make your Top 10 list? Join the conversation and leave a comment.
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and former South Bay resident who spent years living in Hermosa Beach and covering its nightlife scene. He has covered destinations, events and entertainment for more than two decades and received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism while working as a newspaper reporter.
If You Enjoyed This Article, You May Also Like:
• A Look Bak At The Original Sharkeez
• PubClub Classics: Manhattan Beach 6-Man
• PubClub Classics: Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza Then & Now
Glad you found this PubClub.com article and that you had a nice flashback! Check out more of our articles in the Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach sections. Cheers!
I just found this website after searching for beach bum burts as I was telling a friend about this place.In credible on Sunday afternoon with the Mai Tais and you got to keep the glass and the women were everywhere.On a hot day,a great band,the roof would open,the coke was flying,At 59 years young now those were great times.Living on the Esplanade in Redondo a bike was the means of transportation.Also the red onion was also awsome at nights with a great dance floor and DJ.
Notable mention,fat face fenners faloon fro the burgers.
Ahh yes, the Fox. Unique, fun entertainment! Just thought about him the other day when drove by the old Toe’s Tavern. Cheer to the Fox! — PubClub.com
He saw my brother chug a beer really fast in the 80’s so ”the Fox” stood on his head &chugged a beer faster…my brother’s response….He poured his next beer on his own head! The crowd went wild! Then the fox bought a round for the entire bar!!!
Mentioned earlier…my friends dived it “catch a disease “
We used to call it “catch a disease” because there were prostitutes one night propositioning some of our friends in the late 80’s!!! Haha
That’s awesome! Thanks for your contribution. PubClub.com loves all these comments. Have any photos!?
My Dad ran the buccaneer in Manhattan Beach down by the Pier 1946 or 7.
I worked right across the street there from 1988-1997. I would be at Houlihan’s every weekend!
Now THAT’S cool! — PubClub.com
Used to see Lance Carson there…one of the greatest noseriders of the sixty’s
Also where north Manhattan fish bar is….The Rusty pelican….
The Happy Clam with Dan and Craig playing great country music, Jimmy the bartender, and great food .
So funny you mentioned Cassidy’s. I just drove by that spot today on PCH and though it was a lot more fun location then rather than now. It was on about 1st Street, right on the Hermosa/Manhattan border.
The bar club called Cassidy was located or PCH and what? Across the street from Porsche dealership?
What about Annabelle’s? That place was a lock every time.
Wow; great flashbacks and comment – thanks!
The Beach Cities offered up GREAT bars and eateries, over the years…I knew and drank in most of them. Lots of fun and memories, of course. Even managed and bartended a few, in the early to mid 70’s and even repaired & serviced the plumbing in a number of them, as well.
They were the greatest of times for so many of us, now in our late 60’s and 70’s now and likely older. Here’s one, someone should get….Does anyone remember that Restaurant/Niteclub, which was part of the ‘ol Pen & Quill Hotel called the Turtle Club? Do U remember what line U had to say, to get in the place…when asked.. Are U a Turtle?.. Yes, there was Sausalito South & Joannes Chili Bordello, the ‘Raiders’ favorites, in Manhattan, and there was Annabelles, in Redondo and so many more, Hope All your memories of these Great places for dining, drink and friendship were good ones.
Man there were some cool bars back then – a train that ran through a fish tank!?
My soon to be wife at the time used to be there as much as possible. I came home from VIETNAM for thirty days and we partied hard! Also the Flying Jib was another great place. Came home again from the second tour for thirty days and continued the party. How about the Picture House that had the doors that looked they were boarded up, maybe on PCH? Another bar was under the Redondo Pier, it had a train that ran thru a fish tank, tap beer out of a London phone booth and a giant chess game with huge pieces. Can’t remember the name.
I am trying to remember the name of the restaurant at the corner of Highland and 41st Street, in El Porto, which was a very popular watering hole in the 60’s and early 70’s. It has since been torn down. Help me, Rhonda!
I saw Dick Dale at the original Pitcher House!
BEACHCLUB . AND ORIGINAL PITCHERHOUSE !!!
Cool!
TOTALLY!!! I lived right across the street from Summer’s and even played pool league pool for them. Mary and her husband were awesome cool owners and people in general
Ditto! I lived right next door to El Tarasco’s on Rosecrans in El Porto from ’92-’99, then moved down to Shell St.
Yes! I just found out the name of a friend of mine who used to work there – it was called Concerts By the Sea….owned by Howard Rumsey.
Under the pier!?
There was _another_ club under the Redondo pier – (can’t remember the name!
All those times at Chillers and now just hearing about $2 crab legs? The Rain Tree is definitely a new one. Thanks for the comments and cheers!
Chillers was great! Especially when they had “all you could eat crab legs” for only $2. Also, there was the Rain Tree in Torrance with all the rock bands.
My dad Tom Wadman owned The Hatch Cover. I used to feed Sick’em.
must be Mike G, I tended bar there for Bob Wiggins
What a great tale you told. Wow! Awesome. And thanks!
Wow- you pre date me. I’m 78 and on a cold January morning in 1960 I left The University of Wisconsin in my Chevrolet to find myself in California..A week later I topped the rise on Rosecrantz,saw the Pacific, parked at the bottom, and walked into The Strand Bar where I started tending bar a few days later with guys like Rich Henry. Three years later I was headed for the Nam, but not before spending all my off nights in Panchos, Cisco’s, the Plush Donkey curbside after hours hot dog joint next to Cisco’s and The Hatchcover bar where they had fish tanks and every night they threw a couple of goldfish into the tank with Sickem the Phirana and let nature take it’s course..Took me until ‘79 to get back to LA and spent 10 more years on the beach happy to see that Ponchos had survived and ran into a few ladies from the ‘60’s. In many many ways my beach years were the best of my life. Hard to see The Strand Bar as a beach front condo……
Sweetwater cafe and the Fleetwood in Redondo Beach
Excellent; thanks!
Hermosa Beach – my favorite bars, 74 – 80, in no particular order – Hermosa Saloon, Flagship, Poop Deck, Critters. Friday and Saturday nights in these bars were let-it-all-hang-out barstool heaven!!
Ah yes, Chillers. Forgot about National Sports Bar!
Cassidy’s, Mooses, Chillers, Calihans, National Sports Bar, Red Onion,…so many fond memories of the early 90s!
Yes, definitely remember CJ Barrymore’s but had to drive there and had to watch the drinking. Side Out was owned by Sinjin and was good but for a very short time. Love these comments and memories! – PubClub.com
C. J. Barrymore’s on the corner of Continental and Grand in El Segundo was one of the best nightclubs in the early 1990’s. I remember meeting some of the hottest women there back in the day. The entrance was pretty cool as it was a huge outside elevator that took you to the top level of a commercial building which is where the club was located. Randy and Sinjin’s Side Out Restaurant and Bar in Manhattan Beach also had a great scene with the hottest girls from all around the South Bay and Los Angeles.. However, to be technical, Side Out was located in the city of El Segundo on the north side of Rosecrans Ave. between Aviation and Sepulveda. I had the best times at both places in the early 1990s.
Right on!
JB is still playin’—saw him at the Lobster fest a coupla years ago!!
Yeah, Grejanich…….I remember……….You remember, your buddy, “Hollywood”………….?
Fantastic! There was a bar UNDER the Redondo Beach Pier!? How cool! Great comments! Cheers!
I remember Liquid Blue… they were awesome 🙂 My girlfriends and I rented a house on 30th St in Hermosa… but we lived at The Red Onion! LOL So much fun. Our fav band back then was “Tobacco Road.” 🙂 Loved going to Dirty Sally’s too and playing backgammon. Then when everything closed at 2:00 AM we would go to Kahuna’s/Under The Pier in Redondo, an after hours club. We hit up Tequilla Willie’s every Friday for happy hour on the way home from work in El Segundo, and had many liquid lunches there as well ha! Well, not in the South Bay, but we also loved going to The Starwood, in West Hollywood, in the mid to late 70’s, they had a disco room, and also a rock room. We’d go in there, nobody in there sometimes but us, and we’d lean on the stage, watching Van Halen rocking out, before they got famous. Ahhh good times 🙂 🙂
How cool!
All good times! I got to see a lot of these clubs like the Players, Blue Book, Cisco’s, Poncho’s, The Flying Jib and others from the stage. I used to play Drums in local bands. I can’t even describe what the times were like back in the 60’s and 70’s it was so wild! In the early 2000’s, I was working for a company and was sitting down at lunch talking to a Salesman about the “good ol’ days’ and he turned out to be the former owner of the “Flying Jib” back then ….. small world!
Thanks to all of you for the memories!
Oh good flashback – Pork Chop Browns! It was Brennan’s prior to that and they had the Thursday nite turtle races (which they still do at the Marina del Rey location). And Cal Beach sushi – had some wild and fun times in that place! The Hole in the Wall (not a small expensive restaurant) and of course CJ Brett’s now, sadly, a chain pizza place.