Hermosa, Manhattan & Redondo Beach Drinking Landmarks
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.
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).
3 or so doors EAST (same side of street) of The Lighthouse was a great bar. It never picked up until later at night, but once it got rockin’ that house was boppin’.
What the H was the name of that place?
FFFF, gawwwwd did we have great time at Wendy Fenners place. What a gal, what a place.
REf your: 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.
Actually, not true. BAXTERS started becoming the GO TO place and a lot of the toads I used to drink with at T.W.’s moved to Baxters as well. Great dance floor, great atmosphere, great …. umm, yeah, great after effects.
Baxters was the IT place.
I lived in Hermosa in the late 70’s & most of the 80’s and Pier 52 was definitely a great place to hear & dance to rock bands. If I remember right ( lots & lots of alcohol), I saw Dokkan there before they gained a lot of fame. Also, I used to roller skate into Hennesey’s just down the street and listen to some live mello folk music. So miss that town back “in the day”.
Well that’s interesting about the person thought chairs would break like in a movie. Nope!
Yeah, loved Critters and Pier 52. Used to go to Fenner’s too. And of course the best of them all IMHO, the Red Onion. My mom was on jury duty for a case about a brawl in the Red Onion where somebody thought the chairs would just break on people like the in westerns. Haha. After that they changed the layout from round tables around the dance floor to the booths and more segregated space.
Critters is still there – it’s now called North End as in the north end of Hermosa. So, too, is Hermosa Saloon. FFFF is now a really cool beach lounge called Tower 12, which is home to PubClub’s livestream video podcast, PubClub LIVE!
Critters, Grunions, Hennessey’s, FFFF, Pier 52, The Pitcher House, Hermosa Saloon… great memories from the early ’80s.
I actually danced on those boxes by myself a few times. Hard to believe I did. I went there EVERY Friday night for a long time. I think I was there when Tyson got beat by Buster Douglas. That place was my favorite. It was upscale and had amazing people. And the dancing was non-stop. Loud as f***. I couldn’t ever talk to anyone.
Ha. He’ll be happy to hear that I’m sure! – PubClub.com
Barry the guitar player? I got a lesson from him like …in 1992 or something.
Pie 52 was awesome 1981-1983, The Automatics, Zola and Barry. And forever.
No Way. Pier 52 Hermosa Beach forever. The Automatics, Zola and Barry and drummer and bass. And owner and staff. I know.
HAHAHAHAHAH!!! I’d never heard that about Cassidy’s “Catch-a-disease”… too funny!!
Also, right across on the western side of PCH there C.J. Brett’s (owned by George’s pop…..)
Oh how COOL!
I worked for John Brown as his admin assistant in 1999 in his home. Great guy
Been there, done all that Sean!
I bar tended at Chillers for a couple years (Gary, Sean, Angie, Angela, Angelique, Monique, Vanessa,). Met my wife at MB Sharkeez… got hamlished at Poop, HYBC, shellback, Najas, HarryOs… let’s face it…. all of them. So many great memories. Will be at Shellback this Saturday!!
Thank you so much!
way beyond great!!!
Best cheeseburgers at FFFF
You were!? I actually do have a couple photos of one of the contests from the Michelob rep at the time. I’ll get ’em posted! And congratulations.
I wish I could get my hands on some old photos and video of the 1986 Ms.Michalob Swimsuit Competition at Poncho & Wongs in Redondo beach. I was in it and won the spot for the Jerry Louis Telethon on TV.
Anyone else remember those contest or have any photos? Fun times back then.
You bet your sweet ass I am!
I do! Lived there….can’t remember my street address, but we walked there as it was only about a block. I can’t remember the liquor serving bar next door………was that Cisco’s.? Players? Great memories from all………..it is a wonder I survived it. Ladies got in at 18……g;uys at 21 in l966. I hung at the Blue Book constantly and always had a blast. Good times.
The RainTree was opened by a guy who had bartended at Pier 52 can’t remember his name, big and blond..
George: I arrived in MB in 1962 and my first beach look was The Strand..Do you remember little John Robinson? I met my husband at The Hatch Cover and later worked at Pancho’s, Cisco’s with Garry Moore and Claude Hall and met Clint Eastwood who would come and stand at the door when he had nothing better to do on a Saturday night. I love your comments about the
Hatch Cover…I think any one who could pull a tap could bar tend there. I know the 60, 70, 80’s were the best years of my life in MB.
The 60’s and 70’s MB was the stomping grounds of the airline crowds..and each and every bar had it’s own great formula!
We got into C.J.Barrymore’s for a “TUBES” Concert sat directly behind the drummer, with invite to go back stage in the green room , the TUBES …What Do You Want From Life?
What a hoot!
Red Onion !!! I enjoyed their music ,back in 1980 we got to hear live Blues AwardWinningsinger/songwriter Doug “DUBB” MacLeod at The Red Onion….
Orville & Wilbur’s Steak House ( built by the Chuck’s/Scotch & Sirloin franchise) I worked there when they opened in 1972…Many celebs would drop in back then : Dave Draper, Dick Somthers, Glen Frye & Don Henley, Craig Bredlove , Dick Butkis,
Steve Jakobson was Manager ( he later owned Tequila Willey’s)
Music was live The Jimmy Dutch Trio, Jimmy later Managed that club down on the west side of Highland (?) Ithink it was the Great American Food Company ?
The goose, The Wild Goose on Aviation Blvd., “The House that Ralph built.” … now it is multi unit apartment megaplex…
Any chance you have anything with the old logo on it?
Oh yeah, it’s where Sharkeez is now on the pier. Ha, only 17 and a bartender.
Does anyone remember Pier 52? In Hermosa Beach, I was a bartender there in 1979, they were next to the Lighthouse on pier ave. A band called The Twisters played there, I was only 17, they never asked me for my ID and trained me how to tend bar😂
Dancing on the tables in the South Bay!? That must have been a while ago!
Met my husband of 55 years at the Blue Book in 1965. Loved dancing on tables there!
Yes, met my husband of 55 years there!
Yes I remember CJ Barrymore’s dancing on top of these giant wooden boxes above the crowds (sort of reminded me of the go=go cages from the 60’s) that was so much fun! And I remember Side Out, we used to do there printing for them and we would go there and dance our butts off. They had surfboards for tables there. It was very cool! And Bentleys’…I had some very wiid times there!
Yes I remember CJ Barrymore’s dancing on top of these giant wooden boxes above the crowds (sort of reminded me of the go=go cages from the 60’s) that was so much fun! And I remember Side Out, we used to do there printing for them and we would go there and dance our butts off. They had surfboards for tables there. It was very cool! And Bentleys’…I had some very wiid times there!
I used to live at Crest and 38th St. and we had a business on the corner of 38th and Highland called Public Pay Phone, Inc. Orville and Wilbur’s was on Rosecrans just east of Highland. They had dancing and even held Flashdance contests during the early 80’s. When Brennans changed ownership to be Pork Chop Brown’s, that place rocked! Live music and dancing every night.
Absolutely! Right after Beach Bum Bert’s on Sundays.
Man, you were at a lot of places! Mahalo for the comments.
I worked at Baxter’s in 83 then worked the door at Hennessy’s Redondo and Hermosa and The Lighthouse from 84 till 91 when I moved to Hawaii. Also would pick up door shifts at other Pier Ave bars during those years. Great times! Over the years I think often of the places and people I knew.
I waited tabled at Baxter’s in 83
And Chuck, here’s another historic South Bay nightlife article – best bands. You were in one of them! https://pubclub.mystagingwebsite.com/destinations/usa/california/los-angeles/south-bay/south-bay-top-10-iconic-all-time-best-bands-musicians/
Concerts by the Sea. Jazz club.
Thanks for remembering. Those were great times! Chuck S.
I’ve had this band for 16 years now in Nashville.
http://www.beaker streetbluesbsnd.com
Great point! PubClub loved the Mermaid – the sauteed mushrooms were “orgasmic” one girl said – and in its later years the $5 “Drink of the Week” made by the beautiful bartenders were a thing of beauty.
No mention of the Mermaid? I wasn’t out there long, but had some great times there.
I meant Jr. High! Nobody called it middle school lol! Remembering all of these places from in my 20’s, then that one being mentioned brought back such sweet memories. The Best of Times. They just fly by Way Too Quickly 🙁
Thanks again, for the memories.