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Backstage Bar & Grill

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10400 Culver Blvd (at Motor Avenue)
Culver City, CA 90232

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(310) 839-3892
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Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
Backstage Bar & Grill - Culver City, CA
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Reviews
( 85 )
( 10 )
( 9 )
( 1 )
( 12 )

Best

great bar. its been around forever. its one of those bars where you see all the locals and everyone knows your name. Fair prices and great services

Worst

Saturday night I took 3 friends visiting from Pheonix to the Backstage Bar after finding it on citysearch. The reviews had been great so I thought it would be perfect. We got t...

Great Food , good time but bring CASH !!! 1/22/2006

Went on a Karaoke friday and had fun. THe food was awesome. When it's busy it's hard to get a drink fast.. the bar setup isn't very efficient and the bartenders have to run up and down the bar to get your order and there is only 1 register so it cuts down on their speed. They also don't seem to be having fun cause none of them are smiling. Our speed savior ( we like our booze fast )was a cash bar in the corner . Fast service , extremely fun Steph ... she definitely helped to make our night . I would return .. but only if I have cash with me. Pros: FOOD, inexpensive , Steph the bartender Cons: Inefficient mainbar, for crowded nights more
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Best Westside Dive Bar! 12/14/2005

What can I say - cheap drinks, friendly staff and with a retro atmosphere, Backstage is the place to be if you want to kick back and throw down a few with the boys. It can get a bit loud if you go on Thurs - Sat b/c of the karaoke nights - but that just adds to the entertainment. Be wary of table service as they have no waitress - bartenders do double the work, so be kind and just order at the bar. Pros: Cheap Drinks, Friendly Staff, Food more
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A good time 11/21/2005

We had a birthday party for my best friend here and had a crazy time. The folks who worked there made sure we were totally taken care of. Karaoke was relaxed and fun. During one song, the stage/dancefloor filled up with people from the audience, dancing and having a good time. The drinks were good and the vibe was friendly. I recommend this place and will definitely be back. Give me another cheese roll! Pros: Friendly, Fun, Good crowd more
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Love it. 11/17/2005

Friends of mine really like this place, so we decided to give it a try. It's low key from the outside, but inside it was like going back in time. Warm and cozy, in an old school way. Lots of dark wood and a fire pit(!) Drinks are generous,prices low and the vibe is very relaxed and the food is shockingly good. Karaoke was also very low key and fun. The singers who were there the night we were there were really good, so it was more like entertainment than your typical karaoke scene. I can see why people like this place. It's comfortable, friendly and a good place to carry on a conversation. The bartender made us feel at home and told us we have to come back on Wednesdays for the $2. martinis. This place is definitely worth seeking out, even if you don't live around the corner. Pros: Warm vibe, Strong, cheap drinks, Friendly & relaxed more
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Something smells fishy? 11/16/2005

This place is cool, and I would not argue against the bar's #1 rating as ""best dive bar"", but best singles scene in all of LA? Two ""Best of"" awards? The food is good, the Karaoke fun, but this internet trophy is an overkill. A savy associate of the bar might have flooded the polls. Yes, I am suggesting that the voting process is more flawed than a Kim Jong II popularity poll. more
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We had a great time. 11/13/2005

I've been hearing a lot about this place, so three of us went last Saturday. We felt welcome and totally comfortable there, not always an easy thing for 3 females. The karaoke singers were surprisingly good, but when we gave it a try (after a few drinks) and were surprisingly bad, everyone gave us a big hand anyway. I really like the Backstage. It's what a bar should be. Pros: Friendly crowd, Strong drinks, What a bar should be more
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Maybe I went at a bad time? 11/8/2005

Went in there with my girlfriend for a drink on a Friday night. It was about 11PM and we were just getting back from hanging out with friends. We wanted to sit at a table, but instead of ordering a drink at the bar and then sitting down (rude to tip the bartender and sit at a waitresses table), we decided to sit down at an open table, and let the waitress take our order (and tip). After waiting for 10 minutes without her so much as recognizing our existance, we decided to leave. There were open tables, it wasn't THAT busy in there... I don't know what the problem was. There are some good reviews in here, so I guess I'll give it another shot. It's right up the street from my house, so hopefully it works out...? more
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Absolutely Delicious 10/5/2005

We stopped in here for a few drinks, not realizing they had a kitchen. We got the ribs and some apps. We were so surprised at how great everything was. We had dinner by the fireplace and hung out for a few hours. I've been back for lunch a few times already. Not just the best bar food, but the best lunch in Culver City. Pros: Ribs, The Burger!, Steak Salad more
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Who knew I'd have so much fun... 10/5/2005

A friend of mine who lives out on the Westside invited me to dinner and afterwards we stopped by this place and I had a blast! They had friendly service. The locals were . friendly. All this and I got to sing. The karaoke there is awesome. KJ-Shane knows how to work a crowd and is quite an entertainer himself! If you have ever been intimidated by karaoke before, then this is where you should go... more
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Karaoke Heaven 10/5/2005

I stumbled into Backstage a few weeks ago with some friends because we heard about their new karaoke night. All I can say is wow! The drinks were very reasonable, the atmosphere was warm and inviting with a great lodgy look including a fireplace. The karaoke hosted by KJ Shane was awesome. He has an unbelievable book and an impressive sound system which includes wireless microphones. KJ Shane was fair with the rotation and made sure everyone sang. Absolutely recommend to anyone who loves karaoke or great drinks. Pros: Food, Karaoke, People Cons: none, none, none more
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Search No More 10/5/2005

Search no more! This is the place you'll soon call home! It has everything anyone could want in one location. Great atmosphere, beautiful bartenders and amazing food all at reasonable prices. Friday and Saturday night Karaoke the crowd really shows their true talents. Some can hold a tune and those who can't, no one cares. It's all about having a good time. The owner, Ben, is the most personable bar owner I've ever met. He makes you feel like family. I used to frequent this bar when I worked at the good old MGM Studios many years ago but stopped when I moved further south. I heard they had a new owner in January 2005 so I ventured out to check it out. I won't go anywhere else from now on. it's the best damn dive bar in the entire Los Angeles county! Pros: service, prices, atmosphere Cons: n/a more
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The Best Dive Bar in LA! 10/3/2005

I normally don't go to bars for food, but this bar has amazing garlic fries. The atmosphere is warm and casual, it is clean and the service is exceptional. Best yet, this gem is undiscovered so you can actually get a seat! Pros: Inexpensive, Great food, Clean more
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Crown of the World Dive Bar Tour 10/2/2005

You'll find karaoke jockeys, Sony kids, 'SC Alums and a warm staff. It's a dive with a heart, like you'll only find in LA. Grab a Fat Tire and some eats and talk nitty gritty Hollywood with the those working in the trenches. Great atmosphere and a down to earth vibe. Pros: Friendly, Low-key, Inexpnsive more
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Something For Everyone at Backstage 10/2/2005

For a dive bar, Backstage brings a lot to the plate! Customers can enjoy darts, pool table and even a vintage Pac-Man arcade game (the kind where you can sit down to play and have somewhere to rest your drink!) The juke-box provides a wonderfully ecelctic soundtrack to any evening, with styles ranging from old-school rock to new-school rock. As Backstage is also a karaoke bar, the music selection is always fresh! This also makes Backstage a great place for people watching. I find that the most intriguing and unique part of Backstage is the firepit. I've never known a Los Angeles dive bar to have such an interesting feature, and as Los Angeles cools down for winter it will surely be the coveted spot to have drinks after work. The friendly and efficient staff serve very reasonably priced drinks and, beleive me, you will find no wimpy drinks here! Pros: inexpensive, good parking, crowded more
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""The Best Dive Bar In The World"" 10/1/2005

Their website exclaims it's ""The Best Dive Bar in the World"" and I would have to heartily agree. I am not a real dive bar kind of gal, but the comfortable, intimate, but very fun and friendly environment made the backstage the a great place to be! I've always wanted to see a fireplace in a bar before and the Backstage has it; definitely cozy! If you get hungry in the midst of your night of sips of delicious drinks, chatting and pool playing, there is a a scrumptious food menu awaiting. The music in the Jukebox is a great mix of past and present. Bring friends and enjoy! If you want a laid-back, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, what are you waiting for? Go! If you are a past regular, a new regular, or just visit once in a while: bring a smile and you'll get one back! Pros: Comfortable, Intimate, Fun Cons: No Cons. more
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New Food to add to the Great Drinks! 9/28/2005

I pop into The Backstage from time to time. Last week I went in and was surprised to see a new menu. I looked toward the kitchen and sure enough, IT WAS OPEN! I ordered the Chicken Satay to start and was blown away. Then I had the Mac & Cheese as my main course, no joke, I have never had Mac & Cheese that was so good! The bar is still the same, great music, karoake, stiff drinks at good prices. The bartenders are all sweethearts. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual night out. Pros: Great Food, Good Drinks, Karoake more
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The neighborhood bar I have been looking for! 9/27/2005

You know when you have found your spot. Immediately you feel at home, the bar stool fits and the bartender makes you feel like you've been a regular for years. That's exactly how I felt when I went to the Backstage for the first time. I love a good cozy, dark divebar where I can have a few drinks and talk with my buddies. The food is great and I do believe I had developed a serious addiction to the french fries. I like a place with darts, pool tables and some vintage video games.. a pub feel with a great old fireplace in the corner.. kinda like a place the artist SHAG would paint in one of this mod paintings dipicting an eccelectic crowd mingling and tying one on. I highly recommend checking the place out. Its comfortable and friendly.. I know I am going back! Pros: Friendly, Affordable, Cool Cons: n/a, n/a, n/a more
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Karaoke rocks! 9/25/2005

A big group of us went to Backstage for the first time this last weekend. We searched online for karaoke places in the Los Angeles area, and ended up at the Backstage. I was truly impressed. The owner reserved our table for our birthday party right next to the karaoke stage, and came over to greet us personally. KJ Shane did a fantastic job. His song selection impressively comprehensive. I highly recommend this place! Pros: Karaoke, Good atmosphere, Friendly people more
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Old school - in a good way 9/25/2005

The Backstage is what you want in a bar. It has a welcoming way that you don't see much these days. You can imagine what it was like when people were decent to each other. It's a good break from the real world. Pros: Warm vibe, Friendly crowd more
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No More Bar Hopping For Me 9/21/2005

Used to roam from place to place. No need too anymore. I found a home at the Backstage!!!! All kinds of people getting along in a real laid back, friendly atmosphere. My only regret is that your ratings only go up to ""Highly Recommended"" for both value and atmosphere! AND THOSE PRICES. I would return often even if it were not such a bargain. Pros: Prices, Patrons, Burgers more
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Menu for Backstage Bar & Grill


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Blow off steam after work in this old-school Culver City lounge.

Owner Message

  • The Backstage Bar & Grill is a legendary place that's been around for over 70 years.

    Located across the street from Sony Studios, the Backstage has always been a studio hangout, but now it's also a favorite spot for birthday & private parties. And, The Backstage has the cheapest drinks and Best Bar Food in town.

    Karaoke is great here, even if youre not a fan. It's L.A.s top-rated karaoke. Every Thur, Fri & Sat.

    The Backstage is the top spot on the Westside for Sports. All the games in HD on 10 plasmas.

    Our food has been named the Best Bar Food In Los Angeles. The only bar kitchen in history without a freezer or microwave.

    The Backstage is an old school place. Dim lighting, cozy firepit & friendly staff.

    Drink at the bar that the Munchkins called home (really).

    Visit our website: www.BackstageCulverCity.com

Editorial

  • In Short
    This dive bar is like a 1970's après ski lounge, complete with rich wood walls and a roaring fire pit to sprawl around. It has all the casual atmosphere of a mountain lodge,...

  • 10/23/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 11am-2am
  • Payments: Discover, Master Card, Visa, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Washington Culver
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