(Credit: Cole Godvin)
A relative newcomer on the Santa Monica nightlife scene, and the only bustling velvet rope for miles, this self-appointed ‘girl-friendly’ sports bar has already amassed a loyal following of young SM professionals, ladies in low-cut tops and their Fergalicious ringtones.
Designed and named after “the room every guy always wanted to have in his house,” says co-owner Ike Pyun, The Parlor is part sports bar, part lounge. Its two stories and open-air smoking patio are decked out in hip, modern décor, and accented with a collection of vintage sports memorabilia (both UCLA and USC are represented, natch). Nine satellite feeds, 50 TVs and eight 50” screens pump in everything base-, foot-, and basketball related; though for the time being, those wishing to participate in any activity that doesn’t revolve around watching TV or scoring digits will have to make do with a sole shuffleboard table (how cruise ship!).
The Parlor's menu is chockfull of jazzed-up, upscale bar fare, so instead of tuna sandwiches and buffalo wings, expect garlic parmesan wings and seared tuna sandwiches. If you really want to feel like a champ, $300/hour gets you a semi-private VIP lounge, which accommodates up to twenty people and includes food and beverage service—an excellent deal, especially if you’ve got exactly nineteen friends.
Although the "Real World" gang rarely makes it out here in person, that shouldn’t stop you from pretending that you’re a cast member on "Real World: Austin" and drinking 'til you pass out. Or pretending it’s "Real World: Las Vegas" and sleeping with everyone in the joint. Or pretending it’s "Real World: London" and… wait, what did they do in London again?
Drinks: With over twenty beers on tap, as well as a selection of high-end liquor and single malt scotch, even if your favorite team loses, your kidneys always win. And on a good night, "Survivor: Africa" star (and co-owner) Silas Gaither might be behind the bar mixing your drinks.
Crowd: Santa Monica guys looking for a place to watch every conceivable sporting event at the exact same time. Santa Monica gals with necklines that plunge below sea level.
Décor: Vintage sports memorabilia. Ten zillion TV screens. More vintage sports memorabilia.
Food: Every Sunday at The Parlor is Slider Sunday, which means $3 drafts and $1.50 Parlor Sliders (think: gourmet White Castle). Specialty of the house: the El Picante Slider, which includes roasted chili, escabeche, chipotle ranch, and pepper jack cheese.
Click here for The Parlor's address and phone number.
Amir Kenan is contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
