Spotlight on: the Garter

Venice dive bar gets a seductive makeover

By Jane Pham, Special to Metromix

January 30, 2008


Spotlight on: the Garter
(Credit: Carmen Vorse)
Remember the Red Garter, the Venice dive known as much for its purple velvet wallpaper as its gritty beach-urban vibe? Well, "Red" has been dropped from the bar’s name, and the space has had quite the makeover. Gone are the Ms. Pac-Man arcade games. They’ve been replaced with pool tables and flat-screen TVs souped up with Nintendo Wii systems. That’s not all—the grungy interior has re-emerged with sultry new décor. Think French burlesque meets Western saloon.

The Garter now has plush leather couches, purple velvet benches, snazzy black chandeliers, and bathrooms adorned with suede walls and black porcelain accents. The cherry on top is a fireplace that's perfect for cozying up to when the ocean air has Venice under a chill. It’s so chichi, in fact, you might mistake it for Hollywood—especially with that red walkway, fit for an heiress and the adoring paparazzi.

But you won't encounter Hollywood 'tude here; nor will you find any "specialty" cocktails. Heck, you won’t even find a drink menu! And the laid-back doorman will let you in wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt. “When you walk in, you feel like you’re at home,” says co-owner Peter Kasper. “No one offers that feeling.” Well, we wouldn’t say no one, but nevertheless, we’re always psyched to come across another homey watering hole.

Music: Every Sunday night, a jazz/funk band headed by Sheffer Bruton of Ozomatli performs a live set. On Saturday nights, DJ Chris Boogie spins top hits.

Cocktails: There are no blended drinks, mojitos or specialty cocktails, but if you know what you want don’t be afraid to ask. Chances are Kasper can make it; he’s tended bar at many of the Westside’s local spots.

Stay tuned: Starting the day after the Super Bowl and continuing every Monday after, the Garter and Budweiser will sponsor a Wii bowling tournament with giveaways. As an added bonus, they'll be serving Bud bottles shaped like bowling pins.

Click here for the Garter's address and phone number.

RELATED LINKS

    The Garter
    The Garter
    • 2536 Lincoln Blvd. - Venice