Townhouse Venice

The original name, "Menotti's Buffet," is still set in a tile mosaic by the door, a detail that grounds Townhouse Venice in its 1915 origins. Located on Windward Avenue just a short walk from the beach, the establishment is one of the oldest operating bars in Los Angeles. Inside, the ground floor operates as a classic, straightforward bar with a lively atmosphere. The whole place is built around its Prohibition-era history, and that story is split between its two distinct floors. Below the main bar is the Del Monte, a darker, more clandestine space that functions as the venue’s speakeasy. This is where you’ll find the live entertainment – a mix of bands, DJs, and comedy acts, depending on the night. The space was the original speakeasy, supplied with liquor smuggled from the nearby Abbot Kinney pier through a network of now-sealed underground tunnels. It has its own separate bar, keeping the focus on classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a proper Whiskey Sour, celebrating the golden age of American drinking. A bouncer manages the door, and the entire venue can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. The vibe upstairs is typically that of a bustling cocktail bar, while downstairs is all about the performance on stage. There’s also a small outdoor patio across from the main entrance, offering a bit of an escape from the packed interior. The experience really depends on which floor you’re on – the historic tavern upstairs or the performance venue in the basement below.