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Tavern on Main
Master Critic Review
Tavern on Main
7.8
This neighborhood sports bar combines California comfort food with over 20 TV screens, maintaining a locals-first vibe with affordable happy hours and late-night service. The recent management team emphasizes attentive service and safety, offering pool, shuffleboard, and solid bar fare like burgers and tacos at prices rare for Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Chicken Tacos, Veggie Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Budget-friendly neighborhood bar with exceptional value and caring staff
Who should go: Sports fans, locals, budget-conscious diners
When to visit: Happy hour 2-for-1 deals or late night
What to order: $11 beer and burger deal, chicken tacos, fried pickles
Insider tip: Guess the suit under your PBR bottle cap correctly for a free beer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - typically available except weekend evenings. Free after 6pm and all day Sunday. Small public lot two blocks north.
Dress code: Pure casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all perfectly fine. This is a true neighborhood bar where locals come as they are.
Noise level: Loud during games - expect cheering and sports commentary. Quieter early afternoons and late nights (10pm+) when you can actually have conversations.
Weekend wait: No wait - walk right in. Seats fill up during major sporting events but bar stools typically available.
Weekday lunch: No wait - plenty of space at bar and tables
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie burger, salads, sides like fried pickles and fries. This is bar food territory, not a veggie destination.
Vegan options: Very limited - side salad and fries are your best bets. Call ahead to confirm prep methods.
Gluten-free options: Minimal options - salads without croutons, some proteins. No dedicated prep area. Not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both sports fans meeting for a casual drink. The loud TV atmosphere and bar vibe aren't ideal for getting-to-know-you conversation. Better for a second or third date when you already have rapport.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Walk-ins only. You'll find space unless there's a major Lakers/Dodgers playoff game, then arrive early or expect to stand at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until evening - families welcome for lunch and early dinner. Good kids menu basics like chicken tenders and burgers. After 8pm it skews adult bar crowd. No high chairs spotted but staff accommodating.
Good for large groups? Yes - they can push tables together and the casual vibe works well for groups of 6-10. Call ahead for parties larger than 8 so they can prepare. Happy hour makes it budget-friendly for group hangs.
Can I watch a specific game here? Absolutely - with 20+ screens they can usually accommodate requests. Call ahead for big games to confirm they'll have your team's broadcast. Lakers and Dodgers always prioritized.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious sports viewing with the $11 burger-beer deal beating most Santa Monica bars by $5-10. Late-night food until 1am when most kitchens have closed. Unpretentious local vibe without Marina del Rey tourist prices or Venice scene-chasing.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails or extensive wine selection - this is a beer and basic mixed drinks spot. Skip if you need quiet conversation, upscale ambiance, or diverse vegetarian options. For elevated sports bar experience, head to The Bungalow or Brennan's instead.