I had an absolutely awful experience at The Basement Tavern last night. I presented my REAL, valid ID, and the bouncers immediately decided it was fake. They kept repeating, “Real IDs scan now too!” as if that alone proved anything. They examined it over and over, but instead of admitting they were wrong, they doubled down.
I even showed them additional proof — photos of my passports, other forms of ID, documentation — literally everything. They refused to acknowledge any of it. They talked down to me, were rude, dismissive, and acted like they had already decided who I was before even looking at the evidence.
Then it escalated: they confiscated my ID and refused to give it back, which is not legal in California. They kept it even after seeing all the proof of my age and identity. I felt humiliated, helpless, and genuinely treated like a criminal for simply trying to enter a bar with my legitimate identification.
I ended up having to call the police and stand outside in the cold while waiting for an officer to come by just so I could get MY OWN ID returned. The entire time, the bouncers acted smug and entertained by the situation.
No establishment that treats people this way deserves business. If you value professionalism, safety, or basic human respect, avoid this place at all costs.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
S
College vibes, super loud music, frat bros peeing outside. NOT A JAZZ CLUB AS ADVERTISED and you can tell just from seeing the clientele and hearing the music outside
Jan Schachel
The Basement Tavern is a cool, laid-back bar with a great selection of craft beers. The place has a relaxed, almost speakeasy feel with its dim lighting and vintage décor. They have a killer burger that pairs perfectly with any of their local brews. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is chill, so it’s perfect for a low-key night out with friends. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in LA’s bar scene, this is it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Navarro
We were searching for a speakeasy in the area or at least a place with speakeasy vibes that we could have a good drink and hang out in a small group. This place is NOT that. It is in the basement of the Victorian, which definitely has a college club vibe. Then you go to the basement to get to this part and that seemed fine because we expected the vibe would be different downstairs and it wasn't. Same loud music you had to yell over with a focus on a DJ and open floor versus seating and chilling. Could be someone's scene, but not ours and not a speakeasy or chill space.
Atmosphere: 1
Yash Verma
Trash, very disrespected to customers
Service: 1
Samrudhi Bokade
Service is horrible
Mario Tiscareno
This place is fun. I'm just too old for it, lol
M T
Better when its not so busy but its a great spot to hangout.
Felippe Mendonça
Best place in Venice-LA
Patricia Barnes
Great service! Came here for a cute after work date. Loved the atmosphere and great if you work in the financial district.
I had an absolutely awful experience at The Basement Tavern last night. I presented my REAL, valid ID, and the bouncers immediately decided it was fake. They kept repeating, “Real IDs scan now too!” as if that alone proved anything. They examined it over and over, but instead of admitting they were wrong, they doubled down.
I even showed them additional proof — photos of my passports, other forms of ID, documentation — literally everything. They refused to acknowledge any of it. They talked down to me, were rude, dismissive, and acted like they had already decided who I was before even looking at the evidence.
Then it escalated: they confiscated my ID and refused to give it back, which is not legal in California. They kept it even after seeing all the proof of my age and identity. I felt humiliated, helpless, and genuinely treated like a criminal for simply trying to enter a bar with my legitimate identification.
I ended up having to call the police and stand outside in the cold while waiting for an officer to come by just so I could get MY OWN ID returned. The entire time, the bouncers acted smug and entertained by the situation.
No establishment that treats people this way deserves business. If you value professionalism, safety, or basic human respect, avoid this place at all costs.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
College vibes, super loud music, frat bros peeing outside. NOT A JAZZ CLUB AS ADVERTISED and you can tell just from seeing the clientele and hearing the music outside
The Basement Tavern is a cool, laid-back bar with a great selection of craft beers. The place has a relaxed, almost speakeasy feel with its dim lighting and vintage décor. They have a killer burger that pairs perfectly with any of their local brews. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is chill, so it’s perfect for a low-key night out with friends. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in LA’s bar scene, this is it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were searching for a speakeasy in the area or at least a place with speakeasy vibes that we could have a good drink and hang out in a small group. This place is NOT that. It is in the basement of the Victorian, which definitely has a college club vibe. Then you go to the basement to get to this part and that seemed fine because we expected the vibe would be different downstairs and it wasn't. Same loud music you had to yell over with a focus on a DJ and open floor versus seating and chilling. Could be someone's scene, but not ours and not a speakeasy or chill space.
Atmosphere: 1
Trash, very disrespected to customers
Service: 1
Service is horrible
This place is fun. I'm just too old for it, lol
Better when its not so busy but its a great spot to hangout.
Best place in Venice-LA
Great service! Came here for a cute after work date. Loved the atmosphere and great if you work in the financial district.
Restaurantji Recommends
Glad I got to experience this place before I leave LA. Great place to mingle meet people and hear live music.
Great service and wonderful food. The environment is everything.
Loud awesome music club
Yikes band ----our friends ---play there sometimes yeah super fun We like Basement Tavern a lot
great music, great atmosphere.
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