Had a fun friendly match of chess with a gentleman on the patio. He was rude to my friend after I dropped a $20 (that I expected to lose against an obvious master). He had me checkmate in 1 move and proceeded to insult my friend and tell him he can't comment on an ongoing game, and that my friend was intrusive and screaming at him (he wasnt). Immediately security moved in and "made sure everything was chill" which because of course it was, I lose after playing 1v1 starcraft all the time. But the chess master, after winning the match, complained to management that I was causing problems. I asked management "do you sponsor this chess player to make money off of patrons at your establishment?" They said yes, he's friends with the owners, so of course I backed down. This place is fun, but I do not recommend playing against the chess guy. I expected to lose, but I love chess and a cool $20 is nothing for a good match. The guy is set up to hustle patrons of the bar. No big deal, but he didn't have to be a dick to my friends about it--within 1 move of checkmate, he blew up on my friend for saying something... anything about the match. My friend was just commenting and being a fun spectator. Afterwards, my opponent, the winner, complained to the GM about me. The GM was a cool guy but casually explained to me that the chess guy was protected by management and it put him in a tough spot. Do I recommend this bar? Yes. Just don't play chess--the guy is a dick who will harass you when you lose, be a dick to your friends, and be an ass when he takes your money. 0/5 stars
Rose C.
Walked down Abbott Kinney and stopped in this establishment for an afternoon drink. Immediately upon sitting down at the bar, the bartender rushed us to put in our orders even though it wasn't busy. When he spilled the drink all over the counter, we asked for a napkin and he stared us down and used a bar rag to wipe down just the counter. The drinks are mediocre. The environment is loud and lively but I would not come back given the rude customer service.
Dave Melton
fun place!
Atmosphere: 5
Fernando Orozco
A classic and typical sports bar.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Flavius
Saw an amazing band here on a Tue night. It was a good crowd and the service was good. I didnt have to wait too long for. a drink.Competition to get on the pool table looked very intense. Not for casual players, in my opinion.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Cynthia H.
This place is ok for a spot to grab beers in Venice. I've only come here with a large group of people and only during the weekdays at night. The bonus here is the large outdoor seating area with picnic tables. They do not serve food here. The beer selection is good but not great and the same with the customer service. Each time I've gone there's been some live music and people enjoying a game at the pool table.
Amy Cooper
The brig is a classic. This spot is old, grimy, and always popping ?? I’ve been here on many occasions. Let’s just say I’m very drunk when I’m here. I love the bouncers here and their martinis are strong. You have to check out the brig if you’re in LA. I think last year was their 75th anniversary ? PS I don't think they have food here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Gregorio Lonato
The Place is buzzing, losts of young professionals/entertainment industry people having good fun. Bar tenders are busy all the time, drinks are decent but for the price I would expect the quality of the ingredients to be a bit better..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Leticia Cruz
Alex dragged me into the mens bathroom approximately 11:45 PM (check the cameras). Told me to compare the smell in the men’s bathroom womans. I told him I don’t need to use the men’s restroom. I can use the woman’s. He insisted that he wanted feedback on how disgusting the men’s bathroom smelled. He wouldn’t let me out until I gave him the feedback. it wasn’t what he wanted and then he asked Security to escort me out. It was super uncomfortable and inappropriate and I was a woman I do not feel comfortable returning to this bar. Alex should be reprimanded.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Luke J.
I use to love going here, great spot. Then I I watched one of the bouncers grab my girlfriend and rip her arm out of her socket. After it happened I told other bouncers what happened and they all shrugged it off like it was a normal occurrence. If you're not ready to be assaulted DO NOT GO HERE.
Let's keep yelp Real!!! I've been here during the day and in the evening, its a good time once you get your drinks. Real rating would be 4.2/5 because I would come back with more people. Kind of a 70'sish vibe which I dig. Its a spacious bar with options to sit inside and outside, standing or sitting which I appreciate because it gets crowded. You should expect to spend some money here because its in Venice on Abbot Kinney...wish it wasn't that way, but hey. My gripe about the Brig is the service; its either slow or a little unfriendly. That being said I have not had a bad cocktail here and they have a great selection of spirits or beer.
Romeo B.
The Brig is an interesting venture, first time I came during halloween last year was a nice adventure. If you aren't 6 feet tall, you will feel small. Many gasses around the area as well, I would stay away from the dumpster shell. I did see some black dust around so it didn't feel sound. The bouncer tried to get me but I didn't flee. 4/5, would go back to this hive!
Danika Mulvaney
Have only been here on Tuesday nights for jazz. Great
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Anastasia Z.
Had an $86 tab that I closed and signed on and before I left, checked my bank account and saw that charge as well as a second $60 charge. When I asked the bartender about it she told me "sometimes they put a hold on the card and that the charge would knock off in the morning." (Which is total BS.) She then asked if I wanted another drink, I'm assuming in the hopes that I would be too drunk to remember this in the morning. Have called them multiple times and gotten no response.
Isaiah G.
The Brig in LA exceeded expectations with their impeccably crafted Moscow Mule. From the moment the copper mug touched my lips, I was immersed in a burst of flavors that danced harmoniously on my palate. The combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and the zing of lime juice made for a truly refreshing and invigorating cocktail. The balance was just right, with the ginger offering a satisfying kick, while the lime added a citrusy tang that cut through the richness of the vodka. Sipping this cocktail at The Brig was an experience that I'll certainly look forward to repeating.The atmosphere at The Brig was lively and welcoming, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the Moscow Mule. The friendly staff ensured a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, adding to the overall charm of the visit. The ambiance was lively, yet not overwhelming, allowing for great conversations and a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a busy day. The Brig is undeniably a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a delightful Moscow Mule in a vibrant setting.
Had a fun friendly match of chess with a gentleman on the patio. He was rude to my friend after I dropped a $20 (that I expected to lose against an obvious master). He had me checkmate in 1 move and proceeded to insult my friend and tell him he can't comment on an ongoing game, and that my friend was intrusive and screaming at him (he wasnt). Immediately security moved in and "made sure everything was chill" which because of course it was, I lose after playing 1v1 starcraft all the time. But the chess master, after winning the match, complained to management that I was causing problems. I asked management "do you sponsor this chess player to make money off of patrons at your establishment?" They said yes, he's friends with the owners, so of course I backed down. This place is fun, but I do not recommend playing against the chess guy. I expected to lose, but I love chess and a cool $20 is nothing for a good match. The guy is set up to hustle patrons of the bar. No big deal, but he didn't have to be a dick to my friends about it--within 1 move of checkmate, he blew up on my friend for saying something... anything about the match. My friend was just commenting and being a fun spectator. Afterwards, my opponent, the winner, complained to the GM about me. The GM was a cool guy but casually explained to me that the chess guy was protected by management and it put him in a tough spot. Do I recommend this bar? Yes. Just don't play chess--the guy is a dick who will harass you when you lose, be a dick to your friends, and be an ass when he takes your money. 0/5 stars
Walked down Abbott Kinney and stopped in this establishment for an afternoon drink. Immediately upon sitting down at the bar, the bartender rushed us to put in our orders even though it wasn't busy. When he spilled the drink all over the counter, we asked for a napkin and he stared us down and used a bar rag to wipe down just the counter. The drinks are mediocre. The environment is loud and lively but I would not come back given the rude customer service.
fun place!
Atmosphere: 5
A classic and typical sports bar.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Saw an amazing band here on a Tue night. It was a good crowd and the service was good. I didnt have to wait too long for. a drink.Competition to get on the pool table looked very intense. Not for casual players, in my opinion.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This place is ok for a spot to grab beers in Venice. I've only come here with a large group of people and only during the weekdays at night. The bonus here is the large outdoor seating area with picnic tables. They do not serve food here. The beer selection is good but not great and the same with the customer service. Each time I've gone there's been some live music and people enjoying a game at the pool table.
The brig is a classic. This spot is old, grimy, and always popping ?? I’ve been here on many occasions. Let’s just say I’m very drunk when I’m here. I love the bouncers here and their martinis are strong. You have to check out the brig if you’re in LA. I think last year was their 75th anniversary ? PS I don't think they have food here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
The Place is buzzing, losts of young professionals/entertainment industry people having good fun. Bar tenders are busy all the time, drinks are decent but for the price I would expect the quality of the ingredients to be a bit better..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Alex dragged me into the mens bathroom approximately 11:45 PM (check the cameras). Told me to compare the smell in the men’s bathroom womans. I told him I don’t need to use the men’s restroom. I can use the woman’s. He insisted that he wanted feedback on how disgusting the men’s bathroom smelled. He wouldn’t let me out until I gave him the feedback. it wasn’t what he wanted and then he asked Security to escort me out. It was super uncomfortable and inappropriate and I was a woman I do not feel comfortable returning to this bar. Alex should be reprimanded.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I use to love going here, great spot. Then I I watched one of the bouncers grab my girlfriend and rip her arm out of her socket. After it happened I told other bouncers what happened and they all shrugged it off like it was a normal occurrence. If you're not ready to be assaulted DO NOT GO HERE.
Restaurantji Recommends
Let's keep yelp Real!!! I've been here during the day and in the evening, its a good time once you get your drinks. Real rating would be 4.2/5 because I would come back with more people. Kind of a 70'sish vibe which I dig. Its a spacious bar with options to sit inside and outside, standing or sitting which I appreciate because it gets crowded. You should expect to spend some money here because its in Venice on Abbot Kinney...wish it wasn't that way, but hey. My gripe about the Brig is the service; its either slow or a little unfriendly. That being said I have not had a bad cocktail here and they have a great selection of spirits or beer.
The Brig is an interesting venture, first time I came during halloween last year was a nice adventure. If you aren't 6 feet tall, you will feel small. Many gasses around the area as well, I would stay away from the dumpster shell. I did see some black dust around so it didn't feel sound. The bouncer tried to get me but I didn't flee. 4/5, would go back to this hive!
Have only been here on Tuesday nights for jazz. Great
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Had an $86 tab that I closed and signed on and before I left, checked my bank account and saw that charge as well as a second $60 charge. When I asked the bartender about it she told me "sometimes they put a hold on the card and that the charge would knock off in the morning." (Which is total BS.) She then asked if I wanted another drink, I'm assuming in the hopes that I would be too drunk to remember this in the morning. Have called them multiple times and gotten no response.
The Brig in LA exceeded expectations with their impeccably crafted Moscow Mule. From the moment the copper mug touched my lips, I was immersed in a burst of flavors that danced harmoniously on my palate. The combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and the zing of lime juice made for a truly refreshing and invigorating cocktail. The balance was just right, with the ginger offering a satisfying kick, while the lime added a citrusy tang that cut through the richness of the vodka. Sipping this cocktail at The Brig was an experience that I'll certainly look forward to repeating.The atmosphere at The Brig was lively and welcoming, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the Moscow Mule. The friendly staff ensured a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, adding to the overall charm of the visit. The ambiance was lively, yet not overwhelming, allowing for great conversations and a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a busy day. The Brig is undeniably a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a delightful Moscow Mule in a vibrant setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5