Top Bars and Cafes in Culver City

Wilson

A recent addition to the Culver City eating scene, this food bar and cafe has much to offer. Named after Executive Chef Michael Wilson, the menu here gives a lot of emphasis to aromas and flavors and brings out the famed chef's creative edge in the global cuisine offered. Come and enjoy a variety of pastas especially prepared by Italian chefs at Wilson Bar and Cafe. Buono Appetito!

BottleRock

BottleRock is a Culver City treasure. On the surface, it is but a sleekly furnished wine bar, but the little details make it so much more. They stock over 800 bottles of wine from all around the world, and all of them are available to taste (provided you commit to buying just two glasses' worth). In addition to such a mind-boggling wine selection, long lists of craft-made beers and sakes are available as well. And because every fine liquid on offer is best when paired with a helping of gourmet food, there's also a cafe-style menu of enticing small plates. See website for happy-hour menu, cheese menu, lunch menu, night menu, beer list, wine list, special event announcements and more.

Tanner's Coffee

Although it may be one of many, don't be fooled: Tanner's Coffee has a very neighborhood feel to it. With local artists' work decorating the walls, an eclectic lending library (borrow and donate as you please), and vintage surfboards overhead, Tanner's is a great place to kick back and remember life before Starbucks. Check out your horoscope and work on the communal crossword puzzle while you await your espresso confection—which will arrive all too soon, topped with a signature mound of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Cafe Laurent

Just down the street from Sony Studios, Café Laurent will make you feel as though you've stumbled into the south of France—or perhaps the backlot set for Bonjour Tristesse. With a warm provençal interior and a sun-drenched patio, Laurent is a great place to enjoy a casual lunch or brunch à la française. The brunch menu features gourmet omelettes, Gaufres (light waffles) and Pain Perdu (french toast); the lunch menu offers such classics as Salade Niçoise, Quiche Lorraine, and Croque Monsieur.

Backstage

Across the street from Sony Studios, Backstage is not your typical dive bar. Wood paneling and a fireplace highlight the ski chalet décor, friendly and attractive bartenders abound, and Misti's Kitchen (on premises) churns out sinful Mac & Cheese, huge burgers, salads and steaks, and was voted best bar food in the city. Weeknights usually feature karaoke and it's a great spot for a birthday or other party any night of the week. Of course there are six TVs and a pool table, but you might just have so much fun you don't even notice. Check website for events.

Dear John's

This bar and restaurant is exactly the same as it was many years ago, which perhaps explains it's old world charm. The bar serves up drinks, both hard and soft for a nice price. The large booths accommodate you, your date and some extra friends, should they drop by. Everyone's welcome to try his or her voice out on the live microphone, often aided by the piano. You might bump into your grandfather or your parents here—it's that kind of place.

Fraîche

With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, Frîache specializes in the customers needs. The inside is elegant with modern decor, sprinkled with rustic artifact's from the Old World countryside. The menu is exceptional combining modern flavors with classic dishes to form, what turns out to be, a surprisingly succulent pairings. Some of the menu items include boudin noir with beluga lentils and wilted mustard greens and passatelli in Brodo with chicken and chanterelles. With a copper top counter, the bar is an excellent place for an aprés-meal cocktail.

Cinema Bar

Take a break from all the hustle bustle and enjoy a drink or two at the classic Cinema Bar. Since many years, this pub-cum-lounge has been delighting the city locals with some great country music and awesome drinks. The classic wooden interiors give it a very beautiful and timeless appeal. Watch out for the 'Tip Of The Jar'—a live music extravaganza held every Wednesday night, which features some of the best live country music bands. Because of all this, and more, The Cinema Bar is still considered as one of the best Country music nightclubs in the city and even after all these years, is frequented by a number of faithful locals.

Carbon

A great hangout with equally good music, Carbon is a must visit for all party animals. Carbon is known to be very lively and has Djs playing everything from hip-hop, electro to deep soul and retro rock. You can also relax at the cozy and comfortable lounge area while sipping your favorite drinks. The dance floor, though small, is always crowded. The drinks are reasonably priced. A great way to spend a night in Culver City.

Rush Street

In the middle of downtown Culver City, Rush Street has set itself apart from the crowd by offering a huge restaurant and lounge that can accommodate large groups as well as intimate dinners. In the downstairs area, you can watch sports on the big screens or have a business lunch in a quiet corner. Upstairs, there is an outdoor patio great for after-work drinks. And speaking of drinks, Rush Street boasts an extensive list of wine and specialty cocktails. If you're in search of sustenance in addition to nice glass of wine, the Mesquite Turkey Burger and the Truffle Asiago Fries will not disappoint. Whether you're stopping in to watch the big game or meeting a group for happy hour, Rush Street has something for everyone. - Patrice Drakeford