You'll forget you're in a strip mall when you enter this 1960s interpretation of a Gold Rush-era saloon. Popular Drinks: Bottled beer, margaritas.
Unique Drinks: Cape Colada (pink and fruity for when you're feeling pretty).
Food: Good free popcorn (crunchy and addictive -- not the stale, chewy stuff you usually get), full bar menu with great burgers, etc.
Seating: Bar and two counters with stools, burnt sienna-colored vinyl banquette, wood chairs.
Ambience: Locals; mixed, unpretentious, and sociable crowd (all ages); really nice bartender and waitresses.
Extras/Notes: Two ruby red velvet couches by the fireplace, dark wood claw-foot tables all around. TVs tuned to the game, but with the sound off in case ya wanna have a conversation. Juke box with Top 40 hits from the past four decades. Check out the post-Northridge quake photos on the way to the bathroom.
Parking: Plenty in the lot.
For more reviews like this, get your own copy of Thirsty? Los Angeles.