Residuals
Studio City, CA 91604-3546
Phone: (818) 761-8301
- Cross Street:
- Vineland Avenue
- Hours:
- Daily 12pm-2am
Editorial Review for Residuals – by Patrick Green
The Scene
The writers, directors and producers who opened this Studio City bar back in 1986 envisioned it as an entertainment industry locale where aspiring artists, established stars and studio suits could toss back a couple of cold ones while talking shop. Although new owners took over in 1998, the same spirit still pervades. The homey interior is spotted with modest wooden furnishings, leather booths, a serviceable bar, televisions and a fitting autographed picture of Ted Danson as Sam Malone. Live blues, rock and cover bands take the tiny stage on the weekends, as do karaoke singers on Sundays.
The Draw
Neighborhood hole-in-the-walls like this survive on character. Friendly bartenders make jokes as easily as drinks, and holiday parties are known for free food and specialty drinks--little touches that are big things for a crowd that prefers substance over superficiality.
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Insider Tips
What to EatThere's no food except for free popcorn, but you can order out (ask the bartender for menus), or bring in your own meal.
ParkingThe shopping mall lot fills up quickly, but there's additional street parking in the surrounding residential areas.
Happy HourDaily from noon to 7pm.
User Reviews for Residuals
06/10/2008 Posted by Gossamer13
Ive been there a couple of time and wonder each and every time why i go back. (my friends keep telling me it'll grow on me). It tends to be pretty crowded weekend nights but i have no idea why. They have really 'odd' tasting drinks. I usually drink stoli on the rocks and the ones i've had there always taste funny - more like rock gut than high end vodka. Very harsh tasting. The table service was non-existant. We'd catch the waitresses eye and indicate we wanted to place an order and she kept blowing us off. Went up to the bar and waited for-ever. The bartender was way too busy chatting with a couple of actress wanna-bes to come over and help us. And the last time i went these two old guys wouldn't leave us alone. Apparently theyre regulars and its part of their charm. Ugh. Never again.
Pros: Some cute guys, good jukebox, cheap drinks
Cons: Terrible service, wierd regulars, no food
09/13/2007 Posted by ibcandide
I had heard a lot about this place, but it always got bypassed because people wanted to go to the nearby Fox & Hounds. This was my first time here. Our group of 5 walked in and we pretty much had a choice of where to sit. There were people there, but there were always another set of couches, another table up on the elevated part of the bar, or another booth available. Went and got the drinks (my Vodka Tonic was $5 but was VERY stiff). The bartender looked like he stepped out of an Abercrombie ad (Jeff), but the difference between him and the "Hollywood" type bartenders is that he was EXTREMELY friendly and was telling me what nights I should check out. This seems like it's a very locals bar (the local drunk girl was yelling at some other patron "f*&$ you" to which he yelled the same thing right back). Definite comraderie (a la Cheers). When ordering drinks next to the girl, she engaged in conversation, immediately pulling myself, the neophyte, into the mix of the local crowd. There was no feeling of "what are you doing here?!" The jukebox was one of those digital ones that was set at a great conversation level (not too loud, but not too soft). The mix of music was everything from Kanye to Gin Blossoms to Green Day (basically something for everyone). One downfall is that there is no food here except for the popcorn (which seemed a bit stale). But since it's free, I didn't complain at all! Apparently you can bring in outside food which is great. I'll have to try that next time. Overall, this place is a hidden gem that I worry about giving it such positive reviews because I don't want it to become the cool place to go. But, the experience I had as a first-timer was great! I will definitely go back and bring some more friends along!
Pros: Great bartenders, great atmosphere, not crowded, but enough people that it doesn't feel empty.
Cons: Parking, no food served
