Can you recommend a bar/pub/club/whatever that does NOT show sports television? (August: live, golf)

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

Good luck with that, Exitus Acta Probat. I have been searching for a long, long time for a bar that does not include a television set with no luck yet. Even the "oh pharts" bars here seem to have fallen victim to the creeping cancer known as television. We have September 11th to thank for that. I told my dh that when we open our next business we should open a tv-free bar for people who have brains. He said that we will probably go bankrupt for lack of business. 'nuff said.

20yrsinBranson

I don't think bars without TVs are that uncommon in Los Angeles, though most of those don't fit the OP's criteria because they typically have music blaring or a more dining-driven concept. For example the bar across the street from my apartment doesn't have TVs, but it doesn't open until 8PM and is very loud when it is open.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Exitus Acta Probat

Can you recommend a place that just features poetry, acoustic guitarists, or something other than sports television, and whose clientele tend to be introverted intellectuals? And furthermore a place that's not a coffee bar or specializes in odd beverages that appeal to "hipsters" -- a place where one can simply get a glass of merlot and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, free of testosterone measuring contests and the sort.

Sounds like my house, except for the merlot part.

[DontH8Me]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Sounds like my house, except for the merlot part.

Sounds like my house too, except for the merlot - I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon. Occasionally a Pinot Noir.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

I like Cabernet Sauvignon as well; in fact that's what I'm drinking right now. Don't like Pinot...

[genjy]

A bar for "introverted intellectuals"? Sounds like a snooze fest.

I guess some exciting poetry readings would wake everyone right back up.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by genjy

A bar for "introverted intellectuals"? Sounds like a snooze fest.

I guess some exciting poetry readings would wake everyone right back up.

Go play with your football or something.

[sponger42]

Is this a joke? No sports and/or no TV's in a bar? You can't find this in LA? Have you ever left your apartment? You can't throw a rock without hitting one.

Nova Express Cafe in Hollywood, Bar21 or NoBar in NoHo, Sans Souci in Ventura if you want an actual lounge/bar scene with no TV's. I can't name any quiet wine bars because they're not my thing, but I've walked past a rows of them (and stopped in for free cookies at an opening once). There's at least 3 wine bars near downtown Ventura that are exactly what you're looking for, all hipster-ily walkable (<5 blocks from a train station, because god forbid you'd have to drive, better to drop $40 on the Amtrak and pray it shows up and isn't on fire). Or, if you want your Oxfam badge, you can take the subway from wherever you are to the Orange Line at Warner Center, then coordinate with the Conejo Connection bus to Ventura, then one more local bus downtown.

I'm sure Silverlake--as other's have mentioned--must be rife with them. There's probably 10 more in Santa Barbara and another zillion down San Diego way if you take the Coaster down to Solana Beach, Del Mar, etc.

[PDF]

I love the Library Bar.

[Breakaway_Girl]

You may do better at the bar/lounge areas of the upscale hotels. We used to love going to Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica for a quiet glass of wine (or two or three). Good luck!

[DontH8Me]

Originally Posted by Breakaway_Girl

You may do better at the bar/lounge areas of the upscale hotels. We used to love going to Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica for a quiet glass of wine (or two or three). Good luck!

Had a first date there with a guy I met online. It was really nice, we sat on one of the couches by the fireplace and sipped wine and had food brought over from the restaurant area. Great place to spot celebs if that's your thing. Good call!