Smog Cutter

Cocktail bar · East Hollywood

Smog Cutter

Cocktail bar · East Hollywood

1

864 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Photos

Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by Bosch [screenshot]
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null
Smog Cutter by null

Highlights

Long-standing bar packs a boisterous crowd for karaoke & cocktails in a tiny, no-nonsense setting.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder
Placeholder

864 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 Get directions

$

Information

Static Map

864 Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 Get directions

$

Features

payment cash only

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"This legendary East Hollywood dive bar has now closed, giving way to a new spot called Equal Parts. But the dive was the name of the first episode of Season 3, where there’s a crucial early scene involving shots." - Matthew Kang

LA Bars and Restaurants Featured in Modern Noir Cop Show Bosch - Eater LA
View Postcard for Smog Cutter

James Townsend

Google
Super unfriendly and unwelcoming owners. Got kicked out on a totally empty night for being a DD since I didn't order anything, even though my friends did. It's also cash only, two drink minimum, and the owners themselves seemed drunk telling us to leave even as we were waiting for our friend to finish their drink. If you don't have a drink in your hand you're not allowed to stay, even when there's barely anyone else in the bar, even if you've already been drinking there. Super petty too as we waited outside for our friend, they came over and made sure their curtain door was shut so we couldn't see in or talk between the open door.

Alex A.

Google
Undercover hipster racist. Visiting from Chicago and got nothing but negative vibes from everyone around including the patrons and bar tender. I'm Latino and everyone in the bar was white and uninviting (in a gentrifying Latino neighborhood).I have a master's degree and in no way should anyone have to feel this way in a neighborhood bar; with or without a masters degree. I'm in town exploring for a couple weeks and didn't expect this experience. Cheap drinks, but very unfriendly environment. I can't imagine what locals may experience while going to this pretentious dive bar. It's not where you want to be.

Meggan K

Google
I was pretty excited about this place because I thought it'd be all dive bar-y and a perfect neighborhood spot, but alas, I was disappointed. A well drink is $7, which is above average for the area. It was strong, but if I'm paying cash (it's cash only), it seems silly for such a dive to charge that. Look, I know dive bars, it's too much. The $1 per song for karaoke is a bit greedy too, I think, especially since the hosts take every other song to sing themselves. They're quite the performeres, but it's still a bit strange and self-massaging. This is a super hip "silverlakey" spot. Also, I believe it's a 2 drink minimum on karaoke nights...dunno how strict they are.

Michael Shilstone

Google
The Cutter is a neighborhood staple where Charles Bukowski used to get drunk. I would bet that the decor and service hasn't changed much since then. It's basically a wide, dark hallway that you enter through a curtain with a small pool table in the front and a bar at the far end. The bar does not serve tap beer, just bottles of mostly domestic big brands like Budweiser and Miller. Still, people love this little dive bar and it gets packed, especially as the night gets later and karaoke is in full effect.

Julian Stone-Kronberg

Google
Classic karaoke dive bar. Cash only, only beers are bottled, and karaoke machine looks like it runs on old VHS tapes. Lots of characters here, always a good time.

Sam B

Google
Awesome karaoke bar, sassy bartenders, free food buffet Only complaint is that drinks were a bit too pricey for a dive, but overall had a really fun, sloshy time at Smog Cutter!

Russell Komor

Google
Extremely rude. Wouldn't allow our dd to be in the bar unless he bought a drink then charged him more for a soda than they charged for a beer

PAUL

Google
This place has standed here before 1992. If it is not good enough, it should be no more business. That means I urge you to try to prove how come it still standing there. Oh..yeah.