Backstage Bar & Grill
Business Information
Cocktail LoungesAfter Work
performance
Message from the Business
The Backstage Bar & Grill is a legendary place that's been around for over 70 years.
Located across the street from Sony Studios, the Backstage has always been a studio hangout, but now it's also a favorite spot for birthday & private parties. And, The Backstage has the cheapest drinks and Best Bar Food in town.
Karaoke is great here, even if youre not a fan. It's L.A.s top-rated karaoke. Every Thur, Fri & Sat.
The Backstage is the top spot on the Westside for Sports. All the games in HD on 10 plasmas.
Our food has been named the Best Bar Food In Los Angeles. The only bar kitchen in history without a freezer or microwave.
The Backstage is an old school place. Dim lighting, cozy firepit & friendly staff.
Drink at the bar that the Munchkins called home (really).
Visit our website: www.BackstageCulverCity.com
provided by
CitySearch
Top Sentiments among Backstage Bar & Grill Reviewers
Best drinks
Good burgers
Good n cheese
Best birthday party
Amazing garlic fries
Recommend macaroni
Great skirt steak salad
Amazing cheeseburgers
Amazing sandwiches
Customer Reviews (129 reviews)
Bombi
on Citysearch Oct 19, 2009The Backstage is, hands down, my favorite bar in LA. Don't be fooled by the exterior. It looks a little forbidding at first. But when you walk in, its like entering an alternative world where everything is right. The... (more)
Michaelmotorcycle
on Citysearch Oct 14, 2009I've been going to the Backstage for the Sunday games the past couple of weeks. Its been great. I start the morning with a Bloody, which is quite tasty, horse radish and all. Usually, by then I'm feeling alive and switch... (more)
JDogLA
on Citysearch Oct 12, 2009Just one of the most down to earth places I've ever been to. It's not a "club", it's not a "lounge" per se...it's a bar and a great one at that! Everytime I come in, it's like being on that show "Cheers." If I come in the... (more)
andygator
on Citysearch Oct 11, 2009# 2 on the list of "best beer selection in LA"? they had 6 taps, one of them was out (fat tire). a 5th spewed when the bartender tried to get me a taste of the "backstage pale ale", leaving only 4. blue moon, newcastle,... (more)
organ donor
on Citysearch Oct 08, 2009Good prices good selections and Rock Band on Sundays... overall a pretty epic experience with great grub and cheap PBR cans and on occasion... Arrogant Bastard 24s... awesome Culver City hangout!... (more)
jklnhid
on Citysearch Oct 08, 2009Well I just moved down to the Culver City area and a co-worker recommended this place to go and have a drink!! I wasn't treated courteously at all, in fact the service was so bad, appetizer and 1 drink and out!! We had to... (more)
christopherrocha
on Citysearch Jul 29, 2009this is King Chris inviting you all out for a great live soulful show every wed 900pm (more)
Jenapple
on Citysearch Jul 26, 2009Great service, even when busy. Good food to go along with cheap drinks. TV's in every direction. Just a good spot. Everyone celebrating, it was so much fun. (more)
RonaldJ
on Citysearch Jul 26, 2009I was not expecting such a great martini from this place. Simply out, I was pleasantly surprised. (more)
joewatson
on Citysearch Jul 26, 2009Good people, great staff, cheap drinks, everyone enjoys. Good atmosphere, (more)
ANDREWMICHAELS
on Citysearch Jul 26, 2009Love a good dive bar and this was up to my specifications. Cheap drinks, chill atmosphere, great jukebox, and very good food for a dive. (more)
Maryupshaw
on Citysearch Jul 26, 2009Great song list to choose from, even so many new songs! Everyone sings along with you, great place to sing karaoke for the first time! So much fun (more)
deby1
on Citysearch Jul 18, 2009Everyone that works there is great, the food is good, lots of fun for all. They have a lot of fun things different night of the week also. (more)
Doobie
on Citysearch Jun 09, 2009I had my 21st birthday here this week and it was so much fun! Our waitress was amazing she made sure I had a designated driver, when I had to much (of course) she made sure I was being taken care of. Everyone there was really... (more)
yumseeker2009
on Citysearch Mar 06, 2009Writing this EARLY in the AM because the food I had at Backstage last eve woke me up in a bad way... I guess if I happen to be right near by, I might drop back in for a drink and a game of pool (1 table) some time. Definitely not... (more)
capturedmemories
on Citysearch Mar 06, 2009Since I've been in LA, I've gone to mostly clubs and lounge-y type places. Fun, but not a lot of warmth. This place reminds me of home (just outside of Chicago). The Backstage is old-school (in a good way),... (more)
gijoe27
on Citysearch Mar 06, 2009I had a Birthday party at Backstage recently and had a blast! The food was awesome(love the fries) Our waitress was very attentive even though we were a big party and it was packed she always had a fresh beer ready for me.... (more)
BarHopperCC
on Citysearch Feb 06, 2009The crowd feels nice, yet the food is horrible. The french fries are so salty that you would need vaseline on your lips to soothe them. Don't even consider the beer on tap because it is flat, same goes for the diet coke. We... (more)
panduro
on Citysearch Jan 10, 2009IM NOT REALLY IN TO BARS ..... BUT THIS PLACE HAD ME HOOKED WITH MY FIRST DRINK:) THE DRINKS ARE STRONG AND CHEAP .THIS PLACE IS LOADS OF FUN ITS CROWDED AND VERY LOUD........ THE PEOPLE ARE NICE, FRIENDLY AND LAYED BACK... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Jan 10, 2009I went here after a premiere at Sony Studios. It was a lot of fun with decently priced drinks and karaoke. Even the food is pretty good. This is a great place to relax with some happy hour drink and work up the courage to... (more)
simmerda
on Citysearch Dec 29, 2008I haven't been to the Backstage on a weekend, but weekdays are chill. Very comfortable and easy. The crowd and crew are friendly, the lights are low and the jukebox is the best. It looks like a regular bar from the... (more)
thelightfandango
on Citysearch Dec 28, 2008This is my new favorite place! I was there for my best friend's birthday and we had the best time ever. I can't remember our server's name, something like Anna, but she gave us the kind of service you could only dream of.... (more)
microbabe
on Citysearch Dec 27, 2008WORST KARAOKE. This place was rated well on here so I decided to have my party here on Saturday the 13th of December, 2008 and it sucked. The Karaoke started an hour late and even though we signed up for songs 45 min before... (more)
casualcat
on Citysearch Dec 15, 2008i've driven by this many times, but have yet to go and check it out, but it sounds like a great time, and def could use some time to relax from work (more)
LovelyBruin
on Citysearch Aug 09, 2008I've been to Backstage 4 or 5 times now, and it has consistently been somewhere fun with a cool, diverse crowd (not too trendy). The food there is GREAT!!! Definitely have to try the mac & cheese. And if it's your... (more)
Jules061983
on Citysearch Jun 19, 2008Six friends and I came here on a Wed night to celebrate my 25th bday and I didnt expect much based on the front of the building and the fact that we went out the night before in Hollywood and I was so dissatisfied by the way... (more)
a Yahoo! Local User
on Yahoo May 28, 2008I have been to Backstage a couple of times, and each time I kick myself for going. The bartender (out of work actress) thinks she is doing you a favor just to do a job. No thanks, no hellos, no youâ??re welcome. I donâ??t... (more)
twynkle224
on Citysearch Apr 27, 2008This place has become my new favorite bar in Los Angeles. The crowd is unpretentious, the drinks are cheap and strong, and the staff are friendly and efficient. The karaoke regulars are impressive, but everyone... (more)
unclemitch
on Citysearch Apr 18, 2008What a find! I'm from Hermosa and my date was from West LA, so I sought a burger joint in between. Found Backstage via citysearch. On a Thursday game night parking couldn't be easier. Atmosphere, small and dark but... (more)
Allerick
on Citysearch Apr 05, 2008I've been a bartender at the Backstage for over 2 years now, longer than I've stayed at any other bar. the customers are awesome, which is a major reason for my longevity. The staff will always greet you with a smile and... (more)
clarasays
on Citysearch Apr 05, 2008After attending a Birthday party at Backstage this weekend I had to write and let you all know of my plight! I had a BLAST!! I honestly do not like big crowds and am frightend of karaoke but this place changed some beliefs... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Mar 30, 2008I love the sourdough burger from Misit's! It's perfectly toasted and thick enough to get the full flavor- the bread is not just a vehicle for he meat. The meat is juicy and lightly seasoned. I've heard the mac and cheese... (more)
jameslucascampbell
on Citysearch Mar 12, 2008We don't have a lot of them, but this is culver city's best bar. Sing a song that people know of don't hear a billion times and you'll do awesome on karaoke. (more)
Cityofgod
on Citysearch Feb 27, 2008IF U LIve in l.a this is the spot FRiendly people and treat u like fam THursdays are rockin U guys are the best (more)
kahmilstarr
on Yahoo Feb 23, 2008I had alot of fun here. You gotta be with a great crowd. Good Music. Good food. GREAT DRINKS!!! (more)
ahlemon
on Citysearch Jan 05, 2008I went there on a Friday night, and it was really fun. I am NOT a karaoke person, but this place even had me singing! If you're going to sing, get on the list early as it can get long. It's totally chill with fast, friendly... (more)
jenyblond007
on Citysearch Nov 01, 2007This is the best place in town!!!! Good food, great drinks, excellent prices, AND BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!! I want to go back many times!!!! (more)
sheridanm1
on Citysearch Sep 26, 2007Some friends invited me to join them Tues. night for happy hour at Backstage. When I first walked in, I thought ?what a dive.? It was pretty dark inside and looked empty. As time went on and my eyes acclimated to the... (more)
violentlee
on Citysearch Sep 24, 2007My wife and I are non-drinkers, but we find ourselves at Backstage for karaoke at least a couple times a month. It's such a fun, infectious atmosphere: The service is almost always awesome regardless of the crowd, KJ... (more)
connyo
on Citysearch Sep 17, 2007We wouldn't DREAM of having a party anywhere else! We are always treated like stars and they have pleased all of our guests with such smart and varied food. The Karaoke brings us more together and helps to create some... (more)
nialovely
on Citysearch Jul 15, 2007I often check out the reviews of places but never write on. When I saw someone's review trashing Backstage I had the speak out!!! This is the best dive bar in the Los Angeles area!!! I have gone to many birthday's, going... (more)
beerdude1219
on Citysearch Jul 09, 2007Saturday night I took 3 friends visiting from Pheonix to the Backstage Bar after finding it on citysearch. The reviews had been great so I thought it would be perfect. We got there at 9 and drove around for 15 minutes... (more)
recicent1
on Citysearch Jul 07, 2007sO i AM STILL BUZZED! My best friend had his b-day tonight at backstage and it was a blast. We ate early and the service was wonderful....and the food...wow. I had a portion of the sampler and it was tasty!!!! The DJ... (more)
jjj4444
on Citysearch Jun 12, 2007fyi. New parking restrictions have gone into effect. Permit Parking only from 6pm - 8am. The neighborhood is watching closely to insure that bar patrons are ticketed when parking in permit only areas.... (more)
spec5454
on Citysearch Jun 12, 2007Nice people work there. Even when it is super crowded you don't have to wait to actually get your drink. The way I drink that is important! :-) I went in for lunch about a month ago and saw some fliers for Ladies night on... (more)
freshandclean
on Citysearch Jun 05, 2007This is my idea of what a bar should be, a friendly place where you can be yourself and have a good time on a budget. I've been in on weekdays and weekends and the crowd (bigger on weekends, of course) is a great mix of... (more)
sarah_c
on Citysearch Jun 03, 2007I was really excited to check out the backstage, since it has been getting great ratings and reviews on citysearch. But honestly, I was just not that impressed with it. Parking was a pain and it felt too stuffy in there.... (more)
irishiz123
on Yahoo May 28, 2007not worth it!: this place is over-hyped. parking is a hassle. the bar is crowded. and no one in the crowd is particularly worth meeting. food is not that great. ..plus it smells. definitely didn't like it.... (more)
sceneitgirl
on Citysearch May 24, 2007Can a dive bar 'jump the shark'? If so, that's the case at the Backstage. One of my friends swears by this place, but I got tired of the same 5 people doing song after song after song on a karaoke night. Luckily there was no... (more)
triciaiscoastercrazy
on Yahoo May 03, 2007Strong drinks and good burgers: 1st of all I hate going out in L.A. it over priced and too much of scene- but I have to say I had a great time at back stage. The happy hour 3$ drinks is hard to bet- oh and the drink was actually... (more)
erincamron
on Citysearch Apr 27, 2007Thanks to all the Backstage crew for making my birthday awesome! The food is great, the staff is fun, and the drinks are strong! I had a great birthday and my friends all had a blast. I highly recommend going on the... (more)
sandyhdz
on Citysearch Apr 09, 2007This is the best locals dive bar! It's nice and dark and they always play good music. It's a great place to relax after work. (more)
jmartinez44
on Citysearch Mar 30, 2007I GO TO BACKSTAGE ALOT WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AND WE DIG THE ATMOSPHERE. LAST NIGHT WE WENT IN AND HAD A TAB OPEN AT THE BAR USUALLY WE HAVE TO GET UP AND KEEP ON ORDERING FROM THE BAR. THE GIRL THAT WAS GOING AROUND ASKING IF WE... (more)
francohungarian
on Citysearch Mar 29, 2007I had my barmitsma at the Backstage a few weeks ago and had a really great time. The place was busy, but we were treated really well. Free shots for the whole party and great food made it even better. I even tried karaoke... (more)
brnsuuga25
on Yahoo Mar 20, 2007Great for B-day's: I planned a last minute birthday party at Backstage and it was great. Ben was very helpful and they still had space for me to reserve a section at no cost despite the last minute request. The KJay was... (more)
brnsugar31
on Citysearch Mar 19, 2007I planned a last minute birthday party at Backstage and it was great. Ben was very helpful and they still had space for me to reserve a section at no cost despite the last minute request. The KJay was soo nice and fun and... (more)
nswolf
on Citysearch Mar 09, 2007The burgers are definitely some of the best you will ever have and very reasonably priced. The onion rings are a great addition and the fries that come with the burgers are great and have an extra garlic kick to them. The... (more)
leahdc
on Citysearch Feb 09, 2007I just celebrated my 30th birthday at Backstage and it was by far, THE most fun I have EVER had at a bar AND for my birthday. I had a party of 25 people which is a lot to handle but I never lifted a finger to do anything--our... (more)
rachel_w
on Citysearch Feb 02, 2007After years of sampling what our fine city has to offer, I can now say without a doubt that Backstage is my favorite bar in LA. It's that perfect combination of popular but still low-key and not scene-y. The drinks are... (more)
seirawan
on Citysearch Jan 30, 2007My buddies and I were looking for a place to watch the Laker game last night. I stumbled across the Backstage while looking for bars on Citysearch. What a great find! With over five televisions we never had to strain our... (more)
seirawan
on Citysearch Jan 30, 2007I love Hamburgers. I can eat three square meals a day consisting of hamburgers. After eating Misti's burger, I have found that I love HAMBURGERS even more. HUGE, JUICY, DELICIOUS, CHEESY, FRESH, TOASTED SOURDOUGH... (more)
luvreese
on Citysearch Jan 29, 2007After seeing all the rave about this place on City Search me and my boyfriend decided to check it out. This place is the worst bar I've ever been to. First of all there is no parking, you can take your chances of parking at... (more)
me0wmix
on Citysearch Jan 20, 2007After reading the great reviews for Misti's Kitchen, my friends and I decided to check it out for a chill dinner around 8:30 on a Saturday night. The place hadn't gotten busy yet, but all the but one near the bathroom... (more)
roleepolee
on Citysearch Jan 07, 2007What can I say about this bar? The service is great, the drinks are very strong (consider it a warning), the people are friendly, the Karaoke is fun whether you sing or watch, and best of all, it's cheap for all you penny... (more)
dmenkes
on Citysearch Nov 20, 2006Down the street from where I used to work, the Backstage is a haven for studio crews and visual effects artists alike. Their food is decent and their karaoke stage features both local and imported inebriated girls... (more)
smooph
on Citysearch Nov 14, 2006This place is just fun- we had a big (40+) party here and they were accomadating and very nice. Karaoke was great, drinks were awesome and the food was top notch (which surprised me!) All around, a great time and I would... (more)
feldypants
on Citysearch Oct 22, 2006This is definitely one of my favorite bars in all of LA. I found it on citysearch, and wasn't disappointed. I've been here frequently, and always have a blast. Even if you aren't brave enough to sing karaoke yourself,... (more)
Contributor
on Citysearch Oct 22, 2006<b>In Short<br></b>This dive bar is like a 1970's après ski lounge, complete with rich wood walls and a roaring fire pit to sprawl around. It has all the casual atmosphere of a mountain lodge, with exuberant and... (more)
mskitty3132
on Citysearch Oct 17, 2006Had a bad experience my first time at Backstage, but manager made up for it. He graciously and generously made it worth my time to give this place a 2nd try and even offered an explanation as to why my friends and I... (more)
wingage
on Citysearch Sep 18, 2006one of my coworkers is a triathlete and we went to backstage for a drink after work. he had a 90 mile training ride the next morning, so of course i got him loaded on irish car bombs and he was cursing me the entire next... (more)
raragirl
on Citysearch Jul 16, 2006I found this place with some friends of mine while searching citysearch. I love karaoke but am a little nervous about singing. I have to say.... Backstage karaoke is a show! Everyone is so into the singing and the KJ... (more)
weberjam37
on Citysearch Jul 10, 2006At first the bar seems like your average frat boy hang out, but when you sit down and watch the flurry of singers belt their guts out, you see that this bar has that special something. In the early hours (9pm) it seemed... (more)
nervous
on Citysearch Jun 28, 2006This is my favorite place to eat. I drop by at least twice a week and I don't even drink. I'd eat there more often if I lived closer. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu, but my faves are the salads. They're huge,... (more)
jade1598
on Citysearch Jun 17, 2006We went on a karaoke night (Saturday). They have an awesome crowd. Really diverse, all ages, everyone was really friendly and gave generous applause. The waitresses were sweet and conscientious, and the drinks... (more)
lcodding
on Citysearch May 29, 2006I went to Backstage because they host Kareoke three days a week. My friends and I were hungry and decided to order food. I was expecting something deep fried after spending several years in the freezer. Not only was I... (more)
drunk777
on Citysearch May 22, 2006Although LA has many bars to choose from everytime my friends and I want to go out we can never all agree on a place....until now. BACKSTAGE RULES!!! We had so much fun. It's not a meat market like most bars, we drank and... (more)
luvtogoout
on Citysearch May 22, 2006I went with a group of friends & we were more than happy! The drinks were cheap, the vibe was laid back & real & the food...was better than any restaurant in los angeles. We shared the mac and cheese, skirt steak, Cheese... (more)
drivingsouth
on Citysearch May 10, 2006I had my birthday at the Backstage a few weeks ago and had a really great time. The place was busy, but we were treated really well. Free shots for the whole party and great food made it even better. I even tried karaoke... (more)
dupar
on Citysearch May 06, 2006The drinks, like everyone says...are strong. You really get your money's worth. The food too was good although I've only had one dish. The karaoke on the other hand was a big disappointment. The song book was... (more)
staceyharo
on Citysearch Apr 29, 2006After another karaoke bar screwed us over, The Backstage accepted a super last-minute reservation for my friend's surprise birthday party. The owner called me personally to set everything up and he was incredibly... (more)
sandshop
on Citysearch Mar 20, 2006I went to the Backstage because I keep hearing how great the food is. I'm not easily impressed so I went thinking how great can bar food be. Well this bar food is good enough to impress me along with all my friends and all... (more)
pd_vu
on Yahoo Mar 12, 2006Strong Drinks - fun joint: So every now and then I go with a group of friends over to the Backstage. It's a pretty fun joint. Karaoke is the main attraction here. i don't really do it, but the crowd gets into it. Stiff... (more)
talulausc
on Citysearch Mar 09, 2006This is my favorite bar EVER! I would however love it if they served champagne (cheap bottles or splits). Just a suggestion... (more)
ncreep24
on Citysearch Mar 06, 2006I have to say Misti's kitchen at the backstage is doing it all right! She's the best chef around & the cutest! You're missing out if you don't give it a shot. By far the best burger I've ever had... (more)
Contributor
on Citysearch Feb 07, 2006Service kitchen for the attached Backstage bar. Menu includes finger food appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees like ribs, skirt steak. (more)
klitorislove
on Citysearch Feb 05, 2006This gem of a bar in Culver City is the hottest spot going. The new owner has really turned this place around. This is the best dive bar this side of the Mississippi. The food is simply amazing, everything on the menu is... (more)
markcote
on Citysearch Jan 31, 2006Went to the Backstage bar with some friends for the first time. Kareoke was awesome and their burger alone is worth the drive. We were a small group and the place was packed with party people. Chani is HOT! and she makes... (more)
swoes
on Citysearch Jan 21, 2006Went on a Karaoke friday and had fun. THe food was awesome. When it's busy it's hard to get a drink fast.. the bar setup isn't very efficient and the bartenders have to run up and down the bar to get your order and there is... (more)
a Yahoo! Local User
on Yahoo Dec 20, 2005The best bar in L. A.: Walking into the Backstage is like stepping back to a better time. The people who work there make you feel like family, the crowd is friendly, the drinks are potent and it has a firepit. What more... (more)
jinro
on Citysearch Dec 14, 2005What can I say - cheap drinks, friendly staff and with a retro atmosphere, Backstage is the place to be if you want to kick back and throw down a few with the boys. It can get a bit loud if you go on Thurs - Sat b/c of the karaoke... (more)
blocks1234
on Citysearch Nov 24, 2005I went because it was voted best bar food, but I have to say it's much more than bar food. It's just great food! I always order her burger (best I've ever had) but this time I tried a special she had and I will definately be... (more)
luvtogoout
on Citysearch Nov 24, 2005I didn't even know backstage had a kitchen. Not only does it have a kitchen, this little kitchen serves up the best food in town. I never knew how good bar food could be.......you should definately give it a try... (more)
zoom706
on Citysearch Nov 20, 2005We had a birthday party for my best friend here and had a crazy time. The folks who worked there made sure we were totally taken care of. Karaoke was relaxed and fun. During one song, the stage/dancefloor filled up with... (more)
flipflop99
on Citysearch Nov 17, 2005Friends of mine really like this place, so we decided to give it a try. It's low key from the outside, but inside it was like going back in time. Warm and cozy, in an old school way. Lots of dark wood and a fire pit(!) Drinks... (more)
curtisb8
on Citysearch Nov 16, 2005This place is cool, and I would not argue against the bar's #1 rating as "best dive bar", but best singles scene in all of LA? Two "Best of" awards? The food is good, the Karaoke fun, but this internet trophy is an... (more)
zazie
on Citysearch Nov 13, 2005I've been hearing a lot about this place, so three of us went last Saturday. We felt welcome and totally comfortable there, not always an easy thing for 3 females. The karaoke singers were surprisingly good, but when... (more)
tc535i
on Citysearch Nov 07, 2005Went in there with my girlfriend for a drink on a Friday night. It was about 11PM and we were just getting back from hanging out with friends. We wanted to sit at a table, but instead of ordering a drink at the bar and then... (more)
invstnme
on Citysearch Oct 04, 2005Search no more! This is the place you'll soon call home! It has everything anyone could want in one location. Great atmosphere, beautiful bartenders and amazing food all at reasonable prices. Friday and Saturday... (more)
lanative70
on Citysearch Oct 04, 2005A friend of mine who lives out on the Westside invited me to dinner and afterwards we stopped by this place and I had a blast! They had friendly service. The locals were . friendly. All this and I got to sing. The karaoke... (more)