TR!P Santa Monica

Places like this is why I like to travel. They weren't even on my list, but they were across the street from my hotel and playing good music. As soon as I checked in and settled into my room, I dodged traffic to grab a drink and listen to some tunes. They have someone playing every night. They don't have an extensive alcohol list, and I didn't see any liquor, but they had beer, wine and bubbles. I tried all the IPAs they had on tap, Garage something was the winner. I ended up going multiple times over my two day stay. Chatted with the bartenders and some of the customers and musicians. All cool people, GVO. Sunday night I only caught the last two songs of the set, but Monday was open mic and they had several decent musicians that played a couple songs each. I was impressed, but as you can imagine, talent levels are starkly different for LA artist and Pascagoula regulars. So I might not be the best judge if you're really an audiophile. No cover but that does show up in the price of drinks. Come for HH though if you want to pregame for the shows.

The place is pretty big. And, surprisingly the sound there is underrated. Because they have curtains all around the stage it's a very clean sound both for musicians and the audience. The PA system is not overpowering so you can still have a conversation. The bar is nice but you can also focus on the music if you want to. Coming from somebody who performed there but who also has been enjoying the amenities. All in all because this is not on the prime West Side, but off Lincoln, location it may sometimes be overlooked. They have less attitude and better prices than others, and it is just a more welcoming atmosphere. New fresh bands, as well as seasoned pros, every night is different.

edit: READ UPDATE BELOW, SEVERAL ISSUES WERE RESOLVED

New ownership. It could work but I don't like the changes overall. For one, many fewer beers on tap. Bummer.

Open mic nights used to come with a drink ticket and now the concession is that drinks are discounted but honestly I don't remember what the prices were before so that could have been absorbed.

The windows behind the stage are open instead of curtained now during open mic night which I guess is better for advertising or foot traffic or something but is distracting and takes away from the vibe. Every performance is now against a backdrop of commercial real estate and cars zooming by.

Probably the most egregious error is keeping football on during performances, on like 10 TVs around the room. Again distracts from the music and feels like a loss of respect for art.

Somebody had a vision for this place and that vision was to make it just another bar. It's sad. I'm not mad, just disappointed. This place used to care and I just don't think it does anymore.

Edit: bumping up to five stars because they turned the TVs off, closed the curtains, and restored the drink tickets for performers! It should maybe still lose a point because some of the advertised beers weren't available and the ATM machine didn't work, but I take back the remark about not caring because clearly they're listening to some criticism. And that alone is worth an extra star. If you're going for open mic night, sign ups start an hour early and fill up fast!

A great bar to come down and have a drink.... Service is amazing here

Great local bar with live music, eclectic crowd, no liquor but great beer and wine. Beware that they don’t always have the pool table out which is a bummer but still a great spot!

This little place had a great show tonight. First time bossa nova show in my life and it was so great. Natalie Jacob is such a talented singer and everyone played great. It was a little bit difficult to get here because there were so many homeless people from my hotel which was only 22 mins by walk. They didn't force me to buy any food or drink since I tipped the performer. Thank you so much to provide this amazing live music to your customers. I enjoyed my time in Santa Monica hundred times more because of you guys.

Awesome place to have a drink. Kick back and watch local bands play.

Classic dive bar with live music on the most unexpected days- Sunday. Wide selection of wine and beer. Friendly bartenders.

Great neighborhood bar. Mainly beer and wine but that's fine by new. Good shows too: music, comedy, burlesque, etc.

TR!P is a hidden gem, with great entertainment, extensive beer selection, food, and friendly staff.

All of the shows I've been to here were free shows and it's never super crowded. They have a great selection of beer, and the bar tenders and door guy give off good vibes. I'd hang out here more often if it was just a little closer to me. But it's a solid venue and dive compared to the rest of the west side that I've seen.

A great night was had by all! Great venue! DEAD HIGHWAY IS THE BEEEEST!!!

Great place for live music and dancing! Most recently, I saw the Filthy Rotters, a punk band from the UK, and the audience went wild for the 90s covers and originals too. Tambourina

Great live music. Beer & wine bar with friendly quick staff.

TR!P is a total gem. I’ve been several times since moving to the area and it’s always a great time. Very local vibe, totally unpretentious, and lots of great music that ranges from quirky and eccentric to incredibly impressive.

You never know what you’re going to get but you’re almost always guaranteed a good time!

Usually no cover on most nights and both the staff and regulars are great to be around. Definitely recommend!

TR!P is such a fun little live music venue and a great neighborhood bar. Free live music 5 nights a week and a $10 cover Fri/Sat, small kitchen for easy dinner/snacks. What's not to like?! Bartenders are super friendly and the music has been solid each time I've gone. You never know what you're gonna get!

Beer/Wine only, no hard liquor, but a solid beer list!

Great night, Had a very good band that night. Friday 9,2024..

Great live music, friendly and welcoming vibe.

Have had the pleasure performing at Trip 2 times over the past year!! I’m from the east coast and Trip always an amazing time!! Awesome sound! Great staff and food!! Definitely one of the best venues!! Thank you for having me again Trip!!!

Great dive bar in LA. Bring your friends to trivia night on Fridays. Not to be missed. The host Jonathan is funny and intelligent while engaging the crowd.