Bar Power Rankings: The Marina

🍹 Campus / marinacampus.com

A visit to Campus can feel like a rip in the space-time continuum: did you just sit down or have you been here all day? Do you live here now? Regardless, it’s a great place to catch a game and enjoy some nice weather. If you’re tactical about it, you can grab a fire pit in the backyard.

Order This ⬇️

• Vodka soda

• White claw

• Espresso martini

Drink Here 🔗 Reservations | Map

NOTE: you can bring your own food in (think Souvla or Super Duper) or actually order to the bar from ‘Napizza, pre-empting the need to ever leave

🍺 Marina Lounge

It’s understandable if your squad vibes for a night in the Marina require espresso martinis and country music, but on the off chance that you’re looking for a lowkey spot to recover from the mechanical bull at Westwood, Marina Lounge feels like the bar from your favorite sitcom. Heads up, this place is cash only.

Order This ⬇️

• Beer

Drink Here 🔗 Map

🍸️ Balboa Cafe / balboacafe.com

We all knew this was coming so don’t act surprised. Balboa Cafe is the older sibling bar that all the little baby bars in the neighborhood want to be like when they grow up. The place ricochets from a casual brunch to a bender right around your second espresso martini, then all of a sudden it’s midnight and you’re squeezing your way past 20 guys named Brad to close out your tab.

Order This ⬇️

• Espresso martini

• Calamari

• Cheesecake in a jar

Drink Here 🔗 Reservations | Map

🍻 Bonus Round

Because the Marina has more bars per capita than children

• The Interval at Long Now - an amazing place to get a drink on a rainy day, plus Radhaus is right next door if you get hungry

• The Tipsy Pig - great patio and a serviceable menu make this an ideal daytime spot

• For The Record - 70’s themed with cocktails to match, this place can get pretty crowded but the vibes are good