About Club Tee Gee
Club Tee Gee is a classic neighborhood dive bar and music venue in Los Angeles’ Atwater Village (3210 Glendale Blvd) with a long history. Opened in 1946 by World War II veterans (the name comes from founders Tracy and Grzybowski – their initials “T” and “G”) (lamag.com ), it has remained a time-capsule of mid-century California nightlife. Decades passed with little change: Betty Barlotta ran the place for years after her husband’s death, even restoring it after a 1993 fire. A bronze plaque on the front door still proclaims it “The ‘Cheers’ of Atwater Village” in tribute to its friendly, local vibe (lamag.com ). In fact, one reporter noted that longtime staffers view Club Tee Gee as possibly the oldest continuously operating bar in the neighborhood (opened 1946) (www.laweekly.com ). Today the bar has been modernized in design and programming, but it keeps its signature sparkle ceiling, mosaic-tile bar and wood-paneled walls intact, preserving that nostalgic green-and-gold mid-century atmosphere (laist.com ) (www.timeout.com ).
Signature features make Club Tee Gee stand out. The exterior still sports the original flagstone façade and neon “Cocktails” sign installed in 1947 (lamag.com ). Inside, mint-green Naugahyde banquettes wrap the walls and dim, amber lamps cast a warm glow (www.timeout.com ). Patrons regularly comment on the bar’s sparkly green-and-gold ceiling and vintage décor, which inspired its “Cheers” nickname (lamag.com ) (laist.com ). The mix of old-school furnishings and dive-bar charm (complete with one-dollar Doritos and peanuts at the bar (www.timeout.com )) gives it an unpretentious, timeless feel. Fans appreciate that Club Tee Gee has survived cinema changes in film & culture; one writer even joked it’s a “safe haven from the hair gel of Hollywood Hell,” underlining how authentic and unfussy it remains (www.timeout.com ).
Events and Programming
Club Tee Gee offers a diverse slate of nightlife events. It’s known less as a sit-down restaurant and more as a spot for DJs, dancing and themed parties. After the 2018 reopening, the bar introduced a “banging roster” of live music and dance events (www.theinfatuation.com ). Weekly and monthly happenings include disco nights, retro dance parties, and even karaoke on Wednesdays. (One guidebook notes that after its renovation the 75-year-old venue returned with live music, dance parties, karaoke nights and a “hot dog pop-up” vendor on Sundays (www.theinfatuation.com ).) Programming ranges from house/disco DJ residencies (for example, Rocky Hill hosts long nights of disco and house music) to punk or Italo dance nights. The venue frequently collaborates with local music collectives, so you might hear internationally known DJs spinning records one night (past guests include Cut Chemist, Peanut Butter Wolf, Z-Trip, etc. though sources vary]) and indie rock bands on another evening. Comedy shows and open-mic events are occasional draws as well. Overall, there’s almost always something happening, and many events are all-ages to 21+ (depending on the alcohol policy). Typical ticket prices are minimal: many DJ parties at Tee Gee list no cover (free entry) if you come by early ([ra.co ). More popular clogging sessions might carry a small door fee (often under $10), paid in cash at the door. In short, check the local event listings or social media for the lineup – often the bar’s calendar is updated informally, and one review notes DJs like Arthur Kaplan and Darone Sassounian regularly headline Teegee nights (ra.co ).
Tickets and Booking
Club Tee Gee does not have a traditional ticket office or an official online box office. For most nights, especially midweek and local DJ gigs, no advance tickets are sold – you simply show up. If an event does require a fee, payment is typically handled at the door. To keep it cheap and accessible, the venue often relies on physical cover charges (usually a very modest amount, if any at all). For example, a recent listing of a “Rocky Hill” DJ night at Club Tee Gee explicitly shows “Cost: Free” and “Min. age 21+” (ra.co ), meaning entry was free for attendees. In general, it’s best to follow local event calendars or the bar’s social media for announcements; highly popular nights (like big dance parties on weekends) can sell out, so if you see something big, get there early or arrive before it fills up. Since the venue is small, arriving early ensures you don’t miss out. In short, treat most Club Tee Gee events as general admission and pay–at–door affairs, with any ticketing done on-site on the night of the event.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Club Tee Gee is mostly open-floor, with seating along the edges. The barroom is a single main space: along the walls you’ll find vintage wraparound benches (originally green leather booths) and a few bar stools. This gives guests casual places to sit or chat. Time Out describes it as having “mint green wraparound banquettes” and 1970s-era wood-paneled walls with low lighting (www.timeout.com ). In its current configuration, new owners added a DJ booth and opened up the old kitchen area to use as additional dance/standing space (ericbrightwell.com ). In practice, this means the center floor typically becomes a dance floor or standing area on busy nights, while seating from the front bar to the back patio is up for grabs.
For best viewing or listening spots: it depends on your mood. Want to be part of the action? Stand near the center or by the DJ booth. Want to relax and chat? The booth seats along the perimeter (back wall or front windows) are quieter. One observer notes that “black leather booths line the walls” and there’s a “spacious patio in the back” (www.theinfatuation.com ), so those booths are the prime spots for easy conversation and a good overview of the room. The back patio is uncovered and often used on warm nights, acting like an extension of the club (with its own bar stools and string lights). On very busy evenings expect the dance floor to fill up: fingers are walked on the comfy booths or any available stools first-come, first-served. There are no VIP areas or reserved seating; most experiences here are general admission. In terms of acoustics and sightlines, the club is relatively small and open, so sound from the DJ booth carries throughout. Being in front of the main bar might mean some noise cover from conversations, while near the back DJ area will be loud but good for dancing. Ultimately, the best way to get a good spot is to arrive early and stake out a booth or area before a show starts.
Getting There and Parking
Club Tee Gee is at 3210 Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village (zip 90039). By car, you’ll reach it via Glendale Boulevard (a wide one-way street heading north). Street parking is the norm here: metered spots line Glendale Blvd and nearby side streets. Bring cash for meters and be aware meters usually have an evening meter fee or time limit. Parking can be tight on a busy weekend night, so consider arriving before 8:00pm to snag a spot. There’s no dedicated lot for the bar, and nearby lots are owned by other businesses, so street parking or local pay lots are your only option. Many locals simply use Lyft/Uber to avoid hunting for parking. Ride-hail drop-off is easy right in front of the entrance on Glendale Blvd; pickups can be arranged on the corner with Los Feliz or other nearby cross streets.
If you prefer public transit, Club Tee Gee is reasonably accessible by bus. Los Angeles Metro bus lines run on Glendale Blvd: specifically, Metro #92 (running between Downtown LA and Sylmar via Glendale Blvd) and #201 stop just outside the bar (ericbrightwell.com ). These buses connect with Downtown LA and the Expo/Metro (bus 92 also hits North Hollywood/Universal Metro). There are no subway or light-rail stations in Atwater itself, but if you’re coming from further afield you could ride Metrolink or Amtrak to the Glendale Transportation Center (just a 10-15 minute walk down Los Feliz Boulevard) and then either walk or hop a local bus to the bar (ericbrightwell.com ). In practice, the easiest transit trip is usually a short Lyft from the Gold Line’s nearest station (Highland/Franklin) or taking bus 92 after a Metro stop. For most visitors, rideshare or driving ends up being the most convenient option. Just be mindful that Glendale Blvd is a major artery – expect standard LA traffic, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Inside the Venue
Walking in, you’ll pass a stout glass-paneled door into a dark, intimate barroom. Expect a classic dive atmosphere: a small craft beer tap list and a cocktail menu centered on familiar spirits. The pours are known to be generous – heavy-handed, according to one reviewer (www.timeout.com ). The drink menu today is somewhat elevated compared to the old days: new owners retained some dive staples but added higher-end choices like specialty tequilas, Japanese whiskeys and craft cocktails made with premium mixers (ericbrightwell.com ). Prices remain reasonable (see below), but the vibe is no long-lines craft brewery or flashy nightclub – think neighborhood bar. The bar itself is mid-century with a sparkly laminate countertop under neon lights. The same vintage cocktail lounge feel pervades the interior: you’ll notice wood paneling, framed retro ads and clippings on the walls, and low brass lighting reflecting off the ceiling (the “green-and-gold” sparkly ceiling noted by LAist (laist.com )).
Club Tee Gee is a cash-only bar (www.timeout.com ), so plan to bring cash for drinks and cover. Reviewers and the Time Out guide explicitly mention it’s “cash only” (www.timeout.com ) (www.laweekly.com ) – credit cards are not accepted. The bar dispenses $1 bagged snacks (Doritos and peanuts for instance (www.timeout.com )) to tide you over in lieu of a full kitchen, and you can buy classic canned/ bottled beers or a few brews on tap. The jukebox used to be a simple digital music player; today there’s usually a curated playlist or the live DJ in the corner. Cool touches include a vintage jukebox for dollar genres and an occasional hot-dog cart on Sundays as noted above (www.theinfatuation.com ). Bathrooms are small and gender-segregated, located off the back hallway. Like many dive bars, the decor remains in place year-round – there’s no climate-controlled extension, so in hot weather the door may stay open or the back patio used heavily (in cooler weather it gets quite cozy).
Other on-site services are minimal. There’s no coat check (just hang your jacket on a chair), and no formal hostess or kitchen staff. The staff is typically a bartender (or two on busy nights) who handles everything: mixology, ID checks and even DJ requests. Expect a friendly but no-nonsense vibe at the bar and counter. Technical production is all inline with bar standards: quality sound reinforcement for the DJs/blender rooms and modest stage lighting. The dance floor doesn’t have theatrical lighting beyond a classic disco ball or string lights, so it stays purposefully dim and warm. If you need Wi-Fi, don’t rely on it – the focus here is on the live experience.
Nearby Amenities
Club Tee Gee sits in the heart of Atwater Village, a walkable corridor bristling with dining and nightlife. For a meal before or after the show, options abound: Little Beast (gastropub fare) is one block north on Glendale Blvd, while a few blocks east are coffee shops and sandwich spots. At the intersection of Glendale & Los Feliz you’ll find Café Cubano Delicias (Cuban sandwich shop) and River Run (coffee bar/wine shop), both just a 3-minute walk away. Other nearby restaurants include casual taco joints and sushi spots along adjacent streets – do some exploring down the side streets for neighbors like burger stands or pizza places (the Yellow Paper Burger stand is even in the same building as the bar (www.mapquest.com )). In short, you can easily grab a quick bite in Atwater itself before a show.
For post-show drinks or snacks, Atwater has a couple of late-night haunts: Eagle Rock Brewery – Atwater (a block south) serves beer and wood-fired pizza, and Good Stuff Eatery (opened until late) lies just off Glendale. If you’re heading out of Bounds, the entertainment districts of Hollywood or Glendale are a short drive away via the Golden State Freeway (I-5), and rideshares are plentiful. Lodging-wise, there are no hotels right on Glendale Blvd; visitors typically stay in nearby neighborhoods (West Hollywood or the Arts District). As a rule, most people arrive at least 30 minutes before an event to settle in, and may also plan their departure (carpool, rideshare or schedule) after the 2:00am closing time. (www.mapquest.com )
What Makes This Venue Special
Club Tee Gee’s special charm lies in its blend of historical character and community significance. It’s not a converted club or high-concept lounge – it’s essentially the same bar from 70 years ago, with just enough modern touch to still be comfortable. That mix is rare: patrons describe feeling like they’ve stepped back in time, and many locals cherish it as a genuine “Cheers”-style watering hole perpetually stuck in the goodwill of simpler days (lamag.com ) (www.laweekly.com ). Its survival in a gentrified area is notable: while neighboring bars have turned into trendy cocktail lounges, Tee Gee kept its $5–$6 cocktail prices to this day (laist.com ). Long-time customers even revere it with a plaque calling it “The ‘Cheers’ of Atwater Village” (lamag.com ) for how everyone knows your name there.
Famous moments add to its lore. Decades of DJ parties and rock shows on those same green booths have cemented its place in the local scene. Critics note that its “timeless” green-and-gold glitter ceiling and wraparound booths aren’t just decoration – they represent the enduring local culture of LA nightlife (laist.com ) (www.timeout.com ). The bar has kept traditions alive: Sunday Bloody Marys for $5 are legendary among regulars (www.laweekly.com ), and the bartenders pour heavy holds to make sure no one’s left thirsty. Even its very name tells a story of old-school authenticity. In short, both artists and audiences love Club Tee Gee because it’s not trying hard to be cool – it just is. It feels like a friend’s living room you can dance in, full of stories and the comfort of decades of local patronage. Many say closing it would mean the end of a key piece of LA history, which is why its revival by new owners was met with so much relief and celebration.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Club Tee Gee is an older building, so it may not be wheelchair-accessible. The entrance has a small lip and there are a few steps indoors, and the restrooms are not ADA-equipped. If mobility is an issue, call ahead or arrive with assistance. All customers (age 21 and over) will be asked to show valid ID, so bring it. Any backpack or bag you carry may be subject to a quick search by security, as with most clubs. Service animals are allowed by law, but no pets.
Cash and Payment: Remember, this is a cash-only bar (www.timeout.com ) (www.laweekly.com ). ATMs are not guaranteed inside, so bring enough cash to cover your tab and any cover. Drinks are affordable by LA standards (roughly $5–$6 for cocktails (www.timeout.com ) (laist.com ), beers about $3–$5), but it adds up late, so pacing yourself is wise. If there’s a band or DJ, the cover is usually paid at the door before entry. Tipping well (15-20%) is appreciated by bartenders pouring generous drinks.
Tickets & Entry: For free or low-cost nights, you can generally get in until near closing. If a show is ticketed, you typically buy on-site, not online. Check the event listing for age restrictions, but most nights are 21+ (some weekend “all-ages” previews do happen very rarely, but assume ID’ed entry required). Dress code is extremely casual – most people wear jeans and a T-shirt or simple club attire. Do not show up in fancy suits expecting red-carpet service; this is a dive bar where casual wear is the norm.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid expecting high-end amenities. For example, although the old kitchen space is now used for the dance floor and a DJ booth (ericbrightwell.com ), there is no menu beyond snacks – don’t show up hungry expecting a meal. The music can be loud, so if you need conversation, stick to booth seating early on. Remember last call is 1:45–2:00am nightly, and the music stops at 2:00am sharp due to LA law (www.mapquest.com ). One final tip: once you walk in, try a Bloody Mary if it’s Sunday (they’re a bargain), and soak in the decor – watching cocktail umbrellas spin in that vintage ceiling light is part of the fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets or a cover charge to get into Club Tee Gee?
In most cases, no pre-purchased tickets are required. Club Tee Gee often has free entry for its DJ nights (for example, recent events were listed as “Free” admission (ra.co )). When there is a cover charge, it’s usually paid in cash at the door. Popular weekend shows may have a small door fee, but it’s typically quite modest (often under $10). The venue does not have a normal box-office, so plan to arrive and pay on the spot if needed.
Where is Club Tee Gee located and how do I get there?
Club Tee Gee is at 3210 Glendale Boulevard in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. If driving, take the Glendale Blvd exit from the 5 Freeway and park on the street (meters on Glendale and side streets) or use rideshare. By transit, Metro Bus lines 92 and 201 run along Glendale Blvd with stops a block from the bar (ericbrightwell.com ). Another option is to take a Metro train to the nearest station and then catch a bus or Lyft. The Glendale Transportation Center (Amtrak/Metrolink) is about a 10-15 minute walk away as well (ericbrightwell.com ).
Is there parking available at Club Tee Gee?
Club Tee Gee has no private parking lot. Street parking is the only option, and it can be limited on busy nights. There are metered spots on Glendale Blvd and nearby streets, so bring coins or credit for parking meters. Rates and time limits may apply (often $2–$3/hour). If you have trouble finding a space, plan to drop off passengers by the door and then move the car slightly or use rideshare. A short walk from free or validated lots in the neighborhood might help during peak crowds.
What are the venue’s hours?
According to the bar’s listing, Club Tee Gee generally opens from 4:00 PM until 2:00 AM Sunday through Friday, and from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Saturdays (www.mapquest.com ). Most events (especially evening DJ nights) don’t start until later in the day, so arriving closer to 8–9 PM is common. Note that last-call is at 1:45 AM and the music ends at 2:00 AM, as required by city regulations (www.mapquest.com ).
Is Club Tee Gee wheelchair accessible?
Club Tee Gee is in a historic building and may not be fully ADA-compliant. The entrance has a small step and the restrooms are not wheelchair-equipped. If you rely on a wheelchair or have difficulty with stairs, it’s best to call the venue before your visit. Service animals are allowed by law, but the general layout (booths, narrow aisles) can be challenging. Otherwise, the atmosphere inside is fairly open, which can help if you have limited mobility once seated.
What kind of seating is available and should I reserve seats?
Seating at Club Tee Gee is entirely first-come, first-served. There are wraparound booths (formerly green leather, now a darker color) lining the walls (www.timeout.com ) (www.theinfatuation.com ) and a few stools at the bar. The rest of the floor is open for standing or dancing. No reservations or assigned tables are available – on busy nights, the dance floor fills up fast, so if you want a booth or stool, plan to arrive early. Otherwise, feel free to scoop any empty seat once a performer starts.
Does Club Tee Gee take credit cards or is it cash only?
Club Tee Gee is strictly a cash-only establishment (www.timeout.com ) (www.laweekly.com ). You must have cash to pay for drinks, cover charges, and snacks. There is no card reader at the bar, and no ATM on-site. (Reviewers and guides specifically warn visitors ahead of time to “just bring cash” – trying to use a credit card will not work.) So come prepared with enough cash for your evening.
Can I bring my own drinks or food? What food is available?
No outside food or drinks are allowed. Club Tee Gee doesn’t have a full kitchen anymore. Instead, they offer simple snacks at the bar – for example, bagged Doritos or peanuts for about $1 each (www.timeout.com ). Some nights have special food pop-ups: one popular Sunday tradition is a hot dog stand in the back patio (www.theinfatuation.com ). But otherwise you should plan to eat before coming or head to a restaurant afterwards.
Is there a dress code or any items that are prohibited?
Club Tee Gee enforces a relaxed, casual dress code. Think neighborhood bar attire – jeans, T-shirts, jackets, etc. There is no formal dress code, but as with most clubs, overly revealing beach wear or athletic gym shorts are avoided. Common prohibited items include outside alcohol (no BYOB) and large bags beyond a personal purse or small backpack. Also, glass bottles from outside aren’t allowed inside. Photography of performances is generally discouraged (especially with flash). Otherwise, the vibe is low-key; just use your common sense and respect the space.
Are children allowed at Club Tee Gee?
While not a strict family restaurant, Club Tee Gee generally operates as a 21+ bar after dark. Because it’s an alcohol-licensed venue, kids are typically not present during evening events (and if they are, they should be supervised). If you plan to bring anyone under 21, make sure to check the event’s description – some afternoon or early-evening events might allow younger guests, but most nightlife events require everyone to be 21 or older. Always carry ID if there’s any doubt.
What are the signature drinks or specials at Club Tee Gee?
Club Tee Gee is known for strong, inexpensive cocktails. Happy hour and signature drinks like Bloody Marys are famous – for instance, Sunday Bloody Marys have been offered for $5 (www.laweekly.com ). Other cocktails (martinis, margaritas, etc.) typically run around $5–$6 (www.timeout.com ) (laist.com ). Craft beer and domestic cans range $3–$5. There’s no fancy mixology, but the pours are generous. Keep in mind Thursdays to Sundays can have drink specials or themed cocktails tied to events, but otherwise grab a house cocktail or beer – the bar’s aim is to keep prices low.
How early should I arrive if I want a good spot?
If there’s a big act or dance party, lines can form. As a rule of thumb, consider arriving at least 30–45 minutes before the advertised start time. This ensures you get in as the doors open, so you can grab a booth or a stance on the dance floor. Weekends are busiest, so arriving an hour early on Friday or Saturday is safer. If it’s a free-entry night and you’re eager for dancing space, the sooner you arrive after 9–10pm, the better your spot. Otherwise, on slower nights you can arrive closer to showtime without issue.
Are there ATMs nearby or should I bring a bank ATM card?
Because Club Tee Gee is cash-only, plan accordingly. The bar itself does not have an ATM. The closest ATM is likely at a local market or gas station on Glendale Blvd (a few blocks away). It’s safest to hit an ATM en route or before coming here so you have cash on hand. Some smart phone apps and banks allow “cashback” at convenience stores, which are common on nearby corners. In short, don’t rely on finding an ATM at the club; bring enough cash from home or withdraw in the area beforehand.
Is Club Tee Gee easily walkable from nearby bars or restaurants?
Yes. Atwater Village is a very walkable neighborhood. If you’re coming from nearby venues on Glendale, you can stroll North/South on Glendale Blvd. Many restaurants and bars (Little Beast, Eagle Rock Brewery – Atwater, Cafe Cubano) are within a 5–10 minute walk. During nice weather, it’s common for groups to bar-hop on foot. Just be aware Glendale is a busy street, so stick to the sidewalks and cross at intersections. Late at night it’s well-lit, but always use crosswalks and watch for cars.
