Townhouse & Del Monte Speakeasy
Townhouse is a bar on Windward Avenue, a block from the Venice Beach boardwalk, with a performance room called the Del Monte Speakeasy in its basement. Caesar Menotti opened the business in 1915, and during Prohibition the street level posed as a grocery while liquor was served downstairs.
According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, early patrons reached the basement by a small rope-operated dumbwaiter, which was replaced with a staircase in 1968. After repeal the space operated as Club Del Monte. Louie and Netty Ryan have run both levels since 2007.
Today the bar hosts live music, DJs, jazz, burlesque and comedy seven nights a week, with ticketed shows sold through DICE. It opens at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends and stays open until 2 a.m. Check each listing for age limits.
Know Before You Go
- Venue type: Bar & Live Music
- Opened: 1915
- Operator: Independent (Louie and Netty Ryan)
- Programming: Live bands and jazz, plus DJs, burlesque and comedy in the basement speakeasy
This profile is part of The 824 Journal Guide to Live Music Venues in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Official Links
Sources
- Townhouse and the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice, California | National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Live Music & Events | Townhouse
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Venue Details
- Address
- 52 Windward Ave.
Venice, CA 90291 - City, State
- Los Angeles, CA
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Indoor
- Standing / Seated
- Standing & Seated
Amenities
- Drinks
- Full bar