Daily Pint, The

augustgarage

California

3.91/5  rDev -7.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

Been here a few times now - I usually only step in to this establishment in the afternoon, as opposed to later in the evening, so bear in mind I've never had to suffer the crowds (and the declines in atmosphere and service they are likely to engender).

While many would describe this as a dive bar, this is a relative term, especially somewhere as upscale as Santa Monica - let's just say the bar has a lived-in appearance, but the jukebox functions, the pool tables are in decent shape, and the game is on (at a reasonable volume) the tele. If you want to generalize, I'd say even without Phil behind the bar, this place has a British Pub feel to it.

Even the first time I went in here, I was greeted warmly first by one server, and when he left, Phil came in and bumped fists with everyone seated at the bar. Though you may find yourself seated near a group of whisky industry reps in suits, it is nice that they don't receive any special treatment compared to the regular patrons. Service is leisurely but you won't be left with an empty pint for an eternity.

There are generally 3 or 4 offerings on cask - two British, and one or two from California (generally Stone and/or Firestone), and a sizable tap-list, always including some things from out of state (e.g. recently: Alaskan Baltic Porter, Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron, Bitch Creek ESB) alongside some of the more unusual releases from Ballast Point, Green Flash, Alesmith, etc. Usually a couple Belgian, German, and UK offerings and a few more pedestrian taps are available as well. Plenty of good bottles in the fridge too (Unibroue 16 and 17, Cantillon Classic yellow-label Gueuze, some Lost Abbey) though I've never inquired about prices.

Speaking of which this place could do with a happy hour, which is one reason I generally prefer Blue Palms, BoHo, etc. Pints are usually $7 I believe - and though this place takes cards, I'd suggest using cash to facilitate better service.

While the selection is excellent, the quality isn't always top-shelf - if the keg is fresh, then you won't have a problem, but some of them end up resting against the wall with no temperature control (I'm not sure this place even has air conditioning) for who knows how long before getting put on. Turn-over is generally fairly high, so I don't usually worry about it, but I've had a few beers here that were not in top form. I've also heard stories about servers wiping the foam off the top of a pint with their fingers - not something I've experienced first hand though.

No food, though you can order in. Whisky list is happily intimidating (though not as gargantuan as Seven Grand, downtown) - you could have a new (and frequently rare) dram here pretty much every day for a year - and reasonably priced.

Though I may be repeating a lot of what others have said, I'm happy to join the choir praising this place. All in all, I'm very glad to have this unpretentious pub not far from my work - a refreshing change of pace from trendy mad-houses like Father's Office.

11-16-2009 16:26:34 | More by augustgarage

kojevergas

California

3.95/5  rDev -6.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$$

I used to go to The Daily Pint regularly after a day at the office when I worked in the area. Parking is free at the adjacent smog station after 6 pm. It's usually not too crowded.

The atmosphere is great, especially on weekdays when billiards and shuffleboard are free. I think foozball (kicker for ye Germans) always costs money. On weekends, you have to pay for billiards but shuffleboard is still free - though there's often a line.

It can be difficult to get the bartenders' attention. Ofttimes, the bartender would serve people that approached the bar after me first. Stand up for your order; if you sit at the bar you tend to get ignored.

The selection is good for beer, very good for whiskey, and excellent for whisky. Available beers are written on their blackboard - which also features a notification about upcoming beers. Additionally, you can check their twitter for newly tapped beers. They even have two cask hand-pumps, but usually they only use one. Their bottled selection is also good, but I never bothered to order one on account of the price.

They boast a decent variety of glassware, and for the most part serve beers in roughly the right glass.

Many staff members are of different nationalities. None of them seems to know how to properly pour a Guinness, so don't bother ordering any.

No food is offered, though they freely allow you to bring in your own and even order delivery.

The bathrooms are decent, though one lacks a lock. Examine the scrawling on the wall for some of Los Angeles' more intelligent toilet writing. ("Ulysses=Odysseus" is a highlight).

It's a bit pricey, but normal for Santa Monica I suppose. It could use more seating, and it can often be difficult to manoevre past people in the bar area.

Water is free, if you're wondering.

There's never a cover.

This is probably my favourite bar in Los Angeles, provided I go on weekdays when the games are free.

B+

05-20-2012 22:56:27 | More by kojevergas

Tad

4.34/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Depending on your personal palate for great brew, the pint delivers! A rather wide selection to chose from, as most styles are represented, a quick moving rotation is always up on the chalk board across from the bar.

The most cask ales(4) and bourbon(lots) available to chose from every day of any westside/santa monica stop. A must stop for the beer loving novice or aficionado!... darts, shuffle board, pool, tv's for game days, I always have a good time stopping in here.

Events from time to time,bourbon, whiskey,& single malt tastings, pint nights, etc., a locals favorite pub!
Ask the bartender whats new on tap, you most likely will find something you've been wanting to try available at the pint.

-Cheers

05-17-2012 06:25:00 | More by Tad

UCLABrewN84

California

4.1/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$$

I stopped by The Daily Pint today since I was in the area for a tasting. Walking in you get the distinct impression of a dive bar that happens to sell craft beer. I sat at the bar and got good service for the short time I was there. The quality of the beer was great with the beer being served in the proper glassware and at the proper temperature. Selection was good in terms of taps and bottles in the fridge. From what I understand you can order food to be delivered to the bar but there is no food available for purchase. The beers are a bit pricey since they only sell by the pint (no half pint or taster options). I got a Duvel Single for $8.00 just for reference. A good place to check out if you're in the area but be prepared for a bit of a pricey time.

04-16-2012 06:24:34 | More by UCLABrewN84

VegasBill

Nevada

4.44/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This pub is unique in that it is a dive bar with a great micro selection and the most unusual single malt selection I have ever seen. As for the single malt selection there might be a bigger one on L.A., I dont know but there were so many bottles of scotch that I have never seen anywhere.
As for beer no Pliny so I had a Blind Pig. The bartender was so friendly, I was going to Fathers Office Culver City next and I asked her if my route was correct, she took the time to write down a faster and easier route.
I wish I lived closer to this pub as I would be a regular and broke with all of the single malts.

10-01-2011 19:46:15 | More by VegasBill

dksl16

California

4/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$$

This is my go to spot when I want to get my shuffleboard on (best table in the L.A. area). Then of course there's the whiskey selection ... best in the L.A. area as well.

But we're here to talk about beer. Very good selection. Several taps, always something interesting available (I popped my Younger cherry here a couple of years ago). Standouts tend to be the cask offerings (usually at least two Stone offerings you'll have trouble finding anywhere else). Pours are good but pricey ($7-8 for the quality stuff) and the bartenders are nice enough.

This is a great place to watch the game (or play Jenga). Definitely one of my favorite bars in LA/SM.

06-10-2011 20:40:56 | More by dksl16

jmgrub

California

4.04/5  rDev -4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$$

Ahhh, the Pint. I had never been to this place before a few months ago, when I decided to venture in to watch a UCLA football game on a Saturday afternoon. The place was totally empty except for me, my buddy, and some guys who had just finished a flag football game at the park across the street. Knowing nothing about it, I was obviously pleasantly surprised at the draft selection. I was able to enjoy my first beer from a hand-pump, a Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla bean. It was fantastic. Given the small number of customers, the service was fantastic, and my buddy and I chatted with the bartender for a while. They have about 20 beers on tap, along with probably 100 bottles (not to mention 100's of varieties of scotch). In fact, the Pint probably has the best scotch selection of any bar I've ever been to. On weekend nights, the place is typically packed with a pretty eclectic crowd. Despite the fantastic selection, there is no shortage of people drinking Coors or PBR. They don't have food, but you can order pizza into the bar, and there is often a food truck outside on weekends. This is one of my regular spots. It may not be the cleanest spot, but it's a great place to live close to!

05-27-2011 04:33:11 | More by jmgrub

TheJollyHop

California

4.14/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Ventured out to The Daily Pint for the first time yesterday and I was not disappointed.

The Daily Pint is a small dive bar that's big on quality and comfort. Its a place where you can have a couple beers, play some games (pool, darts, shuffleboard,etc...), and meet some friendly people. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the tap selection is broad enough that there is something for everyone.

While they do not serve food, they allow deliveries to the bar, which is a great way to encourage prospecting patrons to frequent this establishment; a definite plus.

There is a fairly large range of demographics, spanning from young twenties to late fifties. However everyone seems to have an amiable attitude; hell its beer and they should!

If you are looking for a non pretentious bar to grab a drink then The Daily Pint is worth checking out.

04-29-2010 14:12:57 | More by TheJollyHop

ameza

California

5/5  rDev +18.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$$

Great beer and Great people. I love this place. I live a few blocks away and I could walk here when I want a good beer (I know lucky me). Never have I ran into a problem with the staff here. If you like a beer they have it or have something you will love just as much. A place that must be checked out if you are in the area.

Only thing I would recommend is heading over early on the weekends especially Fridays. Friday nights it gets over ran with hipsters. Fridays it gets a bit overcrowded. Friday's late afternoons they will have stuff you can snack on for free which is always welcomed.

02-09-2010 00:46:08 | More by ameza

czechsaaz

Washington

4.05/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$$

When I lived in Santa Monica, the daily pint was pretty much a straight british pub with lots of British beers and a few micros. It was a dingy place and not among my favorites.

5 years can change a lot.

Still kind of a grubby bar but the taps, man, the taps have come so far. Met some friends for the "Life And Limb" release (that tells you a little about the quality of the taps.)

Quality takes a hit though. My first beer was a cask IPA. It was so past fresh that I sent it back. (And got charged for it.) It was sour and heavily oxidized aka spoiled. My other beers were fine.

No food is made on premises but you can bring in.

I definitley like the place but the spoiled beer and the $1 extra on pints on weekends left kind of a negative impression. But it's still a great bar.

11-22-2009 19:59:10 | More by czechsaaz