Mother Lode

Gay pub · West Hollywood

A pool table in the middle, strong drinks and regulars who’ve known each other for years: the Mother Lode is the down-to-earth counterpoint to the glamour of Santa Monica Boulevard.

• ★ 4.4 on Google (319)
• Dive bar
• Pool
• Beer Bust on Sundays

Address

8944 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours

daily 3 pm–2 am

Crowd

mostly men, mostly 40+, lots of regulars

Flirt factor

medium

Programme

Karaoke every Thursday
Beer Bust every Sunday

Getting there

in the middle of the Rainbow District, right next to Roosterfish

What makes the Mother Lode special

The Mother Lode has existed in one form or another since 1979 and is a down-to-earth dive bar right on the boulevard. The pool table stands in the middle, and music videos play on the screens. Nobody poses here: people talk, play and raise a glass.

The drinks are generously poured and cheap for WeHo. Thursday is karaoke, and on Sundays the long-standing Beer Bust runs, when the bar fills up noticeably and people dance too.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mostly male and tends to be older, with lots of regulars, but it can get rowdy at any moment. With 4.4 stars the Mother Lode is one of the best-rated bars in WeHo, praised for its relaxed mood and prices.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Out x Out, The Infatuation, Google reviews (4.4 stars, 319 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.