This place is awesome! I love the vibes no stupid hoodrat drama with ppl fighting has ever went down here which makes me feel comfortable coming here for girls night. Show up at about 9ish and you' ll see that the restrooms are clean, and the bartenders serve you quick. I also like that security comes around every half hour or so to clean up the empty bottles to put them in the cans(which I have never seen people barf in)! Yes it's a bar it gets dirty cuz it's small and the crowd is a bunch of dirty rockers management can't control how dirty the customers are. I love it here the music is great drinks are cheap and no cover! I don't get how you complainers can see all the "horrible dirtyness" when it's so dark in there. If you complain about stupid sh!t like the dirty floors, small area, or "barf buckets" then you obviously didn't come to here to drink and have a good time you negative Nancy's!
Review Source:This is one of those places you walk up to with a sense of dread and trepidation filling your soul, mainly because you know you probably don't fit the bill for the regular clientele. Note that this sense of dread and trepidation is probably correct.
Otherwise, though, I had a surprisingly good time here. It was so dark that someone mistook my St. Patrick's Day tiara (yeah, I know, I don't own green, but my suspicion was that 99% of the people in here didn't either) for a bridal one.
Service is not the best--it took ages to flag down a bartender. No beer on tap, just bottles, and their hard liquor selection didn't look too impressive.
The people I ran into were really nice, although the crowd was really hodge-podge-random. The music is best described as "alternative", but it was definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the top 40 heterogenous sludge you normally listen to in clubs. (Although, I admit that I still like it.)
If you're looking for a change of pace from typical night scenes, Anarchy Library is worth a look-see.
Cell Phones get STOLEN here!!! Yes just like you read it.. Went there this weekend with some friends and sat at the bar. I had my phone on the counter and turned around for one minute (was sitting at bar the whole time) turned around and my phone was gone. The bartenders response to this was "yeah sorry it happens all the time here" WTF??? Seriously . Total lack of consideration, accountability, or customer service to help find out who took it they acted as if it was normal to get things stolen here.. Will never go back as I fear for my car as well
Review Source:Place could be better, the service is terrible and dirty to the tee. One night on a Thursday I had gone with two friends I found myself waiting for a drink over 30 to 40 minutes. I know dive bars are holes in the wall type of places but they should hire a cleaning crew and more Bartenders. Oh, and don't wear any of your good shoes you will get step on or have a drink spilled because of the limited space your shoes will literally stick to the floor. I'm sure nobody wipes down anything in that place. . Â Those buckets people talk about are for the empty bottles but of course nasty people will use them on there convince for throwing up or their trash, Pretty gross but this bar is as low as it gets. That same night my friend and I met the owner, he seem like if he was having a bad day he mistaken my friend for someone else. He was rude kick him out of the parking lot. Point being place is not my scene. I wouldn't order a mix drink in there, I would be too scared to catch something.
Review Source:I love the vibe at anarchy usually, but the last few months have been shitty sorry, but they have and it saddens me to say it cause love this place. The Dj's are my main bitch these fuckers have no variety in music I hear they same bull shit every single time I go... I hear nearly same  The doors and the smiths songs also the same killers, and the bravery songs as well... ugh there are awesome new wave songs they never play and indie omg they don't even tap into the awesome dance bands there are like moving units the rapture,Etc.. Etc I can go on for days, but fuck when you ask for something out of the norm they shake their fucken head like its impossible it's sad when pandora is more in tune then a fucken dj. I hope those fuckers read this and add a bit of variety to their sets so the anarchy can keep scared in my heart. Okay I'm giving my Anarchy a 4 star because I love the vibe... Cheap drinks, this joint is free, and yes even though its a shitty little bar it keeps the toilet stock with Toilet paper unlike the pricey ass joints! just fuck have the Dj's switch it up more and it will be awesome!
Review Source:Personally, I have had very similar experiences to my fellow yelpers at this establishment. Â First of all, it is very dark in here you can hardly see people....which is a good thing. Â The drinks are fairly priced, I suppose even though I've nrver really pay attention to the price. Â There are several grenades dancing at this establishment, several grenade takers to take those grenades. Â However there are some cute girls that come here from time to time, but this is a rare occurrence. Â Its a good place to goif you don't mind grenades all over your face.
Review Source:So, The Anarchy Library has emotions and feelings of its own. Some days you walk in there and it seems so happy and vibrant; it feels like the place to be. When you walk in, your senses are inundated with sights and sounds and smells that are unlike that of the world you just left behind. You dive into a dim world, where heat is created only by the movement of large mammals that are teeming in this environment. They move to the rhythm of 80's, new wave, and Rock en Espanol in perfect synchronicity. As you navigate your way through the sea of hefty women, you occasionally discover someone pleasing to the senses. You'll find someone as cute as a button if you're patient. These are not easy to come by, but once your eyes adjust to the dimness, you'll run into a couple, but you must be patient, like a fisherman. You don't wanna move around too much and spook the fish, just pick a spot and let them come, observe their every movement and just hope they take the bait.
Analogies aside, you see an abundance of overweight women, and occasionally someone cute, but it's still a fun place to be in. This is not to say that all overweight women aren't cute, one of the bartenders is both. She's hot!
On other days, The Anarchy seems in a state of depression, with hardly any activity. Instead of large mammals crowding up the scene, you have a few bespectacled individuals just staring off into space, drinking their pain away. This is generally on a day during the week, but the Anarchy that is usually full of activity --and somewhat controlled chaos-- goes to sleep. It is a depressing sight and experience for the few that attend. The restrooms are not reeking of piss during these days. The floors and walls are still
Grimy as shit --hell, you might even see a shit stain, but you won't see the floors through an inch or two of piss, and that's how you are able to gauge if things are gonna crack or not.
Every night that I've been to this bar feels a little different. Although the crowd is generally an edgier crowd, you find all kinds of peeps there, which is why you get a different feeling every night. Sometimes you walk in there and see a bunch of "rockerbillys" clutching on to the trends of the past; sometimes you see a few bald-headed hoodlums who seem to be enjoying the music and the beer; you also see some so-called hipsters, but the best nights are when you get them all! Even a few hip-hopper heads. Ok I 'm hungry now. Final thought: good fun, cool people, fat people, a few skinnys, nice and grimy.
This place is dark, loud and almost always busy! I've been here a handful of times enough to know the drinks are cheap and strong but happy hour ends at 10:30 most nights so get there early. They have djs almost every night, and the entire bar staff is super friendly even though at first glance they may not seem like it. My only complaint would be the line for the restroom if half these girls would stop using the stalls as photo booths and just get straight to business and get out I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue. If you're looking for a good drink and a chill crowd the anarchy library is a good place to go any night of the week.
Review Source:I heard some not-so great things about this place. However, I had a blast there. The music was amazing and the people there were cool. Random people started dancing with us. The only problem I had was the sticky-ass floor which became a problem for me every time I lifted my foot because my shoe kept coming off! Other than that, it was awesome.
Review Source:Without a doubt a good spot to grab a drink during the week. Place attracts rocker types, feel ignorant for putting it that way, but I don't know what else to call them. Â Besides that, the vibe is smooth and its a great place to hang out. The music is a little outdated but its fine by me.
I like this place and so will anyone who wants to have a good time.
I love the 80's.  I haven't been to this place in over a year. I come today on a Thursday night and what do I hear...Rocking Español...really???  When did Rocking Español become 80's music?  I grew up in the 80's...did I miss something??  One or two songs are one thing but a half hours worth come on!  I'm so disappointed...I could cry!!!
Review Source:If you like to breathe, get speedy bar service, pee in a clean restroom, and have room to walk around - better yet dance, then this place is not for you. HOWEVER, if you want drink specials and spend less than $20 bucks then this place is your go to spot.
The first time I came here I was skeptical because I got dragged here and didn't think I would fit in (I was sporting some platinum blonde hair and the way I dressed definitely stood out). However, no one cared and no one paid me any mind. I found that very cool, and welcomed even. My problem isn't with the diversity of people that come here it's with their attitude. I'm trying to be courteous and let people walk through or dance in my own little space but then you have people who could care any less about the people around them and stomp on your toes, or seeing people throwing up next to you. I've also had my drink knocked out of my hand by people who are really drunk and they didn't offer to buy me a new one.
This place is really small, with no cover. There is only one bartender, if you're lucky two. Last night was probably the third time I've come and I noticed new bartenders. They were pouring really slow and not being attentive even though there weren't that many people at the bar. I think they might have been new.
As for the music - well the music is good. It varies from rockabilly, to spanish, to indie, to alternative, definitely all the music you sing along to and dance to, which is always a perk right?
If you get the munchies their is a lady vendor outside that sells tacos, hot dogs, and I forget what else for DIRT cheap. Their salsa is good.
CLARIFICATION FOR THE OWNER:
I had previously stated (but I removed it) that there were buckets lying around for people to throw up in, apparently the buckets that are laying around are for customers to throw away their bottles and whatnot. However, the last time I was here I DID see someone throwing up in one of the buckets while people were dancing or walking by. That is still unattractive, especially since the place is really small to begin with. That should've been handled outside or in the restroom.
Anarchy Library is not one of the prettiest places in town, nor would I want it to be. The name itself is a subtle hint that would cause one to think "hmmm maybe there is potential for some craziness to go down at this place...maybe I shouldn't wear my good shoes" and if you think that, then BY GEORGE YOU'VE GOT IT.
Okay in all seriousness, it's a cool place to hang, its not ridiculously loud to where you can't hear the person next to you, but don't be fooled it's not some hipster coffee house, where everyone speaks in hummingbird voices. Can't go wrong with Wednesdays, THAT'S REGGAE NIGHT..$3 Rum & Coke, great old school reggae on vinyl, then around 10ish a band goes on.
GOOD VIBES, GOOD DRINKS.....OOOOH CAN'T FORGET THE TACO CART. AND THE BARTENDERS ARE FINE. (the female ones)
If your a punk, rockabilly, pyschobilly, hispanic, tattoo'd up, gangster this is the place for you. I haven't till this day found a bar as great as this for the type of people it attracts. Everyday they offer a drink special and a different theme. Good music, small but full house even on a monday! Always packed. This is definitely the place I would go to socialize.
Sexy bartenders
Super good drink prices
Good looking crowd
Good atmosphere
Great music
I just wish they could bring back the punk rock bands!
My cousin took me here on my 21st birthday weekend a few years ago. Ever since then, it's been one of my favorite bars.
Anarchy Library isn't necessarily my style when it comes to music, but their drinks are what keep me coming back! I can get white-girl-wasted here for just a couple of dollars! During my first visit, I remember my cousin told the bartender that it was my 21st birthday so he put extra shots of alchy in my drinks for me! What a sweet man. For some reason, the Tokyo Tea here is the best I've ever had!! It's strange that I remember this (since I was drunk and all), but the whole bar sang "Happy Birthday" to me that night! People here are always so nice and friendly--- both the customers and employees! I always have a great time here. Good times and good vibes, right? Parking is kind of tight and it's a little tiny on the inside but I've never had a problem with getting a table.
PS. I love how the bar has a sign that says "Tip your fuckin' bartender!". LOL! Do it.
Hey I must say this place has a little of everything, it is beginning to be a Thursday hangout for me and my friend. The place is a little crowded at times but overall the people and atmosphere are excellent. The thing that bothers me is the damn light that for whatever reason they do not turn off and is right in the center of the dance floor. They have good lighting for the basic Dj, but what is the deal with that bright light. Truth be told when you come here try to dress down I.E. don't shave for a week, torn shirt, skinny pants, and a vest LOL this place is awesome.
Will definitely continue my visits to this place...
Front door bouncer was very cocky and rude that last two times I went. And the last time I went, we were waiting in line for like 35 mins and then we finally moved to the front of the line. So we are just waiting... another say 6-8 minutes in front of the bouncer because the place is "over capacity". The bouncer didn't acknowledge us. (Which is fine... who cares right?) Until he looks past your group to the group right behind you and says, "Hey... don't you work at [bla bla bla]. Heyyy how you doing??? Come in! Come inside! Your whole group." And pulls like 8 people in front of us!!! RIDICULOUS! I thought that was a super DICK move. Seeing that we were next in line (a party of 4) and he went and pulled the people that were standing directly behind us in front of us! Come on! That is some douche shit!!!
I can understand if females get VIP or if you have a few friends that just got in the back of the line and you notice them and you pull them from the back of the line and let them in. Or if you have a guest list.. whatever... but how are you going to be a douche bag and simultaneously notice someone and pull the people right behind us and let them inside and make us wait another 5-10 mins.
Come on man, we came here to have a good time too. Not to be treated like shit.
I'm gunna enjoy coming here again and again. Â I went 2 Thursday nights in a row and had fun both times. Â I was drunk both times and danced my butt off both times. Â Thursday nights is 80's night.
I really love the look and feel of the place. Â The bartenders are not stingy with the alcohol and above all they are nice. Â They have awesome security constantly on the prowl for trouble which makes me feel safe.
I can't wait for the next time I go. :)
OK...first time to the Library. Must say YES...yes it was nice. Guy at the door was professional and no cover. Prices are good and service fast. dang fast.
Thanks again to the bartender girl for treating us good. One word- "Class"
Love this dive place now. Will grab friends and go back.
One more thing...when you need to hit the mens room and find girls in there dont be surprised.
Last item here...the DJ on Sat night was dang good.
5 stars for keeping Downey's ancient Alternative Music Town status of yore in the BOOOORING Top 40 or worse Southeast of Los Angeles!!!!
I remember back in the day when either you were a doped out arena rock weenie stoner or a disco biscuit (back in Bell - my hometown) there were rumors of a place where punk rockers thrived! Only a handful of them in Bell. Back then there was Middle Earth records too (now it's gone and these guys would easily put today's Hollywood Amoeba to shame - they had so much rare stuff- OMG!!!!) here in Downey.
Anarchy Library came to save the day when it seemed Downey would become just another boring suburban wasteland! They used to play some really good live acts like Angry Samoans, D.I., CH3 and the Ms.Fits (an all female Misfits tribute band) and more. WOW!!! I remember at the Angry Samoans show the lead singer got mad at a guy that didn't know the rules of conduct of a slam pit (as contradictory as that may sound) who was acting out his aggression (maybe after leaving Downey Billiards haha!) on the crowd that was just there to have fun and enjoy the music. The lead singer even went to the trouble of calling this guy a Nazi. The little Nazi "punk" got kicked out. Sadly, bands like Angry Samoans and CH3 play here no more! I was told by one of the bar owners or employees that this kind of guy pretty much ended the era of good classic bands playing here. An era of really bad music followed.
Two things have never changed here. 1. the drinks are cheap and they serve good beers like Guinness and Newcastle. 2. they have a great jukebox with just about all the punk anthems you could ever want!
Now they have really great Rock En Espanol and New Wave nights.
The crowd is mixed here so do yourself a favor and instead of dancing to Pitfool come and listen to some good music!
Alright Anarchy, you got your five stars! I've been coming here more lately since I discovered that some old girlfriends from high school are pretty much regulars. Their drink specials are the first thing I look for when I go there, next is the night of the week to see what kind of music they'll have. Wednesdays weren't my favorite except when The RizLas play there! "It's the reggae fever taking over, taking over my body and soul!!!"
Either way, I really like the atmosphere, the music and the bathrooms are usually pretty clean. I need to go back for $2 jack and cokes soon!
Within minutes of writting my review I was contacted (via email message thru Yelp) by the owner of The Anarchy Library, Juan V. Â Kuddos to him, as that shows he cares about the good reputation of his business. Â
Juan V. asked me if I knew the name of the other guy, explained the situation with the restrooms, and agreed that it is a zoo on Tuesdays but that they try their best to make it an enjoyable fun night for all. Â
Perhaps I will give the Anarchy another shot in hopes that the staff has received a pep talk and improves a notch... afterall Two Dollar Tuesdays, it is an offer you can't refuse.
I was confused when i walked into this place i didn't know weather i walked into a bar or a slim fast commercial, no lie this place was full of pigs wearing make up!
The beer was cheap u get a tall can of PBR for 5 bucks thou but it was too crowded and smelled like a recycling center, i'm a fan of dive bars but this place needs pretty girls and i enjoy a foul mouth friend but the gentlemen here were tough guys with daddy issues......the music was ok thou
No cover= LOVE.
Anarchy is fun. The drinks are cheap and strong. The music is good. I always have a blast here...when I'm in Downey anyway. Otherwise it would be too far for me.
If you are a guy looking to get laid, beware: most of the girls are..um how do I put it??... BIG....However, most of the guys aren't lookers either. I always go with my guy so I don't care about that. Just a heads up though. I hate seeing the vulture guys just waiting to find their next victim. And I can't believe guys here hit on girls who CLEARLY have dates/boyfriends. Shady!!!!!!!!!
Overall, Anarchy is a fun place to go to when you just wanna chill and dance to fun 80s/Rock en Espan~ol music and don't wanna dress up and conform to some lame dress code.
Ok, this place is truly bipolar.
Manic side: AMAZING music, I mean they played the jams. I've never been to a place where one moment they are playing Smiths then Jaguares then Joy Division then Mana, weird...
Depressed side: the crowd... ohmygodness... I felt like I was in a movie about East L.A. When we got in line to have the bouncer check our id's, we noticed that they made the guys lift up their shirts and get a pat down. Everyone was dressed extremely causally with pot-a-dots galore and basketball jerseys in every corner.
I got really grossed out because the girls here are SKANKY, I mean no morals, straight up about to have sex on the dance floor. I felt dirty and the need to vomit crept up several times and I finally convinced my friend to leave. The guys are no better, they eye eff you like no other.
OH, and waaayyy overpriced drinks for a cheap dirty bar. Five bucks for a bottle of Bud Light? AND the restrooms are disgusting.
Just to clarify (for the professional owner Juan V.), I didn't have any "stiff drinks" so my memory was fully intact also given the fact that I was the designated driver and sorry Juan but I'm use to a little more class (just the San Diego in me). Reading other customer's comment do nothing for me, Yelp is meant to review establishments which is what I did (too bad so sad you're not a fan of mine). Furthermore I meant dirty not "dive", I suggest you learn the difference and while you're at it learn to accept criticism rather than being defensive. Showing some degree of professionalism would do you some good FYI.
Been here a couple times...This is actually a cool little dive bar out in the outskirts of Downey.. They have a good beer selection. Bottled and canned, and a full bar. The bartenders are pretty hot as well. The owner is really nice, and always around. Bathrooms are clean.
Now music, gotta love all the industrial, 80's mixes they play.
Came here yesterday, and yes more of a suasage fest for all you ladies. Â We came in around 11pm, and place was not packed, but by 12pm, the dance floor was packed as well as the little bar area.
All in all, good times, no cover, and free parking.
You know what would be, like totally, fucking cool? Like, totally, rad-to-the-max? Like, way, pandering to social stupidity? Like, oh my god, a political statement?
If the Unabomber blew up this place.
(in a bloody mess as everyone ran outta here, they would still be "fucking" supportive of the scene, man! The left is soooo much more hip than the right)
You know, anarchy and such.
THINK! THINK! THINK!
Love,
John Zerzan
(planes fly into the 'trade center, McVeigh blowing up children in a government building, Che G. lovers sucking mind-numbing-cock, some asshole scientist poisoning letter boxes from here to Connecticut...Get fucking real...anarchy?...Right On! Let's go! I hope you are the first one to run into my arms screaming social injustice...and you most likely would.)
Like the Puka Bar I hate to be hard on a place that I really like and have high hopes for despite my issues with it. It used to be better...the staff and the crowd was awesome. Staff is still awesome...sometimes the crowd...not so much.
I used to be a regular and still go on occassion because they do book some great shows...I've seen The Blasters, Los Creepers, The Fiends, some self proclaimed punk rock gods named The Skulls (douche bags de el sucko), The Dead Kennedys (of course not with Jello but the kid on the vocals was solid enough for me to see them again at the House of Anything But the Blues), The Vodoo Glow Skulls and the Angry Samoans, to name more than a handful.
The bartenders are cool as hell and Richie the Bar Manager aka Richie Stretchpants will school you on any number of subjects including class war, law, social issues, music, etc. (he may have missed his calling as a Jeapordy contestant).
Drinks are strong, the jukebox is badass (not one of those pansy digiboxes either) and it's better on the weekends (Four stars on Sat. or Sun. Five when there's a good band).
Outside of the weekend if you're in the mood to get loaded with a couple of partners it's a good place to bullshit, commiserate or have whatever kind of conversation it is you personally like to have in bars.
I recommend it but not overwhelmingly unless there's a killer show. I prefer Alex's Bar in Long Beach.
This place had better vibes years ago, now its.....different.
They revamped the look of the seating area, which looks weird now cause its almost like your perched up looking down at people....uncomfortably, kinda quarantine-like.
The drinks are super strong and make a killer bloody Mary.
Strange mix of people.
There were tons old veteran homies last time I went, plus mixed up with guys with long gross goatees,and some chicks that were balloon-like.
Yes I think I would go again, just to talk some shit at least, plus I enjoy listening to some Dead Kennedy's and watching old sexy Betty Page videos.
God I wish Anarchy wasn't in Downey. Â It's like, the lamest town in town. Â
Anyway, I've seen some totally kick ass shows at the Anarchy Library. Â I just wish I would have known that they moved the door to the little girl's room BEFORE I was wasted drunk so that the entire occupancy wasn't laughing at me when I was feeling the wall for a good 5 minutes looking for a doorknob. Â
The bartenders are totally nice, but will dropkick your ass in a second if you give them shit. Â As they should.
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