Okay bar but fair warning do not use your card to hold a tab here! I used a card there last Monday night to start a tab and at the end of the night my husband paid the tab on his card. I was standing there and saw the waitress use his card to pay the transaction. The next day there were 2 pending charges on my card for 15.50 and 5.50 wth? My bank credited that back and looked at my account today and there are 2 more charges for the next 2 days and I wasn't even there! Obviously cancelled my card and the bank is sending me a new one. Called management today and left them a voicemail that they have not so honest employees. I will only use cash from here out at this bar that way they can't charge me when I'm not there and I suggest you do the same. Trying to save some of you fellow Yelpers the hassle of cancelling your bank card or the annoyance of dealing with a not so honest staff. Hopefully management will call me back about this or at least talk to their employees about not stealing peoples numbers.
Review Source:I have been here once before at night but went yesterday for Sunday fun day after a kickball game and it was so fun!
The Cynthias were behind the bar (Big C and Little C) and were both really friendly and took care of all the Planet Social Sports kickballers. Â They brought food out to us and made sure we had plastic cups for flip cup, and helped set up tables on the patio for beer pong.
We had the whole outdoor area and there were probably about 30-40 people outside.
It's where they do turtle racing which I have yet to experience though that might be for the best because I hear it's a bit of a creeper convention.
I just ordered french fries (crinkle cut and seasoned) but friends ordered items off the happy hour menu (there's a special menu for PSS people) and the food looked like decent dive bar style.
We stayed there all day and got pretty tipsy and my tab was only $34!
Will definitely be back even if it's not for a PSS related day because of the awesome service from Big C.
Brennan's is probably my favorite pub/bar on the Westside. That's saying a lot since there's quite a few bars on the Westside. What makes Brennan's really great in my opinion is it feels like the bar from that classic TV show Cheers...where everyone knows your name. Brennan's  is not pretentious at all, unlike some bars on Washington, Santa Monica or even the Windward section of Venice. Locals just go to have some drinks, watching some games (Go Kings!) and listen to bands (they usually have band playing most nights and some days). Thursdays is definitely the busiest night since that's when the college kids and tourists go to watch the turtle races. But the other 6 days of the week it's pretty low key-ish. I've been going to Brennan's for a while now and are now friends with the staff. They are great! They're very accommodating and pour pretty good drinks.
Brennan's highlights
-Really fun St. Patty's day party
-Awesome outdoor space
-Happy Hour till 7 (but the drinks are relatively cheap anyways)
-The food is pretty good
-Good Staff
Negatives
-I wish it was a bigger sports bar (especially a Kings bar)...but they're trying.
This place is full of creepers and douchebags acting like they are 18 at a frat party. Â
If you want to do the turtle races, *after* you pay to rent a turtle they inform you that only girls are allowed to rent them (so you have to transfer your turtle to someone else) so that they can have the girls walk into the middle of the bar and bend down in each direction showing everyone in the bar their ass while the douchebag race moderators tease them. Â Wtf? It was like the douchiest/creepiest of any highschool or frat party I've ever been to. Â
The crowd is also super trashy. The girls willing to keep their legs straight, boobs out, and show their asses over and over again to a crowd of leering strange frat boys are not exactly the classy, pretty girls you would probably enjoy looking at.
I left before my turtle was even raced because the girl I was with did not want to be forced to bend over twice so the entire crowd could see her ass while the douchebags teased her just so she could participate. Â The moderators also yelled at the crowd that anyone that broke a rule would get "kicked in the nuts" or "flicked in the clit". Really... I'm way too old for this (i.e., not 14).
They also imposed a $10 fine for "pointing" at turtles which usually meant fining drunk people who were waving their hands in excitement (not pointing) and the drunk person arguing for a while before finally (for some idiotic reason) actually paying the fine. Â The entire scene was obnoxious, creepy, and just plain gross. Now I know why at the beginning when they asked if anyone was new, EVERY SINGLE PERSON raised their hand - because no one would ever come back to this twice.
Hmmm, I will just list the pros and cons:
Cons
1) Wait time to order - I was standing at the bar for 15 minutes and it was not crowded, but the three guys walking around the bar successfully managed to avoid me. SUPER ANNOYING.
2) Creepers - This seems like a single guys bar
3) No set smoking area - Pretty much smoke anywhere outside versus a specific area. I dont like smoke, and when I go outside, its usually for fresh air, NOT LUNG CANCER, lol.
Pros
1) Turtle races - Every Thursday if the weather is good. The races were pretty cool except for the mandatory bending over for chicks. It prevented me from racing a turtle, sad day, but i dont want pictures of my booty on fb and IG. LAME.
2) Cheap drinks - My normal drink was half the price as most bars, so definitely a plus!
3) Close to my house - LOL gauge this for yourself, but it was convenient for me
4) Decent music - I think it is for the 35-45 year old crowd? I knew some of the songs, but not quite. Still a good vibe.
A-OK. Is this place exceptional? No! Would I recommend it? Yes! It's exactly what you expect from a neighborhood divey bar. It has reasonably priced (for LA) drinks and the people are friendly. If you are Into classic rock, they often have live music. They have a parking lot which is a big plus.
I have not been on a turtle race night but it might be worth checking out.
Really fun Irish pub. Great atmosphere , good bands and those crazy turtle races are a perfect place to meet new friends. Menu is delish with classic pub/bar food: patty melts, sliders, burgers,fish & chips, etc.... and the lady behind the bar has just enough moxie to take on anyone with bad manners. Come for the bar, stay for the turtle races!
Review Source:I came here with some colleagues after work So I can't comment on the turtle racing. As for after work on a Friday, it's pretty empty, aside from a few regulars, but also pretty cheap. Happy hour from like 4 until 7--cheap beer, half off appetizers. Standard beer selection, maybe a bit limited. The best I can say for the food is that it's edible. We concluded that all of it was purchased frozen from the nearby Costco.
They have darts and pool, both of which you have to pay for. And the jukebox? 50 cents to a dollar per song. There's parking in a small lot on the north side of the building, otherwise on the street (which is usually not a problem in this area).
Oh, and in case I forgot to mention it: TOTAL DIVE BAR. Which imo is a good thing. But it's not for everyone.
TURTLE RACE!!!!!
I had so much fun here on Thursday Turtle racing night! Starts at 9pm and show up early so you have a good spot to watch them.
Food was ok, just regular bar food. They also had a band perform cover songs inside the bar before the race started.
My friend Steph Y. rented a turtle and named it after me (yes, you get to choose and name the turtle for that night). We had no idea which one was hers during the race but it won 1st place at round 1!!! Â They gave her a VERY INTERESTING prize (oh and shiny ribbon). Thank god we did the first round because it was late and freezing outside. The game took forever NOT because the turtles were slow (they're pretty fast, and ADORABLE - see my pics), it's because they restarted the race every time someone pointed!!
Rule of the game: no pointing! If you point you have to pay up, penalty $$$ goes up if you do it the second time...third time you pay more and get kicked out of the bar (idk if they actually do that). If you don't have cash, they would gladly take your credit card. If you try to flirt your way out of it, everyone will boo you because you're holding up the game. I'm really impressed how they make money off of this.
When they call out your turtle for the game and you're a girl, they'll have you place your turtle in the middle...but you're not allowed to bend you knees. Make sure you wear pants. If you don't mind showing off you bootie in skirts then at least wear a cute underwear so you won't gross the audience out.
TIP:
- show up early for good seats
- bring a coat
- RENT A TURTLE if its your first time (if you come early and rent one you won't have to wait forever for your turtle to race)
- ladies who are renting turtles (or have guy friends who's planning on renting one), don't wear skirts unless you want to show you're bootie (guys won't mind)
- cross your arms to avoid pointing!!!!!!
I've ONLY been to Brennan's on Thursdays for the turtle races...and it's a blast! I recently took an out of town friend because it was something he had never seen and we were in the neighborhood. I do remember the turtles being bigger and not so many would race at one time but I guess the hype has made this race quite popular. They race about 6 turtles at one time. Â Having the girls bend down over and over to put the turtles down does get redundant...I know most guys enjoy the view though...so I can't blame the staff. The ridiculous rules of not pointing or acting like a douche bag are funny to watch when being enforced. Any rule that is broken will cost anywhere from $10-$50 and if you're not prepared or willing to pay then you get kicked out...and they're very serious about that. Seems like a joke but those are the rules. I say hold a drink in your hand to prevent you from pointing because once that race starts you do get excited and feel the urge to point. The prizes given to the winning turtle owners are funny; lube, vaginal cream, condoms, pregnancy tests lol
The bar is a decent size, drinks are about $8 a pop, there are tables and chairs. There is a stage and dance floor...they have live bands that play often. Bathrooms are kept clean which is a plus in any pub. Parking is slim pickings, very small lot so most likely you will park on the street. No cover.
To me, Brennan's is your cozy neighborhood pub. Yes, it's divey. Yes, it kind of smells. But if you're not posh and just looking to hang out with friends, this Irish pub may be your place. The prices are reasonable, they serve decent food, and Thursday nights include turtle racing. Are the turtles worth watching every week? No. But are they worth seeing a few times? Definitely! After a few drinks, the festivities are wildly entertaining. I have a blue first place ribbon to prove it :)
Tip: NO POINTING at the turtles!
Or they will indict you $10 for your drunken gesture...
You should know something about me. I'm a bit of a drunk and a dive bar is my one true friend, but I just can't get behind this place. I live only blocks away, and I work only a slight few more blocks further. So, it's not as if I don't come here a fair amount, what with the close proximity and inevitable after-work drinks...but that doesn't mean that I have to enjoy it.
Perhaps I'm just too old (certainly not too mature), but the turtle races are just stupid. Sure, I love seeing hot chicks bend over as much (more?) than the next guy, but the build-up, the waiting around, and the blah blah blah...it's just dumb. I came here to get drunk and maybe play some pool, not hang-out at a frat party.
What's worse, it takes slightly less than forever to get a drink. Yes, your double-sided bar look cool...but it sucks if you never venture to the other side of it, single bartender.
On the good side, the food is aight, there's a pool table, and you will get drunk...eventually.
Been to Brennan's way more times than I need to since its super far from me, but it has been our get together spot on Thursday nights for Turtle Racing night. Prices are fair for drinks and food. The people who work there are super nice. Plenty of places to sit or stand or whatever you want to do while you're there. We hardly watch the races as it gets old very quickly, Â but its a fun hang out spot. The few times I've seen the live band, I've loved them. Really great bands. The customers there are also very cool and friendly. I know we'll end up there again sometime soon.
Review Source:I've driven by this place many a time fascinated with the turtle racing aspect so I was excited to finally see one.
It's outside on their patio and the poor turtles are kept in a cooler while they wait their much-anticipated race. You have to follow the rules and the most difficult one is to not point. Pretty sure I pointed at least three times but luckily so many other people pointed before me, so I didn't have to pay the penalty fees.
Sure, the girls who put the turtles down have to bend over and stick their asses out is a very chauvinistic aspect of the race. But I guess it goes along with the ancient art of turtle racing...?
It gets pretty old and chilly quick, so inside live music and stiff drinks await for your pleasure.
TURTLE RACING: Fantastic idea that is organized perfectly, but I have to disagree with the blatant objectification of women. The entire event is less about racing turtles and more about making girls bend over. Even if the girl participating doesn't bend her knees, if she has a nice ass, the men running it will make her do it over and over again for their viewing pleasure. Granted, the girls are choosing to involve themselves in it, but that doesn't make it right, especially when there is a rule preventing men from being able to participate. This is simply a clever way to give a bunch of straight dudes masturbatory material by disguising it as turtle racing. Grow some real balls and call it what it is.
To all you women who chose to participate with big stupid smiles on your faces: have a little respect for yourselves. You only perpetuate the slutty stereotypes by going along with such chauvinistic behavior.
Kinda disappointed that I gave this venue my money, and that I wont be able to go back, which I would love to do because the live band and ambiance was great, but I refuse to support close minded discriminatory businesses.
I know they have turtle racing but I only frequent Brennan's on Sunday's to watch football since I live close by. Â Â For Sunday football watching I'd give this place 2*s... 4 if you happen to be a Denver fan. Â Yes they have all of the games on and a full bar but service is barely so so (not because they are unfriendly but because they don;t have enough help) Â and the food would be unmemorable if it wasn't so bad: think frozen meat patties and the same soggy french fries my elementary school cafeteria use to serve.
MDR is pretty blah when it comes to food/drink and Brennans fits right in. Â I guess the atmosphere is semi interesting but $10 for frozen patties? I guess the beer selection is ok and it is hard to mess that up.
OK, I've been once and it was LOUD and lame -- a lethal combo. Went with a couple friends, and I'll be damned if I could hear what anyone said of the muddy music.
Would I return? Sure - maybe to meet a group. The drinks are overpriced, it's rather dank, and so, I'm not in a hurry to return, but I might try it some other night.
Overall, I would say that I'm a fan of this place. I've been several times, most notably to see the turtle races, and on St. Patty's Day this year for my birthday..yep, be jealous ;) Â Anyway, the turtle races are a good time, but they take FOR-E-VER. Â Girls who "sponsor" the turtles have to go place them down in the circle without bending their knees, which is funny the first few times, but it gets old, especially when they make the same girl do it over 2 or 3 times because they weren't sexy enough the first time. Â They also stop the race if anyone in the crowd points at the turtles. The guilty party has to pay money for pointing, and they start the race over, again dragging out the ordeal. Â After like 2 hours of this, we just went and hung out inside.
The live bands that they have there are always a lot of fun, a good mix of 80s, guilty pleasures, hip hop adaptations, etc. Â Everyone is dancing and it's just a good crowd and a good time. Â
St. Patty's Day here was a really fun time. They got people in pretty quickly, which was nice, especially since it was drizzling out. They also covered the back area where the turtle races are with a tent, and had a second bar out there. This added a lot of space, so you didn't feel crammed in there. Â There was copious amounts of green beer, and a fun band playing. Â It's a great place to hang out on St. Patrick's Day.
In summary, this place is great, but I don't ever go just to see the turtle races, because they're not really my thing. Everything else about it is thumbs up though :)
We went to Brennan's last night for their infamous "turtle racing." It was all that could be expected and more: idiotic, amazing, hilarious, etc. Apparently, they have the races every Thursday night at 10PM. You can rent a turtle for $5 (my boyfriend did this) and then they tell the renters that is is preferable that they have a girl drop the turtle into the "rink." The rules are: you cannot bend your legs and you have to drop the turtle down slowly. Slightly degrading but a good laugh. They have ridiculous prizes as well. A woman who was at least 80 years old + dropped a turtle last night. It was amazing.
Oh, and my turtle won last night and I was sent home with a blue first prize ribbon and green satin XXL panties. Winning. NBD.
I started coming here religiously on Sundays the first week I moved to LA in December 2011 as necessary alternative to church - Brennans had a delightful following of Tebowners who felt the same and I snuggled right into the scene. Â As far as a Bronco bar in the greater LA area, Brennans can't be beat! Â
They cater to the die hards showing up early, occupying 2/3's of the bar and even arrange the stage area to accomodate with special seating, special TV's, Bronco paraphenilia and give us drunks control of the audio! Â Now that Tebow's gone, we can really start worshipping a true football God come Sunday and believe whole heartidly that Brennans will continue to allow our day of worship to precede in their all too welcoming bar!
So you might be asking why I only give them 4 stars...I've attempted to become a regular here and frequented Brennans outside of the football season hoping for some nostalgia but to no avail. Â I hear the turtle racing is amaze balls so if I make it on a Thursday (but contrary to popular belief I am an adult with a 'real job' so Thursday's a school night), the extra star up there could be checked. Â As it sits, everytime I go it's dead, the beer tastes the same as it does at the other bars so no kudo's there, and the food is just so so. Â
My recommendation, save your trips to Brennans for the ruckus we Denver fans bring on Sundays during football season!
I came to Brennan's for my friend's B-day celebration and to listen to the band play.
I arrived early to test the beer and pool tables to make sure they are satisfactory. Yup, the Guinness poured out of the keg nice and smooth. Not too cold, not too warm. A meal in a pint. The bartenders are pleasant. It's a slow night at the bar for now. Can't drink too much since I had been eating and drinking during the Super Bowl.
The band is warming up. Sounding good as they test the sound system. The pool table is beating me at the game I just started. I need to practice.
My friends start to arrive for the party. Time to hang out with them. Hmmm now the bar is full.
Good times!
I heart Turtle Racing! It's funny, it's stupid... and it's a helluva good time!
Whatever you do, do NOT point at the turtles. Â Trust me.
Ladies, remember to wear underwear. Â
They have a live band, not sure if it's everyday, but it's after Thursday's turtle racing. Â They even have a dance floor... so baby work it.
Good beers, cheap drinks, fun crowd. Â
This is everything a dive bar should be... and more. Â Oh, and at the end of the night, the bouncers will walk you across the street to your car if you ask nicely.
I meaaaaannn, what IS this place?!
First, I'm greeted by this wooden troll thing that stands right in front of the bar, so I had to maneuver around it to get the bartender's attention. Apparently he was serving at least 10 people before he could get around to little ol' me cus it took forever just to order a beer. He was really not on top of things. I'm pretty sure their beers are overpriced, which is a no-go for me, especially if it's not a place known for its beer or doesn't have a vast selection.
Second, the turtle racing. I made it my mission to come out in the freezing cold on a Thursday night to see what this was all about. All I know is you better not point. $10 penalty for the first time and it goes up to $50 if you get caught pointing a third time! It was entertaining for the first round and maybe the second round, but after that, it's just done. People start getting up and leaving, and it's a "been there, done that" kind of vibe. Neat idea though!
Third, the cover band...it's cool that there's a live band but I really think they should just invest in a dj.
Sooo that was that.
Turtle racing at Brennan's is no joke. Every 10pm on Thursdays, you can pay $5 to "rent a turtle", name it, and then gently place the turtle in the center of the competition ground for the big race! And the rules are strict - no pointing! If you point, penalty is $10 and then increases by another $10 per point. I'm not proud to say that I got overly excited during one of the races and was caught pointing! Grrrr... Oh, and ladies, expect to bend over at least three times when placing your turtle, the hosts are men...
They have live music playing on Thursday nights and on weekends. I'm happy to say that the music is pretty good here, and the dance floor gets pretty filled up as the night goes on. It's a good vibe :) Oh, and lots of beers on tap.
So my 4 stars rating is compromised of the following:
- Turtle racing uniqueness
- good music
- good beer
- and super convenient as my roommate and I literally live around the corner from it
Brennan's is not a bar in which to discuss Chaucer, your imminent divorce, Pakistan, the national debt, or a deep desire to have another child.
It's a pub. The kind that you drink beer at while hanging out just passing time and shooting the breeze. You'll hear questions like "Does your sister have a boyfriend?", "What color is your underwear?", or "If a turtle does not have his shell, do you call him naked or homeless?"
Ya, this is not the classiest of joints. My favorite moment was a guy wondering why it's acceptable for people to point to their wrist when asking time, but totally not cool to point to their crotch when asking where's the bathroom.
Besides the turtle races and few bands, there isn't much that really makes Brennan's Pub a "destination." Service is fairly typical, but jaded. The spark left our bartender's eye a few year's ago. Didn't really matter since we basically just wanted to drink. Thursday nights and music nights it can be busy. Other days, it's actually slow, so, you can drink in peace. Either way, Brennan's is an alright local pub.
The moral of my review is this, if you are...
- female
- a guy who matured past 15
- someone with alcohol standards higher than a UCLA frat party
- an animal-lover
or
- a turtle
You will HATE Brennan's.
If you are...
- trashy
- a guy who never matured past 15
or
- an animal-hater
You'll LOVE Brennan's!
It's a dive bar in every sense of the word. Â Crappy cover band playing in the front, sticky floors, and a smoke-filled patio (even though it's open-air, somehow it still reeks). Â You can get a beer for $6, and it'll come in a 2/3-full 6oz. cup. Â It will also have the distinctly lovely taste of a tap tube that hasn't been cleaned in years.
If you're there for the turtle racing, be prepared to be offended. Â The guys handling the turtles stack them and tuck them under their pits to transport them from the tiny, dirty cooler that they'd been closed up in for who knows how long. Â If they happen to be holding a turtle in their hands while addressing the crowd, said turtle will be gestured with, waved around.
If that doesn't bug you, oh wait - yes, there's more offensive behavior to be found!
Men were permitted to "rent" turtles, but if they want them to race they have to find a woman to place them in the starting ring. Â Why? Â Because when placing them in the ring, women must bend over with legs straight and boobs out. Â Move too quickly, bend your legs, or slouch your boobs out of view? Â Disqualified! Â Not comfortable displaying your goods for the crowds of whooping trashy frat boys? Â Disqualified!
As if that weren't bad enough, one of the guys working the "race" walks around taking pictures up the girls' asses while they lean over. Â Neat.
As a woman, I was appalled... even though I'm hardly touchy on the subject and have been "one of the guys" my entire life. Â The single, straight, 20-something guys in my group? Â So uncomfortable they left of their own accord after the first race. Â We were expecting "Oh cute, little turtles racing!!" and got "ew, what? why are they - UGH let's get out of here."
Please don't stoop so low as to visit Brennan's for any reason, especially the turtle racing.
Rules to remember:
1) DO NOT point at them
2) DO NOT scream their names
Generally, these are rules that should be applied to all human beings. Â But at Brennan's, these rules apply to turtles. Â And if they're broken, you'll be severely punished. Â Punished as in having to pay a $10 fine. Â Kinda funny, and yes, kinda ridiculous.
Brennan's is home of the famous turtle racing. Â Some may abhor the idea of animal cruelty, but many who come are here to enjoy the entertainment. Â Unfortunately, I arrived here too late and missed the turtle race. Â Note: Races are held between 9 and 10pm every Thursday night. Â The races are held in the outdoor patio where there's actually a race track. Â Kinda cute, and yes, kinda weird.
The patrons of Brennan's are comprised of mostly college students, from LMU, I think. Â There's even a small dance floor where drunk people can bust out their dance moves. Â There are also various big screens so that you can enjoy the Olympics or any sporting event on TV. Â Drinks are priced decently, about $5-7, depending if you're getting beers or cocktails. Â Kinda cool, and yes, kinda dive-y.
Reading frank L's review last week reminded me how much I hated this place.
My friend who has two turtles wanted to enter her turtles in the Thursday turtle races but decided at the last minute, it would be too stressful for them. Â Yes, they do allow you to bring your own turtles which I guess would be a plus.
But really, a minus because picture the worst frat party you've gone to times a thousand.
Guys screaming at you to slowly, SLOWLY bend down as you lower your turtle into the ring. Â And if you do it too fast, they make you do it again. Â Ah, your ass all over the internet. Â Yay.
Then you scream and holler at the poor dears until one is named a winner. Â But never, ever point because they will fine you. Â
Some European dudes asked me if this was fun in complete bewilderment. I said no and walked into the bar where I was greeted by the other nightmarish part of frat parties.
It's dark and you don't know who the hell you're talking to. Â We watched people play pool for a while. Â Tried to dance but the floor was too wet/sticky from spilled drinks and goodness knows what. Â
But I didn't give up because it took us a helluva long time to find parking on Lincoln and damnit, we wanted to have a good time.
Bah. Â Okay, I'm throwing in the towel and going to see turtles that aren't so dazed and confused.
There are a few things I've never understood: why bars charge six bucks for draught, why women slap me when I proposition them with a fiver, and what in the hell is the appeal of turtle racing.
I mean, all turtles do for me is remind me of pooping.
When there are no filthy, half-shelled beasts scuttling around, the patio is perfect after a long day at the beach. Â I could ask you what beats having a smoke and an icy drink soothing your sunburned skin under a dimming sky, but we all know the answer is sex. Â How I wish I could verify that.
Would I return? Â If prompted. Â Or tempted with free drinks. Â Or lured with the promise of intercourse (free intercourse that is, hold the slap--maybe). Â Otherwise, no thanks. Â I'd rather stay home with a bottle of vodka and watch old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cartoons in the nude like I do every Saturday night. Â
At least this way I'll save myself from the wrath of the cover band's music.
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