The Shanty Cocktail Lounge

Like some version of an alcoholic Friday's, many so-called "dive" bars try to manufacture such an image.  Throw in some disjointed knick knacks and some eclectic decor and BOOM, you're a dive. The Shanty, however, is the real deal. And that is a beautiful thing.

Located in, well, a shanty, just blocks from San Elijah State Beach, the decor here doesn't give a sh*t what you think about it.  And in return, The Shanty doesn't care who or what you are, you are all welcome.  Inside you'll find a warm welcoming staff and crowd of diverse ages and origins,;scattered businessmen mingling with bearded bikers and local surfers.  All there for the inexpensive well-poured drinks and the cool laid-back vibe.  And one of the only patios you will find in the area where you can smoke.

Every night we went to shanty ended with us having made knew friends.  And that, itself, is pretty cool.  While I certainly am missing my trip to the Ocean Cities, I think I miss you most all, Shanty!

A group of us came down to visit a friend and attend the camp shred surf demo.  After the event we walked down to the Shanty from her house, it was only a few blocks. Got there around 10pm, showed our id's and headed to the bar. Might I say the bouncer and bartenders were all in a good mood and really nice, this was my first impression... the next was that I love a bar that keeps the bar stools there after 10pm :)  .... they have christmas lights, pool tables and other games, ok I'm def a fan of this spot and would come back.

It's cash only and drinks/beer was $4.50, my guy friend kept complaining that it should be $4 or $5 the .50 was annoying to him ha-ha... didn't bother me much I think they do it so you leave alittle extra for the bartender.

The crowd seemed pretty chill except this one drunken slob that kept kicking my bf's pool stick while he was trying to shoot. Thinking back I should of just had the bouncer kick him out but he wandered somewhere else shortly.

CASH BAR
1 stall bathrooms (this is a negative)
bar stools set up all night
2 pool tables
foosball table
christmas lights

Laid back. Always a fun time. Typically no crazy drunks ruining it for everyone. Many drunks by the end of the night but most are fun drunks. There's two pool tables, a foosball table, a full bar, and a smoking area/patio. Like everywhere else, there's almost always a line outside the girls bathroom right around when everyone's bladder is full, around 9 pm to 11 pm. Come on, chicks. What the hell is the hold up? ;) I kid, I kid. But seriously, there should be another bathroom with a fast pass at all establishments. Piddle, wipe, wash hands, and go.

It's a small place in my opinion but it always seems to be packed with people. It gets too loud to have a decent conversation. There's a jukebox but I can barely hear or notice it once everyone is screaming at each other for a conversation right around 9pm til close. By the end of the night, I can barely hear and my voice is scratchy like I've been smoking cigarettes for years. But that happens to me at almost any bar or club. Maybe it's just me. I don't think you can hear the music enough to dance or have enough space for any type of movement resembling a dance. But some girls will dance to anything!

Drinks are typical, pricey but not unusually pricey. Beer is decent but I usually get cocktail. A few times the bartenders have asked me what a chocolate cake drink is made of but that's okay. Fortunately, it's very easy to make. The Shanty isn't the classiest but it's a step up from the Leucadian. It's a bit better in terms of creep to female ratio but only a tad.  Still, it considerably has a few more females than your average north county bar. Definitely divey, casual and nowhere near upscale BUT the shanty is definitely a fave by the locals. Not too many creeping by the creeps and more friendly and respectful in my opinion. My female friends and I can actually have a good time here even though we sometimes get outnumbered. Halloween is typical, people dressed up for a night out on the town and it does look fun but there's nothing else going on. There's a patio for smokers and those who wish to be around second hand smoke. It's also a nice place for bigger groups to hang out.

And oh yeah, cash only. They have an ATM machine by the bathrooms inside.