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Best Bars: Cha Cha Lounge (LA)

 



If the flyer says DJ Jello, yes it IS Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) and that's not the only surprising thing.

When he's dj'ing, he actually won't talk your head off, and he selects great music.

Jello may be too busy to talk but he plays brilliantly obscure garage, soul and rock n' roll on vinyl. My homegirl Cece and I tried to sneak him into the photo booth, instead he was happy to pose for pics right there while he kept us dancing.

 


No matter when you go to East LA's Cha Cha Lounge, this dive has everything you want and plenty you didn't know you wanted, but need. The Mexican themed bar has the perfect soundtrack every single night and checking their Facebook will let you know to expect punk, hip-hop, metal or any number of genres. There's ample dance floor space, and DJ's who make the most of it.

The crowd has always been friendly, which is nice for a spot in the hip Silver Lake 'hood. Cha Cha Lounge checks all the right boxes to impress any dive bar seeker: cold PBR; pool tables; and the tourist friendly vending machine.

Heads up; there are some mighty fine drink specials and it's a little bit too easy to find yourself dancing with strangers and singing along to everything from "Where Eagles Dare" to "Bodak Yellow". By the end of the night your memories may be hazy but the photo booth pics won't be.

P.S. If you get invited to a boozecan after, take it from me. Say yes.

Cover photo: www.clubzone.com

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