Gone Country

As I've written before, part of living in LA is finding a place where you fit in... despite the fact that in most places you will not (don't worry about trying to figure out which is which... there will be, in all likelihood, someone there who will let you know). I've also written about the dismal and comic tragedy that is the club scene here. But I've found a little solace and a whole lot of fun in LA's small but vibrant country scene.

The LA Country bars are places where you can actually go and meet new people, places where people actually dance on the dance floors, places where a cold beer can be had for less than $5 and there is no valet parking.

My personal favorites:

1. In Cahoots (Fullerton, CA)
I know, I know... it's Fullerton. But this is my favorite place to get my country on in L.A. The dance floor is big, the drinks are cheap and the DJ knows what he's doing. The downside is that it's a tough club to be a beginner at. The regulars know a lot more of the dances than they do at any of the other country bars around. But, if you're cool about it, there are plenty of folks to teach you.

The people here are very cool, and it's a great place to make new friends.

BEST NIGHT TO GO: Fridays
(Note: All ages (18+) night is on Wednesday, and this bar's proximity to CSU Fullerton means that this bar is completely packed with coeds - so if that's your thing, this is your place)1401 S

In Cahoots
Lemon St
Fullerton, CA 92832

2. Borderline Bar & Grill (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Again, it's not exactly close, but Borderline is a great mix of good dancing and good people. Recently under new (and much cooler) ownership, this place has the smallest dance floor of the places I frequent, but it's never really too crowded. The DJs here can be touch & go - sometimes they're great, other times you'll get Eminem and country old enough that your parents will recognize it.

The crowd here is the most approachable of all the country bars, but beware the hottest regulars - many of them have lurky boyfriends who are sulking at tables, waiting for a chance to be unreasonably jealous.

BEST NIGHT TO GO: Thursdays
(Note: Saturdays are also decent - and will do if you don't want to trek out to San Dimas)

Borderline Bar & Grill
99 Rolling Oaks Dr
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

3. Montana's (San Dimas, CA)
It's way out on the 210 (because I know your first question is going to be "Where is San Dimas?")

Montana's is the coolest thing that's happened in San Dimas since Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. This is, by far, the biggest country dance floor in the city - and well worth the drive. There are two big upsides to Montana's: (1) the dancing is very "beginner oriented" (you don't have to know any country at all to dance here) and (2) they have the best-looking crowd of all the places listed. The downside seems to be the prevalence of Affliction-clad MMA wannabes who seem bent on making asses of themselves to get attention (I guess because they're not allowed to fight inside the club?). But they usually bring their own crew, and as long as you watch out for them on the floor - it's little more than a good laugh (seriously, a soul patch, a tattoo sleeve and screen-printed skulls on your t-shirt???)

BEST NIGHT TO GO: Saturdays

Montana's
657 W Arrow Hwy
San Dimas, CA 91773

4. Cowboy Country (Long Beach, CA)

Three dance floors, live music and cheap beer.... what more do you need?

First off, this bar is not in a nice part of town. In fact, you'll probably think you're lost until you actually see the sign for the place. And if you don't want to end up with door dents, park across the street at the grocery story lot.

But the live music here is usually pretty good, and there is plenty of room to dance. The crowd is friendly, but not particularly good for singles. The line dancing is fun, and the DJ keeps it from being monotonous. There is definitely a crowd of regulars, but they're not exclusive, and always nice to newcomers. The upstairs has it's own bar and dance floor - and is a fun place to watch the action on the main floor.

BEST NIGHT TO GO:Fridays

Cowboy Country
3321 E South St
Long Beach, CA 90805

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The bottom line is that all these places offer a much better time than any club that I've been to in Hollywood. You'll spend a lot less money, and probably meet some pretty cool people. Also, you can always wear jeans and t-shirt. Though, dress for warm weather because, the air conditioning is less-than-optimal in these joints, and with everyone dancin' around - it gets pretty hot.

Hope you see you out there!