Club Scene : A Night at the Races

Weber’s Place boasts some of the biggest hamburgers in the San Fernando Valley and a full menu, and every Thursday night crabs are the featured attraction--but not as an appetizer. Weber’s Crab Races attract a regular crowd of about 75 cheering people, with some taking a chance at the grand prize--three days and two nights in Las Vegas.

CRAB CRAZY: The races are free to enter and everything, including crab, is supplied. All you need is a unique name for your crustacean and enthusiasm. Employees choose the winner of the best name contest--Diogenes won this night--but the winner of the race depends on the luck of the draw. A recent winner, 34-year-old firefighter Lance Schoeman, said he could tell his crab, Lance, was a good athlete. “I picked him out because when he was in the cage, he was crawling all over everything and constantly moving. The other crabs were just sitting there,” he said.

THE SCENE: The small bar has two levels. The bottom houses the bar, food service counter, pinball machines and a sometimes-dance-floor seating area and two sections, one for seating and the other for the stage and DJ platform. The top floor has foosball tables, a dartboard and a few video games. The decor is an interesting collection of old movie props.

THE CROWD: The pub attracts all kinds, ranging in age from 21 to 40, with a large college student following. “It’s kind of a CSUN hangout,” said student Mark Geyer, 26, of Northridge. Jeans, shorts and T-shirts mix with after-work attire, but the overall look is casual.

THE MUSIC: DJ Art Lopez spun the records and played the CDs for the crab races on a recent Thursday, playing a bit of everything, including Van Halen, Pearl Jam, Ace of Base and, of course, “Rock Lobster” from the B52s.

THE GOOD: Weber’s has a neighborhood bar feel, where the bartenders chat with patrons, and the crowd is friendly. “I like it because it’s not too trendy,” said 24-year-old Elaine Pableo of Northridge. “And even though there is a diversity among the people, you still feel comfortable.” Geyer had different reasons for being a regular. “It’s the only place in the Valley with a young crowd, and it has the cheapest beer.”

THE BAD: Depending on where they sat, some people felt as if they were in a sauna, while others chilled--literally. Andrew Lim, 24, of Van Nuys said: “I’d tear out a wall. It’s a nice, cozy place, but it could be a little bit bigger.”

THE WORD: Despite the great vintage decor, one man complained, “They need new porno pictures on the roof of the men’s bathroom. Those are at least 20 years old. I saw Barbie Benton up there.”

Weber’s Place, 19312 Vanowen St., Reseda, (818) 345-9800.