CLUB SCENE : Less Stress With a Beer and a Song

Sometimes the best way to spend Friday night is at the local pub eating, drinking and relieving stress. At Adam’s Rib in Encino, the crowd certainly subscribes to that philosophy. The bar is a no-frills place with fun entertainment--a good place to pass an evening.

THE SCENE: One large bar serves everything, but the drink of choice is beer, plain and simple. Dollar bills with messages scrawled on them are stapled to much of the available ceiling space and behind the bar. Popular statements include “I love (fill in the blank),” along with assorted sorority and fraternity symbols. More creative sayings include “Money for Nothing,” and “Jus 2 Hot,” and more scandalous phrases. Thanks to the large corner windows, the stage offers a view of Ventura Boulevard.

THE CROWD: Early- to mid-20s, this mostly casual group is out to drink and sing along with the live entertainment. The dress is very informal, with jeans on everyone. “It’s a place where the whole bar gets involved,” said Tom Szulga, 29, of Huntington Beach.

THE MUSIC: Gary Ballen entertains Friday night audiences with his witty interpretations of classic rock ‘n’ roll tunes, a gig he’s had for more than nine years. With Ballen’s encouragement, the crowd sings along to chestnuts like “American Pie” and “Runaround Sue.” After 22 years playing a repertoire of more than 1,000 songs, he says he sometimes gets creative with the lyrics. “When you play it that long, you try to keep it interesting.”

THE GOOD: The entertainment is interactive, allowing the crowd to sing along and have a good time. “It’s lots of fun and everybody can relate to the music,” said Patti Lukehart, 25, of Moorpark. “We can hang out and have a lot of fun.” For her housemate, 26-year-old Leo Medina, the club has a slightly different appeal. “It’s five minutes from my parents’ house, so I can get a buzz and take a taxi there after,” he explained.

THE BAD: Some former regulars who came for the food said the place has changed since they attended Cal State Northridge. “It was fun when we were in college,” said Dave Stibor, 28, of Sherman Oaks, “but we’re out of college now.” Ron Brooks, a former fraternity brother, agreed. “It got old.”

THE WORD: “Go ahead, throw the shells on the floor,” the bartender said of the free peanuts. “It absorbs the alcohol when (customers) get really drunk.”

Adam’s Rib, 17500 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 990-7427. Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 5 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday .