CLUB REVIEW : Bartenders Set Barbary Tone at Poop Deck

Few places conjure up such images of retro chic as the Poop Deck in Hermosa Beach. But don’t be expecting Afro wigs and bell-bottoms--the Poop Deck’s style cues are really retro. Think Barbary Coast.

While the neighboring venues cater to the South Bay’s yuppie contingent, the Poop Deck seems to prefer patrons who are missing a tooth or two. Despite the bartenders’ penchant for blaring classic rock, you expect swashbuckling pirates to dash in the door and knock you off your bar stool.

Indeed, it’s the Poop Deck’s bartenders who set the Barbary tone. With mustaches drooping down toward their chins, they serve you when they feel like it--with locals always coming first--and they play the music they want to hear. Mike--the burliest of the bartenders--says that they do take requests for such genres as reggae and rap but that they always ignore ‘em.

Expect to hear the likes of Neil Young, the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd, with the occasional moonlight offering by Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey. And don’t be intimidated; these are nice folks . . . if they decide to get to know you.

* The Poop Deck, 1272 the Strand, Hermosa Beach. 21 and over, no cover. (310) 376-3233.