Another Cycle at Roadhouse : After 118 Years, La Vida Can Still Attract a Wild Bunch

At a time when even a five-year life span for a nightspot is considered noteworthy, such a place as La Vida Roadhouse could easily be considered legendary.

With 118 years under its belt, the Brea nightspot has earned an almost fabled reputation, having offered food and song for more years than any of its patrons have been alive.

Along the way it has attracted an odd kaleidoscope of regulars, ranging from crusty bikers to slumming yuppies, who come for the hot blues music, cold beer and down-home cooking. Background music is provided by the distinctive roar of the Harley-Davidsons crowding the parking lot.

Nestled between two towering hills five miles east of the Orange Freeway, La Vida Roadhouse (and the journey to it down winding Carbon Canyon Road) harks back to Orange County’s early days, when grizzled ranchers would gather at the bar for a cool draft, some raucous music and maybe a late-night rendezvous at the hotel brothel next door.

With the exception of the brothel, the tradition continues for today’s more urban patrons.

A retractable wall behind the stage opens onto an outdoor patio and stage (increasing the club’s capacity from 350 to 500), where, on a clear night, the dancing and romancing under the stars go on furiously--with nary a raised eyebrow. But it’s a good bet that in 118 years, the roadhouse has seen this sort of thing many times before.

Local bands command the stage Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday nights, including recurring engagements by Runaway Train--fronted by former Molly Hatchet member Ian Lindon, who also oversees band bookings at the club--and Halby and the Heat. They are augmented by touring bands Fridays and karaoke on Tuesdays.

Local shows are usually free; covers for the touring bands run from $5 to $10.

This Friday the James Harman Band will take the stage; Saturday features a double bill of the Ray Vaugns and the Knock-Outs.

Smokin’ blues call for cold beer, and La Vida offers most bottled domestics for $2 to $3.75.

Hungry patrons can order lunch and dinner throughout the week; the menu includes steaks, hot and cold sandwiches, burritos and other down-home fare. Breakfast is offered on weekends. With a decidedly modern nod to accommodate the health-minded, the back restaurant area is nonsmoking.

La Vida Roadhouse is probably not as rowdy nowadays as it was in its frontier heyday, but it can still get pretty boisterous. Old, it turns out, does not mean dead.

* NIGHTCLUB LISTINGS, FXX

* LA VIDA ROADHOUSE

* 6105 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea.

* (714) 996-0720.

* 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

* Cover: ranges from free to $10.