Just What the Doctor Ordered

Doc’s on the Rocks got its name because one of its three owners is a doctor and the nightclub is near a rocky sea wall in the Redondo Beach Marina.

It opened in July in the well-known building that housed Moose McGillicuddy’s for more than seven years. The new owners moved into the two-story, marina-front property in hopes of bringing jazz, blues and a bit of something different to the popular night spot, but most folks don’t know yet that the club exists. So far, only weekend nights attract crowds.

Unlike Moose’s, which brought in patrons in their 20s, Doc’s is for all ages since each night offers something different.

Mondays are for sports fans who come to see “Monday Night Football” on the televisions hanging over the bar. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, blues fans come to hear local artists. Thursday is deejay dance night, and on Fridays rock ‘n’ roll bands pound.

“This is a place where people can come and have a few cocktails and a great time,” said regular Carol Karpinecz of Redondo Beach.

The theme most recently added is Sunday Harley night. Harley-Davidson representatives are on hand to give out T-shirts and bumper stickers to the bikers from farthest and nearest.

Harley night, which begins at about 4 p.m., started only three weeks ago, so just a few bikers have shown up so far. On a recent Harley night, Monica Mazet of Redondo Beach played pool with her buddies. There weren’t any Harley dudes in sight on this foggy evening, but Mazet still had a good time.

“It’s a lot of fun here,” Mazet, 34, said. “It’s much better than it was. It’s not as cramped, and it’s less cluttered.”

The new owners--banker Terry Fleming and two silent partners, the doctor and a lawyer--also have refurbished the establishment to give it a new look. They created a spacious sitting area with white couches and a 375-gallon fish tank filled with bright marine creatures. There are two pool tables, two bar areas, a big dance floor and a full restaurant downstairs.

If Doc’s on the Rocks is successful, the owners may open a Doc’s on the Beach, a Doc’s on the Peak or a Doc’s on the Hill.

“This is a place where people can kick back and have a good time without a hassle,” said manager Dean Morishige.

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Where: Doc’s on the Rocks, 179 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach; (310) 937-6868.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Cost: Cover on Fridays and Saturdays: $3 per person; $5 per couple. Mushroom and duck taquitos, $7; domestic beer, $2.75; mixed drinks, $3.50 to $4.25.