Universal Bar & Grill is the ultimate dive bar!

The Universal Bar and Grill is a well-known, family owned business established over twenty years ago in North Hollywood. It has a reputation as a wonderful place to relax, enjoy good food, a full bar and great service.

Check out their weekly calendar for your choice of entertainment whether it’s their live bands, comedy nights, karaoke or something else that takes your fancy. They also offer all sport events on their Direct TV Channels and a pool table is conveniently located in the back area. If you enjoy smoking (and you know you should quit, right?), you can indulge your habit in the patio area.

I stopped this last Saturday night to have a look. The stage is located in the corner of the room, in front of a wall of floor to ceiling windows and a disco ball hovers invitingly above center stage, spinning and reflecting a virtual rainbow of colors around the room.

An experiment in Punk Rock, The Friis Band took to the stage and, as luck would have it, I was wearing my pink doc martin boots – essential footwear for this music genre dancing! Luckily, there was enough room for people to move around to their sound and after the show I spent a few minutes speaking with Billie Friis who shared with me a little bit about her and her musical entourage; FRIIS BAND, rockabilly punk cabaret country. Featuring Billie Friis on vox , Grant Cihlar on Slide guitar and Bob Yost on drums. You can check out their music at https://soundcloud.com/friisband

If you are looking for a cool, local spot to grab a bite, a drink and hear some great music please check out the Universal Bar & Grill!

http://www.universalbarla.com/about-us.html

 

Caroline McElroy
The muse struck at a young age and began with Ernie’s Record Shop on Lankershim Blvd. In North Hollywood where I purchased my first Beatle record “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a record by Major Lance titled “Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um”. From there I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and I was hooked…on Rock N’ Roll. At the age of 13 it seems as if the magical world of Rock N’ Roll opened up and welcomed me. A trip to Indio with Frank Zappa and possee, and subsequent gigs as a dancer at The Teen Fairs at the Hollywood Palladium sealed the deal. As a trained journalist, I’ve written for magazines, newsletters,newspapers and blogs. In addition, I have run a nightclub by the name of The Cave. Music is the thread that weaves a patchwork quilt of genres, venues and experience out of my life and in the process have introduced many fine acts to my followers. For the rest of my story dear readers, read my articles and it will unfold like the petals of a lotus flower. Sometimes you’ve gotta wear the hat to remind people who they are dealing with. LOL