Legendary gossip columnist Hedda Hopper once described West Hollywood's Barney's Beanery as the place "where the stars go!"– and she wasn't exaggerating. Throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood, this shadowy little den off Santa Monica Boulevard was frequented by stars like Clara Bow and Rita Hayworth. Dean Martin hosted parties there in the 1950s and in the 1960s, Jim Morrison was banned. 

Barney's is the kind of institution that's weathered Dennis Hopper brushing shoulders with Marlon Brando, Hunter S. Thompson breaking his ankle diving off the bar, and Kris Kristofferson holding court with Janis Joplin. Nowadays, the magic is there for a new generation of artists. More than a greasy dive with pool tables, Barney's has cemented itself a true Hollywood landmark. And some say the famous ghosts haven't left the building.

This podcast is brought to you by your Host Kate de los Santos, you can follow her on Instagram here, and our Producer July Diaz, who you can follow on Instagram here.

Special thanks to historian and scholar Lillian Faderman (https://www.lillianfaderman.net/) for providing more context on early Hollywood.

Episode ID: 1000739758886

GUID: 23a5e9ac-d944-42c8-9c00-c2f077865614

Release Date: 12/4/2025, 6:11:00 PM