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$2000+$1200=900
Doing the math in Manhattan Beach
by Jerry Roberts
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The walk-in humidor inside the 900 Club in Manhattan Beach keeps the cigars fresh. |
For 200-plus guys flush with what’s often called disposable income, the 900 Club is a glorified den, a wood and leather Manhattan Beach retreat servicing the gentlemanly vices of food, drink, tobacco, TV sports addiction and the gift of gab.
A few blocks from the Strand and downtown, the paradoxically casual and stately 900 is outfitted with dark wood walls, a bar, hearth, walk-in humidor, leather chairs, pool table, dining area, large television screens and an upstairs view of the ocean with Manhattan Avenue just below. An annual membership costs $2,000 plus $100 a month, which goes toward the bar tab — more than three large for year-round relaxation.
"I opened it six or seven years ago when Manhattan was really crowded, because it seemed like people were everywhere in town, especially on weekends, and all the bars were overcrowded" said Hilary Condren, whose Hole in the Wall Inc. owns four Manhattan Beach taverns and/or restaurants. "I thought about how I could create a comfortable environment without the packed-in weekend crowds. I bought the Rock Bottom and converted the downstairs into the Side Door, then put the 900 Club upstairs. It’s a quiet little place where men can bring their friends without battling the tourists. The liquor license actually serves both places. We’re not exclusive to Manhattan Beach. We have members from Manhattan, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and the Westside."
Member Chuck Holdren lives in the 900’s neighborhood and considers the club "my living room."
"I’m a little older than the bar scene crowd," he said. "And I know everyone in the 900. I have a lot of good friends in there.
"It’s convenient for me, because I live nearby. You can go there and not have to put up with the big South Bay crowds at other places. You can really get a good meal in there, too. There are no cash transactions. You sign off on everything and settle at the end of the month. We have golf tournaments and other activities. It is a unique club."
For member Tab Broom, it’s a "Cheers"-styled place to meet friends, a sports bar to watch Lakers and UCLA games, a quiet joint for a good weekday meal and a place for members to have private parties. "My wife and I are going to have a baby in January," Broom said. "And we had the baby shower there. You know what you’re getting there. It’s not super-high-end, and the food is really good — chops, steak, seafood. It’s a good spot to bring friends for a few hours." ER