Where to Be Merry: The Do Over - It's Baack!

Swaying palm trees. Sun-kissed shoulders. Sultry sunsets. Seductive grinding. Deliriously intoxicating sangria... At the Do Over series, L.A.’s children of the rainbow congregate with the sole purpose to vibe on Sunday afternoons. It’s the celebration of summer’s effervescent return, where each week, an eclectic group of frat boys, homeboys, hipsters, free-spirited artists and the occasional celebrity peacefully unite at the modest Crane’s Tavern. It’s an urban utopia that successfully brings all walks of life together, all in the name of having a good time.

Music takes forefront at the Do Over, as a steady stream of respectable DJs flex their skills on the turntables. From local talent to international names, these masterminds pour out a continuous mix of hip-hop, samba, salsa, disco and R&B, with an occasional nod to rock, techno and other genres. The way that the DJs work their sets, it’s as if they’re competing with one another to see who can get the crowd the most hype. Roars of delight, fists in the air and bodies jamming in motion acknowledge when the right song comes on.

I personally look forward to the Do Over for one simple reason: it’s a hassle-free hangout destination. For starters, there’s fairly minimal drama to enter. No cover charges – no ego-trippin’ bouncers (Note: the key is to come early or come late. Never arrive between 4pm-6pm, unless you like standing in super long lines). Plus walking into the packed patio is like walking into a good friend’s backyard cookout: amicable strangers greet you with cups of sangria and finger-lickin’ BBQ is available for reasonable prices.

I’ve marveled at how the Do Over has managed to enchant me for four consecutive years. Each winter, my spirit reluctantly retreats into hibernation, experiencing Do Over withdraws and anxiously awaiting for next year’s spring. I’m thrilled to spend my Sunday afternoons sipping sangria and watching the sun sink into oblivion at this spectacular series. Hope to see you there, too!


PICTURED BELOW: Crane’s Tavern tends to fill quickly, so dress accordingly. Think loose clothes, and definitely no white articles of clothing. Sangria stains are hard to wash out - I speak from personal experience.


PICTURED BELOW: Grab a pitcher of sangria. Expect to share, but also expect to receive.


PICTURED BELOW: All the info you need about this weekly summer series.