Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub Isn’t Hip, but It’s Hot

Call it the luck of the Irish, but Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub is defying current club logic. The place is not particularly hip, it’s not booking any live music to speak of, and its sports bar motif is more suited to the South Bay than the Sunset Strip. So why are hundreds of people turned away every night, and why are folks willing to wait in a line that stretches out to the boulevard? Because it’s just what club-goers were begging for--a bit of simplicity in a sometimes very complicated scene.

In only a matter of weeks and with no advertising, Dublin’s has established itself as the place to be when who you want to be is yourself. The club charges no cover fee (making guest lists pointless) and valet parking costs only a buck fifty (that’s right, $1.50).

Once inside, guests are part of an all-comers party that offers lots of Irish beers and whiskeys, a simple food menu, television monitors featuring sporting events, and a couple of pool tables. The difference between Dublin’s and other green-ceiling Irish pubs is that it’s located at the old Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s site, which means that among the masses filling the joint are members of the entertainment community. Actor David Faustino (a.k.a. Bud Bundy) positioned himself at the door last Saturday, while comedian Pauley Shore and actor George Wendt preferred the bar.

Despite this Hollywood reminder, Dublin’s is one low-key joint. The music piping on the sound system was a cross between classic rock and mid-’80s pop hits--not particularly challenging, but a good match for the predominantly collegiate- and post-grad-looking crowd. These aren’t scenesters looking for an aural challenge, but groupings of buddies who want to have some fun in a relaxed environment.

That’s going to change somewhat, when Dublin’s opens its upper level next month. While the downstairs will remain a casual hangout, the upstairs room is being revamped into a classy piano lounge and restaurant. If they pull it off, Dublin’s might just offer the best of both worlds.

* Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub, 8240 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 21 and over, no cover. (213) 656-0100.

The Buzz: The only line longer than Dublin’s on the Strip over the weekend was for Sky Bar, night-life entrepreneur Rande Gerber’s hot new bar at the Mondrian. About 700 wannabes and ‘bes turned out on Saturday night, attempting to get the skinny on the poolside scene, but only 300 made it in. Among the blessed were Charlie Sheen, Christian Slater, Tori Spelling and nearly the entire cast of “Friends,” but don’t let that scare you.

* Sky Bar, (213) 650-8999.