Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
This New App Will Tell You If A Bar Is Packed, Dead Or A 'Sausage Fest'
A new app recently launched in Los Angeles aims to tell you which bars are happening and which are, well, not so much. Katie Weinstock and Andrew Wagner-Trugman have created a new app called Roo. This app uses crowd-sourced data to let you know how a particular bar or nightlife spot is at the moment. In that way, it's similar to Waze, where users can report driving hazards, such as traffic conditions or speed traps. These missives are called "roo-ports," and the app definitely skews on the cute side of design.
I downloaded Roo to see what news it had for me. The bar closest to me where I can have the most fun is apparently Sassafras in Hollywood. People have roo-ported that it's frequently busy, and often has live music and dancing. It's rated an 8.9/10 on the fun scale, and that's based on 50 reviews. Bars can be viewed via a map, or you can search for something specific.
When it comes to documenting your own experiences, bars can be rated 'lame,' 'meh,' 'fun,' or 'awesome.' Users can also note if the bar has a line outside the door, live music, dancing, celeb sightings or if the bouncer is making it hard to get inside. You can also choose what type of music is playing, if there are a lot of men or women there, or if the bar has 'chill vibes.' If you're really into it, you can share photos of the bar, too.
This app probably has a lot of practical applications, like finding a bar that has lots of dancing singles if you're looking to meet someone new, or finding a 'chill vibe' spot if you're going out with a friend to catch up.
Roo is currently available for iOS. It's free.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
