My husband and I nodded in agreement as soon as we walked in the door. Yep, this place is The Pike of the South.
See http://www.myspace.com/thepike for reference.
That's our favorite local bar/grill/jukebox/hangout/burger/cruise-in spot here in Cali. The Penguin In is Charlotte's answer, and what a good answer it is!
The burger is great, the onion rings are great, the beer is cold, the jukebox is good, and the place is tiny enough to feel like a party with only 8 tables full. A wait forms quickly, but everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so much that it's not like waiting for a table anywhere else.
This is a great place to meet a group of friends - or make new ones.