Entertainment in California
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A
Koko Cocktails
This retro-cool cocktail lounge spins reggae, soul and sometimes hip-hop - a snappy place to start a pub crawl.
reviewed
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B
Annie's Social Club
Annie's stages kick-ass new music, burlesque, punk-rock-and-schlock karaoke, and open-mic comedy; check the website.
reviewed
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C
Eagle Tavern
Eagle TavernThe place on Sunday afternoons; wear leather and blend right in. All-you-can-drink beer from 3pm to 6pm ($10).
reviewed
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D
Cav Wine Bar
Cav serves 40 wines by the glass (most under $10), available in flights or 2.5oz pours, in a concrete-and-metal industrial space. Tasty small plates keep your palate zinging.
reviewed
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E
Parkway Speakeasy Theater
Two blocks east of Lakeshore Ave is this great, laid-back movie-going experience. It shows quality second-run films in a comfy setting and serves beer, wine, sandwiches and pizza.
reviewed
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Kimball's East
In Emeryville, northwest of Oakland, this huge jazz supper club books big-name musicians and the occasional comedy act. The club's in the Emerybay Public Market; from I-80 take the Powell St exit.
reviewed
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F
Seven Grand
It's as if hipsters invaded Mummy and Daddy's hunt club, amid the tartan-patterned carpeting and deer heads on the walls. Whiskey is the drink of choice: choose from over 100 from Scotland, Ireland and even Japan.
reviewed
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G
Triple Crown
A storefront bar with adjoining black-box rooms – one with glittering chandeliers, another with a disco-ball dance floor – Triple Crown hosts DJs spinning everything from ‘60s-soul and ‘80s-pop to down-tempo funk and hip-hop. Expect an upbeat crowd of happy locals that love to dance and schmooze. Tuesdays are gay. Call ahead or check website to confirm opening times.
reviewed
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H
Red Vic Movie House
Collectively owned and operated for decades, the Red Vic has preserved a funky ’70s vibe right down to the dilapidated couch seating and popcorn served in faux-wood snack bowls with optional brewer’s yeast. Surfer flicks, punk rockumentaries and movies by local filmmakers pack the place, so get in line if you hope to avoid the too-deep seats with busted springs.
reviewed
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I
Mermaid
Hermosa's pedestrian promenade, Pier Ave, is one big, loud pumping party on weeknights and all day on weekends. It's a rowdy, early-20s crowd releasing their hormones at such watering holes as Patrick Malloy's and Fat Face Fenner's Fishack , which has a handy 2nd-floor balcony for babe- and dude-watching. If you're past college age, check out the legendary Mermaid , a charmingly divey '50s flashback that serves some surprisingly good food to boot.
reviewed
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J
Jazz at Pearl's
A stylish supper club with a friendly, sophisticated vibe, Pearl's features modern jazz talent and has expanded its repertoire to blues and Latin music. It draws a well-heeled, mature crowd with its high-quality vocalists and instrumentalists. Sultry diva Kim Nalley, who owns Pearl's with her husband, is a throwback to the glamorous jazz era, and on some Mondays and Tuesdays, she'll grace audiences with an appearance.
At cocktail tables, a two-drink minimum is in effect - best to make a night of it.
reviewed
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K
Bar Agricole
Drink your way to a history degree with well-researched cocktails: Bellamy Scotch Sour with egg whites passes the test, but Tequila Fix with lime, pineapple gum and hellfire bitters earns honors. And talk about an overachiever – for its modern wabi-sabi design with natural materials and sleek deck, Agricole won a James Beard Award for restaurant design. Bar bites here are a proper pig-out, including pork pâté with aspic fried farm egg with crispy pork belly.
reviewed
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Betty's List
reviewed
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Bourbon Street Gay
This gay spot's warren of bars, courtyards and dancefloor makes for easy mingling (it's hetero-friendly too.) Look for billiards, guest DJs and wickedly cheap martini happy hours.
reviewed
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Centre Theatre Group
New and classic plays and musicals, including some Broadway touring companies, are presented in – count 'em – three venues: Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum in Downtown LA, and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Phone for $20 'Hot Tix' to shows (when available).
reviewed
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East Village Coffee Lounge
Sleek coffeehouse with a liquor license and live-music, DJ and open-mic nights.
reviewed
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Eleven
This glam spot occupies a historic building, serves New American cuisine and offers different theme nights from Musical Mondays to high-energy dance parties; check the website for club nights.
reviewed
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French Press
With shiny silver espresso machines from Italy and beans roasted in Santa Cruz, these baristas know how to pull their shots.
reviewed
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Intelligentsia
In this hip, minimalist monument to the coffee gods, skilled baristas never short you on foam or caffeine, and scones and muffins are addictive. Also at 3920 W Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake (open 6am to 8pm Sunday to Wednesday, to 11pm Thursday to Saturday).
reviewed
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Joshua Tree Saloon
For rib-sticking burgers and steaks, report to this raucous watering hole that also offers nightly entertainment (over 21s only).
reviewed
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Juanita More
reviewed
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Lounge-Point Loma
reviewed
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Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room
Free samples anyone? Try some of the dozen brews on tap, then buy some IPA 395 or Double Nut Brown to go.
reviewed
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Prohibition
This sophisticated 1930's-style jazz bar takes music and cocktails (made with gin or rye whiskey) seriously. The house rules aren't a joke either; you have to reserve online, no cell phones are allowed at the bar, and a dress code is enforced.
reviewed
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Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Bold, organic brews west of downtown off Mission St, squeezed between local winery tasting rooms.
reviewed