Bar entertainment in Los Angeles
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A
Tiki Ti
This garage-sized tropical tavern packs in showbiz folks from neighboring KCET TV station, grizzled old-timers and local scenesters for sweet and wickedly strong drinks (try a Rae's Mistake, named for the bar's founder). The under-the-sea decor is surreal. Cash only.
reviewed
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B
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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C
Zinc Lounge
Locals bring their A game to Shade Hotel’s Zinc Lounge, the new kid in town everyone wants to befriend. Despite the club’s sleek, deep blue sheen – typically found in Hollywood hipster lounges – Zinc’s well-dressed crowd is refreshingly relaxed and the bartenders friendly, albeit busy. The carefully considered small-plate selections are popular – try the mini-burgers – and serious imbibers should savor the Shade Lemonade. Drink early; in consideration of hotel guests Zinc closes at 11pm.
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D
Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel
With its mix of tennis whites, business suits and chi-chi dresses, this swanky, wood-paneled watering hole has the feel of a Hollywood country club. From smiling Isaac Mizrahi to still-tan George Hamilton to scruffy David Arquette, you never know who you’ll see murmuring in the perpetually reserved, dark booths. This is the place to sip a martini in Old Hollywood style. To save a few bucks, it’s usually okay to park on N Crescent Dr.
reviewed
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E
Mandrake
Remember those parties in high school, chillin’ in somebody’s parent’s garage – concrete floor, a little cold, a work-in-progress kinda place – where you were ready to drop your cup and run at the first sign of trouble? Mandrake’s got that garage-cool feel plus a couple of art chicks. Opened by an art-minded trio in the heart of Culver City’s gallery district, this little bar’s got a big buzz. And it’s fun.
reviewed
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F
Boardner’s
Keeping barflies boozy since 1942, this dimly lit dive is hot once again with the hipsters – just ask the old salt keeping track from his barside perch. For celeb hounds, Kiefer Sutherland and Vince Vaughn have been spotted here. The B52 nightclub in back draws a different crowd – Saturday night’s Bar Sinister admits only those in black or fetish-appropriate attire.
reviewed
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G
El Coyote Mexican Café
With 24 tequilas and a variety of margaritas prominently displayed on the menu, there’s no doubt what’s pulling ‘em in at this festive, red-boothed institution where Sharon Tate is rumored to have eaten her last meal. Pay a buck more for the tastier homemade ‘scratch’ margarita, but word to the wise: drinks here are fall-on-your-face strong. Witnesses can attest.
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H
Otheroom
With its loungey red-brick and candlelight-style the stylish Otheroom looks like any Hollywood hipster haven. The difference? A refreshing lack of attitude – just folks kickin’ back and perusing a chalkboard beer list. And with more than 70 to choose from, that’s gonna take some time. No food is served but deliveries to your table from outside are welcome.
reviewed
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I
Edison
[ourpick] EdisonMetropolis meets Blade Runner at this industrial-chic basement boîte, where you'll be sipping mojitos surrounded by turbines and other machinery back from its days as a boiler room. Don't worry: it's all tarted up nicely with cocoa leather couches, three cavernous bars and a dress code.
reviewed
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J
Hideout
Back in the day, this beachfront building on the north side of town housed Will Rogers' favorite speak-easy, Doc Law's Drugstore, which Rogers dubbed 'the hideout'. These days it's a hideout for folks who can't be bothered spending two hours primping before hitting the bar. DJs mix it up on weekends and there are free tacos on Thursdays.
reviewed
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K
Blu Monkey Lounge
Hollywood bars without attitude are about as rare as blue monkeys, so this is a refreshing find. DJs spin a head-bobbing mix of electronica, rock and world music as the crowd gets comfortable in plush sofas, at the shiny walnut bar or in the smoking patio amid feel-good Moroccan-themed decor. Drinks could be stronger, though.
reviewed
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L
Saints & Sinners
No, although the name suggest it this is not an S&M bar, although the velvet walls, fireplace and naughtily named cocktails have a certain '70s porn feel – but in a good way. DJs usually play a wicked mix of indie, '80s and punk but on Tuesdays you get to bring in your own iPod for 20-minute guest-DJ stints.
reviewed
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M
SkyBar
Like a fading diva still demanding her close-up, Skybar keeps the lines long on the Sunset sidewalk outside the Mondrian Hotel. But the wait’s worth it – if just for the preening scene on the patio and gorgeous views of the twinkling city below. Gobs of impudent faux hawks and barely there dresses if you’re looking.
reviewed
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N
Brig
Old-timers remember this place as a divey pool hall owned by ex-boxer Babe Brandelli (that's him and his wife smiling down from the outside mural). Now it's an up-to-the-minute-design den where a trendy mix of grown-up beach bums, arty professionals and professional artists come to carouse and sip apple martinis.
reviewed
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O
Library Bar
You won’t be checking out books at this dark, elbow-to-elbow drinking pad where you may have to yell to be heard above the din. The book-lined bar with an East Coast vibe may be new to the scene but it’s filling a void for the postwork thirsty looking for a low-attitude beer. Note, the entrance is on Hope St.
reviewed
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P
Barney’s Beanery
‘Rode hard and put up wet’ about sums it up for this Route 66 roadhouse (think battered booths, license plates, greasy food and cold beer) that’s entertained Hollywood bad boys (and girls) since 1920. A new plaque by the bar notes the spot where Jim Morrison took a drunken, er, leak back in the day.
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Q
Big Dean's
On a hot Santa Monica afternoon, drag your flip-flops to this cheap and groovy beach patio bar where Muscle Beach beefcakes used to hang out back in the '50s. These days you're more likely to share a pint with Skateboard Mama, an octogenarian character who gets around on a wind-powered skateboard.
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R
Alex's Bar
Local cool kids hang out at this punk hole where the drinks are cheap and strong, the bartenders are not aspiring actors and the music – both live and canned – kicks ass. Enter from the back. Scenes from the 2006 Jack Black comedy Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny were filmed here.
reviewed
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S
Gallery Bar
Nostalgia lovers will love the five-star ambience at this classic noir bar in the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. The signature drink is the Black Dahlia, named for the infamous 1947 murder victim, aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, last spotted alive in the hotel lobby. Her death remains a mystery.
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Union Cattle Company
Sometimes you wanna go to the beach, grab a cold brew, dance with your honey and…ride a mechanical bull. That’s right, rowdy rustlers test their skills right in the center of the restaurant. Great for bachelorette parties, liquid birthdays, packs of singles and wannabe coastal cowboys.
reviewed
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U
Woods
In the mood for a Hansel and Gretel moment? Then join the other 'lost kids' at this lounge with decor that feels like going camping but without the tent and the DEET. Drink your way through the menu sitting at tree-trunk cocktail tables under a twinkle sky and antler chandeliers.
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V
Nic’s Beverly Hills
Martinis for every palate lure the cocktail crowd to upscale but fun-loving Nic’s, where the libations range from the colorful and sassy to the no-frills and classy. Reserve the chilled VodBox for flights of international vodka. Lounge bands Friday and Saturday night.
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W
Circle Bar
This former dive bar has been reincarnated as a sizzling 'meet' market packed with wrinkle-free hotties. Strong drinks, loud music and a seductive red-on-black decor further loosen inhibitions, but waiting in line to get past the bouncers can be a turnoff.
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X
Standard Rooftop Bar
Once you find your way to this rooftop oasis – try escalator, elevator, stairs – the panoramic payoff is immense, with stunning views of skyscrapers backdropped by glowing mountains. On weekends, arrive before 7pm to beat the cover and the velvet rope.
reviewed
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Y
Akbar
Best jukebox in town, Casbah atmosphere, and a crowd that's been known to change from hour to hour - gay, straight or just hip, but not too-hip-for-you. Some nights, the back room's a dance floor; other nights, it might feature comedy or crafts.
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