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Senor Fred
Fantastic happy-hour specials - around US$5 margaritas and sangrias - draw Hollywood's up-and-comers to this studio-central hangout. Sleek but comfy lounges and Laker-friendly televisions keep 'em loose, and chatty, for hours.
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Skybar
Like a fading diva still demanding her close-up, Sky Bar 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.
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Standard Rooftop Bar
Lawyers, scenesters and marketing execs mark their territory beside space-pod cabanas and lounges at this open-air, rooftop oasis complete with pool. Once you find your way to the top - try escalator, elevator, stairs - the panoramic payoff is immense with stunning views of twinkling skyscrapers backdropped by glowing mountains. Weekends, arrive before to beat the cover and the velvet rope.
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The Abbey
Under the watchful eyes of gargoyles, this sprawling gothic monastery draws a sexually diverse West Hollywood crowd from sunrise to way past sunset. Since its opening 15 years ago as a tiny local coffee shop, the Abbey has expanded five times to its present incarnation as restaurant, bar and nightclub, complete with patios, cabanas and lounges.
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The Bowery
It may be new, but this nocturnal New York-style pub is the bar of choice for bartenders and waitstaff looking for a late-night toddy. It's small, so arrive early for a table. Some swear the burger, cooked just as requested, is a life-changing experience. The cast of Heroes occasionally drops by for lunch.
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The Velvet Margarita
Elvis lives at the Velvet Margarita. And so do hordes of party hounds, all swilling around US$10 margaritas in a dark palace of King-inspired kitsch. Sombreros, velvet Elvises, dancing skeletons and cheesy B-movies on the wall - it's Day-of-the-Dead meets Graceland.
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Tom Bergin's Tavern
Every neighborhood needs a Tom Bergin's. Fish and chips, chatty barflies, and plenty of Guinness and Irish coffee. Rumor has it that the wooden, u-shaped bar was the inspiration for the one seen on Cheers . And of course the St Paddy's Day celebration isn't to be missed.
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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.
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Urth Caffé
The stylish and smart swoon over organic teas, coffees and pastries that are just possibly more posh than they are. Look sharp, the people-watching is intense and the vibe not always relaxing. Also in Santa Monica (310-314-7040; 2327 Main St).
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Ye Olde King's Head
A mixed-age crew frequents this 30-year expat fave that's fun for the colonists too. Expect dartboards, football (the other kind) and lots of ales on tap. A slim bar menu includes hefty fish'n'chips.
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Zen Zoo Tea
A frothy alternative to coffee, Zen Zoo's tonic-infused teas inspire alertness, confidence and optimism - and that's just from reading the menu. No matter which flavorful Zenfusion you select - green tea, black tea, yerba mate - make sure to include the pearl tapioca 'boba' balls.
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Zinc Lounge
Locals bring their A game to Shade Hotel's Zinc Lounge, the alluring new kid in town. 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. Closes at owing to hotel guests.
