Bar Marmont

8171 Sunset Blvd, Chateau Marmont Hotel, Hollywood, CA 90046 323-650-0575

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This elaborately decorated bar features a tropical motif with a stuffed peacock holding court and faux monarch butterflies dotting the ceiling. The bar itself is bathed in red light while neighboring tables are illuminated by white lamps. It all creates a romantic, Eastern ambience, attracting famous folks like Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp, who relish Marmont's martinis. Gin and vodka varieties are both available, and many house drinks are served in glass jars with accents of pineapple, ginger, or vanilla.
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Bar Tosca at La Boheme

8400 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 323-848-2360

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. While La Boheme as a restaurant is known for its elaborate chandeliers, roaring fireplace, lengthy drapes, and touches of Gothic decor, it's also a terrific place to have drinks. Bar Tosca delivers a range of specialty cocktails, which patrons enjoy there or take to the outdoor patio. Romantic and quiet, the candlelit venue is perfect for a drink à deux or a peaceful cocktail in solitude. Plus, this alternative to the heavily-decorated interior offers privacy from passers-by thanks to an encircling stone wall. If you choose not to indulge in the dining room's Californian and French fare, know that the bar serves burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
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Bigfoot Lodge

3172 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-662-9227

Description: GRIFFITH PARK. Prepare for an evening in the north woods, but leave your flannels at home ­ Bigfoot Lodge caters to urban lumberjacks. Campy-chic is the rule at this fun bar, where an electronic raccoon cavorts beside a huge fireplace while patrons suck down "Toasted Marshmallows" and "Girl Scout Cookie" cocktails. (Any hangovers can be remedied at the weekly Bloody Mary Sunday.) DJs spin tunes according to the theme of the night; expect anything from Frank Sinatra to the New York Dolls.
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Bona Vista Lounge

404 S Figueroa St, Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-624-1000

Description: DOWNTOWN. For an unrivaled view of the city, this lofty lounge is tops. The signature space not only affords a stunning vista of downtown lights and buildings, but it rotates as well, making a complete cycle every hour. While the interior isn't cutting-edge swanky, and while drink prices can be somewhat steep, the longevity of the lounge is admirable, and cocktails served in specially shaped mugs make for an ideal stop, especially for tourists.
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Chateau Marmont Lounge

8221 Sunset Blvd, Chateau Marmont, West Hollywood, CA 90046 323-656-1010

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. The lobby lounge of this Sunset Strip institution attracts an equal mix of celebrities and star-gazers; both are drawn to the gracious, expansive room with its arched windows and beamed ceiling. Surprisingly comfortable couches invite you to sit for a spell, and attentive servers and soothing piano music make sure you do just that. The bar and restaurant are nearby, should you decide to change venues, but many patrons are happy to stay put and keep an eye on the scene.
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Dresden Room

1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 323-665-4294

Description: EAST HOLLYWOOD. The Dresden Room boasts a casually elegant environment, great live music, and exceptional Manhattans. The dynamic duo of Marty and Elayne, accomplished jazz singers with a large repertoire, provide the lion's share of the live music. The menu features Continental cuisine with favorites such as escargot drenched in garlic butter and rack of lamb done to perfection. Vintage décor adds to the charm of this popular, standing-room only venue. Featured in the movies "Swingers" and "That Thing You Do." Two-drink minimum on weekends.
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Firefly

11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 818-762-1833

Description: STUDIO CITY. Saunter inside this sophisticated haunt and you'll spy hip velvet sofas and book-lined walls. Patrons aren't reading, but they're soaking up mellow atmosphere while enjoying refreshing cocktails and tasty appetizer platters. Order a bottle of wine and the charcuterie platter for two (it serves more). You'll feast on thinly sliced ham and salami, roasted red peppers, olives, pickles, and fresh hot bread ­ the perfect snack before dinner or after a busy night of club-hopping. Firefly also serves delicious meals on a cabana-lined patio, and since it's a happening spot, you'll want to dress with style in mind.
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Koi

730 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 310-659-9449

Description: LA CIENEGA CORRIDOR. Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's elite is a given here, so play it cool as you sip sake at this hopelessly hip lounge. Whether you're having a few cocktails before tucking into some of the city's finest (and most expensive) sushi or just chatting with friends over drinks, it's difficult to find a venue more elegant in its simplicity than Koi's lounge. Low banquettes in muted earth tones line both sides of the rectangular room, and long, unadorned wooden tables, lit by candles, provide a place to rest your drink. Coral-colored ottomans allow more folks to join your table and get the evening going. Equally appealing front and back patios provide even more space for lounging and imbibing.
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Lucky Strike Lanes Hollywood

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 323-467-7776

Description: HOLLYWOOD. Folks congregate at Lucky Strike to eat, drink, dance, play billiards, and, of course, bowl. Ten-pin is just part of the scene; the colorful, mod lounge attracts a fair share of devotees who recline on streamlined, '60s-style furniture and rest their wine glasses on irregularly-shaped glossy wood tables. A great selection of beer and mixed drinks is on offer too, as is a stylish bar menu that includes chicken skewers and an open-faced egg sandwich. The sleek, clean interior is a fun to place to while away the night.
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Mixville Bar at Edendale Grill

2838 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-666-2000

Description: SILVER LAKE. Situated in an old firehouse, Mixville Bar boasts one of the most comfortable and attractive lounges in the city. The building's original pressed tin ceiling and fire truck doors add priceless ambience while newer additions like the 38-foot mahogany bar and cushy sofas blend in well. Locals love the place, and Mixville's popularity is growing fast. A bar menu of gourmet appetizers, courtesy of Edendale Grill, is available, and items like pecan-crusted brie and hand-battered onion rings can be had for only $5 during the daily happy hour (5pm to 7pm).
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Moonshadows Blue Lounge

20356 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 310-456-3010

Description: MALIBU. Though this lounge demands a bit of a drive out of the city, those who make the trek are amply rewarded by a pleasant, open-air space that extends over the water, providing stunning views of surf and sun. DJs spin a mesmerizing accompaniment of chill house music six nights a week, attracting the hipster crowd but not alienating more mature patrons who simply want to enjoy a glass of wine and a beautiful seascape. Naturally, seafood is on offer from the restaurant inside. Perfect for a first or second date.
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Rive Gauche

14016 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-990-3573

Description: SHERMAN OAKS. Besides delicious takes on traditional French dishes, reliable Rive Gauche has a cozy, inviting lounge, which is perfect for an after-work drink or as a destination for a weekend evening. Choose a bottle from the extensive wine list, or simply sit back and take in the intimate, refined surroundings. A working fireplace among plush couches and chairs ensures that the atmosphere remains warm and convivial. A pleasant patio and a good selection of scotches and single malt whiskeys are added attractions.
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Shutters Lobby Lounge

1 Pico Blvd, Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-458-0030

Description: SANTA MONICA. For unrivaled ocean views to accompany your nightlife, visit this hotel fireside lounge. The comfortable, relaxed setting is great for meeting up with friends but is also terrific for curling up with a book and just taking in the inviting ambience. A full range of cocktails, wines, and other beverages is available, along with a light menu of contemporary American fare.
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Side Door

900 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-372-1684

Description: MANHATTAN BEACH. It might be hard to find this tiny spot ­ with no sign advertising its presence, you have to look carefully to identify the renovated house that Side Door calls home. Once inside, you'll be glad you searched out the place. Large, high-backed couches and small tables for two pack all available space, and on weekends, it's standing room only. There's no room for live music, but an upbeat blend of world and house rhythms is piped in. College students and loyal locals comprise most of the clientele.
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Spaceland

1717 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 323-661-4380

Description: SILVER LAKE. From alternative and punk, to techno and house, if it's new, experimental, or even just wacky and fun, you'll probably hear it at Spaceland. Known for premiering unknown bands that later hit the big time, the club has hosted such artists as Beck, Ben Harper, T-Bone Burnett, Juliana Hatfield, and Mudhoney. The eclectic interior capitalizes on the club's name, and while the space itself is small, the vibe is big. The "new music and cheap drinks" combo attracts a laid-back and diverse crowd of artists, writers, musicians, and other "alternative" types.
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The Bar at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa

1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena, CA 91106 626-568-3900

Description: PASADENA. This esteemed hotel has a reputation for luxury, and its bar gives ample proof of its appeal. The elegant space offers stunning views of the nearby San Fernando Valley, and a crackling fireplace invites patrons to cozy up and make a night of it. Enjoy an expertly mixed Manhattan, enjoy live music from a comfortable chair, or chat about the day's events with friendly bartenders. A hotel mainstay, the bar is where well-heeled denizens play and where big-wigs make deals.
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The Champagne Bar

701 Stone Canyon Rd, Hotel Bel-Air, Bel-Air, CA 90077 310-472-1211

Description: BEL AIR. With its inviting fireplace, cozy environs, and baby grand piano, the bar at the Hotel Bel-Air is definitely not for heavy partiers. Indeed, a more sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere would be hard to find in the city. Whether you're dining at the Bel-Air or not, the lounge is always a terrific place to frequent for aperitifs or for after-dinner drinks. Live piano music played nightly helps create just the right atmosphere, too.
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Velvet Margarita Cantina

1612 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 323-469-2000

Description: HOLLYWOOD. Over-the-top Mexican kitsch decor distinguishes this trendy hangout. Bleeding heart and skeleton motifs, red velvet booths, and projected black-and-white Mexican films contribute to an atmosphere that's half Day of the Dead, half cartoon. Patrons who come to imbibe pomegranate martinis or pineapple and coconut margaritas love the attitude and the late hours. Chat up the crowd in the lounge and patio before taking a seat in the restaurant, which serves delicious ­ and surprisingly healthy ­ Mexican eats.
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Veranda Bar

939 S Figueroa St, Figueroa Hotel, Los Angeles, CA 90015 213-627-8971

Description: DOWNTOWN. Located in a stylishly decorated 1920s-era hotel, the visually stunning Veranda Bar overlooks the pool and oozes atmosphere. Moroccan in design, the bar features hand-detailed woodwork, hanging lanterns, and Middle Eastern-style furnishings. Bougainvillea, cacti, and succulents occupy every nook and cranny, making the ambience even more compelling. Top it all off with a good selection of cocktails and other beverages, and you've an ideal spot for wrapping up after-hours business or even conducting a romantic rendezvous.
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