The OP Cafe
The OP Café has been a significant part of Santa Monica’s landscape for decades. Known as Santa Monica’s "best kept secret," the café uses fresh, locally grown produce and incorporates a fun neighborhood ambiance. Go to the OP Cafe website. Ph: 310.452.5720
213 Clubs
Intrepid urban explorers and nighttime revelers, seek no more: 213, the first nightlife developer to stake a claim in Historic Downtown Los Angeles, has created nine distinctive bars set in re-imagined architectural gems, increasing your nocturnal wanderlust and entertainment possibilities. Website...
The Hideout
While The Hideout is newer to the scene, its history is what makes this place a legend. Back in the 1930's, Will Rogers and Doc Law used to front the building next door as a pharmacy and it was a speakeasy where The Hideout now stands. Those days, you could find celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and others hanging out. Back then, the two owners and their friends made their marks on the side of an old rowboat, which is still intact and hanging in The Hideout today.
Akbar
This Moroccan-themed bar on the border of Hollywood and Silver Lake attracts a mixed crowd of casually dressed gays and straights. Often super crowded, it can get downright suffocating on weekends. There’s a great jukebox, with everything from ’90s rock to Frank Sinatra, comfortable seating in the lounge behind the bar, and very stiff drinks. Regular themed party nights include Craft Night, where art supplies are provided for people to carve pumpkins, make finger puppets, and color outside the lines while getting soused.
4356 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles , California, 90039, Tel: 323 665 6810 - website at www.akbarsilverlake.com
Bardot
A swank bar/courtyard/tented lounge done up with old-school oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, and plenty of cozy nooks. There’s the low-lit bar area, a golden-hued lounge with tufted banquettes and mosaic mirrors, the always packed dance floor, where a mix of hipsters and young Hollywood (Jessica Alba, Natalie Portman, and Paris Hilton spotted here, to name a few) bump elbows—and other assorted body parts—to a high-energy mix of Motown, electro, and indie beats. Downstairs is a crimson-tented patio where a rotating mix of live acts—burlesque dancers, jazz musicians, indie darlings—take the stage for intimate, salon-scale performances. Bardot is certainly a scene, and the door can be tough, but unlike other insider-y spots around town, the vibe inside is surprisingly laid-back. Insider tip: make reservations for a late small-plates dinner then stay on for the show
1735 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles , California, 90028, Tel: 323 462 1307
The Varnish
A modern day Speakeasy tucked away at the back of Coles, the Downtown LA eaterie famous for its French dipped sandwich. With no windows and only one door, marked outside with a drawing of a champagne glass and a list of rules, the first of which is the most important “good drinks take time, thank you for your patience”, The Varnish is the perfect cocktail pit stop if planning a trip to the Staples Center. Insider tip: if you’re feeling open minded ask for the Bartender’s Choice and watch as he whips you up his own unique blend.
118 E. 6th ST. Los Angeles, California, 90014 , Tel: 213-622-9999
The Catalina Jazz Club
This dinner club is L. A.’s premier spot for big-name jazz—in the past, the diverse list has included Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Betty Carter, and Tony Williams. Now in a newer space that’s bigger than the cramped original spot, the club can seat 250 and the larger stage can accommodate bigger groups. The vibe is grown-up—think of an elegant supper club with tablecloths on round tables. The acts are the center of attention.
6725 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles , California, 90028, Tel: 323 466 2210 - website at www.catalinajazzclub.com
