Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
271
Good Luck Bar
Until they installed a flashing neon sign outside, only locals and
hipsters knew about this kung fu-themed r oom in the Los F eliz/Silver Lake ar ea. The
dark-red, windowless interior boasts Asian ceiling tiles, fringed Chinese paper lanterns,
sweet-but-deadly drinks like the Yee Mee Loo (translated as “blue drink”), and a jukebox
with selections ranging from Thelonius Monk to Cher's “Half Breed.” The spacious sit-
ting room, furnished with mismatched sofas, armchairs, and banquettes, provides a great
atmosphere for conversation or romance. Arrive early to avoid the throngs of L.A. scen-
esters.
1514 Hillhurst Ave. (btw. Hollywood and Sunset blvds.), Los Angeles.
&
323/666-3524.
Green Door
Unless you're in your twenties, live in L.A., and go clubbing a lot, you've
probably never heard Johnny Zander and Chris Breed, two key players in the resurgence
of Hollywood's nightlife scene. G reen Door is their latest cr eation, a quasi- nightclub ,
lounge, and salon that 's been elaborately made o ver to r esemble an old-world F rench
saloon complete with r egal couches, antique mirr ors, and a massiv e chandelier hanging
from the high ceiling. I t's divided into thr ee ar eas depending on y our mood: smoke,
drink, or dance. I suggest arriving early (ar ound 9pm) or y ou might get turned away at
the door for r easons only the egomaniacal bouncers can fathom.
1439 Ivar Ave., Holly-
wood.
&
323/463-0008.
Hank's Bar
Although the original grand old man behind the bar , Henry “Hank”
Holzer, is no longer with us, his legacy endur es at this classic D owntown watering hole
on the ground floor of the Stillwell Hotel. Its battered booths and well-liquored patrons,
who have been elbowing up to the bar here for a decade, mingle nicely with the drop-in
customers currently infusing the ne w surge in D owntown L.A.'s nightlife.
840 S. Grand
Ave., Los Angeles.
&
213/623-7718.
Lola's
The swimming pool-siz e mar tinis ar e enough r eason to tr ek o ver to Lola 's.
From the classic gin or v odka martini for the purist to the chocolate- or apple-flav ored
concoctions for the adv enturous, Lola's has a little something for ev eryone. Two bars, a
billiard table, and plush couches hidden in dark, romantic corners make for an enjoyable
setting and plenty of celeb spotting.
945 N. Fairfax Ave. (south of Santa M onica Blvd.), Los
Angeles.
&
213/736-5652.
www.lolasla.com.
Nic's Beverly Hills
There's nothing like a r eally good martini to take the edge
off, and some of the best martinis I've ever had are poured at Nic's (the pear martini with
Grey Goose La P oire vodka and P armesan cheese garnish is sublime). U nlike the sur-
rounding Beverly Hills establishments, there's no attitude her e, just lots of r etro-groovy
slippery white leather , bold color ful stripes, and laid-back locals noshing on cocktail
cuisine while listening to good jazz bands and big-band trios. Owner Larr y Nicola—a
really fun guy to hang out with b y the way—takes pride in his self-anointed title as
Vodkateur™, which means he 's an exper t regarding all things v odka. In fact, he built a
walk-in freezer called a VODBOX just so he could hav e a pr oper tasting r oom so his
guests can sample the best vodkas from around the world. Give Larry a call and ask him
to giv e y ou the VODBOX experience when y ou arriv e.
453 N. C anon Dr., Beverly Hills.
&
310/550-5707.
www.nicsbeverlyhills.com.
O'Brien's Pub
O'Brien's offers ev erything it takes to make a gr eat pub , including
more beers on tap than y ou could possibly attempt to drink at one sitting. The food is
far better than pub gr ub, so come hungr y. Three levels and a patio allo w you to either
post up inside listening to liv e bands 6 nights a w eek or grab some sun outside during
the day. The clientele is mostly on the y oung side, but everyone seems to be treated like
family.
2941 Main St., Santa Monica.
&
310/396-4725.
www.obriensonmain.com.
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