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Bar Marmont The Good Luck Bar Sky Bar Barfly Atlantic El Carmen C-Bar Rix The Cigar Bar Voda Chaya Venice El Cholo West End | |
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BAR MARMONT 8221 SUNSET BLVD., LOS ANGELES (213)656-1010 | |
| Located in the infamous Chateau Marmont Hotel…you know, where John Bellushi kicked…This is yet another Sean MacPhearson venue. Did we mention he lives with Gina Gershon? Guess she’s not a dike after all (Oh, lighten up, Gina). Back to the Marmont. The exterior is very understated for LA, which we love, but the inside is very glamorous in an Old World sort of way. It definitely has the feel of a place you go with someone you’re not supposed to be seen with. Yet, it’s very scene and be seen, if you know what I mean. Constance, the bar’s official bald-headed asexual drag queen, is a true original. And does she know the VIPs. Mean, but pricey cocktails do the trick. We wouldn’t eat here, but many do. | |
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THE GOOD LUCK BAR 1514 HILLHURST AVE., LOS ANGELES (SILVERLAKE) (213)666-3524 | |
| Another Silverlake oasis delivered to you by John Sidel. Did we mention he’s married to Rosanna Arquette, with child? Kitschy Chinese lanterns and velvet wallpaper succeed in giving this place its premeditated hole-in-the-wall feel. Cool, understated Silverlake crowd. Perfect for drinks before or after VIDA . | |
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SKY BAR 8840 W. SUNSET BLVD., LOS ANGELES (213)650-8999 | |
| If you haven’t heard about the outdoor bar at The MONDRIAN HOTEL, you’ve been living under a rock. The deck overlooking the south of LA is pretty spectacular. This very overhyped locale is the place everyone is dying to get into. It’s a scene all right. It is cruise central, for sure. And everyone is beautiful. The only problem is it’s a tad "style over substance." Not the brainiest crowd around, but who really cares? Be ready to drop some cash. Getting in is a nightmare, so go early to see the sunset and wait for the beauty to belly up. Don’t think that dropping two hundred bucks at the hotel’s restaurant Coco Pazzo will help you get in. | |
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BARFLY W. SUNSET BLVD. | |
| The Ultimate in LA cheese, this cavernous spot with oversized banquets caters to the wannabe Aspen crowd. Lots of older guys with flashy gold watches and bushy toupees woo women of a significantly younger generation who eagerly display their latest cosmetic enhancements. The door is a nightmare, but the entertainment factor is so high that it’s worth the wait. Arrive a touch early (8:30ish) to avoid the hassle and sit it out over a stiff one. | |
| ATLANTIC | |
| See Cocktails for full description. | |
| EL CARMEN | |
| See Cocktails for full description. | |
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C-BAR WILKSHIRE BLVD. La Cienega | |
| In keeping with the whole vodka bar trend, The C-Bar opened up recently to fill the void in L.A. of all the trendoids dying to dine on caviar while sipping vodka martinis. It’s a small, art deco bar that mirrors the retro martini craze…but is this place a day late and a dollar short? Only time will tell. After all, NYC’s been doing the vodka bar thing for several years now! | |
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RIX 5TH STREET (@ ARIZONA), SANTA MONICA (310)656-9688 | |
| Rix has taken over where John Sidler’s Bikini left off. don’t even bother if you’re over 30. You’ll feel like you’ve got one foot in the grave. But the bar scene is where it’s at. Often compared to the Atlantic in food and feeling. It’s a welcomed relief for a part of town that tends to cater to the tacky set, especially on weekends when the Third Street Promenade is filled with the nubile, but ever so cheesy Valley types. However, unlike Atlantic the food is mediocre, so stick to the liquid diet. | |
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THE CIGAR BAR AT THE PENINSULA HOTEL 9882 SANTA MONICA BLVD., BEVERLY HILLS (213)551-2888 | |
| Elegant, chic, civilized and lots of cigar smoking sum up this wonderful little bar at the Peninsula. Age ranges 30 to 65 years. The piano provides a nice back drop and the dark wooded décor will be a welcomed respite to any transplanted East Coasters who want to pretend they’re back home for a night. Friday nights can be quite a pick up scene if you are into the older crowd that tries desperately to look younger. | |
| VODA | |
| (see Dining for full description) | |
| CHAYA VENICE | |
| (see Dining for full description) | |
| EL CHOLO | |
| (see Dining for full description) | |
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THE WEST END-FRIDAY NIGHTS 1301 5TH STREET, SANTA MONICA (310)394-4647 |
