Malibu Wines is amazing for tasting new California varietals and they almost always have live entertainment like stand-ups or music in a variety of genres. Open-aired and nestled in the mountains, it makes for an excellent day outing in the spring.
31740 Mulholland Hwy
(818) 865-0605
Yelp: 4 stars, 625 reviews
A huge selection of local brews makes Golden Road Brewery quite a draw for locals, and its especially prized for the seasonal varieties of beer. Open-air seating and decent food all add to its charm as a good hang-out spot.
5410 W. San Fernando Rd.
(213) 373-4677
Yelp: 4 stars, 1368 reviews
Barney's Beanery has a few locations, but the best is in West Hollywood. Go to watch a game, get some chili or play table shuffleboard. The vibe is relaxed and makes you feel like seeing your favorite team win is the only thing on the agenda.
8447 Santa Monica Blvd
(323) 654-2287
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 629 reviews
Located in Silverlake, The Thirsty Crow is a small bar with inventive drinks and tasty whiskeys. Go for the buzz, hip clientele and knowledgeable bartenders.
2939 W Sunset Blvd
(323) 661-6007
Yelp: 4 stars, 583 reviews
There's an Asian-American culture clash happening at Good Luck Bar with its Chinese lanterns, comfy leather booths and a fusion menu of cocktails. The decor and lighting can take your mind off whatever's happening outside those walls so you can sip and savor your next drink.
1514 Hillhurst Ave
(323) 666-3524
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 408 reviews
Brennan's Pub is not the fanciest bar on the list, but the word 'dive' can sometimes be used affectionately. This space offers you a chance to bet on the speed demons in the animal kingdom: turtles. Every Thursday night, you can bring your own or wager on your favorite.
4089 Lincoln Blvd
(310) 821-6622
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 269 reviews
It's possible that the quality of the food at B.S. Taqueria may be clouding this particular pick, but the cocktails hold their own against the fare. Order the chicarones and anything with tequila and you won't regret it.
514 W 7th St
(213) 622-3744
Yelp: 4 stars, 333 reviews
Hollywood is full of tourists, but if you know where to look there are still some truly awesome finds like Sassafras. Check out the live music on most nights of the week and have yourself a Southern good time.
1233 N Vine St
(323) 467-2800
Yelp: 4 stars, 436 reviews
Trendy and hip, Perch has extremely delectable food and quite an elegant rooftop bar. Come for the 360 degree views of downtown LA and stay for comfortable seating set high atop a skyscraper, making it one of the best bars in Los Angeles.
448 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 802-1770
Yelp: 4 Stars, 3317 reviews
The Bazaar cocktails weigh in at a hefty $17 apiece, but these drinks are practically an event in and of themselves. The Magic Mojito comes strained over cotton candy and the LN2 Caipirinha is served with liquid nitrogen.
465 South La Cienega Blvd
(310) 246-5555
Yelp: 4 star, 2919 reviews
Hollywood has a very different type of local than your average town, and the Umbrella Bar on Melrose attracts a lot of those in the entertainment industry. This is where the Blacklist crowd meets, which can sometimes attracts the larger studio execs looking to find the next big talent. If you're a writer or fascinated with film, this is a good place to go.
7465 Melrose Ave
(323) 951-0709
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 171 reviews
Good Times at Davey Wayne's is an unpretentious bar that attracts those with a good sense of humor. Head through an old refrigerator door which serves as a portal to the establishment. You'll find a scene straight from a 1970s cook-out, complete with an old trailer that serves adult beverages covered in magazine pin-ups.
1611 N El Centro Ave
(323) 962-3804
Yelp: 4 stars, 484 reviews
Not too far from the beach in Santa Monica is Bar Chloe. Modern styling, sleek furnishings and a smaller space create an intimate experience in a comfortable spot.
1449 2nd St
(310) 899-6999
Yelp: 4 stars, 484 reviews
LA is known for its smoothies, and all the fresh fruit around here really does make a difference. You don't have to go to the ubiquitous Jamba Juice though when you can check out a locally owned spot like Nate's Juice Bar.
5870 Melrose Ave
Ste 6
(323) 717-7006
Yelp: 5 stars, 31 reviews
The Abbey is practically an institution in West Hollywood because of its central location on an extremely busy strip of clubs. The crowd has a lot of energy so be prepared to keep up!
692 N Robertson Blvd
(310) 289-8410
Yelp: 4 stars, 1576 reviews
Clifton's was known as a charitable restaurant in Los Angeles, giving out meals to those who needed a little help during the Great Depression. However, it closed for renovations to offer a different kind of experience. The place has 3 different floors with various themes and drink choices. Despite some mixed reviews on Yelp, it's definitely generated a splash in the community.
648 S Broadway
(213) 627-1673
Yelp: 3 Stars, 593 reviews
