1533 N. La Brea Ave.
(323) 876-6612
www.lavahollywood.com
It's time to whip out your swim trunks and straw hats! At the Lava Lounge a tropical vacation is in store right in Hollywood with flip flops as perfectly acceptable evening attire and drinks coming with little paper umbrellas.
Lava has a great late-night scene that is popular with the young crowd. A small stage in the corner becomes the focus when live performances take place seven nights a week. Hollywood star sightings can also occur; at least one celebrity is spotted there each night.
A long, red leather booth seat lines the walls of the tiki lounge, making for comfy viewing. Plus, you can't beat the nightly drink specials – all drinks are half price until 10 p.m.
SONORA CAFÉ180 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 857-1800
www.sonoracafe.com
Young, beautiful faces pack into the bar area at Sonora Café like sardines. This Southwestern restaurant/bar is beautifully appointed with aged wood floors, high ceilings, cultural artwork and a massive fireplace. Patrons bump elbows in the crowded joint while trying to avoid spilling their drinks, all the while still looking cool and laid back.
The coveted patio area faces La Brea and is a favorite spot of the after-work crowds who visit for “Fiesta Hour.” The Fiesta Hour menu boasts some decent priced grub every Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The atmosphere is fun and flirty but be careful what you order. The drinks can burn a hole in your wallet (with some margarita prices going all the way up to $24 per drink – yikes!).
CA BREA
346 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 938-2863
www.cabrearestaurant.com
Rustic Italian food and atmosphere flood this cozy restaurant and bar. Ca Brea is perfect if you are looking for a more upscale and sophisticated watering hole.
The dark booths and thick wood tables are nice for cuddling with a loved one while perusing the extensive wine list. Ranging in price from $22 all the way up to $260, the wine selections seem to go on and on.
If the length of the list overwhelms you, ask the bartender for a suggestion. You can easily get a great glass of wine for under $10.
CAMPANILE
624 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 938-1447
www.campanilerestaurant.com
Another upscale and highly trendy locale to get your drink on is Campanile. Celebrities swarm the bar to partake in “Grilled Cheese Night” every Thursday night, with the chef offering up to more than a dozen spins on the popular sandwich.
Thursday and Friday nights are hopping at Campanile, a great place to meet new friends or just people watch. And if La Brea Bakery happens to be open when you arrive or leave, don't pass up the opportunity to grab a fresh loaf from L.A.'s most famous bakery. It'll help with the hangover.
LUNA PARK
672 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 934-2110
www.lunaparkla.com
The lure of make-your-own s'mores and drippy fondue may be enough to get you and your friends to stop by Luna Park. Still there is definitely one more reason to add to that list: the drinks. The most interesting of the creative concoctions involves the unusual combination of fresh strawberries muddled with basil leaves, creating a refreshing summer martini. Basil may not sound appealing in a cocktail but this is one risk worth taking.
Although the bar doesn't boast any happy hour specials, Luna Park is a hip after-work hangout for many of the young entertainment professionals from Mid-Wilshire to the Miracle Mile. Honorable mention goes to the marinated Hawaiian Tuna “Poke” with wonton chips. This new spin on nachos comes with fresh, raw tuna diced up with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, all served on a bed of fried wonton chips.
The prices at Luna Park are too high for too small drinks, but they are tasty nonetheless.
LITTLE BAR
757 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 937-9210
www.littlebarlounge.com
What is So Ju? This is a question you will undoubtedly ask when hitting up Little Bar. The bar has no liquor license (beer and wine only) so…So Ju is the perfect way to get around that.
Distilled from rice, barley and grain it is technically a beer, not liquor. So Ju does have a flavor equivalent to vodka and can be served straight up or infused into different types of cocktails such as martinis and mixed drinks.
Just grazing the southern tip of trendy La Brea, Little Bar has become a well-known hot spot for 20-somethings. Packing in crowds virtually every night of the week, the atmosphere is laid back and low attitude. Plan on coming early though, if you want to grab a seat.
SAKE HOUSE
809 S. La Brea Ave.
(323) 939-7075
www.sakehousemiro.com
Selecting a sake is truly an art. Most are aware that cold, unfiltered (Nigori) sake is a top-shelf premium choice, though typically the most expensive. Sake House on south La Brea offers Nigori for a very reasonable $12 a glass.
Their other sakes, beers, So Ju cocktails and wines are equally well-priced. For Los Angeles, you can't beat cocktails at $5 a pop. It's a rarity. If you happen to find yourself on La Brea and craving that milky sweet stuff, Sake House is the perfect place to hit up.
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