The Bar

Not sure why I've ignored this little bar less than 2 blocks from my home for so long.
Maybe it's because I used to like the trashy motel bar it used to be, or because it doesn't have a real name.

The Bar (yes, that's what it's called) was all the rage amongst hipsters when it made its transformation from its former dingy motel dive.
But time has passed, and this place is fit to be a nice, cozy local for all us Hollywood folk.

Located at Sunset and Bronson, marked only by a red neon "Cocktails" sign and arrow, the super dark and cozy room was rather mellow for a Saturday night.
In fact, it was pretty bare until 11:30pm.
The drinks are not cheap, but made well without hassle or long wait.

The hipster crowd was still dominant, but not so much that the striped shirts and shaggy hair hurts your eyes.
Overall a well groomed crowd, but not a very social bunch either.
Most came in groups and stuck with them.

I'll come back here on a night I want to have a conversation only with the person I went there with, and I'm in no mood to walk far or drive.

One piece of advice: If you meet a guy/girl there, make sure you say bye to them outside where there's more light... Everyone looks fantastic in the dark!

5851 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-9154

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bar&near=5851+W+Sunset+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028,+USA&sll=34.098065,-118.316915&sspn=0.011638,0.018582&ie=UTF8&ll=34.098071,-118.316917&spn=0.011638,0.018582&z=16&iwloc=A

Cabo Cantina

So this place is not new for me...
In fact, this used to be the usual hang after a days work when i used to work just around the corner from it.

Cabo Cantina is not for those who want glass stemware, clean bathrooms, and fresh air.
But if you're in search of cheap drinks and chatty people getting drunk in the afternoon, this is THE place!

The crowd is mostly young, many with non-nine-to-five jobs, and since the entire front area of the bar is open air (though far from fresh), many smokers hang out here too.
I've seen everything from students, musicians (mostly aspiring), actors, models, and various other professions, all with wandering eyes.

The environment is just as loud as the blonde sitting next to you and the food is about as interesting as the guy across the table who's into real estate.

But we're not there for atmosphere or food... We're there to get cheap drinks!!
Every single day from 4pm~8pm, ALL drinks are 2 for the price of 1.
I doubt any other bar can compete with that happy hour.

My advice is, go for the happy hour and nothing else... It closes around midnight anyway.

Now go and get drunk and take the bus home! (Because drinking and driving is not cool :( )

8301 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 822-7820

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cabo+Cantina+Hollywood&ie=UTF8&ll=34.096738,-118.370047&spn=0.011639,0.018582&z=16&iwloc=A

The Griffin

Am I the only one sick of going to a bar, only to find yourself surrounded by 21 year olds on a mission to outdrink and outdo each other?
First off, I feel old around them, secondly, it kills the ambiance, and if you're single, the chance of meeting anyone that's read a book outside of a text book.

Well, I think I may have found the solution to the mature, but definitly not old crowd to get their strong drinks and good vibes.

The Griffin, nestles just between the Roost and Tam O'Shanter Inn, this new Atwater Vilage bar has everything for the crowd past their college years.

The interior has a warm and cozy cabin feel, like a European country club. There are 2 bars once inside with attentive bar staff that came to serve me without too much of a wait although it was a packed house, not to mention how strong the drinks are. Not for lightweights is putting it lightly.

There is also a candle lit patio visible from Los Feliz Blvd. for all the smokers to schmooze at.


The crowd is one of the best mix I've seen in Los Angeles, but what they all had in common was that there was no hostility or attitude from anyone. Ages seemed to vary from anywhere between 25~35, with a few stragglers outside of this age group.
Everyone there was well dressed, with their own style, but not trying too hard either. It's a nice change to not see the westside uniform of button-down shirts (stripes mostly) and halter tops (with a fake tan) that seems to be invading the east side these days.

There is usually a line to get in after 10PM on the weekends, so I recommend an early start if you want to avoid the que.

Another perk to this place is the location.
Parking is usually easy to find (but keep in mind the weekend crowding after 10pm) and it's close to 3 other watering holes: Bigfoot Lodge, The Roost, and Tam O'Shanter.

Overall, a big thumbs up for The Griffin for anyone who is looking for someone their own age to pick on (or pick up on).

3000 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 644-0444
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=The+Griffin+Atwater+Village&ie=UTF8&ll=34.12614,-118.259325&spn=0.011635,0.018582&z=16&iwloc=A

I'm back, and ready to tear up the town!

Many of my friends and family were kind enough to read and even enjoy (gasp!) my "Guide to LA" which I created in my wedding blog in 2007, so I've decided to start a blog dedicated to eating, drinking, shopping, dancing, veiwing, and anything else entertaining in the city of angels!

This is also an excuse to get my "getting comfortable just staying in" butt out of the house and having a social life again.

I'll cover everything from a poor girls guide to a fabulous night out, to the guide for guys cruising for chicks (and my husband is not allowed to read this one), and just about anything else that might be useful and entertaining with the help of some of my friends here in LA.

I'll try to be as unbiased as possible, but let's face it. Different folks have different strokes. I just hope there's something in here that may spark your interest!

Anyhow, I'm off to do my first report...