Still commonly known as the "Rainbow Room," this fabled Sunset Strip institution continues to deliver a good time with live rock shows, fun finger food and late-night dining. The roomy interiors consist of a dining room, several bars, upstairs dance floor and patio decorated with kitschy rock 'n' roll memorabilia, Christmas lights, burgundy leather booths and even a vintage arcade game. The food offered is an Italian-American fusion of popular munchies such as pizza, sandwiches, steaks and a diverse vegetarian selection. Keep in mind that it is possible to reserve special seating above the stage.
The hottest celebrity bar in town is also one of the most exclusive. Situated atop the ritzy Mondrian Hotel, long lines wait for a shot to enter the Skybar, very common, yet comfortable cocktail lounge. Guests at the hotel are guaranteed entry. The space itself is very low-key and open-air. Stars mingle with their friends amid gorgeous city views. If you can get in, it is worth the experience.
Flickering candles, mysterious pink curtains and subdued lighting welcome you into the Abbey in West Hollywood. This popular bar, lounge and restaurant offers you not only a mixed range of appetizers and entrees, but also yummy drinks like chocolate and watermelon martinis. Enjoy the cool vibe of the lounge on the terrace or the kitschy atmosphere indoors. At night, the Abbey is a well known gay bar and welcomes everyone regardless of whether they are gay or straight. So come and visit and dance the night away!
Whisky a Go Go is truly steeped in the very roots of rock history. In addition to being the joint that spawned the term "Go-Go Girl," legendary acts like The Doors, Janis Joplin and Buffalo Springfield used to play here. Rock 'n' Rollers still, to this day, flock to this modern-day mecca. It is not an overstatement to call this the premier rock club in Los Angeles, if not the entire world. Try the upstairs area to get away from the crowd and to get a different vantage point.
Once owned by actor Johnny Depp, this notorious ultra-hot bar is known for its cutting-edge music and celebrity-studded scene. Depp and his co-owners continue to book major music acts and intriguing unknowns to entertain the glitzy crowd. Be prepared to wait in line unless you are famous. Viper Room is one of the brightest (dark) spots in West Hollywood, and one which any self-respecting club-goer would put high on their list. Cover varies; check the calendar for occasional discount passwords.
Located inside the Beverly Hills Hotel, this long-time favorite of the 90210 crowd (the city, not the show) is a great place to people watch. Celebrities and other well-heeled people hang out here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. The room inside is lovely and tasteful, and the outside patio is tree lined and great for smokers who can't do without their fix. Not for the T-shirt set - gentlemen are required to wear jackets.
Located inside the Beverly Hills Hotel, this long-time favorite of the 90210 crowd (the city, not the show) is a great place to people watch. Celebrities and other well-heeled people hang out here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. The room inside is lovely and tasteful, and the outside patio is tree lined and great for smokers who can't do without their fix. Not for the T-shirt set - gentlemen are required to wear jackets.
Il Cielo is a beautiful Italian restaurant where you can enjoy a flavorful dinner with your loved one. The warm fireplace, dim lights and intimate ambience make it a perfect spot for some lovely romantic memories. Enjoy the fine spread of the tasty Tuscan cuisine in the glow of candle-lights and with rose petals strewn on the table. Dine outside to enjoy the fine weather. Private rooms for banquets are also offered.
Serving authentic Italian cuisine to Angelenos and New Yorkers since 1896, Rao's is a family-owned and run traditional Italian restaurant. Rao's Hollywood in LA features authentic Italian décor, one that resembles a traditional Italian eatery featured in a classic Hollywood movie, with a jukebox and year-round Christmas lights, polished hardwood flooring and tasteful, linen-covered furniture. The restaurant has a lively yet cozy ambiance with a full wine bar serving expensive Italian wines and cocktails. The food menu includes appetizers, salads, pastas, calzones, antipasti and contorni. Hot favorite entrees on the menu include chicken scarpariello, braised short rib, double cut pork chop and chicken Milanese.
The "dive-iest" of the dive bars, this tiny watering hole next to the famed Pantages Theater has been a Hollywood legend for decades. With an almost shabby-chic look, this bar has been featured in many films for its authentic broken-down feel and remains good-natured about its appearance. Don't be dismayed by the ragged interior, however. The bartenders are always friendly with the crowd of Hollywood musicians of many varying levels of success. And despite its "flannel shirt" appeal, don't be surprised to see a famous face or two, once in a while.
The young and zealous chef, Giacomino Drago, sure knows what he wants out of a new venture, which is what this restaurant has turned out to be, a real success! This is a favorite not only among the local public, but also among the business types who stop in occasionally. The rich wood decor creates an ambiance of modernity combined with comfort and warmth. The traditional Italian cuisine is the scrumptious fruit of new ideas and fresh ingredients. The spirits comprise of beer and wine that help bring out the flavor of your food. Call for open hours.
An intimate bar in a private hotel shall naturally be a magnet for the who's who of Los Angeles. Bar 1200 of the luxurious Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas is just that a private corner where celebrity hotel guests and corporate magnates share a drink, sequestered from the public eye. Bar 1200 has tremendous snob value owing to its exclusive access. Done up in dark wood paneling with plush couches and chairs, the low lighting makes for a wonderfully relaxed ambiance.