Okay, you've had it. You've had it with the glitz, glamour and pretentiousness of Hollywood nightlife. We all get burnt out. Sometimes the soles of your designer shoes can only take so much wear and tear. So don your favorite pair of ‘wow – so this is what breathing comfortably feels like’ jeans and head to these still happening, but much less fussy hotspots.
Barney’s Beanery
8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.654.2287This Hollywood institution is
always packed (It’s been around since the 1920s). Full of worn-in kitsch, the drinks are strong, the food is good, greasy bar food –the best spicy buffalo wings in town, and you can’t beat a TV in every corner with the game on, pool tables down the center, and a few classic video games. And ladies don’t worry about all the sports stuff – you will never be in the company of a larger group of guy’s guys – and let's face; the fluffy boys that frequent LA’s hot night-spots are usually too much maintenance to be worthwhile and usually leave much to be desired, ahem.
Cabo Cantina 8301 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.822.7820Located on the Sunset Strip, this large hut of Cal-mex food and drinks is always bursting at the seams. The happy hour special – 2-4-1 margaritas – and these things are goliath, will leave you happily inebriated enough to go through another round…or two. This is one of my favorite Sunday night haunts: relax with friends, relive the gory weekend details, and try and forget about that beer-goggled makeout sesh from last night.
Dimples 3413 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.842.2336Want to go casual but still get your moment to bask in the spotlight? Then head down Barham Blvd to Dimples. This is the First Karaoke Club in America and they will even give you karaoke virgins a cassette tape to remember you mortifying experience. As you're making an ass out of yourself, your performance will be broadcasted on the multiple screens throughout the venue, as well as a video wall and even the internet! All in good fun people, all in good fun. (Normally I’m not a big fan of karaoke or making an ass out of myself, so it's a good thing the have ample cheap liquor for fraidy cats like myself).
The Dime 442 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, 323.651.4421Has its background in Hollywood glitz – its owners Andy Fiscella and Beau Flynn are in the ‘biz – but its cool, casual atmosphere and crowd would never own up to that fact. The décor is more New York local bar with its deep shades of smoke and red than Hollywood lights and pizzazz, which makes it all the more refreshing. The Dime gets packed on weekends, but still has a steady flow of patrons during the week as well.
The Hideout 112 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.429.1851Even the name fits the criteria. This spot has been around since Prohibition and maintains it’s ‘those-in-the-know-come-here’ reputation. Now it’s more of a neighborhood hangout with big screens, comfy couches and even comfy-er drink specials… and there’s also a pool table for those of you who can’t sit still.
