At a mere 1.9 square miles, West Hollywood might seem easily over shadowed by the neighboring cities of Beverly Hills and Hollywood proper. Though diminutive geographically, West Hollywood's night life and bar scene are as vibrant as the surrounding giants. Benefiting from its dense, compact form and small lots, West Hollywood is also a very walkable city, making multiple destinations mere steps from each other. If you are looking for a place to experience nightlife, celebrity culture, and a diverse atmosphere, try one of the following West Hollywood high points.
Bar Lubitsch
Many would direct you to places on the Sunset Strip like The Whiskey or Sky Bar, but try a lesser known establishment like Bar Lubitsch. With low, red lighting and Russian decor, patrons can choose to drink from one of over 200 kinds of vodka. Signature cocktails include a cool Cucumber Mojito and an incendiary Molotov Cocktail. If hallucinations and green fairies are your thing, order some (rumored to be served) absinthe. Bar Lubitsch is open nightly until 2am.
- Location: 7702 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
- Phone: 323-654-1234
- Website: barlubitsch.com
Jones
Just down Santa Monica Blvd. is a moderately-sized red brick building that houses Jones, a classic Italian joint with a dark but comfortable atmosphere. A good place for drinks and food, you can belly up to the bar for a cool one or sink into a booth where the tables are covered with red and white checkered cloths, and choose from an extensive menu of Italian cuisine. Prosciutto-wrapped fruit, seafood risotto and New York style thin crust Margherita pizza are a few stand outs. If it weren't for the excellent people watching and somewhat trendy air, Jones would make the perfect place for a Mob orchestrated hit, followed by some meatballs.
- Location: 7205 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA
- Phone: 323-850-1727
- Website: www.jones-restaurant.com
Roger Room
Billing itself as something of a speakeasy, the Roger Room serves up a delicious line of original cocktails that are too good to be kept secret. Do not be dissuaded by the particularly intimate (very small) setting and high drink prices (in the neighborhood of $14). Instead, revel in the opportunity to sink back in time while looking at some dames. Sip a Thug, which mixes Makers Mark bourbon, Baronjager honey liqueur, lemon juice and spicy habanero bitters. Or you could discuss the forthcoming end to prohibition over such other drinks as the Spiced Mule, Old Sport or Tijuana Brass. Elbow room? Applesauce! Come to the Roger Room and get an edge on the way your grandparents did.
- Location: 370 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood CA
- Phone: 310-854-1300
Lola's
If you are looking for a place to have a martini, stop by Lola's. Touted as the "home of the Appltini", visitors can select from over 50 versions of the classic libation. Take advantage of the daily happy hour between 5:30pm to 7:30pm for $5 drink specials and appetizers for just $5.50. Better still is the twice weekly Lola's Lit-Late Happy Hour (Wednesday and Thursday) where the work-night late owls can get a bargain well into the AM hours. Lola's can attract quite a crowd, so if you have any hope of scooping up one of their swanky cheetah print couches, early arrival is recommended.
- Location: 945 N. Fairfax Ave. West Hollywood, CA
- Phone: 213-736-5652
- Website: www.lolasla.com
