Los Angeles' Best Over-30s Singles Scene 2008

The spot that launched the green apple martini offers a casual retreat from the attention-starved cruisers on the Strip.

Reviews:

• “Martini Madness!”
• “This place has an unbelievably bad reputation and it is well deserved”
• “Nice atmosphere, setting and crowd”
• “Great for dates”
• “manifest destiny”

Tips: A valet awaits those with deep pockets, but the streets nearby abound with metered and even free parking.

Lola’s or email Lola’s

Downtown’s lounge-life evolution continues, this time in a historically refurbished, turn-of-the-century boiler room.

Reviews:

• “See to believe…”
• “We need more places like this”
• “Great decor, rude Staff”
• “Classy, trendy, beautiful lounge”
• “Different concept but well done”

Tips: The bar is actually located down Harlem Place Alley. Look for the bouncer outside.

The Edison or email The Edison

Swirling dragons and a massive Buddha—the Far East comes to this Eastside bar.

Reviews:

• “Hollywood in Silverlake”
• “sweet atmosphere”
• “great late night cocktail”
• “Worst Bar in Silverlake!”
• “Horrible! Worst. Night. Ever.”

Tips: The small lot in front and neighboring streets fill up fast. Take a chance in the mechanic’s lot next door, or look west of the club on Santa Monica.

4100 Bar

Black velvet paintings and more than 300 kinds of tequila—but you don’t need a passport to get into this bar.

Reviews:

• “Cinco De Mayo, Get there no later than 7:30 to avoid a line”
• “All Around Great”
• “Great margs”
• “My personal favorite bar in LA”
• “Best Margaritas in L.A.”

Tips: Don’t put that ID away once you get past the door guy—the bartender will card you again.

El Carmen

No-reservations, casual-chic gastropub with adds a flirtatious mix to thriving Melrose Restaurant Row.

Reviews:

• “never again”
• “LAME.”
• “Good Food, Great price, Extremely LOUD.”
• “Get there before 10pm”
• “Excellent English Pub, Stylish, Great customer service, price within reason, value.”

Tips: There are no reservations, but there is a large full bar and back lounge (unless it’s rented out for a private party), if you’re looking to grab a drink while you wait. Otherwise, plan to arrive before 7pm.

The Village Idiot

Hollywood’s landmark hole-in-the-wall isn’t just for barflies anymore.

Reviews:

• “Great relic”
• “Rude Service, Bad vibe”
• “LA’s hidden Jewel”
• “MEDIOCRE EXPERIENCE”
• “Live Band Karaoke”

Tips: The lot across the street charges more for Boardner’s customers than Miceli’s patrons. Have a drink at the Italian restaurant first, then wander back to Boardner’s and save some dough.

Boardner’s or email Boardner’s

Popular San Diego bar opens its second Westside branch, with boldly styled supper club in Venice’s former El Marquez space.

Reviews:

• “No shorts, no notice, no entry…”
• “Great music, lame crowd”
• “Worst Bartender Ever…”
• “I’ve never been disappointed here”
• “Awesome music, glitchy bartender”

Tips: The bar (and crowd) is best on Thursday and Saturday nights between 11pm and 1am, with rarely a line or any hassles at the door.

AIR CONDITIONED Supper Club

Bigfoot Lodge owner launches swinging ’70s-themed nightclub with early neighborhood/industry bar scene and live, late-night DJs.

Reviews:

• “Fun Birthday Celebration Place”
• “my favorite bar!”
• “The name is cooler than the people”
• “Great bar”
• “Great little find!”

Tips: The bar is small and the DJ scene very popular on weekends—plan to arrive before 11pm to avoid a wait in line.

Saints & Sinners or email Saints & Sinners

Viceroy’s stylish bar oozes Hollywood chic, but sexy poolside cabanas keep it Santa Monica cool.

Reviews:

• “HOT BARTENDER”
• “Hollywood style without Hollywood”
• “Chic, chic, chic!”
• “Best dinner waiter ever.”
• “Better times off nights”

Tips: Poolside cabanas for a maximum of 10 people can be reserved. For larger groups of 15 to 25 people, they range in price from $300 for the small size to $750 for large ones.

Cameo Bar

Low-key Hollywood industry bar forgoes pretension for good service—and better drinks.

Reviews:

• “best apple pie”
• “Hipster cool atmosphere AND good eats!”
• “Very, very crowded.”
• “A classic…”
• “Unprofessional, Poorly Designed and Rude Service”

Tips: The comfy booths in the front are perfect for getting extra cozy—just beware of the large mirror that reflects to the bar area.

Jones