This Los Feliz tapas bar (which also has a truly awesome name, if you ask me) is what tapas is all about. The dark and sanguine atmosphere is distinctly European and the menu traditionally Spanish, but still creative and fresh. It’s also worth mentioning all the beautiful and well-appointed patrons that frequent it. Cobras y Matadors is not even too too expensive if you can figure out how to stop ordering. I personally have not mastered that particular skill yet because everything I’ve tried from the beet salad to the crab croquettes has been just really yummy. Uno mas, por favor!

Knowledgeable servers are also key to a tapas experience (I never know WTF to order, it all sounds good!) and here, they know their stuff(ed mushrooms.)

If you’re not in Los Feliz, this more central location offers the same perks.

I don’t know why I never see Bar Celona more crowded, because it is pretty decent. I think it’s because people in Pasadena would rather go the Cheesecake Factory for whatever reason. Another classy, fairly authentic tapas bar in Old Town Pasadena, it’s attached to a bar that does fill up on the weekends.

At Eight 18, a classy lounge in gasp the Valley, the menu is classy, though not as creative as some of the other tapas joints. They don’t stray far from classics like wild mushroom risotto or crab cakes, though their plates are put together well. Instead, visit this hang out for the atmosphere that’s lush and happening. Settle in with a bottle from their expansive wine list, heavy on California grown favorites, and people watch your night away. Hey, you might even forget you’re in Toluca Lake.

Though most people (including me!) don’t consider egg rolls and shrimp tempura tapas, this West Hollywood locale uses the word on its own menu of Asian-inspired creations. The prices indicative of its Sunset Strip address, but overall its not a bad place to check out if you find yourself in that overpriced. undercool wasteland. They also have sushi if you like your tiny plates to come with fish.

If you want to save a buck, check out the shortest Happy Hour possible (only ONE HOUR?) from 6-7, or all night on Mondays or one of their other specials including 1/2 price wine on Tuesdays and 1/2 price sake on Wednesdays.

Admittedly not the best food on this list, but the lush shady courtyard (per the name of the place!) makes it worth checking out. Oh, and they also know that Happy Hour should last at least 2 hours. AND they do it twice a day. That’s what I’m talking about.

This wine bistro on the restaurant-dense strip of Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice is hip and cozy without being intimidating. The tapas selection is vast with hot and cold menus and a nice wine selection. The crowd is typical of Venice – put together and a little artsy, but more concerned with fulfilling a craving for bacon-wrapped dates than for making the scene.