This friendly and comfortable bar is a favorite Eastside hangout, and it's easy to see why. The Asian-inspired décor features cozy couches and booths, tapestries covering the walls, and a massive Buddha that surveys the whole scene. A jukebox provides the music - its eclectic collection of tunes, from such diverse artists as Elvis and Velvet Underground, perfectly suits the equally diverse clientele. And while the popular bartenders are expert mixologists, there's a good selection of beer as well.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. This chic bar and restaurant has a California-meets-Tuscany ambiance. Models, actors, and studio execs sip imported chianti and check out the competition while they have low-key lunches and business dinners. Hang out inside or on the outdoor patio, and take advantage of the scene and the ambience. To keep up with the visuals, make sure to dress in trendy or business-casual attire. FYI to celebrity-seekers: Robert DeNiro is an investor.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. Its monochromatic white decor and model-beautiful clientele render Asia de Cuba a trendy, of-the-moment kind of place. Festive atmosphere, a playful waitstaff, and chic ambience lend appeal, and customers relish the mouthwatering Cuban-Asian fare. Fried calamari salad, a house specialty, makes culinary waves, and you can't go wrong with yucca-crusted mahi mahi or lime-and-garlic chicken. Desserts, naturally, make a splash on their own. An outdoor patio, glimmering with candles, affords incredible views ­ a nice change from the austere interior.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. If you manage to get into Bar 1200, you're set for an evening of low-key reveling with rock stars and Hollywood heavyweights. Long, low couches, dim lighting, and candles add to the romantic atmosphere. Rock and roll tunes play in the background, and on the patio, you can grab a smoke or marvel at the real stars.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. In Hollywood, everyone wants to be seen, and one of the best places for that purpose is Bar Fly. The crowd is mostly young Hollywood, so the domain is exclusive. And while the international menu is worthy of mention, the list of regulars is the main draw. The only way to be sure of gaining entrance is to make dinner reservations. Otherwise, dress to kill and be prepared to spend some time behind the velvet ropes.