Cool Bars and Cafes in Hollywood (Los Angeles)

Dolce Restaurant

A sleek Italian ristorante with chic patrons crowding the bar and Hollywood stars at the tables, including A List actors such as investors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. This ristorante provides a full service bar with over two thousand bottles of the finest Italian, French and American wines. The menu includes classic Italian dishes any patron can enjoy such as Risotto with Gorgonzola cheese and Radicchio or a grilled prime rib served with roasted potatoes and rapini broccoli. All dishes can be topped off with a variety of sweet dessert options, such as traditional tiramisu or lemon soufflé. A perfect place for a cocktail, meal or private party, and you might bump into a Hollywood celebrity.

Beauty Bar

This bar is a concept that should have hit Los Angeles years ago. Combining a fully functioning beauty salon with an ultra-cool bar, this is the ultimate night out. You can get a package deal; a manicure and a martini, or a makeover and a martini! The decor is retro with the feel of a 50's salon. Men will feel just as at home as women, mostly because they will be happy to be surrounded by the fairer sex! The DJs spin all kinds of energizing music from rock to techno and beyond. It is everything a beauty-obsessed, martini-drinking girl (or guy!) can desire.

The Ruby

This very large bar and club is located in the heart of Hollywood. It includes three rooms, four bars and one stage. The music you will hear depends on which night you arrive. It features various theme nights, and on Saturdays you can attend "Bang", a night of music from the '60s and '70s, plus the '80s and '90s (all in separate rooms). Other nights you might hear techno, electronica, Goth/alternative, house, hip-hop or rock. This is an 18 and older venue that serves alcohol to those with I.D.s; a rare thing.

Toi On Sunset

Diners feast on satisfying Thai fare here, accompanied by loud rock music. The clientele is young and hip, often on their way to local bars and clubs. The music gets them in the mood while the food fuels their bodies for the night ahead. The walls are covered with rock paraphernalia in order to further inspire the music-loving diners. The food is traditional Thai, with flavorful pad Thai noodles, stir-fry vegetables, spicy Thai noodles, spicy shrimp soup, fried rice and more. There are plenty of vegetarian choices and prices are low.

Dan Tana's

Dan Tana was a refugee from Yugoslavia and started as a lowly dishwasher who later went on to own the place. This was nearly 50 years ago! His is one of the finest restaurants in the United States. It may not be the swankiest but the ambience is friendly and exciting at the same time. Located in West Hollywood, a few steps from Beverly Hills, Dan Tana's has a democratic mix of Hollywood's high, low and in-between. Long time established stars like Peter Falk and Karl Malden may be seen along with newer celebs like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Drew Barrymore!

Meson G

If you are wondering what Meson means—it is an Old Spanish word for tavern. “Dips in the avant-garde with terrific tastes and great design”, is what Los Angeles Times has to say about this trendy restaurant. The majestic stainless steel chandeliers, modern pebble flooring, Hermes Orange leather seating, white marble bar and over sized mirrors are just to name a few of the contemporary elements in this place. If you prefer outdoor dining, you can sit on the heated terrace and enjoy your meal with the very trendy Melrose Avenue in full view! The lounge is equipped with modern furniture and a flatscreen for Powerpoint presentations. You'll find an extensive menu of international cuisine to choose from and if you are confused you can go with the chef's tasting menu!

Xiomara Melrose

The brick walled insides are a complete contrast to the feisty Cuban food served at this restaurant. The salads and soups costs are reasonable but not modest. But drown your food with the Xiomara's Mambo (Bacardi Light Rum and fresh cane juice) and you'll know why Xiomara is one of the Top 50 Restaurants in Los Angeles (Angeleno Magazine). Seafare is dressed up to exquisite degrees of pleasure, so what are you waiting for? Xiomara calls...

Concorde

Don't hope to get in here unless you know the owner, or are a famous celebrity. For those lucky enough to squeeze through the door, the top-notch egoistic airs don't take too long to sink in. The white patio, with its bar and cozy seating made it a perfect place for J Lo to celebrate Ben Affleck's 31st birthday, no expenses spared. The shiny VIP area is well-draped, and the dance floor has spectacular 80's lighting, which gets the stars, and their following, on their feet. Food includes exotic-sounding dishes and delicious desserts. Try the shrimp or lobster; they won't let you down. Follow it up with a diet-breaking chocolate éclair as you watch the stars strut their stuff.

Element

Huge neon strobe lights, ample space and slick interiors represent the glamorous side of Element. Apart from being a snazzy bar frequented by celebrities, it also hosts various glitzy events like the US Weekly's ‘Hot Young Hollywood Awards', Premiere Magazine's do and many more. Filming and production sequences are held with prior bookings too, and the enthusiastic personnel manage and execute any event with style and panache. If you want to visit, reserve your tables in advance, as this is a highly sought-after venue! Order cool cocktails and groove to the wild funk and hip hop beats.

Citizen Smith

Citizen Smith is chic personified and the glamorous décor takes you back to the bygone Hollywood era. Furthermore, the central dining room is flanked by cow skin adorned booths. Dressing smart is important as lots of celebrities drop in often at Citizen Smith. This place has it all from private rooms, a full bar, smoking and non-smoking areas to outdoor dining. Live music is from Tuesday to Sunday.

LAX

Put on your wildest look and get ready for a crazy night out at LAX. After having played for years at celebrity functions and birthday parties, DJ AM now brings to you the most maddening fast track music ever. Swing to the DJ's tunes and feel the world at your feet as alcohol and rhythm hit you hard and strong. LAX is not your kind of place if you plan to stay sober and chat up with friends over a few glasses of beer or wine.

Republic Restaurant & Lounge

Walk into Republic and be liberated from the drudge of your daily routine. Watch the futuristic, clean-cut, sharp-lined architecture on the facade yield to warm, caramel tones in the dining area. The bar is especially charming with dark wood paneling compliments firm white couches in here. Settle in and let a sip of the exotic cocktails roll over your tongue, as you sample the shrimp and grits or slurp down the oysters on the half-shell. Graduate to a feast of wild mushroom stuffed halibut cheeks or a cowboy rib-eye, generously enhanced with a side of grilled veggies or potatoes done in your favorite style. Republic Restaurant & Lounge also has a sparkling event space, where party animals can let their hair down and shake a leg.