Nic’s Martini Lounge is celebrating its tenth anniversary, and has been often featured in our pages and many other magazines with a fine dining section. However, our toques go off to the rare specimen of restaurant that is just as fresh and innovative as it was the day it opened.
We think the true secret to Nic’s success is that it is an establishment for grown-ups, as opposed to twenty-something scenester hangout or destination for the ladies who lunch crowd or old guard executives. The décor is fabulous, the live entertainment appreciated and the menu offerings sublime (pan seared filet mignon with blueberries, internationally acclaimed gnocchi with morel mushrooms and champagne cream, and Nic’s oysters, sautéed spinach with walnuts and garlic are particularly perfect) and the service smooth and consistent…like a fine vodka.
However, there’s a lot that’s new about Nic’s, including “nicnic” platters on their menu, an extraordinary $150 martini with Kauffman Vodka with where you can take home the sexy crystal art glass it is served in, and a list of martinis fashioned from the best vodkas on the planet. After all, how could you resist libations with names like “The Devil Wears Pravda,” “That’s Amore, Roberto (Cavalli),” “Where’s My Effen Martini?” “Pomegranating,” “Bijan’s Smile” and “Windex”?
Speaking of irresistible, however, Nic’s biggest draw is its namesake-Vodkateur and Vodka ambassador Larry Nicola, who (with a reservation) will take you personally into his world—the famed Vodbox. After you’ve put on your styling coat and hat, you step into his extraordinary 28 degree classroom where he will school you via a variety of vodka flights (starting at $21/person) suited to your tastes and preferences. While this experience, as well as the new Vodcart (serving the priceless Kauffman cocktail indulgence at the tables) can only be found at Nic’s, Larry himself is one of a kind.
1735 N. Vine St. Hollywood. 323.462.3000. The
historic Hollywood Palace closed its doors and reopened after a
colossal makeover as Hollywood’s newest and hottest mega-club.
The revamped club has retained the old Hollywood grandeur of its
predecessor and attracts hundreds of clubgoers with a diverse roster
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Bar Marmont
8171 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood. 323.650.0575. Just
steps down from the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel, this sophisticated
bar has been a celebrity favorite for years. The stylish décor
and romantic ambiance attract Hollywood’s elite nightly.
Beauty Bar
1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 323.464.7676. A
beauty parlor has always been a place where women could meet and
gossip. Throw a few cocktails into the mix and you’ve got the
perfect party place for LA’s “beautiful people”.
Info
The Brig
1515 Abbot Kinney. 310.399.7537. This
local favorite is a secret no more. This newly remodeled and fabulously
modern lounge is a posh watering hole without the attitude. The
Brig is a favorite of laid-back locals and Hollywood heavyweights
alike.
1439 N. Ivar Ave. Hollywood 323.463.0005. The
newest venture from night life impresarios Chris Breed, Alan Hajjar
and Eric James, who have transformed the previous location, the
Sunset Room into a sexy Cabana style lounge. The restaurant, the
Sterling Steakhouse, is next door with a separate entrance.
CineSpace
6356 Hollywood Blvd. 323.654.1268. CineSpace
is every movie lover’s dream – an upscale restaurant,
bar and screening room all rolled into one.Info
1760 N. Vermont Ave. 323.665.4294. Do
you find yourself pining away for the days when men wore purple
velvet smoking jackets and women draped themselves in god lame polyester
pantsuits and heavy eyeshadow? Then you should head over to The
Dresden for a little lounge music and a good, stiff sidecar.
Info
1069 N. El Centro. Los Angeles. 323.957.1066. The white
hot club du jour, undoubtedly has the most envied clientele in the
business. Celebrities galore enter through the back alley entrance
and party through the night in the minimally decorated space. A
bit outside Hollywood’s nightlife epicenter, the club is currently
only for those in the know.
Echo
1822 Sunset Blvd. Echo Park. 213.413.8200. This grungy gem
is a haven for edgy music lovers. If you are into underground dance
music including Brit pop and house then this is the spot for you.
The club is a bit dated and seedy but in a “slumming is fun”
sort of way.
Element
1642 N. Las Palmas Hollywood 323.460.4632. Dance club with
3 bars, two dance floors, and VIP rooms.
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Forty Deuce
5574 Melrose Ave. 323.465.4242. Ivan
Kane’s new venue. This throwback to the roaring twenties features
a modern take on the art of burlesque. Talented dancers striptease
their way across the bar/runway. Cheeky decor and cozy atmosphere.
Info
3357 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles. 213.385.7275.
So cheesy its cool! If you are tired of the Hollywood scene, then
this buried treasure is the place for you. If the tacky nautical
décor doesn’t win you over than the “food and
grog” will. The crowd is an entertaining mix of cool young
artsy types and old fogies.
Holly's and Holly's West
Holly's:
1651 Wilcox Ave. Hollywood 323.461.1400 - Holly's West: 2460 Wilshire
Blvd. Santa Monica. From SGM, the creators of Tengu, Nacional,
Nine Thirty, The Backyard, Ivar come Holly's and Holly's West, two
exclusive dark, and loungey cliquish clubs.
House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd. 323.848.5100. The
faux-weathered Louisiana-shack style exterior looks like a set from
The Universal Studios Tour, but the Dan Ackroyd-owned national chain
restaurant/live music venue is one of the best places to listen
to live music by top-shelf talent. Info
Hyde Lounge
8029 W. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 323.656.4933. Exclusive
and intimate spot for friends and friends of friends of Sam Nazarian
and Brent Bolthouse.
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Ivar
6356 Hollywood Blvd. 310.209.0071.Impressive
lighting, high ceilings and futuristic decor rank this club among
the best and brightest in Los Angeles. It features five separate
themed bars. Info
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Johnny's Bar
2939 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 323.660.2276.Intimate and upscale wine bar.
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Kibitz Room
@ Canter's Deli
419 N. Fairfax Ave. 323. 651.2030. Yes,
it’s an odd place. Yes, the waitresses look old enough to have
been extras in “Gone With The Wind”. And yes, the regulars
tend to be, for lack of a better description -- a bit wacky. But
darn it, once the Cape Cods start flowing and the live music gets
going around 10 p.m., everybody becomes family. Bar open nightly
until 2 a.m. and the deli 24 hours.
King King
6555 Hollywood Blvd. 323.960.9234. The
former La Brea nightspot has reopened in a 1912 building, once home
to “Legends” and “Johnnie’s Steak House. Features
live music performances 7 nights a week.
Hollywood & Highland. Hollywood 323.467.7776.
A brilliant über-entertainment concept, marries chic retro-stylings
with good old fashioned bowling fun. Lunch and dinner served from
11 AM to 2 A M.Info
8623 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood. 310.360.0066.
Neighbor to the Blue Whale (PDC) in West Hollywood, this Melrose
spot provides a sleek space for almost anything — whether
a date or a happy hour with co-workers.
1645 Wilcox Ave. 323.962.7712. A swank
New-York style Cuban bistro and bar. This two-story playground for
the elite boasts a sophisticated decor and beautiful clientele.
A patio, a fireplace and the fab mojitos are added incentives.
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Pearl
665 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood. 310.358.9191.
Housed in the former Moomba space, this Weho
restaurant/club feels new and rejuvenated. The décor is simple,
with clean linen tablecloths and leather booths. The patio and dance
floor areas are always lively.Info
8401 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood.
323.848.3884. After $7 million dollars
of renovation, the Hyatt is hip again — and it's the rooftop
pool that has given it its comeback. The very exclusive rooftop
pool and bar area has unbeatable views of the Sunset Strip and the
beautiful LA basin..Info
Roof Bar at the Standard Downtown
550 S Flower St. 213.892.8080. The sky's
the limit at this one-of-a-kind hot spot. Nestled atop the Standard
Downtown Hotel, the bar boasts a 360 degree view of the downtown
skyline and a fancifully modern decor.Info
8117 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood. 323.654.0030. Formerly
the Coconut Teaszer, this new hot spot is all the rage among the
young and hip. The low ceilings and working fireplaces create an
intimate, mountain lodge type of vibe. The outdoor lounge is a popular
destination. Get there early or make a dinner reservation to avoid
the lines.
Spider Club
1735 N. Vine St. Hollywood. 323.462.8270. Nestled
inside mega-club Avalon, this cozy Moroccan themed club has a beautiful
courtyard perfect for lounging under the stars. This celebrity favorite
is easily one of the most exclusive clubs in Hollywood. If you don’t
have a name to drop at the door, making a dinner reservation will
get you in.
Star Shoes
6364 Hollywood Blvd. 323.462.7827. A
tiny elegant bar-lounge which packs up every night, to the sounds
of some of the best Dj’s in town.
Sugar
814 Broadway. 310.899.1989.This
club is so hip and funky that it’s difficult to believe it’s
located in the tres homogenized Westside area of Los Angeles. Open
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Info
5851 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood. 323.468.9154.Cozy and unpretentious atmosphere for people in the know
Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.276.6168.The
legendary venue has featured some of the biggest names in music
(everyone from John Lennon to Guns and Roses). Info
6021 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Fashionable
eastsiders sip and nibble at this sophisticated restaurant/ bar
in Los Feliz. The vaulted ceilings, beautiful patrons and attentive
staff make this.
Vermont
1714 Vermont Ave. Los Angeles. 323.661.6163.Hollywood’s
newest nightlife venue, a 20,000 sq. ft. mega-club, for live performances,
dancing, and late night lounging. Well-appointed and spacious outdoor
patio is a highlight.
Viper Room
8852 Sunset Blvd. 310.358.1880.8852
Sunset Blvd. 310.358.1880. Steady crowd of chic-slummers. The main
attraction is the intimate stage and dance floor which has hosted
everyone from the Black Crowes and Keanu Reeves’ garage band,
Dogstar.Info
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Whiskey Bar
1200 Alta Loma Rd. 310.657.I333. It’s
small and heavily shrouded by doormen, but the tiny hotel bar which
sits inside the Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas is a favorite.Info
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Zanzibar
1301 5th Street, Santa Monica. 310.451.2221. DJ
lounge. Indian and North African influences can be seen in the sexy
decor of this newly remodeled nightspot. Good weekly club nights
ensure exceptional music and a cool crowd.
