1906 Ocean Ave (map)
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 581-1684

www.chachachicken.com

Located on a small corner near the Santa Monica beach, Cha Cha Chicken is like a tiny urban oasis. Its brightly painted, ramshackle patio setup is hidden from the street by tropical foliage whose planting can best be described as cattywampus, and the Legoland-island vibe is completed by thatch shade umbrellas and sprouting ferns. It kind of resembles how a Jamaican backyard cookout might feel, minus the reggae. The food, by the way, is deceptively amazing. We recommend anything featuring jerk chicken, especially the enchiladas. Or just ask for a suggestion from the helpful guy at the counter.

The haiku version:

Roasted plantains and
Enchiladas introduce
Jerk sauce to your life

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6805 Melrose Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 935-5877

www.californiachickencafe.com

This place is a regular stop for health-conscious Los Angelenos (and police officers on break, for some reason) who like to eat a ton of food without feeling full and heavy. The low-cal Caesar salad and the California Chicken Salad with Balsamic dressing are our pegs, and the Chinese chicken salad is one of their flagships. Parking in the area can sometimes be quite difficult, so you may need to get used to staking people out in the parking lot.

The haiku version:

Chicken salads of
So many varieties
It’s clucking awesome

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8288 Santa Monica Blvd (map)
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-3800

www.hamburgermarys.net

This place offers a lot to raise an eyebrow at — starting with the party vibe that’s subtly noticeable as soon as you walk in. Then there’s the menu, which is like most diner menus save for the crazy selection of burgers, including (in addition to your “normal” fare) buffalo, ostrich, and formerly an actual wild boar burger. (It’s gone now, alas.) Tuesday is all-you-can-eat tacos, Wednesday is Bingo, Thursday is Karaoke, the weekend crowd enjoys hangover-style brunch with mimosas and bloody marys, and Sunday is a drag contest. Too much to handle? You won’t find shelter in the bathroom — because, yep, it’s even a party in there.

The haiku version:

Urban-chic bar food
And if you think that is weird
Walk into the loo

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5851 Sunset Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-9154

www.thebarhollywood.com

Fans of the New York-style no-name dive bar on Bronson and Sunset (probably the least Google-friendly bar in Los Angeles) are intensely loyal, and there is a definite atmosphere of camaraderie among the regulars. Newbies are openly welcomed into the fray as well, and it is possible to have many strange and interesting conversations while pressed up against the tables, dodging the outward-swinging bathroom door, or packed onto the narrow back patio. The punk music is loud and seemingly endless, but that’s just part of the charm.

The haiku version:

Packed with punk rock buzz
You’d think you were in New York
Population-wise

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2375 Glendale Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 660-7595

www.chachalounge.com

This indie-rocker hangout is bathed in dark red light, cluttered with old Mexican party favors and paintings of semi-nude women, and usually packed full of area hipsters and rockers during the prime drinking hours. The huge mural splashed across the back wall is actually a life-size photo of several people in Mexican wrestling garb posing in front of the same wall however many years ago. This effectively creates the surreal sense that one is forever partying with yahoos in Mexican wrestling masks. Add to this the always-in-use photo booth, a wall of beer caps, competitive foosball and east-side prices, and you have yourself a damn rocking bar.

The haiku version:

Dark red atmosphere
And Mexican relics, yet
Somehow rock and roll

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5925 Franklin Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA‎
(323) 465-0175‎

www.birdshollywood.com

Birds is a rotisserie chicken restaurant. It sounds strange that it doubles as a relaxed, artsy-style bar during the evening hours, but it somehow manages to pull it off. A no-hassle atmosphere and real, live, caring bartenders (who remember you) make it one of LA’s better-kept secrets. The half-priced drinks on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 11 p.m. to midnight don’t hurt, either.

The haiku version:

Here’s a little tip:
Half-off drinks two nights a week
Food during the day

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1638 N Cahuenga Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 464-7676

www.thebeautybar.com

An interesting concept for a drinking establishment, this one resembles a ‘60s-era salon, complete with pea-green drying chairs and bubblegum-pink fixtures. Occasionally you can even see real manicures in progress during prime party hours. It’s decidedly a major hipster hangout, with similar counterparts in Vegas, San Francisco and New York. It gets very crowded though, so show up early to stand a chance at getting a drink. And you’d better be in your tightest jeans and best vintage Keds, or you’ll feel most uncool.

The haiku version:

Hipster party spot
Doubles as a chic salon
If you’ve got the shoes

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1087 Manzanita St (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 666-4460

This dark, eastern-themed bar holds a casual mix of area hipsters, business-class locals and the occasional jock, though everyone seems to get along nicely. Like other Silver Lake / Los Feliz bars, there’s no cover in sight, rarely a line, a good jukebox, and absolutely no Hollywood pretension. Cool bartenders and good prices are a big plus, but it may take some trolling to find an open stool on weekend nights.

The haiku version:

Dark, Eastern Motif
And pretty good jukebox, but
Try to find a seat

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8447 Santa Monica Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 654-2287

www.barneysbeanery.com

In the decades since its founding, the Beanery has attracted a steady flow of old-school celebs such as Judy garland, Clark Gable, Jim Morrison and Charles Bukowski, many of whom have left their mark on the walls and tables of the place. This is famously known as the last place Janis Joplin was before she died in her hotel room, and her elusive signature is reputed to be on a tabletop or wall somewhere. Now Barney’s attracts the karaoke crowd on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights, as well as people who like pool, video games and really good bar food. The menu resembles a newspaper, the beer selection is admirable, and the zucchini sticks go with pretty much everything.

The haiku version:

Artists and legends
Occupy every surface
Drink with Joplin’s ghost

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1514 Hillhurst Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-3524

When one ventures east of Hollywood, one tends to find cheaper drinks and more variety in watering holes, and the Good Luck Bar is a prime example. With red velvet-lined walls, dark wood lattices and an ottoman-filled lounge room, this one is a favorite for Los Feliz locals as well as informed visitors. It’s easy to miss, situated on the oblique corner where Sunset and Hollywood converge at Hillhurst, but not easy to forget once you’ve visited. On weekends it tends to get busy after midnight.

The haiku version:

Wine-red velvet walls
Dark, lavish Asian decor
An emperor’s bar

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