If you are in your 20s:
Villains Tavern
Gothic meets mad scientist at this new watering hole, where church pews serve as seating and cocktails have names like Fatal Hour. The location (beside a barren tract of industrial land that abuts the L.A. River) is appropriately eerie, but frequent musical acts make for an inviting atmosphere. 1356 Palmetto St., 213-613-0766.
Low End Theory
On Wednesdays the bare-bones Airliner Club in Lincoln Heights hosts this magnet for fans of underground hip-hop, electronica, and dubstep. DJs spin sets to a packed house (breakout producer Flying Lotus sometimes shows up). Note to the bass averse: Bring earplugs. 2419 N. Broadway, 323-221-0771.
Also stop by:
- Tony’s Saloon
2017 E. 7th St.
- Seven Grand
515 W. 7th St.
- Rooftop Bar at the Standard
550 S. Flower St.
- Bar 107
107 W. 4th St.
If you are in your 30s:
Mindshare
If the TED conference relocated to a bar, it might look like this monthly party for tech-savvy creative types. Brief talks by innovators in (mostly) new-media fields are the centerpiece, though we’ve also heard lectures on sustainable tree houses and tantric sex. Alcohol flows, facilitating decidedly non-Web-based connectivity. Various dates and locations.
Bottega Louie
An after-dinner drink at this Italian restaurant-bar feels like an occasion, thanks to soaring ceilings, white marble floors, and gold-leaf accents that evoke a 19th-century European arcade. A bustling open kitchen and trendy patrons bring the place squarely into the 21st century. 700 S. Grand Ave., 213-802-1470.
Also stop by:
- Caña Rum Bar
714 W. Olympic Blvd.
- Art Walk
Various locations
- Redwood Bar & Grill
316 W. 2nd St.
- Blue Whale
123 Astronaut
E. S. Onizuka St.
If you are 40+:
Rivera
Post Staples Center, head to the bar at this upscale Latin restaurant. Bartender Julian Cox mixes some of the city’s finest libations, combining traditional Mexican ingredients (chapulin salt, chipotle peppers) with fresh fruit and artisanal spirits. 1050 S. Flower St., Ste. 102, 213-749-1460.
Engagement Party
Part art opening, part happening, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s monthly after-hours event features concept-heavy interactive projects (a remote-control car race, a dance-a-thon) by collectives-in-residence plus a cash bar. Finish the night by exploring the galleries, Night at the Museum style. 7-10 p.m. first Thursday of the month, 250 S. Grand Ave., 213-626-6222.
Also stop by:
- Conga Room at L.A. Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
- Cicada Club
617 S. Olive St.
- REDCAT
631 W. 2nd St.
- Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 S. Grand Ave.
If you are in your 20s or 30s:
- The Varnish
118 E. 6th St.
- The Falls
626 S. Spring St
If you are in your 30s or 40+:
- Downtown Independent Theater
251 S. Main St.
- The Edison
108 W. 2nd St.
If you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40+:
- Wurstküche
800 E. 3rd St.
- Aloud at Central Library readings
630 W. 5th St.
- Corkbar
403 W. 12th St.
- Trader Vic’s
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Photographs by Mindshare: Catherine Wygal; Bottega Louie: Gina Sabatella; Rivera: Jessica Boone; Engagement Party: Patrick Miller