"El Chucho is one of the best places on the Westside to meet people whose names you'll forget mid-conversation. A cross between a divey pool hall and a natural wine bar, this sceney spot doubles as the neighborhood clubhouse of Venice/Mar Vista, and it’s usually filled with folks who really want you to know they flew to Miami for Art Basel. A solid lineup of rotating vinyl DJs spin records Thursday through Saturday nights, so you might have to wait to get inside. But there’s a good chance you can infiltrate a new friend group while standing in line." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins