"This secretive, reservation-only bar on Santa Monica Blvd. is located above Tail O’ The Pup (yes, the hot dog stand) and is accessed by buzzing an intercom hidden in a pickle barrel on the first-floor patio. Get past that and you’ll be treated to a tropical wonderland of beaded entryways, bamboo huts, and sneaky-strong cocktails set on fire or served in a smoking treasure chest. The attention to detail is on par with a Hitchcock film (no surprise, it’s from the people behind Highland Park Bowl and Idle Hour), which makes for a highly theatrical drinking experience. The only issue is getting in. Reservations are booked for months, so do what we did: Sign up for the waitlist and pray." - brant cox