Nick F.
Yelp
If you have an evening or just a couple of hours to spend on the Sunset Strip, well, you could go to a hotel bar -- there are a dozen of them nearby -- but they're dull and generic and you'd feel you're in Anytown USA. You could go to a new hip place, the flavor of the month. Tastes change quickly in this neighborhood, and it might be gone next year -- or you could go here.
It's withstood the test of time and it not only shares the name of its famous predecessor down the street, but has a little bit of the old-time Sunset Strip club feeling that dates back to the naughty old days, the dark intimate you-never-know-who-you'll-meet vibe. And there is , let's say, a very eclectic mix of people. Which is good, it's authentic. I've been going here each visit to town for a while, and it's been a blast every time. It's casual, friendly, and I really enjoy it.
Full disclosure: I haven't sampled the food yet. I've gone late nights, and I can say that the bar pours pretty generously. My Bombay gin-and-tonics were poured stiff and still did the job as the ice melted. And though the small bar is always crowded, your servers take good care of you. There are ample couches to lounge around if you can't find a stool to perch on. Or you can sit on the patio and watch Sunset life whiz by. My experiences tell me it is very much a neighborhood hangout, but people like me, former L.A. regulars now relegated to tourist status, are equally welcome. Also: my bartender from last week (Thursday 11 / 8 in the midnight hour) was a gent, and I wish I knew his name. I'm hoping I gave a decent tip...