Los Angeles

Red Lion Tavern 2366 Glendale Blvd., 323-662-5337. The Red Lion is perpetual Oktoberfest—a Bavarian oasis in the land of the lifted and tucked. At this comfortable beer garden in sunny Southern California climes, waitresses wear traditional dirndls and serve authentic German fare including schnitzel and bratwurst. The tudor-style decor, including stained glass windows, is authentic and welcoming. And as you might expect, beer is the beverage of choice here—classics like Bitburger and Warsteiner are served in vessels roughly the size of cinder blocks (including a 1.5-liter "boot"). In addition to the cozy downstairs, where entertainers sometimes perform, the upstairs provides a slightly more festive
atmosphere in which to raise your glass in a hearty German toast: "Prost!"

Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce 5574 Melrose Ave., 323-466-6263, fortydeuce.com. Combining a speakeasy feel and a see-and-be-teased vibe, this Hollywood lounge is famous for a reason. Plush surroundings and lascivious dancing are the order of the day here, with the semicircle bar also serving as a runway for burlesque shows that will melt the ice in your Dewar's on the rocks. Dry martinis are more common, though, and they fit the cabaret environment well—tasteful and intoxicating. Live jazz bands play during the shows, and it's not hard to see why the Deuce draws luminaries like Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg; can't blame the guys for being fans of the erotic arts. If you visit, arrive early so you can avoid the velvet rope rigmarole.

Saints & Sinners 10899 Venice Blvd., 310-842 8066, saintsandsinners lounge.net. When in heaven, do as the hellions do! This themed bar incorporates
the best of good and evil, a decorative celebration of prurience and purity. With music ranging from house to indie rock and the loungy atmosphere—black leather seats surrounding a white fireplace, chandeliers, faux-bordello wallpaper, buttoned vinyl ceiling, angel and devil statues—Saints & Sinners creates an appealing environment unlike any other you're likely to find. The intimate space is perfect for mingling and generally attracts a diverse, fun crowd. Order up a "Holy Water" high-end martini or get the juices flowing with a Hell Fire (Bacardi 151 and cinnamon schnapps mixed with Monster energy drink) and let the best and worst in you battle it out.

Related Links:
Double Down Saloon : http://www.doubledownsaloon.com/
Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce : http://www.fortydeuce.com/
Saint's & Sinners : http://www.saintsandsinnerslounge.net/
Clermont Lounge : http://www.clermontlounge.net/
Northside Tavern : http://www.northsidetavern.com/
Star Community Bar : http://www.starbaratlanta.com/
Hemlock Tavern : http://www.hemlocktavern.com/
Creekside Lounge : http://www.thecreeksidelounge.com/
Basement Pub : http://www.basementpub.com/
Velvet Lounge : http://www.velvetloungedc.com/
Wonderland Ballroom : http://www.wonderlandballroom.com/
Madam's Organ : http://www.madamsorgan.com/
Cc Club : http://www.ccclubmpls.com/
Memory Lanes : http://www.memorylanesmpls.com/
Half Time Rec : http://www.halftimerec.com/
Pawn Shop Lounge : http://www.thepawnshoplounge.com/
Duff's Brooklyn : http://www.duffsbrooklyn.com/
Magnetic Field 97 : http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com/