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Los Angeles: Nightlife

As the hub of the music industry, L.A. attracts musicians and bands as much as it lures actors. Whatever club you land at (and there are many), you may end up catching tomorrow's "it band" before they hit. While an assortment of bars and clubs are scattered all over the city, many hotspots are concentrated on the Sunset Strip. East-side spots are generally less glossy and more gritty.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Formosa Café Opened in 1934, this storied West Hollywood watering hole, festooned with classic black-and-white Hollywood headshots, has had numerous celluloid moments, including the famous Lana Turner scene in L.A. Confidential. We recommend comandeering one of their dark booths for happy hour ($4 well drinks, Mon–Fri 4–7pm). West Hollywood; 7156 Santa Monica Blvd.; 323-850-9050; www.formosacafe.com
bar | local favorite | bar menu | happy hour

Holly's West Loungy hot spot bringing Hollywood hipster-hood to the semi-serene streets of Santa Monica; the full bar carries a great selection of affordable wines. Santa Monica; 2460 Wilshire Blvd.; 310-828-3304; www.myspace.com/hollyswest
lounge | bar | celebrity hangout

Nacional Taking its design cues from 1940s and 1950s Cuban architecture, this sleek multi-level club features a dance floor and an outdoor patio with a cozy fireplace. Hollywood; 1645 Wilcox Ave.; 323-962-7712
trendy | dancing | lounge

Sky Bar Hollywood’s showiest scenesters glare down on the glowing LA skyline at the modernist Mondrian hotel’s popular poolside bar. West Hollywood; 8440 Sunset Blvd.; 323-848-6025
smart splurge | trendy | patio | hotel bar

The Abbey Sprawling indoor/outdoor gay bar famous for its mega-sized martinis and mojitos, a pretty crowd, and private outdoor cabanas. West Hollywood; 692 N Robertson Blvd.; 310-855-9977; www.abbeyfoodandbar.com
open late | bar | gay

The Echo Eastside dance den primed for new sounds, hot beats, and anything-goes good times in the company of hipsters, artists, musicians, and other assorted denizens of Echo Park and Silver Lake. Echo Park; 1822 W Sunset Blvd.; 213-413-8200
dancing | nightclub | electronica

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