Nightclubs and bars in Los Angeles

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World on Wheels is an ancient roller skating rink with a bowling alley on top. The rink is stuck in a time warp from about 1979. It's kind of shabby and falling apart, but in a way that confirms its authenticity. On the 4th Saturday of the Month, it becomes Roller Disco Heaven. Old skool disco folks, amateurs, young hipsters and clueless skaters like me come together for an evening of excellent disco music, sparkly disco outfits, fake and real afros, and good old bootie shaking music. It costs about $12 which includes skates. There's no alcohol down below and once you exit, you can't re-enter without paying. This was really a great time. The start letting people in at 10:30 pm, so grab some dinner and a drink and then hit the floor. Pretty much all levels are welcome. Just good time fun!

Dress Code: Wear your best crazy disco outfit. Lots of others will be in costume, though it's not required at all.

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Another great night at the Monte Cristo by djs Xian and Amanda Jones. Tonight's party as well as the first sunday of each month is astrologically themed balls and this particular night for the sign of Cancer. Xian spinning what she knows best ... Neoclassical Darkwave, Industrial, EBM, Synthpop, Steampunk, Neovictorian. Plus the night is enamoured with the infamous absinthe bar. Tarot readers and photographers. It's been a while since I've been back to Los Angeles, but by and far, one of my favorite LA club nights next to Ruin. Thanks Xian and Amanda! fabulous night ... a night to die for. Rating 5 stars out of 5.

Lola's is a comfortable spot located in a central area. It's dark and crowded with twenty-somethings, who gather in the entry lounge and in the bar at the back of the restaurant.

This is the place to be if you like martinis. The martini menu is several pages long and lists all kinds of exotic varities. the hands-down favorite is the green apple martini, topped with a wafer-thin slice of apple. Also popular is chocolate mint martini, the cosmopolitan and the watermelon martini. The food here is fine (if a little overpriced), but the martinis are worth every penny.

On Wednesday nights, there is live music (a jazz/blues trio) so it tends to be hard to have a conversation in the back bar. The band is wonderful, though!

Dress Code: On weekend nights, they often won't let you wear jeans. This place is full of young, trendy people. Dress up.

If you're downtown, check out the Far Bar in little Tokyo. the bar is very opened and spacious. the staff is pretty chill. they also have a great selection of sake.

they are doing 'man Vs sake' every thursday night, 7pm to midnight. $20 for 15 different shots of sake. All high quality sake.

not sure how long they continue to do this, so you better check before you come.

There is also a second part to the bar, which is a patio. so if doing it outside is your thing, then you'll love this place.

Dress Code: its all good.

The Dume Room is a locals' laid back dive bar with occasional live music at night and is a friendly bar to stop for an ice-cold beer or two when driving on PCH to/from Ventura, etc. or if at the beaches in Malibu. Pool table in back. Update 2010: THIS BAR HAS CLOSED DOWN PERMANENTLY, unfortunately.

Dress Code: Any beach attire with sandals.

Good bar. Parking is tough. Drinks can be pricey. But good vibe, good energy. After a certain time, they clear out some tables and a DJ shows up so you can dance there too. It's very close to the Santa Monica Pier on Ocean so that on a warm evening, after you get tipsy you can check hang out at the beach and sleep with the bums

Easy to get in. Unpretentious. They got a menu. Cheap drinks. Huge selection of tequila if you're into that. And a mexican wrestling vibe. My big complaint here is that you must valet, and that when you get in, it's really tough to get a seat at the bar. But all-in-all, a solid bar.

Dress Code: Casual

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The Greek Theatre located up near the Griffith Observatory is an outdoor concert venue that is just fabulous! It's not a very big venue like the Hollywood Bowl and the intimate setting makes for a nicer experience. Parking is plentiful but be prepared to park on the dirt or grass. Parking is stacked which means rows of cars are parked behind other rows of cars with no spaces. The only way to exit is if the car in front of you has gone. It's best advised to buy your tickets in advance. Register on the website for advanced notification or presale of concert tickets. You can buy tickets on the day of the event at the box office but you'll be taking chances if the venue is sold out or the seats are really far up in the back but even if you don't get great seats, two large big screens are available for your viewing.

Dress Code: In California, I think anything goes. I believe you have to wear a shirt and shoes is the minimum requirement. I've seen anything from shorts to evening dresses, fur coats, jeans, flip flops and some very peculiar clothes as well.

Ladies, your purses are subject to search. I'm not sure what they are looking for but don't try to sneak in food. They will make you get rid of it.