NIGHTLIFE
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Club Bar
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Bourbon drinkers in LA are so underground they're practically a secret cult, so it's fitting that the private, posh Club Bar at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel is one of the best places in town to conjure up the spirit of Kentucky. "Bourbon regulars know exactly what they want, from the brand to the number of ice cubes in the glass," says Beverage Manager Shannon Ronalds, who stocks many high-end labels, including Booker's, Knob Creek, Baker's and Basil Hayden. For good measure, there's also the "New York, New York" cocktail, made with Blanton's and Cinzano, topped with a Grand Marnier-soaked maraschino cherry - incantation not included.
- Maria Vitulli
Club Bar, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA; 310-551-2888
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Father's Office
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Father's Office receives its name from its original owner, an aging volleyball player known as 'Dad' when he opened the place, back in 1955. Recently Sang Yoon took it over as a haven from the restaurant business (where he excelled, having spent time at Michael's in Santa Monica, Jamin in Paris and Masa's in San Francisco). Sang has cozied up the place with tawny wood paneling and comfy banquettes with mini-chandeliers above each table, while the list offers more than fifty varieties of rare micro-brews and over twenty unusual wines by the glass, like an aromatic Domaine Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé. Nosh on the addicting olives topped with roasted shaved almonds or the burger slathered in bacon compote, gruyère and arugula. And don't leave without sipping Sang's chocolate-colored "espresso," a dreamy nightcap that combines tawny port with Russian imperial stout.
- Jessica Strand
Father's Office, 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; 310-393-2337
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Schatzi
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The crowd at Schatzi, (Governor) Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian bistro, proves you can raise a bipartisan snifter here even in an election year. Check out "Arnold's favorite" libation, Obstler, a high-octane pear and apple schnapps ($7), or the rounder, fruity-but-astringent Rhineland brandy Asbach Uralt ($9). Schatzi also features the usual suspects in terms of Cognacs - including Courvoisier, Remy Martin, Hennessy, and Martell - plus a monthly cigar night, where you and your Cohiba might get some face-time with the "Governator" without trekking to Sacramento.
- MARIA VITULLI DI PAOLA
Schatzi, 3110 Main St., Santa Monica, CA; 310-399-4800; schatzi-on-main.com
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Voda
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At Santa Monica's sensual Voda, vodkaphiles have 100 choices, ranging from centuries-old Jewel of Russia to esoteric Zubrowka. Flavor seekers will want to opt for one of the house specials, like cucumber-infused Ketel One or a splash of organic pomegranate purée in your vodka of choice. Aspiring connoisseurs should check out the rotating sampler, featuring one vodka made from potato, one from rye, one from wheat and two flavored selections, available with an unconventional cheese plate.
- MARIA VITULLI DI PAOLA
Voda Vodka Bar & Restaurant, 1449 Second St., Santa Monica, CA; 310-394-9774; vodabar.com
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