l'scorpion

If you know me, you know I'm a tequila drinker, and L'Scorpion is just my kinda tekillya bar.

It's got the look of a dark, seedy, cave of a watering hole, but it's actually clean (the way I like my dining establishments). They have an impressive selection and a number of specialty drinks that were pretty damn good, even to the fussy likes of me.

Knowing I hadn't had a chance to check this place out, The Beer gave me a surprise party here for my birthday a couple of months ago. We were in the back room - the one Manny mentioned in his review - but thankfully had a much better experience.

Thursday nights (which my b-day just happened to be) they do a nice tequila tasting and pairing menu for $45/person. It was a great experience, with surprisingly good food, some amazing tequila and well thought out pairings.

As for the service, we must have gotten lucky because the (scantily clad) waitress we had was very attentive, despite working the front bar area along with a full house in the back. She even stopped by a few times with some special shots for the birthday girl, including some strong fruity concoction the bartender came up with called jungla (pronounced yoongla, think, the tequila version of jungle juice) which was the beginning of the end for me, but damn good at the time.

Sidebar: I rarely get wasted, (even drinking loads of tequila, which seemed to impress the bartender who continued to pour), and this ended up being the first night Beer saw me completely "tossed off my box" as he would say. It was all fine and well until we got into the car, at which point, I realized I had to work in the morning and it was gonna be a loooong night - a long night spent passed out on the cold tile of the bathroom floor until about 4am when I could sit up again. Anyhoo ...

I think even the greatest place is gonna have an off night, so I'd say this one is worth giving a shot -no pun intended- and checking out yourself. Let me know what you thought.

Tip: They have a good happy hour here from 6-8 every night if you live or work in the area.

the bowery

For quick, fresh, anytime fare, don't miss The Bowery on Sunset. I'm lucky to be able to take a quick jaunt across the street for lunch, but this is also a great pick if you're catching a flick at Arclight up the street.

The space is small - it's really a bar with a restaurant - but they somehow manage to get everyone squeezed into the black leather booths and chairs comfortably. The specials, along with the respectable by the glass beer and wine list, line a chalkboard wall which meets a coffered tin ceiling and shiny, white subways tiles which also define the street-side exterior. All in all, it's classic, chic and masculine space with a very clean, east-coast vibe.

Americana lunch standards include a juicy, customizable Burger that's nothing short of heaven with a side of their signature Sweet Potato Fries and a Spinach Salad that makes me want to clean my plate every time. Seasonal specials include a Seared Ahi Tuna dish cooked perfectly and served with a very complementary corn and black bean relish, and a stand up Gazpacho that's great given the Summer heat. For dinner, the Moules Meuniere were fresh and sweet and even got a nod of approval from The Beer, which is not an easy feat.

If you're in the hood, this stop should be on your list.

6268 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 465-3400