Fancy a margarita here and there? A platter of nachos? What about a ton of both? That was the idea behind the new outpost from Randy and April Clement, industry vets known for owning and operating Silverlake Wine. The Gracias Jesus, a mezcal and watermelon drink, has made quite the splash.

While the restaurant side of Dear Jane’s is all about subdued nautical vibes, the dimly lit bar calls to mind its sister restaurant, the Culver City steakhouse Dear John’s. The red-toned walls are decked out in portraits, while a warm fireplace lends itself to the overall cozy vibes. The right move at the dark-wood bar is either a classic cocktail (like a great martini or Manhattan) or one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, all named after famous Janes.

A true hidden gem, this upstairs dining area has been a popular West LA wine bar for years but has recently gotten a refresh from Francois Renaud and a team of industry vets. Bartender Chris Grosso, formerly of Blind Barber and Viale dei Romani, mixes new takes on classic cocktails like the Liquid Sunshine, blending rye, Cointreau, honey, and lemon.

West Hollywood’s longstanding dive bar the Den has returned as a well-designed, truly cozy place to get some stellar punch-based drinks. Try the piña gold, a pineapple-mezcal sipper with a hit of tartness from tamarind. The revamped Den has already captured the eager Sunset Strip crowd ready to drink somewhere that feels more grown up.

Bleu Kitchen and Taco Mell joined forces at Champ City Bar & Lounge — an Inglewood bar near SoFi Stadium. In addition to a fresh coat of paint, the duo has introduced a new menu with truffle Parmesan wings, oxtail mac and cheese chili bites, and chicken taquitos, along with a slew of new cocktails and even hookah service.

Leave it to Hollywood to try and remake the British pub its well-designed, over-the-top image. The Chap comes from Ten Five Hospitality, which also operates Mother Wolf and Bar Lis on the block. Instead of the see-and-be-seen crowd, the Chap plays more to a dressed-down audience serving full pints of Fuller’s and Guinness, plus familiar classics like a Pimm’s Cup. Come with a crew to play board games or darts.

Spread across two bars, this sequel from the Mírame crew plays with agave spirits like tequila, mezcal, and bacanora infusing flavors like papaya and anise-y Xtabentun liqueur that have the inventive perspective of chef Joshua Gil’s Baja-inspired menu. Former Gracias Madre bartender Max Reis shakes a mean margarita too, except it’s made with aquachile, nopales granita, and coconut.

Bar Clara not only has a stunning view atop the Hotel Per La, but its airy central bar also features some notable cocktails. Veteran Coleen Morton puts together drinks that cater to day drinking, including a selection of on-tap spritzes. The cocktails range from light to boozy. Try the orange spritz topped off with Champagne and made with a mix of vermouth, amaro, and grapefruit.

Bartender Huy Pham worked with Steep’s owners Samuel Wang and Lydia Lin to prepare a set of tea-infused cocktails that go along with the teahouse’s creative bites. A pu’erh tequila with blackberry liqueur chrysanthemum vodka with cucumber and sesame oil make for thoughtful, lighter-spirit cocktails that feel appropriate in the relaxed setting. Think of Steep After Dark as an antidote to the loud, party-like bars in Downtown.

The former Simone space, tucked into a backstreet of the Arts District, has transformed into the second LA location of Kaviar, a maximalist temple to blow wads of cash on A5 wagyu, caviar service, and high-end vodka. Try the house Old Fashioned with Suntory whisky, Chartreuse, dry Curacao, plus tobacco and Angostura bitters at the gleaming bar.

Eagle Rock hotspot Capri Club celebrates all things aperitivo-related, which, drinks-wise, translates to a selection of Italian-leaning spritzes ranging from watermelon to vermouth-spiked, as well as classic cocktails like Negronis and martinis. There’s also a list of amaro-based 50/50 shots — like red bitters mixed with fernet — so no matter how one chooses to start their evening, there’s something refreshing to kick it off.