The food isn't the only draw at Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's Son of a Gun. The restaurant happens to have one of LA's most extensive and boundary pushing cocktail lists. Barman Daniel Warrilow is putting out everything from Pimm's Cups to Old Fashioneds to Tiki drinks, so there's something for everyone.

Justin Pike still runs the bar at Casey Lane's popular Abbot Kinney eatery, and he pushes the envelope with new takes on old standards (The Braveheart) and, recently, bottle-conditioned cocktails.

This may be LA's most elegant drinking den. From Mark and Jonnie Houston and with drinks by Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni, this is one of the best places to drink in Hollywood right now.

Dustin Lancaster and Matthew Kaner's first project together is still among the best wine bars in town. Dim and dusty, it feels like it could have been a wine cellar at one point, but curious knick-knacks attract the eye. Glasses and bottles are priced reasonably and picked to please.

The view at Perch is the main draw. Surrounded by LA's architecture, 13 stories up, anything would taste pretty good, but Perch's cocktail list contains a few gems too.

There's a good selection of craft beer at this newish Culver City bar, and the easy manner of the servers and casual cool about the place make it a pleasant (not pretentious) place to pick a pint.

Dustin Lancaster's second project (see also Bar Covell) is also a winner, and Highland Park knows it. Harder to find beers on tap and exotic wines by the glass along with a curious selection of food (steamed buns) make it worth the drive.

Who knew Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson (Roger Room) could so successfully redo a Hollywood landmark (Ye Coach & Horses)? The Pikey proves, both in food and drink, that sometimes it's best to go with something new.