Dirty Chips and Plastic Bananas.

Metro Rapid Bus 754 - Vermont/Melrose

If you have a pitcher of sangria, a view of Elvis and the Virgin Mary, and healthy helping of black beans, you might just be inside the Original Cha Cha Cha.

Inside the pink exterior are two dining rooms where the Chiquita Banana would feel right at home. It is one of those rare wonderful places that thrive in Silverlake or Venice beach, where good food and a friendly atmosphere blend perfectly with the eclectic decor.

Every time I go, the Dirty Chips with Guacamole are the first things ordered. Before 2pm you can enjoy breakfast dishes with sides of plantains (which are my personal favorite here). After 2 pm, make sure you make it to happy hour: 4-7pm Monday - Thursday for $10 Sangria pitchers.

The side dishes are always a hit, and I hear the Jamacian Jerk Chicken is amazing, although I can't say I've tried it myself. Best of all, everything comes with fresh, warm bread, perfect for dipping in black beans.

You'll leave a little happier, a little warmer, and feeling a little bit more like a part of the family that has kept Cha Cha Cha standing (out) on the corner for the last 22 years.

Wine Wine Wine

Rapid Bus 704 - Santa Monica / Lincoln

Like any decent LA happy hour spot, Bodega is a subtle presence.

Announcing itself with naught but a little sign, Bodega Winebar looks quite red from the outside (in fact, the red windows are its most distinctive feature), but is easy to pass by if you don't know it's there.

Inside, red is still the prevailing color, and their red wines seem to be their star players. At happy hour you can sample some fun wines (the Petit Syrah was the group favorite tonight), and nice appetizers to share with friends in a very low-key environment.

If you're looking for a place to sit - the back tables have brighter lighting and seem a bit more private (as in, you'll have trouble finding your friends if they're sitting there). The raised window seats are very fun, but you might get a bit warm if you're sitting there before sunset. In the center of it all are long tables with stools where you can socialize with larger groups or make new friends. All in all, it is a nice mix of seen or not-seen, mingle or alone.

Since Bodega is located around the corner from Lincoln, just a quick block from Santa Monica Blvd, it is easy to grab a bus and head home when you're done, and it saves you a buck or two on valet parking.

Frank 'N Hank's

Metro Bus 207 - Western Ave/5th Street

Tucked away behind the classic Cocktails sign on Western Blvd. is a little dive bar where the drinks are cold, the people are friendly, and the lights are dark. Local watering holes should all be like this.

Cheap beer and drinks?
Check.

Kitschy drink glasses?
Check.

Christmas lights?
Check.

Red vinyl?
Check.

Regulars playing pool in the back?
Check.

Flashy dart board in the middle of the action?
Check

Jukebox with everything from Jimmy Buffet, to Abba¹, to No Doubt?
Check.

Bus stops nearby² so that you don't have to worry about parking or a DUI?
Check and check.

A big screen TV in the corner plays sports when there is a game on and Jeopardy when there is nothing else to watch. Frank 'n Hank's bartender, Snow, will remember your favorite drink (and pour it strong), help you find something to eat (no bar food here, not even peanuts), warn you about parking in the lot next door (not a problem when you take the bus), and walk out for a cigarette break with the rest of the regulars.

There isn’t a theme to the bar or the customers. Come in your work clothes or wearing jeans and a t-shirt. You can walk in with twenty bucks and walk out a few drinks and a few hours happier. There aren't many places in LA where you can do that.

¹If you select Dancing Queen, prepare to be teased mercilessly by the regulars.

²Local busses stop right at the corner, or walk a few blocks south to Wilshire/Western for the subway or the rapid 720

Engine Co. No. 28

Metro Red Line - 7th Street/Metro Center

Welcome to the old firehouse.

Although it might be fairly common in New York or London, it isn't every day that you get to knock back a few in a building that's nearly a century old. Between earthquakes, expansion, and a vague feeling that history is well...old, L.A. doesn't keep many buildings for more than a few decades.

The Engine Co. No. 28 building has been around since 1912.

It's just half a block from the train (good news if you're drinking!), across the street from the Wilshire Grand, and in the part of L.A. that is Downtown L.A. (south of Crenshaw, north of skid row, and parking is impossible so be ready to tip your valet).

One part historic landmark
Two thirds restaurant
One third bar
Substitute plate glass for two fire doors
Add a dash of freshly made potato chips
And top shelf alcohol
Mix with a few burnt-out coworkers and friendly bartenders

Serve chilled, over ice.

Oh and, watch it - the drinks will wet your thirst and start a fire in your belly.



(These are two of my co-workers. Our bartender felt obligated to forbid us from talking religion or politics while inside the building. We did anyway, but only while he wasn't looking. Both are mild-mannered by day. Honest.)