Bars in Los Angeles had a banner year in 2008. Despite a recession, no fewer than 20 nightspots debuted around town, largely as a result of plans set in motion in 2007 during a night-life renaissance in neighborhoods such as Hollywood.
It remains to be seen which of these lounges, bars and clubs will remain hot into 2009 -- Angelenos are notoriously fickle. But the following new-ish destinations are the ones we think made the most noise in 2008, for better or worse.
Coco de Ville
Love it or hate it, 2008 was Coco de Ville's year. The small lounge (attached to equally attractive night-life destination STK) all but stole the spotlight away from Koi last year as the destination to catch a celebrity. Paparazzi still line up outside Coco every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (the three nights the bar is open) hoping to snag a picture of a Kardashian or a Playboy playmate. But it's not just reality TV stars and "adult" types who like Coco's whimsical feel; David Spade, Kevin Connolly and even Jeff Bridges (a.k.a. "The Dude") have ordered up a white Russian or two inside the One Group's West Coast answer to Manhattan's Tenjune.
Bardot
Formerly the Spider Club, Bardot re-launched atop the Avalon this past fall as a smart, sexy lounge that was 2008's answer to the Green Door (the hot Hollywood bar scene of 2007). In fact, several former Green Door employees have found a home at Bardot, including doorman Tom Colley. The bar counts Prince and Paris Hilton among its fans. Monday nights feature a burlesque feel, with live music, while Wednesdays draw an eclectic hipster crowd hellbent on dancing to electro and the latest Britpop. Picture tufted banquettes against dimly lit golden ocher walls, with faux antique paintings everywhere.
Laurel Tavern
The word "gastropub" entered the collective vernacular of mainstream bar-goers last year (see the continued success of Melrose Avenue's Village Idiot). And although Laurel Tavern's owners insist their bar is not technically a gastropub, it certainly feels like one. Call it an updated take on the pub; whatever, it has been packed with Studio City locals since it launched in October. It seems night owls are flocking to low-key yet inviting spots such as this one, where the prices are right and the vibe is somehow recession-appropriate (without seeming drab).
Ecco
