VIBE

Smoldering retro club where Old Hollywood glamour is channeled with delicate Art Deco design touches and soft red banquettes. Nightly live music and entertainment ranges from burlesque shows to celeb DJs like actor Ryan Gosling spinning on the turntable. Besides the jazzy tent-themed dance floor, a stylish open courtyard welcomes hipsters ironically dragging on their skinny cigarettes, and an intimate bar-side lounge/dining area attracts starry-eyed couples.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

That slinky little dress in your closet, glittering accessories, and killer heels.

GO HERE WITH

A date; girlfriends

CROWD

Upper crust Hollywood clubber set–expect many young starlets in teeny dresses (and the men who chase them).

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a great spot for dancing, catching a jazzy show or great live tunes, enjoying sophisticated drinks with a significant other…basically, a posh little spot with smooth vibes that will work for most any night-out plans.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The iron-clad door.

GOOD TO KNOW

Bardot often runs theme nights like “Classic Hollywood”–try to find out what’s on before you go because it helps to get in if you’re dressed for the theme. Though it’s attached to landmark club Avalon, the entrance to Bardot can be a bit tricky to find: to get there, walk past the main entrance to the Avalon and look for the smaller entrance to the side (near the big parking lot). For those who like their club geneology, Bardot used to be Spider Club, and it’s still run by the same team.

CLOSEST COMPS

Crown Bar (Los Angeles)

Read more about Bardot in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles