Circus Disco
This place is a gold mine of musical talent, especially on Saturday nights with Spundae. The world-class DJs keep the place on its feet, and it has been nominated for best dance club in Los Angeles. There are multiple rooms, so the music changes from location to location. The thundering bass and electronic vibes will surely keep your legs pumping and swaying all the way home.
Club DV8
Run by KIIS FM, LA's Top 40 radio station, DV8 is a popular Thursday and Friday destination because it's 18-and-up.
The Ivar
The Ivar is in the heart of Hollywood and is one block west of the world's most famous intersection, Hollywood and Vine. The architecture is spellbinding, and the club is enormous, with enough space to fit 1,500 people. Clubgoers beware: There is usually a stiflingly long line outside if you arrive past 10:30 p.m.
Les Deux
Seen on various not-to-be-named LA reality shows, Les Deux is an ultra-trendy club perfect for a big night out or birthday. Top 40 hits will be blaring Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Spaceland
Spaceland is the destination for techno and house beats, as well as up-and-coming local bands, which debut here almost nightly.
The Viper Room
The Viper Room has a more upscale vibe than the typical student dive, but the club's killer drinks and often killer alternative bands are worth the extra buck.
Whiskey A Go Go
This cozy venue is a jumping-off point for dozens of local bands, and a ticket and drink won't cost upwards of $20. Although it's on Sunset, Whiskey's vibe is anything but obnoxiously trendy.
The Colony
The Colony is in the space formerly occupied by White Lotus. The Colony is billed as "The Hamptons meets Hollywood," and the decor follows this theme. There are wood-plank floors, an outdoor garden, and a large dance floor.
O'Hara's
Formerly called Maloney's, this bar houses the most TVs in all of Westwood and is an absolute madhouse whenever there is a sporting event. Student sports fans (and older ones who can't let go of their college roots) will find O'Hara's the place to be for any sporting occasion.
1000 Gayley Ave.
Westwood
(310) 208-1942
Tengu
Named after a group of elusive long-nosed goblins in Japanese folklore, Tengu is a very hot Asian-fusion restaurant, as well as a great bar. Sundays are half-price sake nights and there is no cover charge.
W Bar
This bar offers a modern, chic alternative to the loud and student-saturated local bar scene. Set in the amazing W Hotel, a first-class building of its own, the ambiance of the bar is more New York than UCLA. The velvet ropes may be intimidating, but the intimacy inside is stunning, especially on the weekdays. For a date that's slightly out of the ordinary, check out this swanky yet subtle jewel tucked away on the outskirts of Westwood.
930 Hilgard Ave. in W Hotel
(310) 208-8765
Westwood Brewing Company
Skip the bottlenecks in favor of one of their handcrafted ales like a Westwood Blonde or Pear Cider. This is the only microbrewery in Westwood, so enjoy the variety here. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $2.50 beers and half-priced appetizers. On Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., come here to watch some football with $2 pints and Bloody Marys, 25-cent Buffalo wings. There's live entertainment every night and no cover charge.
1097 Glendon Ave.
Westwood
(310) 209-2739
What to Do if You're Not 21What's This?
The Cow's End Café
There are plenty of comfy couches and delicious smoothies here to melt away daily stress while you curl up with a good book. The local crowd is relaxed, and on certain nights there are live performances. The Cow's End also houses a computer with Internet connection for some quick e-mail check-ups, and plug-ins. Beware of the loud writers talking to studio heads about their prospective manuscripts-while amusing, these people are extraordinarily loud in the otherwise tranquil atmosphere.
Crash Mansion
This is one of downtown LA's premiere club venues. The balcony is a cool place to chill and get your drink on with another full bar in the middle. The club is modern and definitely large in scale. There are plenty of students from all over Los Angeles at this club.