WHY The closest L.A. has to a speakeasy, with a discreetly marked door at the back of Cole’s and exquisitely crafted cocktails.

WHAT 1920s-style barmen, a jazz soundtrack and fresh fruit juices make the Varnish old-school—yet it’s up to date on the latest in mixology.

WHO The Downtown bar-crawling crowd is youngish, but high-end cocktails keep out drinkers looking for cheap well drinks and a loud party scene.