Neighborhood: Burbank

Located on the border of Burbank and North Hollywood, this small bar is the place to be for those looking for a trendy bar without the trendy attitude. A nondescript outside hides the sumptuous beauty and style of this quaint little bar. The interior is designed to look like a 50s gin joint; with all the style and grace of that era.

The single room space is cloaked in soft lighting that glimmers off the exposed brick walls adorned with scones and candles set above black circular booths. A long, black enameled bar stretches across the other side of the bar. From here the bartenders offer both good drinks and conversation. If your lucky you will strike up a conversation with the raven haired bartender who has all the sultry beauty of the bar itself.

The drinks here are phenomenal. Much better then what you would expect to find in a neighborhood bar. Their drink selection matches anything you will find in Hollywood or Los Angeles. The pour is great, with no premixing or water-downed booze. Order a drink here and expect to be satisfied.

Despite its opulent charm and style, Bar 21 maintains its neighborhood bar vibe. Perhaps it's the bartenders who actually bother to remember your name or the small size of the place. Either way you'll find yourself welcome by staff and patrons alike. This is the perfect spot to take a date after a diner. They are also open to you ordering in food if you get hungry while you drink.

Come down and check out the Valley's newest gem before it gets picked up by the in crowd. The place never seems to get too packed or too loud. It retains a perfect mixture of energetic joviality and friendly civility.

Once again the parking lot for this bar just cannot handle the numbers of visitors, so park on one of the nearby streets. There is plenty of room for everyone.

Hidden behind a corrugated steel entrance is a bar that time forgot. The decor is straight out of a fifties noir film. Located on the corner of San Fernando and Alameda in Burbank, the Blue Room is the place to be for locals and others looking for a break from the typical Hollywood bar scene.

The Scene

Referred to some as the best damn dive bar in Los Angeles, you will find the place alive with patrons on most nights. The types of people you'll come across at the Blue Room range from the local rummy to glitzed up Studio folk.

From the roomy and comfortable booths to the outdoor patio, the Blue Room, or the Blue as it is referred to by some of the regulars, has something for everyone. Just about the only thing that jumps out as modern in the entire place is the Juke Box. An internet connected wonder that allows you to download just about any song you could think of. That can be both a plus and a minus as I have heard Dancing Queen just one too many times.

The Drinks

The drinks are considerably cheaper then any you will find in Hollywood, or any other nearby bar for that matter; and twice as strong. With affable bar tenders and waitresses just as quick with a line as your drink, you are sure to be pleased with the experience.

The Parking

The parking situation is less then perfect, but at least it’s free. Don’t expect to find parking in their, oh so small lot. There is enough street parking to accommodate everyone though, so don’t worry. Make sure to use the back entrance as the front entrance seems to be just for show (and to comply with local ordinances).