If you’ve got a mind to open a bar somewhere, there are few places as inviting as L.A. The crowds are ample, the weather is great all year round, the women are gorgeous, and there are plenty of different scenes to tap into. But while it may be easy to get your place started, keeping it in business is another matter altogether. The social scene in a bustling metropolis like L.A. is constantly shifting, and the competition for club-hoppers is fierce. If you can make it to the one-year mark, you’ve clearly made it, and a celebration is in order. This past Thursday night, Holly’s West in Santa Monica celebrated that milestone by throwing a bash worthy of the Westside.

On this night, industry insiders mingled comfortably while sipping on Chopin vodka cocktails and snacking on a variety of appetizers from Holly’s regular bar menu. Especially tasty were the ahi tuna tartare (served on a thin wafer that provided just the right amount of crunch), and the sliders (mini-burgers grilled to perfection and served with a side of deli mustard.)

It was a mixed crowd, as many professional types commiserated with quite a few members of the younger set that invades the place on the weekends. I struck up a conversation with a young UCLA philosophy major, and between sips of Chopin and tonic we debated the existence of heaven and hell (and they say good conversation is impossible in this town!) But before too long we were out in the middle of the dance floor with everyone else, jammed between all the beautiful bodies moving with the music.

Known for its dive bars, local hangouts, and lively karaoke scene, the Westside desperately needed a touch of Hollywood glamour, and Holly’s West has succeeded in bringing the class and sophistication of any of L.A.’s hottest spots west of the 405. So if you want a taste of Sunset Boulevard but don’t feel like heading north of Wilshire, get all dolled up, put on the dancing shoes, and head over to Holly’s West – it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Holly’s West, 2460 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 828-3304

The men of Holly’s West.