Glam vs. Grit

Glam vs. Grit

Media spin may make L.A.'s nightlife seem like a blur of glossy bars, hip clubs, power brokers, and poseurs, but the after-dark scene has as much diversity and creativity as frivolity. The city has a special knack for mixing extremes, though; you may run into celebs in a dingy pub or see a rocker in one of the poshest venues.

The heavily promoted swanky scene (where anyone willing to pay for bottle service, usually starting at about $200, is guaranteed a well-placed table and "somebody" status for a night) is thoroughly prowled by the tanned devotees of personal trainers. Places like these are in especially sharp contrast to the unpretentious dive bars, where smoky voices and well-worn glasses evoke Tom Waits rather than the latest starlet. Expect to pay a $15-$20 cover to get into high-end hot spots (add another $20-$50 if you want to bypass the line by tipping the doorman). The more casual hangouts, on the other hand, rarely charge more than $5. Drink prices are similarly varied, with posh clubs asking $10 and above for specialty drinks, and dive bars selling $2 beers and well drinks. But which places are the best in their respective fields? Let this tally of the top gritty dives and glitzy dens be your guide.

For glitz: the Standard (Downtown L.A. and Sunset Strip); Hyde; Area; LAX.

For grit: Burgundy Room; Short Stop; Echo; Smog Cutter; Mr. T's Bowl; the Smell; Silver Lake Lounge.