The City of Angels is speakeasy central, writes Shandelle Battersby.
It's hard to keep on top of the speakeasy scene in Los Angeles - we're talking hidden entrances, secret passwords, changing menu themes, and a constantly rotating cocktail list. Here are some of the best new bars.
TEN POUND BAR
Scotch aficionados need to make a beeline for the Macallan Bar, known as the Ten Pound Bar, at The Montage Beverly Hills. Climb a hidden staircase and find a luxurious space, complete with private lounges with fireplaces overlooking the Beverly Cannon Gardens. They'll serve up aged cheddar and dried, pressed bacon with your drink.
R BAR
Yarrrr. Does it get any better than a pirate-themed bar that you need a password to access? Not only does R Bar offer booty for those who dress up for its themed nights (info on which, like the password, can be found on its social media channels), it also offers live music and the chance for a bit of karaoke. You'll find it in the up-and-coming Koreatown area in Downtown LA.
BLIND BARBER
Don't have too many cocktails while you're getting a haircut at the Blind Barber - you might end up with a mohawk or a perm. It might be best just to head straight to the bar in the back room of the barbershop, and settle in for a few quiets accompanied by one of their famous grilled cheese sammies.
BREAK ROOM 86
One of the coolest hotels in Koreatown is The Line, which is home to one of the area's coolest bars. Take it back to the 80s at Break Room 86, with cocktails named after teen idols of the era. You can book a private room for either 80s-themed karaoke or a session on the Atari.
Other hidden LA bars owned by the same crowd, all in Hollywood, include Good Times at Davey Wayne's (1970s), La Descarga (Havana-themed, "upscale attire only"), and Dirty Laundry (Prohibition-era, believed to have been actor Rudolph Valentino's secret hangout in the 1920s).
GENESIS
In the attic and through a copper door at Hollywood's Sassafras Saloon you'll find Genesis. Decorated with stuffed alligators, baboon heads and distressed wallpaper, the bar is inspired by the New York City of the dance club-era.
THE EDISON
Accessed via a Downtown LA alleyway, The Edison is a craft cocktail bar housed in a large former power plant. On Thursdays it plays host to burlesque dancers, and if you kit yourself out in 1920s garb, you'll earn brownie points.
TUNNEL BAR
Accessed via a candle-lit staircase under two bright blue lights behind a secret steel door inside the Tipple & Brine gastro pub in Sherman Oaks, Tunnel Bar has a rounded brick ceiling, reminiscent of the arch in a subway tunnel. Think dim lighting and quilted red leather banquettes set among 1970s rockstar portraits. The pub provides the snacks.
CHECKLIST
Getting there: Air NZ flies daily to LA.
For more information: Visit DiscoverAmerica.com
