Girls Night Out in L.A.

1449 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Sparkly chandeliers, antique mirrors and plush chaises lend feminine mystique to this jewel box of a bar modeled after a pre-war Parisian salon. Of course, the decor isn't the only old-school element here. The cocktail menu reads like a classic novel with plenty of martinis, Manhattans and other fruity concoctions that the ladies will love.

1026 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Sometimes when the girls get together, you talk shop; other times, you dance to jazz, reggae and hip-hop. If tonight falls into the latter category, head to the former Temple Bar space for underground music, standout cocktails and a huge dance floor to work. On Friday nights, catch a set by resident DJ Lady Sha.

1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Your crowd of decked-out ladies is sure to draw some looks, so why not head to a place equally worthy of appreciative stares? Formerly known as Topper's, the Penthouse boasts one of the best views in town. And the décor--velvet chairs, gauzy curtains and a sleek, sea-shell imprinted wrap-around bar, is likewise dressed to impress.

1154 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

The Echo's subterranean club is the perfect place to let loose if the gaggle is feeling like a rowdy, wild night out. It's loud, it's dark, it's kinda sweaty ... What are you waiting for?

1700 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Grab a table on the front porch of this remodeled '20s-era bungalow and catch up on conversation over a bottle (or two!) of wine before heading over to Silver Lake's de facto community center (aka Spaceland) for some rockin' live music and dancing.

643 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

Sure, this Mid-Century Modern player in the SBE empire probably made all of our top ten lists last year too, but there is something timeless about sleek white leather Barcelona chairs, over-sized communal tables, plush leather banquettes and a view of the shimmering city below. The Golden Mean? Possibly. A perfect equation? Definitely.

8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Forget ladies who lunch, this Sunset Strip spot is for gals who go gourmet. Local, seasonal and organic ingredients provide the base note for all of chef Sebastien Archambault's signature dishes, including the seared diver scallops, green vegetable risotto and the burger with black Angus beef, foie gras and morels. Bon appétit!

692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

We know it's cliché to plan a girls' night out at a really well-known gay bar, but that doesn't change the fact this WeHo watering hole is a treasure trove of over-sized, communal tables, cozy curtained cabanas and really strong cocktails. Order up a round of mojitos and let the girl talk begin!

700 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (map)

With its impossibly high ceilings, impeccably white walls, marble-tiled floors and gilded Baroque tables, this Euro-style restaurant, market and patisserie is the perfect place to pop open a bottle of Champagne, savor a slice of chocolate cake and swap stories about your most recent--and torrid--love affairs.

800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (map)

Looking for a good excuse to strap on those four-inch stilettos? Look no further than The Conga Room's vibrant new outpost at the L.A. Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles. Like a good friend, you can count there being a sea of shaking booties on the dance floor--especially when Andy Garcia and the Cineson All-Stars take the stage on Thursday, June 25th.

108 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

While heavy machinery is not usually on hand when the ladies get together, this turn-of-the-century boiler room turned swanky nightlife Mecca mixes imposing metal equipment with sleek leather couches and glass-topped tables to evoke the grit of the Industrial Revolution with a dose of '20s-era glamour. Flapper-style dresses not required.

1638 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Nothing says "no boys allowed" like sipping cosmos under vintage hair dryers or downing martinis while getting a manicure. This '60s-themed beauty parlor-cum-bar has all the fixings for a night out with the gals. Dancing? Check. Jukebox? Check. Photo booth? Check. And, if lady luck is on your side, you might even score an impromptu 'do from a wandering street stylist. (Have you heard of Hollywood's famous "Hair Cowboy?")

8164 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Is Third Street technically Hollywood? Who knows? And who cares? The patio at this super-lively Frenchie turns into a jammin' lounge/art space/salon every Thursday night. The music ranges from Flamenco to North African and beyond, and the artist paints/performs accordingly. Swooning couples still enjoy the gorgeous scenery and food it's famous for, but the girls turn out to party.

742 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)

Sure, you and the girls could splurge on that trip to Paris that you always talk about or you could keep things cheaper and simpler by heading to this emporium of global street food by Susan Feniger of "Two Hot Tamales" fame. Catch up on gossip around the outdoor fire pit, while feasting everything from Chinese Sesame Cakes to Indian Vada Dumplings to Moldavian Meatballs. Viva!

1738 N Orange, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Andy Warhol once said, "I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They're beautiful. Everybody's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic." Chances are Warhol would also have loved this Hollywood nightclub du jour, which is making headlines for its long lines of beautiful people. The dance floor is a bachelorette's dream, but make sure the whole crew is on the list before showing up.