Westside Cool: Culver City Hot Spots

9531 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Because it's a gastropub. Get it? Okay, forget the grease monkey visual that the name conjures and refuel with casual New American grub from the kitchen and culinary mind of chef-caterer Ben Ford. (Yes, as in Harrison's son, you big star-strucker.)

9523 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Artsy vegan and veggie locals rave for the leafy green salads of this downtown Culver favorite. If you're in the mood for organic, it seems a no-brainer to dine here, especially since the wraparound sidewalk patio allows guests to get that much closer to nature.

3280 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90034 (map)

Pan-Asian fusion is what former Chinois on Main chef, Kazuto Matsusaka, does best. Here, beneath the Beacon Laundry marquee in the Helms Bakery complex, he does it again, turning this small yet airy eatery into what some are calling Culver City's first destination restaurant.

9540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Meat market: Culver City's swanky, super-sized two-in-one Korean barbecue spot is where grilled meats meet a loungey, laidback bar scene. Happily do-it-yourself here because the underground air-sucking grills that outfit the joint certainly don't stink--and neither will you.

9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Dress to impress and try not to stare as you chow down at this sceney Culver City eatery inside the historic 1925 Hull Building. If the pretty people don't entice you, consider the fact that this is also an eco-friendly resto, placing a hearty emphasis on organic and sustainable eats.

9411 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

There's a rural, rustic sensibility to this Culver City bistro known for its elegant culinary touches. Surround yourself in the warm space, reminiscent of Southern Italy and France, while dining on house specialties like braised rabbit and artichoke tortellini.

8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Part gallery and part eatery, this Japanese eye-catcher offers visitors food, lounging and everything in between. Sandwiches and espresso highlight the menu, but really it's the anime heavy ambiance and the waitstaff--believe it or not dressed as mischievous French maids--that seal the deal.

8703 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

This French cafe's menu is a throwback to classic bistro fare. Meanwhile, the renovated warehouse space possesses all the casual friendliness of an authentic Parisian bistro, complete with friendly waiters bearing heavy French accents. Oui, oui indeed.

10400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

This dive bar is like a 1970's apres ski lounge, complete with rich wood walls and a roaring fire pit to sprawl around. Let off some steam with a weekday Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm. And, oh yeah, consider a designated driver--"stiff drink" is an understatement here.

9300 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Underground club kids and folks too hip for their own good, this club's for you. Drinks are affordable, there's rarely a cover charge and the music is blaring--everything from hip-hop, electro, deep soul and retro rock.

10899 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90034 (map)

Go way back with help from this '70s-themed nightclub featuring both a neighborhood/industry bar scene and live, late-night DJs. Patrons can flirt shamelessly by the baroque cupid-flanked bar or be nice and cozy by the glowing circular fireplace.

3847 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

From the tasting bar to the cellar stocked with 2,000+ bottles of the good stuff, this wine bar/retail space draws an eclectic crowd of artists and execs. Amateurs, sip your way to pro status and don't be afraid to quiz their in-house sommelier with your questions.

12236 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066 (map)

This former dive bar on the cusp of Mar Vista has been reincarnated into an unpretentious cocktail lounge. At once chic and industrial, get your story straight and show up here for vodka (their selection is in the hundreds) or a pint of Czechwar, a Czech favorite you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Cali.

9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Downtown CC's Chicago-style joint offers fancy bar food and a hoppin' party scene. After 10pm, DJs make it a true destination for the young and the restless. There's even a "structural" stripper pole for those ready to take a walk on the wild side.

11168 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 (map)

Pitchers of European lager, bar games and televised sports take center stage in this Culver pub. Sure, this joint is a total dive, but that's a compliment since it's nice to see there remains a no-frills place that's still actually fun.

3225 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (map)

Culver City's answer to the Pacific Design Center, perhaps? Here it's strictly fashion for the home, however. Discover more than 50 decor manufactures all in this shared space inside the historic Helms Bakery building.

8712 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Can you say designer discount boutique? This outlet boasts clothes consolidated from top L.A. boutiques like Sigerson Morrison, Christian LaCroix and Cacherel--all at 50 to 80 percent off retail.

6039 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Ultra compact, but worth the squeeze, this corner shop in Culver stocks one-of-a-kind skirts, dresses and blouses from local and international designers. After all, there's no reason you should match the other girls at the party.

8824 National Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

From pro-quality pots and pans, muffin tins and measuring spoons (including teeny ones that measure a pinch, dash and smidgen) to escargot dishes and chef hats, this place has everything you need to take your next meal to the next level.