Down Below: L.A.'s Underground Bars

Swanky is the operative word at this boiler-room-turned-lounge, where patrons can disappear into the depths of urban L.A. and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails under the glow of old-school Hollywood lights ... and bump into each other at the communal "wash room."

Everyone knows about the rooftop action and ground-level sushi/Japanese restaurant at this over-the-top, red-hued Hollywood landmark. But those who want a more underground experience head below to the Basement for some serious dancing and live entertainment.

Baked potatoes, melted cheese and jazz tunes help to round out the quirky, mellow vibe at this Studio City favorite where you can sit back, relax and enjoy underground music acts every night of the week.

If sun and surf aren't your thing, then you'll want to go low, low, low to this below-ground restaurant and lounge situated in Long Beach's East Village Arts District. There's something new going on every week, from DJs and dancing to live performances, happy hour "social hour" and trivia night.

Hipster hangout: This Goth-inspired music venue draws crowds of in-the-know music elitists who rock out to their favorite underground bands, while literally being underground.

If a standard American happy hour met a traditional late-night British pub crawl, the result would look an awful lot like this downtown restaurant and brewery's underground scene. Regulars come for hearty food, looming plasmas TVs, specialty brews and not one, but two, happy hours.