The smartest thing you can do on a night out in L.A. is forgo the high-profile hangouts of the moment (right now, that means the White Lotus and the rooftop at the downtown Standard). As locals know all too well, on nights they're not closed for a private party, they're usually overrun with suburban star spotters. Instead, we surveyed a motley mix of nightspots to find out where it's really happening.


NIGHTLIFE
Local VIPs flock to Avalon to get sweaty on the dance floor. Formerly the Palace, a stage for legends Jerry Lewis and Frank Sinatra, the club received more than your standard L.A. facelift when it was overhauled last fall by the designers of the downtown Standard Hotel's lobby and rooftop bar. If you don't mind facing the velvet rope, try slipping into Avalon's Spider Club, a Moroccan-inspired lounge and patio where entrance is granted only with the flash of a membership card or some serious schmoozing. 1735 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323-462-6031.

Shimmy over to Pearl, a new arrival on the scene, to peruse twenty- and thirtysomething club hoppers while dancers slither in shadow boxes to Top 40, house, and hip-hop beats hand-selected by DJ Madd One. On Tuesdays, the crowd belts out karaoke tunes with a live band. Too shy for the stage? Retreat to a suede armchair, sip a vodka tonic, and scope out the talent. 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-358-9191.

If you're savvy enough to find it, you're cool enough to hang out at the Mountain, Chinatown's newest fixture. This bar entices creative types and those seeking refuge from the scamming Hollywood scene. The mod blood red walls and futuristic lamp sculptures give off a moody speakeasy vibe that's perfect for savoring a minty mojito. 473 Gin Ling Way, L.A., (213) 625-7500.

With a ritzy yet cozy living room feel, Windows Lounge at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills is the louche lounge for loitering—with plush sofas and a late-night menu. Clink champagne glasses among achingly hip fashionistas as you ease into a night of barhopping. From the patio, check out the H2s and limos transporting celebs like LL Cool J and Kid Rock to and fro. It's classic Hollywood, minus the lines and lists. 300 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-2222.

Bowlers at Lucky Strike nimbly balance bowling balls and cosmos while teetering on stilettos. The 12-lane alley and bar has enough retro-chic style to lure young clubgoers itching for a twist from the usual cruise down the Strip. Striking out with the beautiful people but not with the pins? Try your luck at pinball or pool or dive into a grilled alley hot dog and a frosty beer. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-467-7776.

With a vintage jukebox blaring, the Burgundy Room is for those who like to rock, not talk. The dimly lit cavern is a raw stomping ground of rockers circa 1980, with a local vibe and a mullet-bearing, leather-wearing crowd. Sidle up to the bar for a beer on tap or a Jack and Coke. Select "Ring of Fire" from the jukebox at your