Westsiders can claim bragging rights to having the beach as their front yard (or at least having it only a Cali Cruiser ride away), and no one could argue that proximity to PCH is as dreamy as it gets. Days are filled with boardwalk strolls, Temescal hikes, and maybe even a jaunt up those Santa Monica Stairs. But when the sun sets, we've heard rumblings from bummed residents about the nightlife — exclusivity is pretty nonexistent. The velvet ropes near the sand just aren't as tightly locked as they are by those beefy Hollywood bouncers!
For those folks rightly fearful of hitting the 405 after too many Moscow Mules at WeHo's Soho House, but still looking to hang with successful, creative folks closer to their own zip code, here's your answer: 41 Ocean. Owners Jeremy Umland and Max Russo have created the ideal outdoor Spanish-style space that feels just as cozy as it is swank. The food is divine (try the crispy chicken and arancini), the private club hosts dog-friendly Sunday brunches, the piano bar sets a speakeasy tone, and here's the best part: The bar bottles its own delish fizzy cocktails like Cuba Libres, Pimm's Cups, and Dark & Stormys. Anyone feeling thirsty? Yep, us too. So, get those applications filled out now before the waiting list becomes as long as the line outside of Intelligentsia!
41 Ocean, 1541 Ocean Avenue, Suite 150-160 (near Colorado Avenue); 310-566-3870.
Photo: Courtesy of Truth Be Told PR