[UPDATE: This story was originally publish on April 20.]

Sometimes you've just gotta get your Glee on, whether in the privacy of a small room with friends or in front of a crowd at the dive-iest of watering holes. Lucky for us Angelenos, there's a karaoke bar for every kind of crooner in town: small and intimate, loud and rowdy, and even a few spots that serve up Soju and hand out tambourines, ensuring you can show off your mad singing skills, 27 Dresses-style, at any kind of joint.

And not to worry if the idea of performing in front of strangers gives you the willies, there's plenty of liquid courage to go around. From Santa Monica to K-Town and back, this list has you covered with all the best places to party down and sing your heart out. So, grab a brush, and practice your best Diana Ross impression in front of the ol' mirror — it's karaoke time!

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): The Good Nite Bar, Feel Karaoke, Happy Ending Bar, and Backstage Karaoke.

Backstage
For happy hour well drinks and a rowdier crowd, head to Backstage in Culver City. The atmosphere is decidedly un-hipster, dive-y, and just the place to dig into a slider while watching someone go full-on Cindy Lauper. Make sure to get your name on the list early and often, as it can get pretty crowded.
The Backstage, 10400 Culver Boulevard (At Motor Avenue); 310-839-3892.

Max Karaoke
You will want to make a reservation for this Little Tokyo-adjacent karaoke club. A happening spot on the weekend, Max Karaoke provides the perfect atmosphere for let you tap into your inner ScarJo, circa Lost in Translation. Unfortunately, a pink wig and Bill Murray aren't included.
Max Karaoke, 333 South Alameda Street Suite 216 (At East 3rd Street); 213-620-1030.

Coreoke at The Happy Ending Bar
What is Coreoke you might ask? It's three guys named Corey who play live karaoke, featuring classic rock and your favorite tunes from the '80s. It's silly, it's fun, and you can find them in Hollywood at the Happy Ending Bar and Grill every Wednesday night from 9 p.m. until Thursday.
Coreoke at The Happy Ending Bar, 7038 Sunset Boulevard (Near North La Brea Avenue); 323-469-7038.

Vermont Karaoke And Billiards
Enjoy private rooms, soju, and a little bit of billiards if you're not in a singing mood, here. This K-Town spot is great for a divided group. Some can sing, some can play pool, and some can just be flies on the wall.
Vermont Karaoke And Billiards, 191 South Vermont Avenue (Near West 2nd Street); 213-385-3337.

Other Notables:
The Good Nite, 10721 Burbank Boulevard (Near Denny Avenue); 323-899-3366.
Feel Karaoke, 600 South Harvard Boulevard (At West 6th Street); 213-385-2221.
Boardwalk 11, 10433 National Boulevard Suite 5 (Near Mentone Avenue); 310-837-5245.

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on February 24.]

We're constantly trolling Venice Beach for a non-dilapidated pad that fits the budget (and has more than a rabbit den of closet space). But alas, not all of us are fortunate enough to wake up each morning in our Cali Craftsmen to the fresh beach air and artsy scene that permeates the happening 'hood.

To hit the reset button, a relaxing Saturday or wild First Friday spent strolling down Abbot Kinney could certainly suffice. It's a long jaunt down the boho Boulevard, though, and unless you've got serious stamina, you'll never be able to hit up every spot in sight. This is why we've kindly pounded the pavement for you, to take the guesswork and legwork out of your next weekend adventure. Grab the best bloody on the block, do some tipsy shopping at a dope design store, and buy a new bikini to rock on the Boardwalk afterward. And don't forget your pup — this street caters to canines more than any other! So...Westside Rentals, here you come?

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 15.]

If Don Draper could hop in a Delorean, he’d park it in front of TBWA\Chiat\Day’s eff-the-establishment office space in Playa Vista. Home to the whiz kids behind America’s most prolific ads (Apple’s splashy neon billboards, the Energizer Bunny, and Taco Bell’s chihuahua), the radically modern building designed by Clive Wilkinson Architects serves as fertile breeding ground for the quick-witted tone of the unconventional agency.

Within minutes of our arrival inside the technicolor structure, a surfer dude on a skateboard cruised by, four pooches were spotted, and our photographer immediately knew we’d max out our slated time to shoot. Between stylish ladies rocking edgy looks, a massive indoor basketball court, and whacked out tchotchkes everywhere we turned, it was an other-worldly spectacle for even the most eye-candy indifferent.

Once aesthetic equilibrium was restored, we got the lay of the land, and snapped as many pics of the trendy troops and dramatic environs as time would allow. But prepare yourself before you peep this amazing "Ad City"— it's enough to make anyone want to ditch their day job. Are you ready to send your resume to HR?

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on April 6.]

We’ve got news for real raw-fish aficionados: The legit sushi snobs in L.A. aren’t dining at scenester spots like Izakaya, or even BH's high-falutin' Urasawa. They’re feasting on sashimi at strip malls and under-wraps Japanese joints. In fact, there’s a sea of stealth sushi spots around here that boast authentic-as-it-gets chefs and boat-to-table fare; you just have to know where to look (and it ain’t Yelp, friends).

That's why we cast our net wide and rounded up all of the go-to restos that insiders would only begrudgingly share. From a Bob Marley-themed place on Pico to a downtown local-loved teeny eatery, you’ll definitely want to take the bait, and nosh on our fave fresh fare. We’ll accept your "domo arigato" in advance!


Photos Via (Clockwise from left): Hirozen, Toshi, Hirozen, Kiriko

Zooma Sushi
If you whiz by too fast on PCH, you may not even see this sweet spot shrouded in Malibu jungle. Chef Toshi serves up some of the yummiest dishes, and you may even spot a celeb or two in their sweats. We live for the Ganja and Vegas rolls, and you absolutely must try the Fried Green Tea Ice Cream for dessert (it's dashed with cinnamon, and divine).
Zooma Sushi, 29350 Pacific Coast Highway (Near Zuma Beach); 310-457-4131.

Sushi House
You know you truly love a place when it's painful to share its addy! This is definitely not scenester-sushi — so don't bother getting gussied up. Two very different worlds meet here on Pico: a rad Rastafarian theme combines cheap Japanese that's our absolute jam. So go ahead and rock out to Bob Marley tunes while you eat amazing albacore and dragon rolls with the stoney chefs.
Sushi House, 12013 West Pico Boulevard (Near South Westgate Avenue); 310-479-1507.

Hama Sushi
Sit at the bar at this teeny eatery for the most delish spicy tuna rolls served by the happiest chefs in town. This spot has grown more popular with the gentrification of downtown, but we promise, it's worth any wait you may face.
Hama Sushi, 347 East 2nd Street (Near South San Pedro Street); 213-680-3454.

Hirozen Gourmet
Hirozen's definitely a hole in the wall, but foodies flock to the handful of tables for mouthwatering nibbles. And we strongly recommend that you do too!
Hirozen Gourmet, 8385 Beverly Boulevard (Near North Orlando Avenue); 323-653-0470.

Sushi Zo
This resto will have your tastebuds screaming "spectacular" from the first course down to the last mini bite. It's Omakase only, which means you're at the whim of the pros behind the raw bar, but why can't your mouth get adventurous every now and then?
Sushi Zo, 9824 National Boulevard (At Castle Heights Avenue); 310-842-3977.

Kiriko
Satisfaction is guaranteed in the flavor department at Kiriko! And they get high marks for masterful service, too. This place is all the rage with L.A.'s expert seafood eaters.
Kiriko Sushi, 11301 West Olympic Boulevard (At Sawtelle Boulevard); 310-478-7769.

Other Notables:
Toshi Sushi, 359 East 1st Street (Near South Central Avenue); 213-680-4166.
Hamasaku, 11043 Santa Monica Boulevard (At Camden Avenue); 310-479 7636.
Crazy Fish, 9105 West Olympic Boulevard (At South Doheny Drive); 310-550-8547.
Sasabune, 12400 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 150 (Near South Carmelina Avenue); 310-820-3596.
Restaurant Komasa, 351 East 2nd Street (Near South Central Avenue); 213-680-1792.

UPDATE: Summertime's almost over, so blast this playlist while you still can. This story was originally published on June 7.

We don't mess around when it comes to jams. So when we were looking for something new to listen to (on repeat) we knew we had to tap the very best. Enter: Miss Harley Viera Newton, who happily served up a new playlist of classic faves. HVN and track list partner, DJ Ross One titled their collaborative compilation "Homefriends" and enlisted the help of Alexa Chung, Sean Kinney, Josephine de la Baume, Stauds, and Derek Blasberg. The result is a laid-back, hour-long series of tunes that melt into each other as easily as you hope your home friends will mix with your new friends at your big summer BBQ. Feel us?

Harley does. "Homefriends is at times a coming of age mix — lots of songs make us super nostalgic for our teenage years. There's nothing like your friends from home and the soundtrack you shared. We wanted to make something a little different from the typical playlist you'd hear at a club. These are our favorite songs that we've been playing for years, and we wanted to put a few of our secret gems out there along with the classics," she told us. Classics, indeed — it's already a major hit here at R29 HQ and we'd hedge our bets its soon to get some serious stars on your Walkman iPod smart phone, too. Check out the complete list of tunage below, and listen on, dudes, listen on.

Updated: This was originally posted on June 6, but we wanted to bring it back to remind you how delicious an end-of-summer mojito can be!

Sure, it doesn't have an official stamp or Wikipedia-backing, but it's common knowledge: The mojito is the drink of Miami. Not only is it our favorite warm-weather libation, but with its distinctive Cubano flavor and refreshing mint kiss, the muddled drink is a perfect representation of The Magic City—a combination of tastes, a hint of sweetness, and a nod to our Latin-infused heritage. Most importantly, it tastes friggin' awesome.

So, to make this the #summerofmojitos (we just made that up, but we're thinking it ought to stick), we've prepared a must-memorize map to the city's coolest mojito offerings. From blackberry infusions and mojito-tinis to classic mint/sugar/rum combos, we've got the 13 best concoctions to sample in four key Miami neighborhoods. Don't forget to bookmark this cheat-sheet—you don't need to wait 'til the end of the week to celebrate Summer Fridays.

Drink up! We've got all of the 305's best mojitos right here on one can't-miss map.

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 30.]

Single Angelenos, we feel your pain — finding a mate in L.A. can feel as insanely difficult as unicorn hunting, sometimes. We too frequently hear terrible tales of bad breath, awkward convos, and even straight up stand-ups. Well, sometimes you just need a wing woman to pluck the keepers from the sea of skeezy, and nudge you in the right direction.

As your always-updated little black book, here we are, with a list of 11 steamy and solid guys who make for more-than-worthy suitors. From the artsy introverted type to the regal real-estate mogul, we've got well-rounded guys to appease every picky peep's predilections — and will probably make you weak in the knees, too. Don't worry, this isn't just a teaser, though. There's email info included! So, go get 'em tiger, and swipe an unattached bach for your perfect match.

Photographed by Molly Cranna

UPDATE: Looking for a little creative inspiration? This designer's got it in spades. This story was originally published on Mar 9.

Is there anything more inspiring than a stylish woman at the top of her game professionally and creatively? In our minds—nope. The one-two-three punch of innovative drive, business savvy, and genuine, original style gets us every time. So, naturally, we developed an instant girl crush on Design Army co-founder Pum Lefebure. After launching a graphic-design firm with her husband in 2003, Pum has been hard at work directing dreamy editorial shoots, creating eye-catching visuals, and generally crushing it, style-wise. We caught up with this extra-busy lady at the Design Army studio on H Street NE for a private tour and a glimpse of her favorite looks (including some insane accessories). Read on for the full tour of her extra-stylish digs.

UPDATE: SNL hiatus got you down? Hit up one of these comedy clubs, and get your laughs live instead. This story was originally published on May 23.

It wasn’t too long ago that comedy in the Big Apple was relegated to just a handful of Manhattan clubs. These days, though, you can get your laughs on (and catch SNL stars off duty) almost anywhere. From traditional venues to alt havens, the New York comedy scene is booming like never before.

To get in on the hype, we turned to comic guru Aaron Eisenberg (you’ll find him in Barnstormer at The PIT) to put together a comprehensive guide to getting the good kind of bellyache. Thanks to his tips, we found that during any night of the week, there's a variety of shows at your fingertips — and you might not even have to get your wallet out to see 'em. As for the "where," well, we've made a map to make finding your LOLs easy. Without further ado, we present Refinery29’s cheat sheet to ROFL in New York City.

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 8.]

Full disclosure: We remember Brad Goreski from way back when, before the TV tear sheds and red-carpet coups (we’re still reeling from Jessica Alba’s Golden Globes moment last year). We’ve all rejoiced in his sky-rocketing success story because, at the end of the day, it took oodles of elbow grease and killer wit to become Bravo’s It’s A Brad Brad World It Boy.

But, after our revealing interview, we learned things about the 34-year-old Toronto native that made us adore him so much more. Yes, he talked a tad about his feud with Zoe (although he’d rather not), but with his memoir, Born To Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far hitting shelves today, he actually opened up about so many more important skeletons that were previously in his closet (did you know that being 10 years sober is his secret weapon, or that he used to rummage around in bins full of the Goodwill's toss-offs?).

And don’t worry, we got into his literal closet, too, snagging shots of him donning looks loaded with spring tips and tricks that work for guys and girls from every walk of life. With a fresh gig as Kate Spade’s stylist and a slew of celebrities banging down his door, this may be the last time he comes up for air for a long while. So, take a good gander—and notes!

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 29.]

Perusing the web for interior inspiration is hands-down one of our fave time-sucks. Whether we wind up on Pinterest or a stellar design blog, we're always wracking our brains for ways to copy the creative layouts we peep. But forget the sleek Eames lounge or the lush, plant-laden backyard—if there’s one standout feature we can’t get enough of, it’s a carefully curated bookshelf.

The ravishing repositories of reading material and knickknacks provide so much more than a mere mantle to display tomes. We’d like to think of a well-styled bookshelf as a snapshot of its owners' mind. So, it only makes sense we’d want to snoop around L.A.’s creative set's spaces to sneak a peek at what they’re all about. From custom-built, mega-organized collections to artsy, bric-a-brac types, take a glimpse at some of the most beautiful and brainy shelves around. And in this case, maybe it's okay to judge a book by its cover…just a little bit.

UPDATE: If you're lucky enough to be out of work early on this holiday eve, take your lunch up a notch by noshing on grub from one of these so-yummy food trucks. This story was originally published on May 16.

New Yorkers are used to instant gratification — we want our coffee served before we can say "with room for milk," we need a cab the moment our arm reaches its full extension (unless, of course, it's the dreaded 5 p.m. shift switch), and we'll be damned if we've got to wait more than 20 minutes for an outdoor table at a popular restaurant during brunch hours. But our fast-fix obsession doesn't mean we're looking to skimp on quality. And we've found the perfect solution in five beloved NYC food trucks — quickly served gourmet dishes that aren't short on flavor but also don't break the bank.

Sure, you've probably seen our favorites — Dosas, Milk Truck, Comme Ci Comme Ça, Taïm, and Frites And Meats — on the block, but we've upped the ante with insider pics and the super-secret scoop on some of their tastiest and most popular mobile plates. From grilled cheese to Indian food to the "best falafel in NYC," these dishes have us wishing it was lunchtime all the time. But hey, there's no rule against that. Now, about that line…



Click through for some foodie-truck favorites and snack-time inspiration. 

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 8.]

When it comes to L.A. nightlife, sometimes things can get so scene-y you feel sick. We tend to avoid (like the plague) the spots where models strut their stuff, bandage dresses reign supreme, and booze costs as much as dinner. After all, your tipsy time is precious, so why spend it with some wannabes off the street? The legit kids in town prefer to go incognito at dark and seedy dive bars, where people watching isn't the main event, but instead getting QT with your peeps is top priority.

Now, we know this is a heated subject for some of you die-hard divers, so please don't go hating; we had to include some only-sorta-shabby saloons for the squeamish, too. But go ahead, you have our permission, knock 'em back, down- and-dirty style!

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): The Mandrake, El Cid, El Cid, and Jumbo's Clown Room

The Mandrake
Over the last few years, The Mandrake has become increasingly hip, but it's still plenty dark, and holds on to that bedraggled vibe. This one's for those of you who still need some modern comforts like souped-up drinks and an occasional DJ set.
The Mandrake Bar, 2692 South La Cienega Boulevard (Near Venice Boulevard); 310-837-3297.

El Cid
El Cid is one of those old-school hangouts that will probably still be around when our grandchildren come of drinking age. And for good reason: The indoor/outdoor space is easy, breezy, and always filled with a laid-back crowd.
El Cid, 4212 West Sunset Boulevard (Near Santa Monica Boulevard); 323-668-0318.

Jumbo's Clown Room
Jumbo's is set up like a strip joint, but nudey-phobes need not worry because the burlesque dancers are only scantily clad, and actually put on a pretty impressive performance. The place packs up fast, so either go early to uniquely kick off the night, or end up there super late for serious kicks.
Jumbo’s Clown Room, 5153 Hollywood Boulevard (at Winona Boulevard); 323-666-1187.

Other Notables:
Cafe Brass Monkey, 3440 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Mariposa Avenue); 213-381-7047.
Frolic Room, 6245 Hollywood Boulevard (Between Vine and North Gower Streets); 323-462-5890.
Gold Room, 1558 West Sunset Boulevard (by Echo Park Avenue); 213-482-5259.
Frank N Hanks, 518 South Western Avenue (Near West 5th Street); 213-283-2087.
Hank’s Bar, 840 South Grand Avenue (Near West 8th Street); 213-623-7718.
Lost & Found, 11700 National Boulevard (at South Barrington Avenue); 310-397-7772.