At Mr. Black, the waiters' uniforms consist of top hats, bow ties and bare butts, as seen through G-strings and chaps. But the club's sexy vibe goes beyond the round rumps on display. After creator Luke Nero made a smooth transition to L.A. from New York (where the club originated) a year ago, Mr. Black (at Bardot, above Avalon) quickly became the go-to party for the gay glitterati, pansexual party people and flamboyant straights alike. With theme nights paying homage to Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Black has become the dress-up destination du jour. Even when there isn't a theme, the looks are as fierce as the moves on the venue's smallish dance floor, which is usually commanded by DJ Josh Peace. A warning from door girl Larva: No matter how fab you are, do not wear flip-flops here. The only kinds of thongs they want to see are between the cheeks. 1737 N. Vine St., Hlywd. (323) 462-1307, mrblackla.blogspot.com.

—Lina Lecaro