We're not calling you a hipster, but let's just say you like dark bars and cheap drinks, and you don't mind hanging out with people wearing fedoras and prescriptionless eyeglasses. If you're on the Eastside, no problem, but if you're in a neighborhood not named Echo Park or Silver Lake, you're going to have to search a bit harder. The Mandrake, however, is a perfectly cool and divey drinking spot located near the nondescript yet centrally located intersection of La Cienega and Venice. Dimly lit and narrow (with a thin coat of grime), it's somehow quite easy to find a spot at the bar. That might have something to do with the fact that half the crowd is on the dance floor, but before you join them, take advantage of the not-on-the-menu happy hour special — a shot and a can of beer for $5. Before you realize it, you'll be right back in your hipster element. 2692 S. La Cienega Blvd., Mid-City. (310) 837-3297, mandrakebar.com.

—Ali Trachta

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