LOS ANGELES: Hyde Lounge
The US Weekly cover crowd has adopted party promoter Brent Bolthouse and his succession of clubs, including Privilege and Lobby. So in April 2006, the new king of the Sunset Strip opened the doors to the Hyde Lounge. It's a low-key hideaway with a vaulted copper ceiling, flickering candles, and crocodile-embossed leather banquettes.
Velvet Rope Factor: High. The space allows for only 100 people at a time, but if you show up at 9 p.m., as they open, you've got a decent shot.
In Good Company: It is Tinseltown. Kate Bosworth, Joaquin Phoenix, Lindsay Lohan, Jared Leto, and Zach Braff are among the players. Pictured, a very lovely Jessica Alba walking the line.
Hey, Mr. DJ: New York transplant Samantha Ronson plus L.A. favorite Steve Aoki spin a collection of rock and old-school hip-hop nightly.
Sip on This: You know you're in California when the cocktails are organic. See the "Love Unit," a Grey Goose vanilla vodka infused with red bell pepper, fresh basil, lime, grapefruit, and Angostura bitters.
When to go: Bars close at 2 a.m. (this ain't New York), so start early to get a full dose.

Hyde Lounge
8029 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood
Tel: 323 656 4933