4100 Bar

The folks behind Honeycut and The Varnish (213 Nightlife) have brought us another hot spot—this time, specifically designed for the hipster. 4100 Bar, an unfussy watering hole across the street from a Jiffy Lube in the Sunset Junction, has all the hallmarks of a dive: $4 PBR, a jukebox of indie anthems and the distinct aroma of stale beer. The drink swizzlers are swift and not in the mood to chat, so don't waste anyone's time requesting a fancy-schmancy cocktail. Just grab a shoddy stool that's just your size (no one stool is the same height) and order a $10 Moscow Mule served in a shiny, classy copper mug. Pretty much everyone has one, so you'll fit right in.

Vitals

Good for: A cheap swill in a cozy setting. Candy-colored lighting barely illuminates the sexy Eastside hangout, swathed in red velvet and kitschy Asian decor. There are plenty of private booths and comfy couches to cuddle up with a date; plus, a massive, 360-degree bar is stocked with the likes of Fireball and Pabst Blue Ribbon. With such easy access to the alcohol, no one is going to judge you for double-fisting. Oh, and if you get the munchies, buy a bag of Dirty Chips.

The scene: The 30-something crowd is mellow and certainly cool—a lot of mustaches, plaid, big hair and retro glasses. Plentiful seating means that everyone keeps to themselves. For the complete 4100 experience, visit on a Friday or Saturday night—just expect to wait an eternity for parking, and come prepared to shove your way through the door.

The playlist: Music—indie or some obscure Oldies ditty—blasts from a jukebox. Come to think of it, there was a One Direction song in the mix. Trying to be ironic? Probably. It keeps the energy in the place up without infringing on the quality chit-chat (you know, about Nietzsche or Warhol or whatever).

The bartender says: It's easy to get the bartender's attention, but don't expect anything more than a drink. Suggestions are rare, so it's best to stick to the basic menu. You'll find that the Old Fashioneds and Moscow Mules here are as good as at any cocktail lounge—just a little easier on the wallet.

Drink this: Beer is a solid choice at 4100, where Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon go for $4. For cocktails, the obvious choice is a Moscow Mule ($10), made with Sobieski vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. If you're feeling fancy, the Old Fashioned ($10), made with the usual whiskey, sugar and Angostura bitters, also comes with a "big rock." Yeah, that's just a large ice-cube.