The Powder Room (CLOSED)

Milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard, so it should come as no surprise that The Libertine Group's sexy new Cahuenga lounge has one for $500. The Powder Room is the only place in town where you can get the classic dessert beverage with edible gold and a take-home crystal ring—created by Adrian Biggs, a La Descarga vet, no less. But don't be fooled by the snake-skin bar stools, seductive pink lighting, and groovy playlist: Head bartender Luke Andes is not messing around with this drink program. Libations are equal parts gorgeous and tasty, meticulously crafted with three-to-seven fresh market ingredients and housemade infusions. The intimate lounge is a classy alternative to the boulevard's usual sports bar and nightclub debauchery.

Vitals

Good for: Not your typical night out in Hollywood. By that, we mean no packed dance floor and shots pounded—just a handful of gorgeous artisan cocktails worthy of slow sipping. Oh, and spiked shakes, too, if you're into that sort of thing. Bring a date, because if the '70s-inspired ambience doesn't do the trick, the stunning drinks definitely will. If you come alone, there's some prime people watching here.

The scene: In keeping with Hollywood's nightlife tradition, The Powder Room exudes mystique. Don't be surprised if you miss the entrance tucked beside the Saint Felix. Inside, the decor is pure studio glam, complete with a projection screen, curved wooden walls, and a glimmering black marble counter bathed in pink. All the cool kids schmooze barside. But beware, PDA is prevalent amidst the seated crowd.

The playlist: '70s glam rings loud and true through the sound system, with dance classics from funk singer Chaka Khan and disco group Chic. Some remixed R&B is thrown into the mix as well.

The bartender says: Take the friendly bartender's advice and forego the "adult" shakes. Why? Because there are just too many better options in the custom cocktail section of the menu. We're talking fresh libations made with a slew of in-house ingredients like pink-peppercorn-infused tequila, spiced chocolate bitters, and squeezed organic juices. Guiltless drinking is key here.

Drink this: Any one of the cocktails, though the winner of the eight-strong menu—at least for whiskey fans—has to be One Night in Bangkok ($13), a creamy concoction of Old Overholt rye, lime juice, Thai chili honey, and cherry syrup all shaken up with egg white. For a drink you can count on, try the Winchester ($13), made with Buffalo Trace whiskey, the Italian herbal liqueur Amaro Nonino, and spiced chocolate bitters.