Finding a cool spot that serves a kick ass drink is like winning the lottery or finding an oasis in the desert. This list is definitely a work in progress. Not just any joint will do. Looks like I've got some serious drinking to do!
Lighted Drink Menu:
So, they have an okay (if slightly over priced) wine list. I've had a decent martini there as well. They vibe is nice, laid back, classy, and if you like a piano bar, then you're money. But the most fun thing about Larsen's Steakhouse in Encino? Their lighted bar menu. 
it's kinda hard to tell in this picture, but trust me, it's cool.
Great Margarita: What goes into making a good margarita? There are different answers for everyone. Margarita aficionados may scoff at anything fruity, purists may say on the rocks with salt is the only way to go. Cadillac? Peach? Blended or Not? Salt or No? It's these questions and more that make the quest for a great margarita a fun one.
Sagebrush Cantina: 23527 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818.222.6062
Sagebrush has quite the happening bar "scene" on Sunday afternoons. Live music and a loyal clientele of weekend Harley riders along with really tasty margaritas make this a good spot to try out. It's been a tried and true West Valley cantina for years. According to one of my oldest and dearest friends Vanessa (who also used to be a cocktail waitress their) their margaritas are not too tangy with just the right hint of lemon lime. The best bonus? They serve pitchers of margaritas - you don't find that alot any more.
Casa Vega: 13301 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Phone: 818.788.4868
Okay - maybe it's not the best margarita ever - but it's a fun crowd who are there to party, eat chips and salsa and socialize.
Mexicali: 12161 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604-2515 Phone: 818.985.1744
Try their Margatini - it's really tangy. They mix it in a shaker with ice - like a martini - then pour it into a martini glass. It's surprisingly good - and potent. The crowd consists of a lot of industry people - and a few posers. But for the most part if you are looking for a social scene, you could do worse then this place.
Down and Dirty Martini: You have to be a serious bartender to know how to mix a serious martini - dirty or otherwise. No fruity concoctions here people - just good booze mixed by a good hand.
Charlie G's: 18663 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356 Phone: 818.344.1191
They have a nice lounge area with a surprisingly bustling bar scene. It's definitely an older crowd, but with it's cool grown up vibe it's a good place to try their stiff martinis. Live music is a bonus.
Flemings: 6372 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Phone: 818.345.1005
Another lively bar scene - again with a somewhat older crowd. But if you are in the mood for some straightforward steakhouse food, then why not start it off with the quintessential meat eaters drink - the martini baby?
Just Because You Have to go there at Least Once: These are the kind of joints you either love or you hate. Dive bar? Some are. Neighborhood haunts? You'll find a few. Totally one of a kind? You betcha.
Maui Sugar Mill: 18389 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356-4218 Phone: 8183440034
Or as we affectionately call it: The Blue Hair Bar. When we first started visiting this place - the crowd averaged out at about 70 years old. There was swing music pumping and all the bar goers were dressed to the nines. It was awesome. We were always (by far) the youngest in the place - but we felt totally welcome. Over the years the music has changed from Big Band era to stuff from the 50's, 60's and 70's. The crowd has gotten a little younger too. Now you'll find 30 somethings - but still the average is 50+. Marty the bartender has been there forever as mixes a seriously stiff drink.
Beer, Beer Everywhere and So Many Drops to Drink: Coming Soon...
Wine Bars Baby! Coming Soon...
Sports Bar - Get Your Game On! Coming Soon.
