fraiche in culver city has both great desserts and pretty good drinks. it's pretty busy for dinner -- so not sure how easy it is to get in for dessert/drinks, but that would be my choice.
Last Friday I was at the bar at Fraiche for drinks and dessert - perfect. Busy dining room but the bar has some quiet corners even on the weekends. They had a homey and delicious peach browned betty when I was there.