Really Great Cocktails- near LAX or downtown?

[meganodining]

where can i take an out of towner for a drink- maybe santa monica or downtown? I love Rivera- which I will do unless someone has another great idea! thank you.

[Cinnamon]

I love the French Kiss cocktail with ginger liqueur, vodka and pineapple at Akasha in Culver City.

[MahiMahiFish]

What about Venice? Out of towners love the "Venice" thing & Abbot Kinney is great place to have a drink. It's also in between LAX & Santa Monica
Favorites:
The Other Room (beer & wine) @ 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd
The Brig (cocktails) @ 1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd

[dtud]

varnish - downtown
edison - downtown

[Phurstluv]

Well, looks like you don't mind driving!

If you're looking for beach atmosphere, I love the lounge/bar at Casa del Mar, at One Pico, it's on the left when you run out of street, at the beach in Santa Monica.

Also, the Huntley Hotel in SM, on 2nd Street & California, has a great view at the bar in the Penthouse, but it's smallish, and loud.

For a great view downtown, try Blue Velvet - I think it's still there - it's a rooftop pool spot in a former Holiday Inn. It's at 750 Garland Street at 7th.