LA: Library Bar at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Located in a corner of the Hollywood Roosevelt, Library Bar has an almost cave-like appearance. It’s a really dark and intimate spot, and the bartenders are very friendly, and treat you like a regular.

The room is tiny, and the bar desk is full of fresh fruit and herbs, which are used as garnish. There’s no drinks menu, so you just tell the bartenders what kind of flavor you’re after, and they’ll mix something for you. Don’t worry. It will probably be one of the best cocktails you’ve ever had.

A lot of the Hollywood bars would claim that their clientele are people from the movie industry, but when you go there, you’ll find that most other guests are just tourists like yourself. At Library Bar, you get the real deal. I was there on a weeknight and the man sitting next to me in the bar was an aspiring director, who managed to strike up a conversation with a producer and when I left, they were discussing a future collaboration:)

When the bar fills up, people will start spilling out in the lobby, which has more seating available and which is also a great place for people watching.

• I don’t think there’s a dress code, but smart causal is always a safe bet.

• Expect to pay around $17 for your own, custom-made drink.

Library Bar at Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, Los Angeles