Located in a former Zen Sushi, Silver Lake's newest addition, Barbarella Bar, has already become a neighborhood hangout, frequented by local denizens and the usual suspects of guys with beards and girls with bangs.

The overall ambiance of the 4,300-square-foot space is relaxing and low key-lots of wood, lots of leather, lots of candles. The central chandelier is beautiful, and the low lighting makes everyone look good, making this an ideal place for a first date.

Finding a place to park yourself for the evening is also a pain-free exercise as the resto/lounge boasts an extra-long bar that seats 45, and has booths to spare.

Specialty martinis abound -- the menu has 20 -- and range from fruity (mango, strawberry, watermelon, pineapple), to dessert-ish (chocolate, dulce de luche, key lime pie, creamcicle), with a few curve balls thrown in for fun (espresso and something called "Nuts and Berries").

Twenty four global microbrews are also available on tap, and many of the offerings on the large wine list, including several organic varietals, are available by the glass or half bottle.

The bar is outfitted for DJs, so they will eventually dominate the entertainment Thursdays-Saturdays. There's also a nightly happy hour -- the bar is open seven days a week -- with $6 martinis and special breaks on wine and beer from 4-7pm. Valet is available ($4), but there's generally street parking, so look for that first.

Food is provided by exec chef Lance Corralez, who previously helmed the kitchen at The Abbey, with everything from pizza and tuna tartar to brown rice spaghetti and organic salmon being served (vegetarians and vegans, don't fret -- there's plenty on the menu for you too).

Honestly, the whole Jane Fonda/Barbarella component is still lost on me, but whatever. The place is cool, and I've just come to accept the name as seemingly arbitrary (save for the "Jane Fonda" cocktail -- a Cosmo -- and one wall covered in wallpaper of barely clad cartoon women in Sports Illustrated poses).

Just one FYI, this place ain't Starbucks -- there's no, 'Oops, I don't like this drink... Can I get a different one... For free?'

Bolded below the drink menu is a warning: "Please read all ingredients. Once made, our martinis are non-refundable and non-returnable." Thanks, Recession. Although I never knew drinks could ever be 'returnable'


Barbarella Bar
2609 N. Hyperion Avenue
Silver Lake
(323) 644-8000
Valet available
www.barbarellabar.com