The fantastic interior and small, strong menu from chef Scott Hawley—half chic and half comfort food—present a classy but cheeky alternative to brassier Boystown staples.

Blue and white drapes cascade from the high ceiling to encase large booths, glowing rods of white cane explode from atop the bar, and a quiet garden in the rear offers views rivaling those of the good-looking clientele. (The front patio is also popular for gawking at Santa Monica Boulevard foot traffic.) The work of Koi designers Thomas Schoos and Michael Berman would be reason enough to stop in for a drink at the bar, but Hawley's steaks, seafood dishes and fried chicken with sweet-potato waffle are incentive to make it a night. A pervasive sense of humor keeps the vibe pleasantly unstuffy: The menu calls the roasted chicken "plucking good," cocktails like Scarface Mojito (with rum and champagne) are sweet and lively, and pastry chef Meadow Lyn Ramsey offers late-night dessert specials. Other special goings-on include "Desperate Housewives" Sundays, with the TV show viewing and drink specials, and Thursday's dapper gay scene Smack, promoter Tom Whitman's excuse for a series of five-minute open bars throughout the night. A regular happy hour with half-price cocktails takes place every night from 6pm to 8pm.