Those longing for a taste of the days when Aquanet and leather ruled Los Angeles—but dont want to cram into the Cat Club—cant do much better than The Joint.

A well-stocked bar (with major drink specials—recently Budweiser was only $2) lines the right side of the house while dim-lit booths occupy the left. All have a great view of the tall, showcase-style stage, which often hosts small local rock bands but occasionally gets a guest visit from a former great. On Happening Harrys Wednesday Night Jams, we've seen members of Guns N' Roses and Def Leppard drop by. —Jeff Miller