Boho babes mingle closely with beachy dudes in their best button-down shirts at this laid-back dance club and lounge.

Lincoln Boulevard isn't known for its nightlife, but the folks behind this stylish lair make it work. (They also own a wine bar by the same name in a similarly odd Santa Monica location.) From the exterior, Air Conditioned still looks like its previous incarnation, a Mexican club where outsiders who dared venture in would quickly leave with their tail between their legs. Inside, however, the mod décor is stunning. The shelves behind the bar are back-lit in different shades of orange, making the bottles glow, and there are '60s-style red leather swivel chairs around the bar—so much better than stools. The dance floor is tight, with the DJ tucked away in a raised booth, but this sensual crowd doesn't mind getting cozy. The spacious brown leather booths leave more breathing room, yet people still gather close together. The vibe gets more intimate in the candlelit lounge, where the couches only seat two. Still hungry? Air Conditioned also has appetizers like shrimp served in a giant martini glass and toasted bread topped with goat cheese, cherry tomatoes and olives.
—Alexandra Le Tellier