The Italian counterpart to the French-themed Holly’s, this equally tiny lounge is for behind-the-scenes showbiz deals or quiet lovers' rendezvous.

The newest venture by the trendsetting guys behind Nine Thirty, Tengu and Nacional, Holly's West takes its inspiration from Italy with bold colors and moody lighting. But the vibe is all mellow California: The bartenders are a little green, but they're assisted by an attractive, extremely friendly brigade of cocktail waitresses in black and red lingerie serving appetizers and eye candy to the equally friendly, laid-back customers. (Perhaps director of marketing Rick Calamaro hasnt explained his strict hot girls only policy to the doormen yet.) The small DJ booth seems to operate sans DJ thanks to a computer providing background ambience, but Hollys West concentrates on conversation space and comfy couches rather than a rocking dance floor. The food is good enough to invite lingering, too: Made with Angus beef, the miniburgers could well be contenders for best (bite-sized burger in the city, and the ahi and avocado on wonton strips had us begging the waitress for more. —Katherine Spiers