This vodka bar in the heart of LA's Russian pocket doesn't attract the local fogies. But there are enough film buffs and art geeks in the crowd of trendy scenesters to appreciate the bar's name (an homage to director Ernst Lubitsch) and kitschy theme art.

It's hard to imagine that Bar Lubitsch used to house The Parlour Club, the dingy gay bar where Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt shared their last New Year's Eve. The spot now resembles a Russian watering hole, complete with propaganda art, spacious black-and-red booths and antique mirrors. There are even a few tacky touches, like the blue and yellow floral carpet that could've been selected by a dressed-up granny between gossip sessions at the nearby Plummer Park. The waitstaff is absolutely adorable in red (get it?) dresses and jumpsuits, and the main focus at the bar is (duh) vodka. Jared Meisler, who owns Bar Lubitsch with nightlife legend Sean MacPherson, checked out New York City's vintage cocktail scene before developing his menu of fine-crafted libations. We’re sweet on the Ninotchka (made with vanilla vodka, muddled strawberries and champagne), and the Moscow Mule (a sweet vodka, ginger beer and lime concoction). While it's uncommon to find a local Russian drinking a $12 martini here, the bar feels like it's been part of the neighborhood for ages. And if MacPherson, whose track record includes long-running hipster spots Swingers, El Carmen, Good Luck Bar and Jones Hollywood, has his way, the doors won't close anytime soon. —Alexandra Le Tellier