Tucked into a windowless corner shop in the heart of Koreatown, this speakeasy acts as an intimate lounge for hipster friends and singles searching for old-world charm.

Though entry is only gained after giving the secret password through a porthole in its gothic front door, R Bar is an inviting and charming lounge that actually enables guests to talk. Resembling a British smoking room, the bar is complete with dark wood paneling, burgundy upholstered benches, and iron low-backed stools. The 18th-century atmosphere is enhanced by a slab marble bar, crystal chandelier, and wall art of busts and oil paintings, but the vintage jukebox keeps it casual with flashback favorites by the likes of Billy Idol, Queen and The Violent Femmes. The nicely mixed cocktails are enjoyed by neighborhood young things in many hidden nooks, where patrons catch up with old friends or put the moves on a new one. —Allyson Rees