3. Culver City

Even though this is where you’ll find Sony Studios, Culver City only became “cool” in the past few years. A decade or so ago, it was just a throughway to Venice for those trying to avoid the 10 or 405 freeways. Now, it has a nice after-work scene since there are more and more offices settling in the area.

EAT — Bäco Shop: If you don’t experience a new kind of ethnic food, you didn’t really visit LA. This relatively new shop is right in downtown Culver and serves up deliciously fresh flatbreads wrapped around your choice of meat and fillings. It’s not something you’ll find elsewhere.

DRINK — Bigfoot West: There’s a version of this place in Los Feliz, but the Culver City spot is the place to be. First, it’s been around longer than most bars in the neighborhood. Second, you can’t beat the lodge-styled interior, the nightly happy hour, or the occasional crazy drink specials ($1 Old Fashioned anyone?).