This historic live-music club used to be at the forefront of the Sunset Strip scene, and still pulls in respectable crowds with a roster heavy on up-and-coming local bands, mostly of the hard-rock persuasion. Jim Morrison and the Doors were discovered here, and so was (as the name suggests) go-go dancing.

This bastion of indie bands isn't as out there as its New York City mother club, but it welcomes patrons of all ages and offers up top-notch world music, progressive jazz and other alternative sounds. Headliners take the main stage, the rest make do with the intimate (and often free) AlterKnit Lounge.

The Chicago vibe at this swank, beachside blues joint is very convincing. Harvelle's has been packing in the crowds since it opened in 1931, and while there are no recognisable big-name acts, it's quality all the way at Harvelle's.

Like a faded starlet, the Formosa has all the irresistibly gritty charm of Hollywood history. The dimly lit walls are an autographed gallery of Hollywood icons who have dined here, most famously Bogart, Monroe and Gable. Skip the distinctly average Chinese menu, and move straight to the suitably strong mai tais.

This hip Art Deco club used to be the Melody Room, frequented by gangster Bugsy Siegel, and retains the style of that era. Infamously, it was once owned by Johnny Depp and is the spot where River Phoenix overdosed on Halloween night, 1993. The door policy is tough and drinks are pricey, but once inside chances of spotting a celeb are pretty good.