The Side Door

Sure, it “looks like someone’s house from outside”, but once you make it past the line, it’s “sexy” and “swanky” inside this “intimate” “jewel box” of a martini lounge in Manhattan Beach where a “hip crowd” sips “lethal” but “intriguing” concoctions in the glow of “blue mood lighting”; claustrophobes wish the “way-too-small” spot were “bigger” and recommend arriving “early” because it gets...

There's no sign and the entrance is located just north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, on Ninth Street.

Metered spaces are free after 8pm on the main drag and neighboring side streets.

Impressive wooden barnyard-style cathedral shelters intimate downstairs lounge that keeps upscale clients feeling sexy over wine, martinis, and ambient beats. See that hot-to-trot divorcee? Wow, now she has half of his money and is really tired of old men. Upstairs houses a more traditional comfy bar with character, though very few characters, under stained glass, billiards, and reggae beats....

In Short
A compact cathedral facade, complete with stained-glass windows and unmarked entry, conceals this slightly subterranean watering hole. The cozy spot features faux blue velvet...

Don't let the humble appearance of The SideDoor fool you, step inside for a refreshing taste of L.A. nightlife. Owner Lou Giovannetti's emphasis on unrivaled service is hard to miss with the infectious friendly vibe and welcoming appeal. With a hard-to-resist happy hour, choose from an array of cocktail alternatives as the bartender stirs up arguably the best martinis in town, in addition to a...