Los Angeles

Checkmate

Henry's Hat

If you're anything like us, the thought of kicking your date's ass in an old skool board game before dinner is nothing but a turn on. Yes, we have issues.

Thanks to the husband/wife duo at Luna Park, this vintage sofa, exposed brick walled sports bar has something for both the sports enthusiast and those looking to fulfill their inner geek board game fantasies. A full menu (consider the Dagburger) and bar accompanies your experience. Their yummy cocktails are made from scratch with seasonal fruits and home made syrups. The beer list stood out as quite eclectic.

For a simple id swap, Henry's Hat is happy to supply you with chess, checkers, Scrabble, Connect 4, Risk, Battle Ship and backgammon to name a few. They also sport 15 40"-50" flatscreen tv's around the entire space. Be sure and check out the den which is equip with a 5X5 projection screen that makes Wii extra, super fun (yep, they have that too). Rumor has it they will open their doors at 9:30 a.m. once football season makes its way back around. Facepainting, not encouraged.

Tip: Happy Hour runs Monday - Friday 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Luna Park Mojito's $6.00, Ultimate Mac n Cheese $5.00)

Cost$7-$30 - for drinks/food - Board Games are Free- Accepts Major Credit Cards
Location3413 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Studio City, CA 90068
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HoursMonday - Sunday: 11:30 a.m. - Approx. 1:00 a.m. (call for closing hours as they vary during these opening weeks)
Websitehttp://www.henrys-hat.com/
Telephone(323) 512-2500
ReservationsNo
ParkingValet -$5.50 or Street Parking
Dress codeHip casual

The Girl - Next Door

Don't say it. I already know what you're thinking. If her digits start with 818 she's geographically undesirable or somehow you won't be able to connect on that "I love Fred Seal too" or "Didn't you stew over Friedman's piece in the Times?" kind of way.

Sorry guys. She's not a stripper or a porn star. She's part of a growing trend of hot spots that are making you think again about (dare you say) "the valley" (there you said it and didn't combust) as a viable option for a night on the town.

She's sexy, hip, and being well-traveled she makes a scrumptious array of Spanish inspired Tapas while offering a well-chosen selection of wines by the bottle or glass. If you aren't familiar with the extensive list of vino from Spain, she's happy to offer you a sample until one hits the spot. She's equipped to indulge your Grey Goose habit, too. God she's good.

Her fireplace, cozy couches, ottomans and eclectic tunes (Jamiroquai meets Bill Withers) created the perfect mood to bust our your best Jungian quotes to the Betty who looks like she can hold her own with your Silverlake meets West of Bundy crowd.

Oh yeah, she can help private parties with a special room upstairs. She's a catch.

Price range$$$
LocationNext Door Tapas Lounge
11814 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA
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HoursSun-Thu 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.; Sat. 5:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Telephone(818) 985-9222
Takes ReservationsNo
ParkingValet
Type of CuisineTapas
Outdoor seatingYes
Dress codehip casual
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Ok. These prices are averages for one person eating a meal including one drink and a tip. If you play football for the Giants and eat three main courses in a sitting, you should probably expect to pay more.

$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.
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