Chateau Marmont

Not that long ago, having “lunch at the Chateau” wasn’t just a daytime activity, it was a full-on status symbol. The famously debaucherous patio is a bit more buttoned up these days, only allowing hotel guests to eat there with “sporadic availability on certain days” (a.k.a., if you’re famous enough). But if you want to experience the historic hotel in some capacity, do what we do and grab a nightime drink at the lobby bar. The cocktails are strong (they make a particularly good Old Fashioned), the crowd is weird and over-the-top, and most importantly, you’ll always be able to walk right in.