Akbar   

From the outside it looks like a motel where you wouldn't want to use the bathroom, but on the inside it's one of the hippest and coolest bar scenes on the east side. Patrons enter below a neon sign and into a dark hall that opens up into a long and -- on most nights -- packed bar, as jeans-and-T-shirt guys who wouldn't be caught dead drinking out of straws mingle with gay and straight singles posed shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar. A pseudo smoking terrace opens up on the side of the lounge as the mixed crowd enjoys a rotation of house music and DJ mixes throughout the week. On funkier evenings, a rear lounge metamorphoses into a dance floor to the annoyance of those happily seated and enthralled in conversation. Akbar manages to be a step above many other bars simply on the basis of its convenience, affordability and casual atmosphere. Parking always seems to be available along Sunset Boulevard; drinks rarely cost more than $5; and the doorman rarely asks for anything more than ID. Service is provided by a staff that is far more Colt than Ford model, but cute and helpful all the same. As a weekend hotspot Akbar exudes a welcoming vibe, which is reflected in its varied following. Midweek, the bar offers periodic specials on well drinks including seriously delectable cosmos and margaritas to a more local gay following. Perhaps the coolest bar out of the Los Angeles loop, Akbar makes Silverlake and Echo Park seem sexy.