Yee Mee Loo, Chinatown: Dark, exotic and mysterious, this temple dive bar was the touchstone for all Angeleno art legends. Destroyed by an earthquake. Today, the original iconic matchbooks are a prized collector’s item.

Barney’s Beanery, WeHo: Located conveniently up the street from the Ferus Gallery, this populist watering hole inspired sculptor Edward Kienholz to create his masterpiece The Beanery in 1965. Open.

Cocola, Downtown: Founded by Angus Chamberlain and completed by chef Tara Thomas of TRAXX, this art bar and restaurant was the scene of many wild nights and creative hijinks for the downtown artist.

Hal’s Bar and Grill, Venice: Hal’s has long been a cheerleader for the LA arts. Their now-historic art collection grew from trading food and grog for local art. Open.

Gorky’s, Downtown: Back when the sleek Traction Arts District was once an industrial wasteland, this Soviet-styled cafeteria fed local artists 24 hours a day.

Smog Cutter, East Hollywood: Artists with day jobs as Hollywood scenic painters and author Charles Bukowski approved of and drank in this divey dive bar. Still Standing.

Ivy at the Shore, Santa Monica: A boîte for the wealthy Westside collector, the Ivy at the Shore features an extremely efficient vodka gimlet and Ed Ruscha’s classic painting Brave Men Run In My Family. Open.

L7 photographed at Al’s Bar, Los Angeles 1999

Al’s Bar, Downtown: On the ground floor of the American Hotel, which was famous for easy drug availability and every other bad behavior, this fine art and punk rock bar has inspired documentaries and countless art exhibits. Forever in our hearts.

West Beach Cafe, Venice: A chic Los Angeles legend, the West Beach is where one might sidle up to the bar and chat with art world superstars like sculptor John McCracken. I know I did.

The Mandrake: This neo-Millennial haven was established at the dawn of the Culver City arts land grab. Approved by every local MFA program. Open.