Winstons - CLOSED Bar / Lounge

West Hollywood, Los Angeles –

Nestled in a predominantly Russian and gay enclave of West Hollywood, and flanked by an adult megastore and a notorious adult theater called Studs, Winstons is a popular upscale lounge whose former life as an ultra-exclusive hangout for fickle celebrities and entertainment industry insiders has given way to a high-end bar that draws a flirty crowd.

The velvet ropes and fussy doormen may have disappeared, but stylish dress is still a must for patrons stepping into this cozy single room, whose elegant high ceilings, glittering chandelier, and dark wood accents are juxtaposed against the impressive collection of graffiti art, anime, and comics that takes up most of the wall space.

Smoky mirrors reflect the art and the hip patrons lined up at the exposed brick bar, where attractive bartenders serve up signature drinks to the young professionals and entertainment types mingling vigorously with the other good-looking patrons or showing their moves on the small dance floor next to the DJ’s booth in the back.

As the night wears on and the crowd gets flirtier, just about any open space serves as a dance floor, including the chocolate leather banquettes where festive patrons wave their drinks in the air as they groove to hip-hop beats.

Although the celebrities may have moved on to other haunts, Winstons is still a great option for getting wild in a sophisticated setting.