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Best New Bars In Los Angeles That Made A Mark In 2013

[main photo] sassafras
(credit: sassafras)

In Los Angeles, a new bar is defined as one that has been in operation for less than three years. In an area where bars come and go out of social scenes seemingly as quickly as it takes ink to dry, emerging venues have had to offer elements of distinction in order to outsource their main competitors. There are many advantages to visiting an establishment that is still cutting its teeth, especially one that is a few months old. Owners will offer surprisingly low prices for strong drinks and satisfying food items. As many of L.A.'s new bars continue to grow, here is a list of the newest kids on the block that have become the latest cocktail toasts of the town.

Pearl's
(credit: pearlsliquorbar.com)

Pearl's Liquor Bar
8909 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 360-6800
www.pearlsliquorbar.com

From a scrapbook of 1920s wild west enters a sophisticated brothel-themed saloon where visitors are greeted by a charming display of decorative chandeliers and a seductive fireplace. Dark and deliciously moody, the two-story venue highlights an aristocratic downstairs bar and restaurant lounge, a double-decker rooftop patio with ravishing views of the Sunset Strip and two additional bars. Its cocktail list includes beverages that were popular back in the day, such as barrel-aged Reilly's whiskey. Be sure to check out its extensive food menu for some of the more eccentric dishes offered in modern-day L.A.

Related: Best Bars With History In Los Angeles

The Pikey
(credit: thepikeyla.com)

The Pikey
7617 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 850-5400
www.thepikeyla.com

This English-themed gastropub in Hollywood was crafted to meet the needs of food and drink fanatics. While a DJ spins a healthy mix of British rock and American pop, guests dine on such victuals as ricotta ravioli, vinegar chicken, char-grilled burgers and its signature fish and chips. The country tavern's full bar promotes an eyebrow-raising selection of beer, wine and specialty concoctions. The best time to take advantage of the bar's reduced prices is between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Be sure to sample its scotch whiskey cocktail, a blend infused with ginger to help awaken the senses and ease digestion.

sassafras
(credit: Sassafras)

Sassafras Saloon
1233 N. Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 467-2800
wwww.sassafrassaloon.com

Anyone with a hankering for shrimp and cheesy grits, washed down with a sugar-crusted glass of peach moonshine, will certainly want to visit this Southern-themed watering hole. Featured above an antique bar, an animated display of barrel-aged cocktails parades above the bartenders' heads. The vittles menu highlights such tasty dishes as jambalaya, short rib sliders and brandy-glazed banana pudding. While enjoying live music performances, consider savoring the venue's old-fashioned house blends, including the gin-punched Corpse Reviver and the Hurricane, a rum-based combo that guarantees a thrusting blow.

Related: LA's Best Bars For Foodies

Diageo Reserve World Class 2012 Global Final - Bartending Challenges - Day 2
(credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Las Palmas Furniture Warehouse
1714 N. Las Palmas Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-0171
www.facebook.com

This neighborhood dive bar offers its guests a fun house replete with live entertainment, dinosaur piñatas, displays of "The Simpsons" characters, an aquarium filled with remote-controlled submarines and, at select times, free tequila shots. Its $4.95 food menu includes Hollywood-style burritos, coconut shrimp and rice, BLT sandwiches and waffles with jumbo chicken wings. A bottomless supply of mimosas is available for a set rate, with many alcoholic beverages offered at less than $5 per serving. It is a no-holds barred party place that's constantly implementing exciting methods to attract returning customers.

The Famous outside
(credit: The Famous)

The Famous
154 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 241-2888
www.thefamousglendale.com

Tucked inside Glendale's historic Huntley-Evans building, this craft cocktail lounge hones in on the method in which alcoholic beverages were mixed with precision nearly a century ago. Its creations are prepared in-house, utilizing fresh ingredients selected from local markets and growers. When doors open daily at 5 p.m. and on weekends at 6 p.m., guests are entertained by a DJ while consuming some of the more inventive and muscular libations served within Los Angeles County's third largest city. This venue is designed for no-nonsense gulpers that appreciate the art and science of blending spirits to fulfillment.

Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.

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