There are good things to say about the Verity Room, a small performance hall located in Simi Valley, but majority rules for the bad. This small room, located in the back of a low budget music store (don’t get your hopes up, I wouldn’t look for Fender or Gibson here), is supposed to be a haven for young singer songwriters, and artists. Instead, The Verity Room is an overpriced sweat shop family oriented performance space.

Let’s start at the beginning. Upon entry to Guitar Merchant (located, but well hidden on Topanga Canyon Blvd) you’re charged seven dollars for admission to the back room. You walk through the small hallway and are at once greeted with a very pleasant sight. The first good thing I’ll say about the Verity Room is that its image is top notch. It’s visually pleasing to the eye, but comfort is a problem. Though there are plenty of seats, very few of them are actually comfortable. I think it’s safe to say that the tables are from the outdoor section, and the lonely pillows on the ground are missing their couches.

So grab a seat now. The performances are usually top notch, and places like this are always known for breeding the next wave of amazing talent. The room is also home to a very beautiful, and great sounding grand piano, an instant plus for piano playing performers. There’s enough room on the stage for a full band, and the sound system can handle just about as much as it needs.

There is one major problem that will always hurt the Verity Room. The one thing that always brings people to a performance in L.A. is Alcohol. The Verity Room, on the other hand, does not sell Alcohol or any other beverages at all. That lack of liquid equates to a lack of ticket sales. It’s really hard for young emerging bands to pack people in based on the music alone. And to top that of, when the room does fill up, it heats up, a major pain for those performing.

I will say that from a performers point of view (I have performed their on a few occasions), the help is really great, and they treat bands right. The sound is usually top notch for what they have, and performances are often quite spirited. All in all, their hearts are in the right place. With a little work, The Verity Room could be a great place to bring your friends and enjoy some local talent. Instead it’s a work in progress that warrants a visit, but it’s not a top priority.

If you’re into all things rock, and are looking for a drink before you hit the Whiskey or the Roxy, or if you’re looking for some good food, The Rainbow is where you need to be. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s a world famous bar where rock stars still hang out, and where the eighties are still alive and kicking. Known as THE hangout spot during the heyday of the Sunset Strip, The Rainbow still attracts the likes of Tom Morello and Lemmy on a regular basis.

One of the reasons that this place stood the test of time and why the stars still come back is the menu. The Rainbow’s menu is a top notch collection Italian and American favorites, perfect for curing hangovers with the band, or out on the town with the misses. My food recommendation would be the homemade Lasagna, but I must say everything I’ve eaten there has been good.

Now it wouldn’t be a rock club without live music. The upstairs portion of the bar offers live acoustic music by some of Hollywood’s finest emerging talent. Though I will say that the upstairs is not as roomy as the lower portion. As you would expect, the entire bar gets incredibly packed on Friday and Saturday nights and getting around is a little hard to do.

There is a bar located on the outside, but during busy hours it’s almost impossible to get to. You’d be much better off just getting a table and ordering all your drinks from there. It’s a much more proficient way to get your drinks while enjoying the amazing menu. Oh, and don’t be afraid to glance at the dessert menu.

The Rainbow is located right in the middle of such famous clubs as The Whiskey A Go-Go, The Roxy, and The Key Club, making it a real Mecca for musicians and music appreciators alike. Overall, The Rainbow is a great place to get a fresh taste of what the Sunset Strip is all about.

For the adult whose inner kid is still alive and well, Lucky Strike Lanes is the place to be. On one hand, it’s a top notch bowling alley offering a wide variety food options; on the other – it’s a Hollywood club, and a great place to go with guys on Friday night. The bar is first class and the general size of the place makes sure that it won’t be hell making your way back to the bar for your next drink. It’s location in the heart of Hollywood also adds to the mystique. All in all, Lucky Strike Lanes always offers a fun night.

Lucky strike does have a dress code so make sure and dress appropriately before leaving house. Once you get there, the first thing you and guys should do is grab a drink from the bar and put your name on the list for a lane. Since we’re figuring it’s a Friday night, be prepared to wait at least an hour for an open lane. But don’t worry, filling an hour at this place is pretty easy to do. There are plenty of couches and tables around the bar area if your feel like having a seat, as well as an outdoor section for smokers and a breath of fresh air.

So our hour has passed. You gather your crew and get to your lane. Though Lucky Strike is a Hollywood club, it’s still a good ole fashioned bowling alley with all the fixing’s! Each lane has its own waitress and trust me, with all the drinking you’re going to do, I would completely recommend ordering many different finger foods for the crew to munch on while bowling. Remember that these games are very expensive (this IS Hollywood), so don’t get too drunk and end up with a gigantic bill. In fact everything at Lucky Strike is expensive, but that’s the case with everything "Hollywood".

The combination of club and bowling alley really works well, and fits the Hollywood scene. If you’re looking for a fun night out on the Hollywood strip (not to be confused with the Sunset strip), this is a great way to make that happen. Call up the boys!

Located on the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga in the heart of Hollywood is the music lovers Mecca known as Amoeba Records. I remember the first time I walked through the door…I knew this place would take time. This massive two story store is home to hundreds of thousands new and used CD’s, DVD’s, as well as, Vinyl records and tapes. The back of the room also features a stage that’s seen acts as diverse as Hot Hot Heat and Paul McCartney. Most importantly, Amoeba Records holds the flame up high - keeping music stores alive in the face of the internet revolution.

Once you walk through the front doors you’re faced with an immediate decision, to your front is the massive CD floor and to your right are the stairs leading to the DVD mezzanine. If you choose to walk forward you eyes will be flooded with every musical genre imaginable including a separate room for Jazz, blues, and classical. Make sure to check the equally impressive used section (with prices ranging from $1.99 to $11.99 for newer discs) to see if your favorite records have been turned in by other patrons! On the other side of that table, being someone who sells CD’s, Amoeba offers great prices for your used discs.

If you decided to make a right at the entrance you would be headed toward the stairs up the mezzanine. The DVD mezzanine offers exactly the same fair as the CD floor. Any genre, any language, any orientation, you can find it up there. I’ll tell you some of the best deals in town can be found in the bargains bin. Also, and true to form for the rest of the stores, laser disc’s and video tapes are in abundance and with great prices. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that vintage junkies will find Amoeba as good as home.

Don’t forget to check the schedule and see some of the hottest performances around on the Amoeba stage. I think if they let me bring a sleeping bag inside the store, I would be able to live there. And that just about sums it up!

Ah, the Pig n' Whistle. I’ve got plenty of memories in that place. There was a time in my life where I spent every night at that place. Of course not only did I go to school next door (Musicians Institute), I used to live just down the road. But, there is just such an atmosphere inside that me and my buddies couldn’t help but not ask each other after class “we going to the pig?” Whether it’s the excellent drinks, wonderful food, or wild and often unpredictable entertainment, the Pig n’ Whistle delivers on all levels.

With it’s convenient location next to the Egyptian Theatre (Where the movie premieres happened during the Twenties and Thirties when the pig opened it’s doors), it’s not too uncommon to run across a who’s who of Hollywood. It’s also a major tourist attraction, so it’s pretty easy to say that there will always be a few out of place families sitting in the booth across the right wall.

To me, The Pig really comes alive when the sun goes down. Home to some of my favorite bar tenders, the Pig is THE place to drink with your buddies in downtown Hollywood. The low lights, and abundant television’s make it a great place to bring your whole crew. Almost every night of the week finds the Pig turning into the place to be, and one of the many places to be seen in the downtown area.

For all you karaoke fiends out there, The Pig’s Wednesday night karaoke is notorious. I used to spend every Wednesday night singing, dancing, and drinking at The Pig. I think I most enjoyed the fact that every week there was a great mix of friends and new people alike. You can always meet new people, and can always count on your friends waiting for you outside, or at the bar. Also, If you’ve got some single guys in your crew (or you yourself), The Pig is a great place to meet and pick up women of all shapes, sizes, and personalities.

If you make it before ten o’clock I would recommend you order something from the menu. No one wants to drink on an empty stomach, and no one should pass up these delectable dishes. Among the many amazing choices are pizza (the chicken and artichoke heart is the best), fish and chips, and some of the best calamari around. Top all that off with a hearty lager, or a nice cocktail. It’s good to get something in your stomach because your going to need it. The rest of the night will become a blur of fun and laughter just be safe. If you can walk, do it. I walked there every week, and despite what people say, Hollywood is a safe place to be even at night.

That being said, The Pig n’ Whistle is a fantastic place for you and your friends to spend a night on the town.

A local favorite that makes midtown Long Beach the place to be on a cold winter night. Located at the corner of Junipero and 4th St, Portfolio is the traditional coffeehouse you grew up with. In a world surrounded by franchise monsters like Starbucks and Coffee Bean, it’s nice to see a small place like this (though it is not necessarily small) thriving within the community.

On the visual side of things, Portfolio offers a fantastic indoor and outdoor atmosphere. Outside the doors there are plenty of places for you and your significant other to sit, sip, and feed off of each other’s warmth. There are also a wide variety of shops within walking distance, making late night that much more fun.

Once through the doors your eyes will typically be greeted by people and laptop computers. Portfolio’s free wireless internet, and limited amount of noise make it a Mecca for writers, and college students alike. There is hardly a person inside whose eyes aren’t glued to their screens, which makes for little, or no conversation (besides laptops, iPod’s are very popular here as well). I would say that there is a feeling that whatever conversation you have inside should be hushed and quiet.

If you are just popping in by yourself, it is a perfect atmosphere to get some thinking done. The walls are adorned with an interesting array of paintings, which I would assume are from local artists. They also sport a wide variety of magazines for sale (consisting of mainly music magazines, Rolling Stone, Mojo, Etc).

When you reach the counter, portfolio offers you typical coffee house fare. There’s coffee, mocha, tea’s, etc, all of which is good, and worth you four dollars. I would recommend anything from the mocha category, as well as the teas. For those who’ll be spending an extended amount of time there, Portfolio also offers a pretty extensive lunch menu.

Things then change on Friday and Saturday nights when Portfolio’s back room becomes a hot spot for weekend entertainment. At around nine o’clock, you should make your way to the back room where you can see the cream of the crop of local singer songwriters performing the best they got. I think that’s what really makes this place feel like the traditional coffeehouse I grew up. They are grooming house for the best talent that Los Angeles has to offer. To top that, amateur talent can show their stuff on Wednesday nights Open Mic, also starting at nine.

Portfolio is only a hop, skip, and a jump from my house, so I spend a good amount of time there. It’s a fantastic atmosphere that serves many purposes. So, whatever you’re feeling, Portfolio Coffeehouse is a good place to go to think about it, or not think about it.

The Knitting Factory is many things. On one hand it is a first rate concert facility stocked with three stages (all of which have their own sound and bars). On the other, it is a little small and barely manages to hold all of its occupants. Yet overall, the Knitting Factory is a fine place to spend an evening with friends and catch Hollywood’s finest local talent.

Being a musician myself, I’d like to begin by saying that playing the Knitting Factory has always been a pleasant and enjoyable experience. That being said, the quality of the music that graces the stages is usually as good as it gets. Because of the Knitting Factory’s relatively small size, most people get full view of everything that’s happening on stage. This intimate atmosphere adds major points to the appeal of the Knitting Factory.

Once you enter through the front door your eyes will be greeted by some very comfortable plush couches, and the first of three bars. Treat yourself first to one of many over priced drinks, that is if you can squeeze your way through the mob of people. If you make a right you’ll see the second stage. This is where the lesser bands, and touring indie bands play. This stage is nice, but there is not a lot of room to stand and it can get annoying if you find yourself in the path of traffic from the other rooms to the bars.

Next I would recommend making a quick stop by the Alterknit Lounge. This small little room is a haven for local singer songwriters looking to get their talent out there. If you need to, you can make your way to the second bar in the back of this room. Though it’s not as stocked as the one up front, you can still get an overpriced beer or two. This room doesn’t usually have as many people in it and is a nice place to get away and still enjoy the music.

If you leave this room, the only other place to go is the main stage. This is obviously where the larger bands come to play. The room is smaller than the House of Blues, but holds the same atmosphere. The visibility is pretty clear from all angles, and offers the same intimate feeling that the rest of the club has. Also, as with all the other rooms, the main stage room has a fully stocked bar. I would not recommend going to this bar due to the loud noise from the stage. It’s a lot easier to get what you want from the front room.

The Knitting Factory is even smoker friendly with the convenient exits in back of the room. Overall, I would say that the Knitting factory offers a good concert going experience, as well as just an old fashioned good time for everybody.

I love Los Angeles and one of the main reasons is because it never stops recreating itself. A city known for its shock value, it's distinctive when it comes to numerous choices of dating places. With that said, I hate the idea of a traditional "romantic date." You know the ones I mean; the soft lights, candles on the table, easy listening emanates from the restaurant's walls while the waiter shoves the menu at you which of course list the customary "lobster" as their main course.

Los Angeles is the place to shake it up when it comes to romantic dating. From the Bungalow Club complete with individual bungalows, to the very intimate Nirvana on Wilshire artfully decorated with fireplaces and canopy beds throughout.

But who says romance has to be all candles and dark lighting. I personally like the fun dates that include things like pool at places like Break Shot Billiards, (nothing like someone trying to show you how to hold a cue) miniature golf or moonlight bowling. (same principals can apply)

If you've checked out everything you can in Los Angeles, but don't want to travel far, then Long Beach is the place to be. The Pike by my opinion is still one of the best kept secrets in Southern California. Forget about the restaurants although there are a number of them to choose from, but there is also Gameworks if you're into playing things like pinball, etc., or grab a blanket and find a spot right near the historic Long Beach Light House. Plus, the city has several choices of either day or night time cruises. But what if you're on a first date and getting comfy-cozy might not be the smart thing to do, then rent some bikes and take a ride on the beach, or to really make it unique, then check out renting a couple of Segways.

So if you are having a problem finding places for a romantic date, then the problem might not be the city, the problem might just be you.

I've lived in New York most of my adult life and never even gave California a thought except when my mother spoke about her trips to San Francisco; and even then she only spoke about Fisherman's Wharf. Any thoughts or comments I had on California were based on what I saw on television, in the movies or what my musician friends would tell me when they had returned from their trips to Los Angeles. I knew that there was always some competition between NY and Cali. After all, both coasts talk big when it comes to being in the forefront of fashion, music and entertainment.

When I started giving thoughts to moving out of New York, I wanted to move to a place that was similar. After not too much consideration, I chose California. New York had been good to me and I loved the liveliness and excitement of it, but I couldn't take the weather anymore, so I decided to give California a chance.

However, there was one thing I wasn't expecting. How challenging it would be to find out where all the eligible men hung out in Los Angeles. After all, in New York City, it was easy to meet men. I was never without a date, unless I chose to be.

What made it so easy was simple. Very few people drove in the city and because of the accessible transportation (subways, metro lines and buses) you were constantly forced into social situations and because New York City is such a great place to stroll on the weekends, you'd have to be virtually invincible not to get at least one verbal greeting whether you wanted it or not. Add to the constant nightlife--how could you not meet someone?

So if I had to chose which coast is easier when it comes to meeting men, I'd have to say hands down New York. But does that mean single women should move in herds to New York to get a date—no. Yes, it is a challenge to meet men in Southern California, but is it impossible…absolutely not.

If you are new to Los Angeles, here are few places I'd suggest. First, you have to start thinking like a Californian. What are they known for? I can think of three easy answers; healthy eating, exercising and beaches. Right there you have three different destinations to meet single people; health food stores, gyms and the many, many beaches.

California is also known for its many outdoor club activities. There's bike, hiking and back packing clubs. But what if you're not into the exercise or outdoor scene? Then check out your local church and other weekend events. In other words, if you're new to Southern Cali, and if you want to have a dating life, you might just have to think outside the 'dating' box.

Hidden behind a simple black painted building is perhaps the Valley's best bar. This dimly lit lounge is the place to be if you are feeling in the mood for a Hollywood bar, but don't feel like making the trek over the hill. The decor is what you would expect to find in Hollywood. The bar is decked out with stained glass and an eclectic collection of drinks. Everything from well aged scotch to flavored vodkas lies in wait for spirit thirsty patrons.

Venture towards the back of the bar and you will find a comfortable lounge with felt-lined walls. The brown, gold and red walls have a throwback feel. It's like a dance back through time to some hip bar of the 60s. With comfortable couches, it's a perfect spot to relax with friends. If pool is your thing, an adjacent room contains a pool table. But expect to wait awhile if you want to play.

The drinks are pricier then other valley bars, but not by much. And the quality and strength of the pour more then makes up for the cost. The bartenders are attractive and good at their jobs. I have never had to wait more then a couple of minutes for a drink, even on weekends.

This bar has become a favorite of those looking to mix and mingle. The crowd here is matched by any you will find in Hollywood, with a wide range of styles and tastes. The atmosphere is friendly and lively. There is a palpable energy that fills the place, but never seems to overwhelm it.

Be warned, No Bar is considered the place to be on weekends by both locals and visitors. They get pretty crowded after ten. Groups of friends and co-workers seem drawn to the place. Make sure you get there early enough and you will be more then accommodated.

Like most bars, No Bar seems to rely heavily on street parking for its patrons. This is no problem, however as there is plenty of it.