Popular dating lounges in Los Angeles

Over the course of the last couple of weeks I've been compiling a list of lounges that are popular amongst singles in Los Angeles. The list covers my top five lounges on the westside. My criteria in determining this list were the following:

- Affordability
- Location
- Ambiance
- service
- Male to Female ratio
- Ease of interracting with others
- Low couple count

Lets start with the countdown:

5 - The Good Nite. Located in North Hollywood, The Good Nite is a swanky lounge located in the art district. The decor may seem like it's a very expensive and very upscale lounge, but the vibe is very upbeat and the crowd is very diverse and easy going. At first glance it seems like a lounge that seems like it belongs in a movie. The lighting is blue and purple, there's velvet curtains, low leather couches and candles lit at every table. It's a very intimate setting but the crowd is lively. I talked to 10 people (not hitting on them, just starting conversation). Of the 10 people I initiated conversation with, 4 turned into conversations that lasted more than 5 minutes. 5 minutes may not sound like a long time, but hey, this is for testing purposes.


4 - Air Conditioned. Located in Santa Monica, Air Conditioned was definitely one of the funnest places. It's located near Santa Monica Community College and it gets jammed with college students. This may sound like it's more of a party joint, but it's actually a really low lit lounge with really social and smart people. It's very easy to start conversations and make friends. Of the 10 people I spoke to, I actually got a group of 6 to get together and actually conversate. As the night grew, so did the size of the group. It's a really affordable place with a really upscale feel to it. It's an elegant retro joint. If you're in Santa Monica, you have to check this place out.

3 - Rush. Located in downtown culver City, Rush is one of the most elegant places. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff is very nice. The drinks are affordable and they offer a killer happy hour special. At first glance it may look like more of a restaurant, but if you work your way up the stairs to the second floor, you'll be pleased to see 20 comfortable couches, a very nice bar and a dj that plays everything from rythym n blues to classic rock. It's rockin! At this place, I spoke to only 6 people, of which I was able to hold conversations with 4. 1 of them turned into more than an hour long conversation. I'm not giving this rank because of the great conversation, but I felt really comfortable, the staff was really nice, the drinks were amazing and the crowd was fun. You should make it out here.

2 - Angelenos. Yes, the hotel off of Sunset Blvd and the 405. For starters, it didn't start off great as it's valet parking only ($7). I took the elevator to the top of the hotel and the view immediately made me forget about the parking fees. You have a 360 degree view of the city and you really get the feel that you're on top of the world. The staff was knowlegable and very friendly, even offering to expand your horizons with specialty drinks that will knock you off your feet. The ambiance is very soothing and romantic and I quickly got the feel that this is a place where people who are in the know spend their after hours here. The crowd is very friendly and very approachable. Of the 10 people that I spoke to, 8 of them responded pleasantly and even found the number one place on this list from one of the people. Come here one day.

1 - The Doheny. Located in downtown Los Angeles two blocks south of the staples center. I was lucky enough to get an invitation to this private lounge (membership fees apply) and I'm strongly considering becoming a member. The Doheny is hands down the most knowelegable bartending staff I've come across - these guys know what they're doing. The staff is the friendliest i've encountered and one night here and you'll know where that membership fee is going to. Simply put, you have to go. Put it on your wish list or your bucket list. Network through friends and find someone who has a membership. Be prepared to be blown away.