This hotel, a Hollywood institution since the film industry's Golden Age, makes a fantastic date spot. Feb. 14th, as the historic landmark will feature Phoenix-based contemporary Latin band Rakata performing for free in the lobby. Start there, then make you way to the Dakota restaurant's bar for a seductive cocktail or two. After drinks and dancing, who knows? It might be time to get a room.

Looking for a different kind if Valentine's Day experience? Consider Bar Sinister (at Boardner's every Saturday) where sultry San Francisco songstress Jill Tracy performs live to a gorgeous goth crowd. The singer hosts the "Black Valentine" event and performs. $10. 9:30 p.m.

For those seeking a bit of grown-up sophistication this V-day, plot your escape to the L'Ermitage's Writer's Bar, which just might be the perfect romantic prelude to a kiss. Order up the smoked cherry cake (black pepper sauce and espresso mousse) and champagne for him, or her, and you're golden.

Sutra is feeling jazzy this Valentine's Day. Your date will as well after hearing tunes by the Evan Stone Trio. We like this deal (even though there will likely be smug couples here) just because the value is so strong. A four-course meal, a glass of champagne, entrance into the nightclub for dancing and a complimentary CD is just $50 per person. The love begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. in the nightclub (DJ Echo spins later as the scene morphs into a 944 magazine-sponsored singles-friendly situation after 10 p.m.).

Feeling sorry for yourself this Valentine's Day? Rather than sulking about, why not cut a rug to some quality soul and ska music at Soulside's Valentine's Day dance party? A dance contest starts at 10:30 p.m. sharp, and DJs Rick Inciters, George Rodriguez, Marv Mack and Jesse Trejo will be bringing the wax platters. $10, 9 p.m., 18+. Ladies half price before 10 p.m.

Skip the roses and go straight for the lingerie at this V-Day Lingerie Party. Suicide Girl go-go dancers will be on-hand, dancing to electro, 1980s and indie dance tunes provided by DJs Amanda Jones and Robert Lockerby. Don your own lingerie and get in free until midnight, plus drink specials, and gift bags for early arrivals. Check out clubsuicide.net for more info and further discounts.

Head out to the Henry Fonda to get your rockabilly fix at Black Cat's Valentine Day Ball. In their only Southern California appearance, psychobilly legends The Quakes will rock the stage at this Hollywood landmark (along with Mad Dog Cole, Barnyard Ballers, and the Tabletix). Multiple vendors will also be on site, plus DJsFrankie Z and Satoki will be spinning retro, rockabilly, and more. You might want to start suiting up early for this event. 6 p.m. All ages.

While this venue is better suited to a conference than a party, Feb. 14th Almansor comes alive with what organizers are calling "2009's largest singles Valentine's Day dinner & salsa dance party." Dance and mingle with like-minded salsa-loving singles at this event, with V-Day themed games, a raffle, and music by DJ Robby. Red & black attire is requested. $25 at the door (free parking).

Friend of the Guide Scott Sterling (from Metromix) will DJ this party, dubbed "Game of Love." A live game show MC'd by relationship experts the Clarks means singles won't get bored, and prizes ensure you won't go home empty-handed. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. No cover and Finlandia vodka specials.

Where better to meet that special future someone than at this romantic find in the heart of Hollywood? Promoter Steve Dimon is starting up a new weekly party here Feb. 14, and he's tapped the former Forty Deuce burlesque band to give proceedings a sultry vibe.

Girls, grab your best single pals and hightail it over to the Crown Bar for V-Day. With half-off champagne glasses and a free round of shots for ladies who reserve a table, you'll be singing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" with pride as hot guys stare lustily your way all night long. Ryan Best spins, no cover.

Single and ready to mingle with hundreds of outrageously costumed bohemians? The almost-annual Lucent gala will be taking it to the streets this year, spreading out over city blocks in downtown LA with 3 areas of sound and stage performances Lucent Dossier Vaudeville Cirque, art galleries and interactive art installations by the Do Lab. The DJ lineup includes Z Trip, Adam Freeland, Marques Wyatt, Jeremy Sole, and Kazell. General admission is $40, with an upgraded ticket featuring free valet and private restrooms running $100. Go to www.lucentlamour.thedolab.com for full details.

It's "Lovers Lane" at the always-sexy Garter in Venice Feb. 14. Drink from their "sweetheart menu" (try the "First Base" cocktail) or an offering from their "broken hearts" drinks menu (how about a "He Lied?"). Happy hour prices until 10 p.m. and no cover.

This conceptual cafe/shop/art space is a Japanese maid cafe, which means your waitress will be dressed in a frilly brown-and-white Akihabara maid uniform with white knee socks and a matching apron. Saturday, take your date here for a four course Prix Fixe dinner (with champagne) and watch the sparks fly Tokyo-style. $50 per person

Love is blind, but lust is "20/20," according to promoters of Foxtail's soiree Saturday. The hot scene here promises to be crawling with good-looking upscale singles, and the bar is hosting a champagne toast in addition to giving away chocolate-covered strawberries (and roses) to the ladies. Playboy model Zoe Gregory celebrates a birthday Saturday at this bash, while DJ Splyce spins. VIPParty@aol.com to RSVP.

Celebrate Valentine's Day while supporting youth literacy at this postmodern-meets-retro ball featuring special guest performances by Lori Jo DeWitt, Todd Michael Eckart and Adele Jacques. The $30 ticket also gets you an open bar and tunes spun by DJs Justin Miller, Paris Potter, and Elvin Estela from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In case there's any doubt, this is indeed a formal event.

Looking to unleash your wild single side? A spin-off of the popular Rubber Ball in London hits the Monte Cristo Saturday as part of L.A. Kink's "Fetish Weekend." A latex fashion show and music by DJ Xris Smack is on tap for Saturday, and Sunday "Fetish Weekend" purveyors will make their way to the larger "Erotic, Exotic & Toxic Valentine's Fetish Ball" at downtown's Club 740. $30. More info on both events at www.lakinkfetishweekend.com.

The third floor of Hollywood's the Kress will be busy with single folks Saturday. The guest host for the evening is model Kim Lee. Enter via the front of the Kress on Hollywood Blvd. 10 p.m. onwards.

How does One Sunset feel about V-Day? Their party Feb. 14th is simply titled "Screw Valentine's Day." A full V-Day menu is offered or just show up later for singles ready to mingle and drinks such as their "Love Potion #1" (fresh strawberries, Grand Centenario Rose Angel tequila, Aperol, lemon juice and champagne). No cover, but best to call ahead and make a reservation.

Getting drunk on more than just love is what South is all about. The bar is giving away free Jell-O shots (Heartbreakers) all night and has a special V-Day menu from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at just $35 per person (a four-course meal).

The Hear Gallery and Hang the DJs are teaming up to throw "Lovers and Strangers," a V-day art and music festival. This party boasts a hipper-than-thou music lineup, including Yo Majesty (DJ set), Dorian, Bip Jeffington, and live band Dazzler. There will be galleries a-plenty, and merch available from American Apparel, Local Tourist, Indian Casino, and more. Plus, it is an "official" Morrissey record release party. Head to their MySpace page for all the details. http://www.MySpace.com/GlamSceneEnt

The good folks at Party Scammers are throwing a pre-Valentine's Day "lock and key" party at Jimmy's Lounge. Girls get locks to hang on yarn around their necks, and dudes sport the keys in a thinly veiled phallic metaphor. Plan on consuming as many strong drinks as it takes to make the weak double entendres bearable. Seriously, if you can't pick up someone here, you might be better off spending Valentine's Day at home watching Golden Girls reruns on Lifetime. DJ's Dam-Funk and Jun will spin.

The GetUp crew transforms the Hollywood Canteen into a lover's paradise for their "Lovers and Friends" Valentine's Day bash. Resident wax-spinners DJ J.Won and Joelski will be playing an eclectic mix of crunk, hip hop and dancehall, and there will be drink specials all night long. Email them at club.the.getup@gmail.com for a guestlisted $7 admission, general admission is $10. www.myspace.com/club_the_getup.

This Culver City standby remains an inspired choice for a decent night out in L.A. Saturday, the bar features nothing but scandalous rock n' roll and "make-out sessions." Also drink specials and free Hershey's Kisses with purchase of an inhibition-lowering beverage. No cover.

MOCA's Grand Avenue museum downtown is hosting a members-only opening featuring longtime lovers Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth. We say become a member ASAP to get into this event...MOCA needs your support, and you need to see Mirror/Dash (Moore and Gordon's side project).

This Valentine's Day, Rush Street is determined to keep Cupid working overtime. The Culver City bar and grill with a chi-town vibe is hosting two nights of Valentine's Day debauchery. On Friday, there's a "Meet Your Valentine" mixer, with dancing and half price cocktails for the ladies, plus spin the bottle games for those feeling particularly brave (or adolescent). The next day, bring back your recent acquisition (or, try, try again) to Rush Street's "My Naughty Valentine" party with DJ AC on the decks. You may want to splurge on their "Scandalous Bottle Service" packages, which comes with alcohol of choice, champagne, roses, chocolate covered strawberries and "adult" party favors.

What's more romantic than sharing one of Lola's famously sweet martinis together at a quiet table for two? Have your date order up a chocolate mint martini while you try a key lime. Or, splurge on Lola's full V-Day dinner, playfully priced to move for lovers at $69 per couple. The singles scene here is at the bar towards the front for those who are seeking to avoid happy loving couples.

This new-ish venue, formerly the Temple Bar, is having a large singles-orientated event Saturday featuring DJ Xplicit and VJ A Ron providing the sexy visuals. Plus, expect models walking a catwalk during an UNAware fashion show.

The always rockin' Sharkeez has a "anti-valentine's" singles party planned Satudray. Win $100 in cash & prizes in their "ex-lovers dart throwing contest" (bring your own pictures) or simply snag $200 for "sexiest dressed." Living well is the best revenge, right? $3 "broken hearts shots" all night long.