. . . which means you'll probably end up at Johnny's. But don't worry, this is a good thing. Ignored and still hospitable to conversation until the later hours (probably because of those aforementioned burgers next door), Johnny's has an exceptionally comfortable, neighborhood feel, a couple of pool tables, and a jukebox that charmingly tilts toward classic rock and old school punk (hello, X). The beer choices are pretty good too -- though the hardier of spirit may be tempted by the menacing absinthe rig mounted to the bar.

The neighborhood's new kid takes its beer seriously thanks to an impressive roster of taps and microbrewed tallboys like Delirium Tremens, and the atmosphere is that comfortable if a little overused new mid-century modern cool. Is this really Glassell Park? Don't worry, the scrapyards you pass on the way will still be there when you get outside.

But Chris, you're thinking, I have a tight-fitting vintage t-shirt and skinny jeans. Where can I hang out? I'm kidding, but seriously aside from Little Cave this is the most fashionable, post-Echo Park hang in the NELA mix -- not that there's anything wrong with that.. And the crowd has a point since it's a pretty cool room -- bottled beer, strong (but pricey) drinks, and one of the best jukeboxes in town.

This dark bar looked a Little Threadbare last time I checked, but really, that's part of the charm. Plus if you have even the slightest Goth-tinged bone in your body from your past or present you'll appreciate the alt-rock spinning (loudly) in here most nights.

There's been a lot of talk about beer here, but one must make time for the finer things -- and luckily, this isn't necessarily the place where you have to do it. Wine needn't be a luxury item at this great shop / bar, but if you insist on paying $30 for a bottle the proprietors will happily oblige. But I recommend going on any given night for a simple glass with a friend or -- if a more social occasion is your craving-- their Friday night or Sunday afternoon tastings. Think only proper taverns can be a neighborhood bar? The friendly, everyone-knows-your-name vibe of CoWineCo will change all that.

OK, so it's not always an appealing prospect to dive into the tangle of commerce that is Old Town Pasadena, but when a place like this is only a 10 minute trip down the freeway attention simply must be paid. The adventuresome beer consumer could while away many a night trying to find just the right Belgian Triple or unfortunately named microbrew to become your new favorite, but beyond that this bar just feels good. Surrounded by red brick, guilty pleasure jukebox basics and a super friendly staff that seems to love what they do, this bar feels hundreds of miles away from Los Angeles, much less Old Town. Except on the weekends when, again, shoulder-to-shoulder people toss cold water on the homey vibe.

Oh Chalet, we used to be such good friends. What happened? Probably home to the most eclectic, borderline bizarre crowd of anyplace on this list, it's mostly notable for being a great place to grab a drink while waiting for your table at Casa Bianca nearby. But the bar's tendency to turn a little fratty from time to time -- and its by-the-numbers beer selection -- unfortunately pushes this place down the list.