Hot Happy Hour: Pour yourself into the dimly-lit Liquid Kitty

The Liquid Kitty is the seminal cocktail lounge for Westside nightlife. For 19 years, the kitschy bar and lounge has served what has been called the best martinis in Los Angeles, bucking the trendy nightspot scene in favor of something darker and more potent.

Hidden along the dark parts of Pico Blvd. near the 10 Freeway, Liquid Kitty’s neon bar sign flashes from martini glass to cigarette and beckons you inside. As you walk inside, the milieu is blackened and loudened.

It’s a funky place with a low-key crowd, something of chimera in the area full of trendy bars and restaurants.

Owner Dave describes the vibe as “dark and cozy,” while adding that the cocktail lounge possesses a laid back attitude, never a cover charge for any event and perfect for a stop-in or to spend the evening. It’s stylish but not flashy, easygoing but not bland – the same could be said about their drinks.

To Dave, the Liquid Kitty’s advantage lies in its service (friendly) and drinks (strong).

“We specialize in martinis, but also make many invigorating cocktails,” he said.

According to Dave, their most popular drinks are the Liquid Kitty, a Ketel One vodka martini served with an unfiltered Camel cigarette; The Omen, a citrus-style cocktail served up; the Travis Bickle, their version of a Manhattan with Bulleit Bourbon; and the Low Life, a Pabst Blue Ribbon with a well shot.

“We also serve horseradish vodka shots, absinthe, a good selection of whiskey’s, single malts, premium tequilas and offer weekly/seasonal drink specials,” Dave said.

The cocktails come in two sizes: $7 medium and $10 large. The house vodka is Ketel One and martinis come in 10 ounce glasses for $8. For anyone who doesn’t know what type of martini to order, just ask the bartenders, who have anywhere from 19 to 30 years experience in the bartending game.

The well-mixed cocktails get the job done. Try the Harold and Maude, of rum, banana liqueur, pineapple; or the Magic Christin, of Absolut Kurant, Triple Sec, limejuice; or the secret ingredients in the Nine Lives Mai Tai.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Drink $4 well drinks or a $4 Low Life (Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot).

Without TVs or a pool table, the week’s calendar makes up for losses in entertainment. On Mondays from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am, delight in “Kitty-oke,” Liquid Kitty’s version of karaoke. Wednesdays is iPod night, where you can be the DJ for 20 minutes (if the crowd approves, the house buys you a drink).

The rest of the week alternates different DJs and concludes with live music on Sunday.

“We don’t play top 40 or dance music per se,” Dave said. “Great music from all eras are on our mixes.”

Finally, if a regular week at the Kitty doesn’t intoxicate you, their 19th Anniversary Bash might be a fine introduction to how they celebrate.

Complimentary vodka martinis are in full swing from 11 pm to midnight, and band 310 will be covering everything from the Meters to Marvin Gaye to James Brown.

Like the last 19 years, there’s no cover charge.

“The location was selected because in the ‘90s there were no bars like this on the Westside,” Dave said. “While cocktail bars are still more plenty in Hollywood and Downtown, the Westside is now better represented.”

The Liquid Kitty is located at 11780 West Pico Blvd. For more information, call 310.473.3707 or visit thekitty.com.