Much has been made about the Waffle, a trendy new diner that has foodies in heated debates. Every last detail—from the food to the decor to the film-producer owner—has been picked apart with equal parts passion and vengeance. It's a bit ridiculous given that it's the type of place that serves waffles until 4 a.m. You'd expect people to shriek in delight.

Then again, I’m a Bars & Clubs girl—I fancy myself an expert in drinks. Rather than get in on the foodie fuss, I bypass the restaurant and head upstairs to the tiny candlelit bar; there's a few stools and tables and a brown leather couch, perfect for hushed conversations. Though the bartender will make anything, it’s all about the specialty coffee drinks, such the spiked hazelnut latte. Get it? Coffee, breakfast…

The best drink, however, isn't on the cocktail menu—though it takes the prize for taste, potency and cleverness. Behold the Maple Ginger martini. It's made with equal parts Domaine De Canton (a ginger liqueur) and Stoli Citros, and shaken with fresh lemon juice and maple syrup. The cocktail arrives in a chilled, sugar-rimmed martini glass. The result is sweet and refreshing. And since the syrup settles on the bottom, the last sip is the sweetest.

Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.