Shopping under the influence

Where to booze before you buy

By Sophia Kercher, Special to Metromix

June 4, 2008

Drinking while shopping is as much a state of mind as it is an activity. After hitting the sauce, suddenly those $100 jeans look amazing on you and the sales girl is your new best friend. And those cheesy beer coasters? Perfect for Dad, even though his birthday isn’t for another seven months and he doesn’t drink beer! Just remember to get those return policies on paper—and don’t lose those receipts.

When you’re shopping on Main Street:
Main Street draws everyone from beach bunnies to celebs ambling along the bar-and-boutique-laden district for summery cocktails and beach clothes.

Library Alehouse
This beer emporium understands seasons just as shoppers do. (Yes, we live in L.A., but we still understand the necessity of purchasing a winter coat.) At Library Alehouse, it’s all about the seasonal beer selections on tap.

World Cafe Lounge
Shopping solo but dying to show off your latest purchase? The laid-back bartenders here will gladly lend an ear as the space fills up with a pre-dinner crowd of surfers and boho babes. 

When you’re shopping on the Third Street Promenade:
The mélange of street performers, Ugg-wearing teens and tourists gives Santa Monica’s main shopping drag a European vibe. You’ll find us at a bistro with a glass of wine lusting after Anthropologie dresses.

Cabo Cantina
If you’ve already amassed a ton of shopping bags, you’ll want to go to Cabo Cantina, where the tables are tall—perfect for stowing your bags under. And if you feel a tinge of guilt after spending rent money on shoes, the strong margaritas will certainly help ease your worries. 

Monsieur Marcel Cafe
This outdoor bistro is the best spot on the Promenade to judge the fashion dos and don’ts walking by. Order a glass of wine and you’ll really look like a fashion snob. (We mean that as a compliment.)

Barney’s Beanery
If you’re having a bad hair day and go shopping to make up for it, this is your bar. An un-brushed crowd fresh from the surf comes here for beers and burgers.

When you’re shopping at the Grove and Farmers Market:
You’ll find all types at this outdoor mall, from Gucci-clad shoppers on a mission to dads chilling with their kids on the grass.

The Whisper Lounge
Forget the Cheesecake Factory. It may have potent cocktails, but it also has whiny kids. Chic shoppers are better off the Whisper Lounge, a cabana-style restaurant and lounge just a hop away from Barneys Co-Op.

326
You’ll want to use your sale instincts (i.e., swinging elbows) to scramble for a stool at the bustling bar here. Located smack in the middle of the Farmers Market frenzy, this charming spot serves beer and wine.

When you’re shopping at the Beverly Center:
It’s all about choices here: H&M, Forever 21, Sephora, Diesel, Lacoste, Armani Exchange, Victoria’s Secret, Aldo.  Do: Go for a mid-shop pick-me-up (hello, happy hour). Don’t: Get picked up by a mall rat; skeezies have been known to make “I’m gonna get a number” rounds.

Wave Restaurant & Bar
Forget the food court. This place is in the middle of the mall, perfect for spying on cute shoppers passing by. Sure, there’s something a little cheesy about the decor (neon lights and an island theme), but the couches call out to you as much as the cocktails.

When you’re shopping on Melrose:
You’ll find rambling rockers, serious shoppers and boozy locals on this famous shopping stretch. Our favorite place to shop under the influence is (appropriately) Wasteland, where you can try on vintage prom dresses.

The Village Idiot
Not only does this sleek neighborhood joint serve up a mean fish ’n’ chips, it also has wide windows ideal for peering out at the sales while sipping esoteric suds. Sample the Idiot’s latest, the Bomber: It’s 22 ounces of oddball beer goodness.

The Snake Pit
Located in the center of the hustle and bustle of Melrose, Snakepit is for the low-key bar-lovin’ social shopper. The bar draws in a friendly crowd, from tourists to Hollywood rock-star wannabes.

El Guapo Cantina
Don’t let the nice little fountain at the entrance fool you: El Guapo is all about sports—from what’s on the big screen to the drinking games in the back.

When shopping at the Westfield Century City:
Ask a sales rep in the mall about drinking and shopping and they light up: “Happens all the time! Sixty percent of the customers will be back that Saturday returning what they bought.”  Let that be a lesson.

Pink Taco
What better place to get ridiculous than the kitschy Pink Taco—where the margaritas pack a punch and the industry types get as obnoxious as the bar’s name.

When shopping in Beverly Hills:
The impression you got of Rodeo Drive from “Pretty Woman”: It was dead on! Beverly Hills is all snobbery. Still, we like to wear our fancies and play along. More champagne, garçon!

SnAKS @ Saks Fifth Avenue
This New York-style bar on the fifth floor of Saks is arguably the best place to slurp and splurge under one roof—especially during the “five @ 5” happy hour on Thursdays.

Barney Greengrass
Need a little liquid courage after looking at the Barneys New York price tags? Pop up to the top floor for sangria or a mimosa. The devastating views of the Hollywood Hills—and a little booze—should help loosen your purse strings.

Bar on 4 at Neiman Marcus
Dubbed the “man-hunting” bar because of its location on the menswear floor, this bar practically commands cocktail hour.

Cafe Rodeo at Luxe Hotel
This white-tableclothed al fresco cafe is the only sit-down spot on Rodeo Drive; it’s perfect for watching the richies strut by with their shopping bags. Martinis only cost $3.60 during happy hour and parking is free for two hours. We’ll toast to that!

When shopping at Sunset Junction:
You’ll find free spirits (as well as asymmetrical haircuts and tons of American Apparel) on this Silverlake stretch full of independent shops and eateries.

Good Microbrew and Grill
Don’t worry about getting too tipsy on Good’s endless selection of beers. If we know anything from the annual Sunset Junction summer festival, it’s that the neighborhood welcomes boozehounds!

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