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Zagat Releases 2007/08 Los Angeles Nightlife Survey

"News-Making Neighborhoods: As the new loft apartments in downtown Los Angeles fill up faster than you can say "Ketel One and seltzer please," so do the swanky nightspots."



Zagat Releases 2007/08 Los Angeles Nightlife Survey

Annual Survey Covers 625 Bars, Clubs, and Lounges in the Greater L.A. Area;
Partygoers Pay a High Price for the High Life; Downtown is Still Up;
Enterprising Entrepreneurs Blaze New Territory; Area is Voted Top-Rated
Newcomer

LOS ANGELES, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey has announced the
results of its 2007/08 Los Angeles Nightlife survey. The guide covers 625
of the hottest and coolest nightspots in L.A., from the Valley to Beverly
Hills, including beer specialists to karaoke bars, cocktail experts to meat
markets. The results are based on the collective opinions of 3,115 avid,
local late- nighters who went out an average of 1.8 times per week, which
is roughly 291,000 nights of "market research."

High Rollers: One thing is for sure: Angelinos definitely pay to play.
According to this year's surveyors, the average cost of a drink in L.A. is
$10.66, an astounding 11.5 % jump from last year and pricey when compared
to the cost of a drink elsewhere: New Orleans ($6.92), San Francisco
($9.01) and New York City ($10.12), only Las Vegas ($11.86) is more
expensive.

"In virtually every city where we survey nightlife, the average cost of
a drink has soared over the last two years," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat
Survey. "Surveyors also report going out less often than they did a year
ago. It's hard to say, but the former trend may be causing the latter."

News-Making Neighborhoods: As the new loft apartments in downtown Los
Angeles fill up faster than you can say "Ketel One and seltzer please," so
do the swanky nightspots. A few of this year's key downtown newcomers
include Bordello, The Edison, sophisticated Library Bar, and
whiskey-centric Seven Grand. As the area becomes more residential, it's not
surprising that local watering holes follow as 56% of surveyors say they
primarily go out to establishments in their own neighborhoods.

Enterprising nightlife entrepreneurs are taking a fresh direction,
realizing that NoHo has enough space and proximity to Hollywood to become
its own buzz-worthy destination. Eight-18 and Lucy's 51 have all the style
and amenities of their counterparts over the hill, but they're not nearly
as expensive or pretentious. And with the arrival of commie-chic Bar
Lubitsch, and the paparazzi-free (for now) alternative Winstons, West
Hollywood has become inexplicably blazing hot.

Take a Seat: When asked how they feel about bottle service, only 17%
say it's a fun way to party. In contrast, a whopping 52% say it's a
"rip-off." Any nightclub owner who banks on the publicity that a
star-studded space provides, should note that 88% of surveyors say they
either don't care or would be less likely to go to the places frequented by
celebrities.

"Zagat surveyors are real, local people who eat, sleep, work and play
in L.A.," said Gary Baum, local editor of the 2007/08 Los Angeles Nightlife
guide. "And as much as we hate to admit that the celebrity lure influences
their decisions, the simple fact is that you can't sit down in many top
nightspots unless you're famous -- or you reserve a table with bottle
service."

Newcomers: The only constant in the ever-changing nightlife scene is
change. And this year, surveyors welcome Top-Rated Newcomer Area, where, be
warned, "if you're not dressed like young Hollywood" and buying a bottle,
"good luck penetrating the door." Following close behind are Les Deux,
dripping with "flashy heiresses" and "overexposed superstars," and
Boulevard 3, a former athletic center that boasts "playful" touches like a
"sunken dance floor in the old pool."

Midnight Snackers: After a long night of hard partying, 42% of
surveyors say they prefer to grab a bite. Today's lounges are making sure
patrons don't even have to leave the premises. Celadon, Eleven, and Parc
are leading the way with seriously good late-night menus that go way beyond
the basics.

Top Rated by Category:
Across the Pond - Coach & Horses Karaoke Bar - Brass Monkey
Bar - Tiki-Ti Margarita Specialists - L'Scorpion
Beer Specialist - Cafe Boogaloo Meat Market - Area
Decor - Mixville Bar Most Popular - Yard House
Dive - Joe Jost's Service - Hotel Bel-Air
Frat House - 3rd Stop Sports Bar - Wild Goose
Gay/Lesbian Bar - Abbey Theme Bar - The Chalet
Jazz Club - Vibrato Wine Bar - Little Door

SOURCE Zagat Survey