How convenient: Los Angeles' new park 'n' meet bars

THE EVENINGS are a little nippier (despite the Santa Anas), the holidays are around the corner, and meeting up with friends for a good brew is a brilliant idea. Fortunately, a smattering of bars and wine bars have opened that are ideal meet-up spots, with convenient parking and location, good food, plentiful seating and conversation-encouraging ambience (no blaring TVs or too-loud music). Happy hour 'til 8 p.m. is a plus.

October 15, 2008