Art Bars

. . . where people-watching takes a back seat to surveying the decor.

* The Pitcher House. Open since 1950, this popular South Bay watering hole has left the decorating to the customers, so the walls are covered with street signs, license plates and bumper stickers. 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach. (310) 374-0626. 21 and over. No cover. No menu.

* Martini Lounge. A relief map of the world on the wall, high-heel shoes illuminated on glass shelves, and an airplane wing for a bar. Need we say more? 5657 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. (213) 467-4068. 21 and over. Bar menu.

* Al’s Bar. The incredibly eclectic artsy crowd who hang there have also been covering the wall with graffiti for years. Incomparable. 305 S. Hewitt St., downtown. (213) 625-9703. Cover varies.

* Anastasia’s Asylum. It’s not exactly a bar but might as well be. This late-night cafe changes its artwork monthly and features live music and poetry readings to boot. 1028 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 394-7113. All ages. No cover. Full menu.

* World Cafe. A restaurant and cyber bar for the worldly. Hieroglyphics adorn the walls and ceiling. Primitive animals cover the facade. Crooked mirrors, quirky pictures and an Internet station under a Mexican umbrella are all part of the place. 2820 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 392-1661. All ages. No cover. Full menu.

* House of Blues. The out-of-town guests will dig the Hollywood scene while you focus on the live music and folk art, including a cool bottle cap display. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 21 and over. (213) 650-0247. Cover varies. Full menu.

* Tsunami Cafe. This hip neighborhood coffeehouse uses Diana Ross and the Supremes posters, hand-painted art of the human body and Japanese kimonos to create its ambience. Live music and open mike poetry provide entertainment. 4019 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. (323) 661-7771. All ages. No cover. Cafe menu.