Bettys for the Best

It’s been three years since Club Buzz doled out the first Betty statuette to honor L.A.’s hottest nightclubs and, my, how things have changed. This year, the competition is fiercer than ever. Once flailing clubs are now at the top of their game, old venues have brought in hot young promoters to give them a cutting edge, and there’s a dazzling array of newcomers.

Since Betty’s not one to suffer through a song-and-dance routine, let’s begin the games, shall we?

Club of the Year: The Key Club. Happy birthday to the Key Club, which turned 5 years old this month. After getting off to a rough start-it originally launched as the short-lived Billboard Live-the Key Club has cemented its place as the Sunset Strip’s finest nightclub. A haven for old-school punk, rap, rock and R&B;, the Key Club earns its coveted Betty for its consistency, providing first-rate entertainment in a comfortable environment.

Even when that environment is a seething mosh pit, the Key Club’s got it under control, going so far as to stick one of its burly bouncers in the eye of the moshing hurricane, just to be sure the kids are all right. Congrats.* The Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 786-1712. Age limit and cover vary.

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Best Rock Club: Camaro Club at the Viper Room. Promoters Sal Jenco, Josh Richman and Dayle Gloria know how to throw a good party. Stars are born here every Monday night. Opening acts are culled from the best of L.A.’s rock crop, and guests are entertained by Metal Shop’s raging ‘80s rock revue, deejay Taime Downe and a very wet T-shirt contest. Oh yeah, you can pour some sugar on me. * Camaro Club, Mondays at the Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-1880. 21 and older, cover varies.

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Hottest Supper Club: Dominick’s. Some like it hot, that’s why they like Dominick’s. After leaving the club biz for a spell, Jon Sidel (of Small’s K.O., Olive, Swinger’s and Jones fame) quietly reentered the arena three years ago with Dominick’s, a simple, elegant restaurant with a spacious back patio and a cool clientele. Chef Keith Silverton’s sexy confections include the monthly “Droptop Dinners,” three back-to-back nights showcasing hot wines and hot times.* Dominick’s, 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-7272. 21 and older, no cover.

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Sexiest New Dance Spot: Joya. It’s not just the menu, which offers white-hot fondue in a red-hot setting, it’s the location. The new nightclub has put Beverly Hills back on the map, while simultaneously offering Hugh Hefner a new place to get down on it. (He’s there with his bunnies every Friday.) Between late-night dancing and fondue romancing, Joya’s a hit. * Joya, 242 Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 274-4440. 21 and older, no cover. Dinner reservations recommended.

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Best Singles Scene: On the Westside, the Betty goes to Belly, for consistently attracting young, hot, single babes and the industry men who want them. It doesn’t hurt that co-owner Mike Boogie had his life splashed all over “Big Brother 2” (real name: Mike Malin). Chicks dig that kind of stuff. We dig the good food-all generous-sized tapas dishes-and sexy environment.

On the Eastside, it’s a no-brainer: the Short Stop in Echo Park. The bar is a key love connection spot for slinky Eastsiders and Hollywood hipsters.* Belly, 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 692-1068. 21 and older, no cover.* The Short Stop, 1455 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, (213) 482-4942. 21 and older, no cover.

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Best Two-Fer: Joseph’s and Snatch on Mondays. When you’re in the neighborhood of Joseph’s Cafe or Papaz on a Monday night, let’s hope you’re on the list.

The same promoters who blew up the Las Palmas on Wednesdays, Bolthouse Productions, turned the Monday spotlight on Joseph’s, a Greek restaurant that underwent a dramatic renovation earlier this year and now offers an ideal setting for this actor-filled schmoozefest. A block away, Papaz is the site of Snatch, a steamy, hot hip-hop club that attracts key players of the rap and R&B; world.* Joseph’s Cafe on Mondays, 1775 Ivar Ave., Hollywood, (323) 848-9300 or (323) 462-8697. 21 and older. Guest list only; call in advance.* Snatch at Papaz, 1716 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 694-1800 or (323) 461-8190. 21 and older. Guest list only; call in advance.

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Classiest Bar: Bar Marmont. Still crazy beautiful after all these years. Especially when you consider the competition. Such high-profile hotel bars as the Sky Bar and the Standard Lounge often require intense scrutiny before admitting a feller off the street, but you can slip into Bar Marmont and be knocked off your feet by a little night magic. Its most glamorous and playful night happens the third Sunday of the month, when its exotic hostess Constance throws her monthly “Bad & the Beautiful” bash.* Bar Marmont, 8171 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-0575. 21 and older. No cover.

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Most Likely to Succeed: Star Shoes. If Beauty Bar’s success is any indication, its sister bar, Star Shoes, should tap its way into the hearts of scenesters everywhere. Star Shoes will be located at Hollywood Boulevard near Cosmo Street.

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Lifetime Achievement Award: Al’s Bar. People will be writing about this legendary downtown rock joint for years to come, and we’re told, the saga continues. Owner Marc Kreisel says he’s already got his eye on a new downtown location, with plans to relocate the club, which is currently closed. We wish him well.