After dinner

Jazz Age look

Casa del Mar looks like a high-fashion hangout from the 1920s. Grab an oversized rattan chair by the window, enjoy the ocean view and have a Chocolat cocktail -- Stolichnaya vanilla vodka and white creme de cacao with a Godiva chocolate rim. (Cocktails, $10.50.)

Casa del Mar, 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, (310) 581-5533.

Blithe spirits

To complement its interesting wine list, Opaline has a rare assortment of brandies and whiskeys. You can sample a 24-year-old Armagnac, an 18-year-old single-malt Scotch or a 20-year old Bourbon from the boutique Kentucky distiller Van Winkle. (Laberdolive “Domaine de Jaurrey” (1979), glass, $30; the Macallan 18, glass, $15; Van Winkle “Pappy’s Family Reserve,” glass, $18.)

Opaline, 7450 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 857-6725.

High elegance

Atop its bluff in Laguna Niguel, the Ritz-Carlton enjoys magnificent sweeping views of the Pacific. The Lobby Lounge is a good place to enjoy them, along with an extravagant cocktail -- say, a warm, soothing Hot Shot: coffee, brandy and Amaretto liqueur, topped with a pillow of whipped cream. (Cocktails, $9.)

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, (949) 240-5008.

Dessert wine

The bustling but understated bar at A.O.C. specializes in aromatic dessert wines. Try a delicate French Muscat, an intense Monastrell (like a late-harvest Zinfandel made from a Spanish clone of Mourvedre) or a nice, fruity California Gewurztraminer. (Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, glass, $6; Olivares Monastrell Dulce, glass, $8; Babcock Gewurztraminer “Cuvee Sublime,” glass, $6.)

A.O.C., 8022 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 653-6359.

-- Jessica Strand