Strip Mall Pub Crawl

Many regard L.A.’s mini-mall proliferation as a blight spawned by our car culture, but did you know that these architectural eyesores house some of the best “dive” bars in town? Weeks of painstaking research produced the following list of holes-in-the-mall, most offering cheap drinks, dim orange lighting, legions of loyal customers and on-site parking.

Lost & Found

Don’t judge this Westside watering hole by its bright, corporate neighbors on the street (Blockbuster, Starbucks, Whole Foods Market). Behind its saloon-style swinging doors, you’ll find a no-frills, no-pretensions classic: Dark, dingy, smoky ambience, a long bar, and pool table in back. Corona is as imported as the beer gets, and they don’t serve Ketel One. Die-hard regulars show up Saturday mornings for bartender Carol Sachen’s free homemade breakfast. 11700 National Blvd., West Los Angeles.

Chimney Sweep Lounge

Jovial owner Said Elsanafiri wants his loyal clientele to feel as if they’re in their “living room away from home.” Hence the fireplace and multiple TVs tuned to different channels (one always on Animal Planet.) Put your own CD in the jukebox; order in pizza or Greek from next door. There’s free food spreads on holidays, and waitress Millie Bunch cooks up “Millie’s Chili” for Monday Night Football. Thirty years back, one regular depicted her fellow barflies as chimney sweeps in oil paintings that still hang on the walls. 4354 Woodman Ave., Sherman Oaks.

The Drawing Room

Charles Bukowski would feel right at home here. This cozy spot catered to parched studio execs in the mid-’70s but now attracts a mix of younger slacker types and bedraggled boozers, many of whom do laundry next door while getting (very) loaded. Bartender Jennifer Barrick sets the convivial tone; conversing with strangers is not uncommon along the bar. Open at 6 a.m. for early risers. 1800 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz.

Ye Olde Rustic Inn

More raucous, clique-ish and Swingers-esque than the Drawing Room across the street, but still pretty down to earth. Writerly intellectual types dig it, as do folks such as Christina Ricci, who celebrated her 21st birthday here. Food is available, tables less so. Try the Myrtle Burger, named after the woman who opened the establishment 30-plus years ago. 1831 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz.

Lava Lounge

Tiki chic, tucked in a very sketchy strip mall. With its Polynesian mod decor and hipster Hollywood crowd, this lava-hot spot--transformed from a Hungarian fern bar 10 years ago--is a far cry from the divey, blue-collar vibe of our other entries. Instead of a shot and beer, try a frilly tropical drink such as a Blue Hawaiian. Good local bands play four nights a week ($3 to $7 cover); “Kinky Karaoke” on Sundays. 1533 N. La Brea Ave., Hollywood.