Tiki No

At the end of a long line of auto shops on Lankershim Boulevard sits Tiki No, a darkened tiki bar where North Hollywood regulars come to smoke on the outside patio or chat up the dive's waitress while she concots a Toasted Marshmallow. That would be one of Tiki No's more popular cocktails, made from overproof rum of Jaimaca, fluffed vodka, Licor 43 and a few other sickeningly sweet ingredients. The cherry on top arrives in the form of a flaming marshmallow, causing you to wonder if you're here for drinks or dessert. Still, it's an impressive (and tasty) libation, as are some other staples on the menu—the Coconut Mojito, the Eastern Sour, the Suffering Bastard—and the bartenders make each one with admirable precision under plastic blowfish lamps. Are they a friendly crew? It's hard to tell, since conversation can sometimes be drowned out once the live band comes on—especially if it's the lone keyboardist who specializes in synth-heavy 80s music. Take refuge from the blaring tunes in the hut-style booths over a shared Scorpion Bowl. The band may not be on fire that night, but your drink most certainly will.