BARHOPPING BAR NINETEEN12

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

9641 SUNSET BOULEVARD

BEVERLY HILLS

WHY NINETEENIR: The bar is named after the year the Beverly Hills Hotel opened.

WAIT. WHERE'S THE POLO LOUNGE: It's Still there.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO BARS: The Polo Lounge is classic. People have been hanging out there since the 40s. Bar Nineteenl2 is more modern. It's got a sexy, swingy vibe, and there's lots of table-hopping.

DESIGN: Post-Deco. Lots of mirrors. Color scheme is sunset hues with amber, ivory, and burgundy accents.

WHEN TO GO: Between five P.M. and two A.M.

BEST FEATURES: The booths on the terrace. And bottle service is delivered via old-fashioned bar carts. BEST SNACKS: The sliders, crispy Asian calamari, and hanger-steak-and-roastedonion quesadillas.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: The "Bite"-a presentation of five jelly shots (yes, jelly): mojito, bubble gum, blueberry, B-52, and pear martini. Looks questionable but tastes good.

BUSIEST NIGHTS: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Things get hoppin'around 10 P.M.

V.I.F. SEATING: No.

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES: Yes.

WHOM TO KNOW: Bar manager Philip Spee. Or Mitchell Armstrong, at the concierge desk.

PARKING COST: $5 with validation.