If you're looking for a swanky spot to sip on handcrafted cocktails under the dim amber glow of antique desk lamps, then Santa Monica's Chestnut Club is your new favorite spot. In terms of ambiance, Chestnut Club feels as though the extremely rich kid villain in every 80's movie decided to host a party in his dad's study. Dark, tufted leather booths with gold trim line the perimeter of the venue, butted up against dusty brick walls and rustic lighting. These larger booths are perfect for convening with an old group of friends and trading secrets. There's even an oversized booth and a private room available to reserve for larger parties (up to 15 people) that think ahead. If you're bringing a date, the small two person tables scattered across the faded wood floor of the venue are ideal. Known for their cocktails (there's also a pretty solid list of beers, but wine drinkers will be disappointed), the Chestnut Club serves up no nonsense drinks like the tongue-in-cheek Weeski (Irish whiskey, lillet, cointreau, and orange bitters) and the appropriately named Westside (vodka, orgeat, lime, cucumber, mint and bitters). They proudly boast over 400 spirits that you're unlikely to find elsewhere, ensuring that this place not only seems exclusive and cool, but actually is. Drawing in a crowd of stylish hipsters, the Chestnut Club has a dress code that prevents people from ambling in off the beach. Make sure you leave your flip-flops and shorts home (at least if you're a guy). After all, you'll need to make sure you're at least as fancy as your drink.