Amazon
14649 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA
818-986-7502

A ceiling sparkling with tiny stars, walls covered with faux foliage and a 10-foot cascading waterfall all come together to create a mini-rain forest smack dab in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Along with the jungle motif, the Amazon features a full menu of South American and Polynesian fare.

Be forewarned, though: After 10 p.m. the kitchen closes and the bar turns into a swinging pickup joint for denim-clad Valleyites. On weekend nights the tables are pushed aside and the fun-seeking patrons dance to live music while the bartenders busily pour up kitschy concoctions like the Amazombie and the Green Peace Breeze. Fun and funky, this splashy bar and grill is a jungle wonderland. And as a plus, the Amazon contributes a portion of its profits toward saving the rain forest. -- Jennifer Schwartz