Every great city deserves a truly great Irish pub, and LA received one when Bergin’s opened in 1936 – so quintessential that the quaint Irish cottage’s horseshoe-shaped bar served as the inspiration for the Cheers set. The food isn’t great, which seems somehow appropriate, but the scene certainly is: barflies from 21 to 71 gather to guzzle ale and Irish coffees as fast as longtime bartenders like Michael – one of the city’s most memorable characters – can serve them up. You won’t receive one on your first or even your 15th visit, but come by enough times and you may be rewarded with a paper shamrock bearing your name, joining the thousands that line the high walls and ceiling (the sharp-eyed will spot early customer Cary Grant’s). So yeah, if you’re a regular, they always know your name, and they’re always glad you came.