TV-Free Zones

Places where pigskins, politicians, pitchers and police chases are permanently tuned out. . . .

Bar Deluxe. Why listen to the incessant hum of white noise when you can tune in to contemporary rockabilly, psychobilly and punk rock at this dark and way cool live music haven? Beats me. 1710 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, (323) 469-1991. 21 and over, cover varies.

Chateau Marmont. Having a nightcap in the Marmont’s serene garden of Eden offers a tranquil, old school respite from most of life’s urban assaults. 8221 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 656-1010. All ages, no cover.

Lucky Seven. With its lovely decor and intimate supper club vibe, this jazz-laced lounge leaves few folks singing the blues. 1610 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (323) 463-7777. 21 and over, no cover.

Musso & Frank’s. One of the last venues on the boulevard where one can flex the right to intellectual discourse, uninterrupted by the mucho-ado-about-nuthin’ box. 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 467-5123. All ages, no cover.

Opium Den. Noteworthy for its top-notch deejays and surprise musical guests (Weezer recently smoked the joint), the Opium Den functions like an anti-sports bar, offering one more reason to get up off that couch. 1605 1/2 Ivar Ave., Hollywood, (323) 466-7800. 21 and over, cover varies.

The Room. Bars such as the Room are why people move to Hollywood in the first place. The deejays are reliably savvy and its back-alley location means those who can find it already know where they’re headed. 1626 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 462-7196. 21 and over, no cover.

Three Clubs. A watering hole catering to night crawlers of all persuasions, this Hollywood hot spot--with its bar-side conversations leading to a continual flow of digits on the exchange--offers an opportunity for some real human contact. How’s that for a boob tube alternative? 1123 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (323) 462-6441. 21 and over, no cover.

The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. With money back in vogue and presumably no “ob-yect,” you can stop the insanity by throwing on your favorite Izod tee and taking a date to the sedate Polo Lounge (it rocks with no box). 9641 W. Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 276-2251. 21 and over (unless it’s prom night), no cover.