For a low-key good time, grab a table and a drink at the Starboard Attitude (202 The Pier, Redondo Beach, 310/379-5144, www.starboardattitude.com, no cover) on the Redondo Beach Pier. This cool little local’s joint features live music four nights a week and karaoke on the off nights. Pro acts tend towards talented classic rock cover bands and soulful blues groups. Expect folks to get up and dance to their favorite songs, and be prepared to be asked to dance if you’re a woman on your own.

However, the atmosphere here is more friendly than scary, with a mix of younger to middle-aged patrons who all seem to know each other and the servers. Talk up your bartender, and you’ll get the whole scoop on the local scene as well as any drink you can imagine and probably one or two you’ve never heard of. The staff takes good care of the patrons too, so you’ll find yourself drinking as much water as liquor as the evening wears on.

There’s no cover, but you will get hit with a two-drink minimum that’s easy to meet, because it’s easy to sit down, enjoy the mellow vibe, and stay a good long while at the Attitude.