WITH PROMOTERS throwing parties next door at Cuccini's and its prime location on San Pedro, Flying Martini Brothers is a low-key, casual yet chic place to throw back a few drinks before gallivanting through the rest of downtown. But don't mistake it for your local watering hole. The dim lighting, modern décor and recessed, ambient lounge area hint that you won't find any ongoing dart games or air hockey in the back. The menu aspires beyond chicken wings—from potato cheese pie (dressed-up cheese fries with bacon and ranch dressing) and grilled tiger prawn appetizers to charbroiled ribeye and gourmet sandwich entrees. And the bar definitely lives up to its name, serving large, crisp, stiff martinis that just might send you soaring if you guzzle one too many. Straight shooters can order a vodka or apple martini, while those a little more adventurous can sip on a Nutter Butter or Sunflower martini. Don't expect a wild night on the town here. Even on Friday nights, the spot is sparsely populated, with most of the patrons chatting up the friendly bartenders or stopping in before their final destination. Like hanging out at your friend's house before you go out, the music changes depending on whoever is bartending that night and whatever is playing on their XM Satellite radio. (Christine Lee)

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