The hottest after-dark scene is Downtown, where it’s see and be seen at cool clubs and nightspots for everything from cocktails under the stars to living history vibes. Here’s a sampling:

Mayan Theatre and Club - On weekends, this 1927 venue pulsates with Latin tunes to a background of hand-carved, richly-painted walls and a giant Sun Calendar. www.clubmayan.com

Elevate - Guests in this sleek 21st floor penthouse lounge seem to float on the shimmering skyline seen through 150 feet of sliding glass doors. www.elevatelounge.com

Tatou - Created by Studio 54 owner Mark Fleischman, guests party nightly to music and live entertainment specials. www.clubtatou.com

The Edison - Night owls soak up living history amid the mechanical artifacts at this art deco-style lounge built in a former power plant. www.edisondowntown.com

J Lounge - The vibe is chic in what used to be the legendary Little j’s, a long-time hangout for stars like Natalie Cole, Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder. www.jloungela.com

The Standard Rooftop Bar - 360-degree views of the Downtown skyline make this bar at The Standard Downtown LA an ultimate see-and-be-seen scene. www.standardhotel.com

Library Bar - Plush leather barstools, sofas by the fireplace and bookshelves filled novels, offer an intimate, cosmopolitan vibe. www.librarybarla.com

Redwood Bar and Grill - Old LA is alive and hotter than ever at this Downtown institution, which has been an “in” spot for decades. www.theredwoodbar.com

The second phase of L.A. LIVE will open in October 2008 with nightspots including:

Club NOKIA - Some 150 live performances by emerging musical groups and cultural shows will entertain up to 2,300 guests annually. The venue also will offer space for corporate events and private parties. www.lalive.com

Conga Room - LA’s legendary mid-Wilshire Latin nightspot will relocate to Downtown. The nightclub will feature top-name Latin, world and alternative music, special events, a television broadcast with live Latin programming, and daily radio broadcasts. www.lalive.com

-Bill Karz