completely agree hollywood area is disappointing - the place has a dirty feel to it and loads of homeless people kicking about. wouldn't recommend spending more than an afternoon in that area.
seems to be more going on in santa monica on other hand, and being near the beach is always a good shout as fair amount of pubs/restaurants on the seafront. like other posters said, for good restaurants and bars elsewhere in the city you'll need to research tripadvisor and ask around. los angeles is definitely not the kind of place you can go a walk and stumble across rows of bars, everything is so spread out.
rent a car/minibus if you can. hardly anyone walks in LA and public transport is miles behind new york.
get yourself along to a lakers game if you are stuck for something to do on a midweek night. im not into basketball but it was great entertainment and highly recommended (and lots of bars/fanzone areas near the staples centre to meet lots of new people).
