UNDERRATED / OVERRATED

POLAROID INSTANT FILM

First polar bears, and now Polaroid film is going extinct. Yes, digital is easier, faster and cheaper, but it doesn’t offer the thrill of seeing an image develop magically before your eyes.

SPRING STREET SMOKEHOUSE

HAPPY HOUR

$3 microbrews and $5 delectable BBQ sandwiches from 4-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. make this low-key eatery one of downtown L.A.’s (640 N. Spring St.) best, and most affordable, post-work destinations.

THE ROOM

Why wait an hour to get into Goa when you can cross the street and slip right into the Room (1626 N. Cahuenga Blvd.)? Entering isn’t as glamorous as it used to be (the cool back-alley entrance is now a smoking patio), but the recent renovation has turned the once-narrow dive bar into a dark, sexy, spacious lounge.

RAFALO’S PIZZA

This local micro-chain provides solid Italian grub with nary a wait for a table. And sometimes that’s just what you need.

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HOUSE OF BLUES

Every time we are forced to go here, we immediately regret it. Impossible to navigate and with overbearing, rude security, HOB acts as if it’s the only rock club in town that matters. But guess what, guys? There are about 10 other venues in L.A. that book better acts, have better sightlines and don’t charge $20 for valet. And you’re likely to find us at all 10 before we go back to 8430 Sunset Blvd.

VONS

Walk into the poorly stocked West L.A. location with a backpack and you’ll be forced to check it. That’s annoying but understandable. What’s not understandable is that you have to leave your bag unattended, in the middle of the exit aisle, where management refuses to take responsibility for its theft (or the disappearance of items within it). Ralphs never looked better.

GOING METRO LATE-NIGHT

We love riding the train, but with L.A.’s subway shutting down service about an hour before the bars close, is our fair city trying to flood the streets with drunk drivers?