Aces

Curious once-overs and interested glances are constantly flashing between customers at this Santa Monica bar, where locals come to see and be seen by other toned and tanned patrons looking for an anonymous tennis partner. From the early morning until the last courts close, visitors to Aces will find it thronged by strong-calfed men and athletic women in skimpy racerback dresses sipping on one of Aces’ superb jalapeño margaritas and eager to meet someone new for a casual one-off singles match or a doubles partner for group play. “The great thing about this place is you can always find someone who’s up for anything, even if you’re into wilder stuff like clay or Canadian doubles,” said one Aces regular, who explained that it’s common for impassioned patrons to slip out of the bar and have a vigorous set with somebody they just met an hour before. As any frequent visitor will tell you, if you end your night at Aces, you’ll be working up a sweat with someone new before you know it.