'Dancing with the Stars' Tour with the Pros

Oct. 29, 2011— -- The ballroom pros paired with celebs on ABC's high-rated Dancing With the Stars work overtime rehearsing. In off-hours, they hoof it to favorite relaxation spots. Here, popular pros share with USA TODAY's Kitty Bean Yancey their L.A. haunts that visitors might enjoy.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The revamped venue for the first Oscars is a frequent hangout for pro Mark Ballas, who gets a kick out of nightlife options including Beacher's Madhouse, a risqué revue. "You get drinks served by little people dressed like (Willy Wonka's) Oompa Loompas sliding down" a track, Ballas says. Someone dressed as Spider-Man might be mingling with drinkers and dancers. Surprisingly, "I'm not a club dancer," Ballas says. "Well, maybe I would (dance) if I've had a drink." DWTS' Derek Hough likes "the vibe" at Beacher's. "It's very creative and really energizes me." Reservations are hard to get. Other Roosevelt spots include The Spare Room, with two old-fashioned bowling alleys.

Details: 7000 Hollywood Blvd., thompsonhotels.com, 800-950-7667; beachersmadhouse.com

The Grove

Most everyone at DWTS can be spotted at this open-air mall that bears a resemblance to Disneyland's Main Street — just as tidy, too — and bills itself as an "ultimate entertainment destination." That's because The Grove (and the adjacent, historic Farmers Market) are close to the studio where the show originates and because of dining and shopping ops. Pros Kym Johnson and Mark Ballas love the sliders at The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge. DWTS host Tom Bergeron orders the pomegranate martini at the tucked-away eatery. Derek Hough heads over "to grab a meal and see a movie. There's great people-watching, too. No matter what food everyone in your group is craving, the Farmers Market has something for everyone," from pancakes to enchiladas.

Details: 189 The Grove Dr., thegrovela.com, 323-900-8080; farmersmarketla.com, 866-993-9211

Fratelli Cafe

DWTS' resident Ukraine-born hunk, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, wearing jeans, a tight T-shirt and beaded bracelets, saunters into this tiny corner eatery in West Hollywood and downs a wake-up espresso before sitting on the patio with owner Yaron Abraham. "Wherever you live, you have a spot where you feel you have friends and everyone's cool," says the East Coast-based dancer. "This is my place here." Abraham, a former personal trainer to stars, serves healthy fare — from salads with soy chicken to egg dishes named after famous brothers (BeeGees, Baldwins and the like). Why? Because he started Fratelli with his brother, and it means "brothers" in Italian. DWTS' Tony Dovolani and Maks' brother Val stop in, too.

Details: 7200 Melrose Ave., fratellicafe.com, 323-938-2233

Kitson

This offbeat boutique has a big star following, from the Kardashians to Paris Hilton. Big names in big shades check out $195 skinny jeans and $38

T-shirts. DWTS' Cheryl Burke is a fan: "I'm not the typical person that likes to spend an afternoon with my girlfriends shopping. When I do need to go, though, I find that the shops on Robertson always have what I need."

Details: 115 S. Robertson Blvd., shopkitson.com, 310-859-2652

Shutters on the Beach