Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon were known to share a drink at the Golden Lyon Pub. Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White has brightened the room with her platinum smile. It's not uncommon to see entertainers, athletes, politicians and other VIPs mixing it up at Fort Lauderdale's most renowned watering hole.

Accustomed to elite guests, the bar staff and other patrons keep their cool, respecting the fact that the A-Listers are looking for a nice evening out, just like everyone else.

So, what do these A-Listers drink? The same as the regulars: martinis, wine, and, of course, the classic cocktails that make the Golden Lyon Pub. Beers range from $4 to $6 and wines by the glass start at $6.50. Bartenders, serve classic "faves" from Gin Rickies to Old Fashioneds to Tom Collins, starting at a reasonable $6.

Guests can also enjoy an appetizer, meal or dessert off the menu from the Riverside Hotel's restaurants, including the highly acclaimed Grill Room on Las Olas and the inviting Indigo. No other pub in town can dish out a finer selection of entrées.

With a laidback ambience, classic décor, libations to live for and a jukebox spinning the greats from Sinatra to Jimmy Buffett, the Pub always provides the perfect scene. Two life-sized golden lion statues stand sentinel at the entrance. Dark cherry wood, green leather furniture and lazy Bermuda fans invoke an easy Tommy Bahamas style. The U-shaped bar invites socializing. Plus, an outdoor patio encourages people watching on stylish Las Olas Boulevard.

For more than 70 years, local regulars as well as guests of the Riverside Hotel have chosen to make the Golden Lyon a South Florida favorite. According to Rick, a bartender of the Golden Lyon Pub, patrons return for the good service and the relationship these professional bartenders build with their patrons. In fact, one bartender has served here for 20 years, and guests ask for him personally -- including the A-Listers.

Golden Lyon Pub is located inside the Riverside Hotel at 620 E. Las Olas Boulevard. Call 954.467.0671 or visit www.riversidehotel.com for additional information.