Care for a drink WITH A SIDE OF GOOD VIEWS?
Now is your chance to join the mile-high club if you haven’t already (we’re talkin’ mile-high rooftops, FYI)! The next time your friend hits you with a ‘Wyd tonight’ text, take a look at our curated guide of the best rooftop bars in LA. There's no better way to spend warm nights than atop the tallest building in the area. All you gotta do is pick a spot, make a reservation, and live your best life. Bottoms up!
Photo: Canopy Club via Resort Pass
8801 Washington Blvd,
Culver City, CA 90232
Come dressed in your Saturday best and take the elevator up to the rooftop at the Shay Hotel. Once the doors open, you will be transported into a world of Palm Springs and Miami nostalgia. With fun summery drinks such as wine-based Piña Angeleno, mezcal-heavy Telenovela, and an assortment of other chilled favorites, this is the place you want to hang poolside.
Photo: Grandmaster Recorders
1518 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Looking out over the Hollywood skyline, it's easy to feel like a rock star at Grandmaster. The former recording studio turned restaurant-bar-music-venue has hosted the likes of Stevie Wonder and David Bowie in its former studios so it's no surprise the vibes are immaculate. The lower level restaurant's Italian-Australian menu items are reworked and reconfigured into a more compact menu up top with dishes like mini mortadella paninis and garbanzo fritters. Grandmaster's cocktails on tap are bright, boozy, and named after some of the amazing records created on the premises.
Photo: Citizen Public Market FB
9355 Culver City Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
Citizen Public Market quickly became one of the hottest culinary destinations in the Culver City area, but their rooftop bar is in a league of its own. Surrounded by plants and art deco architecture, Bar Bohémien is an oasis from the rush of Downtown Culver City below. Sip on banana ginger and spiced pear-infused cocktails under the rooftop bar's retractable shades on a sunny Saturday afternoon, or cozy up by the half moon window with your date inside on a chillier evening. If you start feeling a little peckish, there are plenty of crave-worthy snack options one floor below.
Photo: MELROSEPLACE
8472 Melrose Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Nestled within one of the most iconic streets of Los Angeles, MELROSEPLACE is a vibrant culinary oasis with an exceptional ambiance to match. Elegant blush pink banquette booths, chevron tiled flooring, and romantic string lights make this bar the perfect gathering space for celebrations or a special date night. Not only does the rooftop dining and bar area feature stunning panoramic views of the city, but it also offers delicious libations to match. They make a mean margarita that pairs excellently with small bites like yellowtail crudo and their wagyu beef tartare.
Photo: La Barra
803 Traction Ave
Los Angeles, Ca 90013
Cha Cha Chá's got a roommate and their name is La Barra! The cacti-clad Arts District rooftop restaurant now has an adjoining indoor bar extension with its own hidden entrance (hint: try under the neon lemon). The late-night bar space serves up zesty cocktails alongside a full menu of elevated Mexican street snacks, from carnitas tacos dorados to blue fin tuna tostadas. Speaking of blue, La Barra's blue corn tortilla old fashioned gets its signature turquoise hue from buttered blue corn masa — it's eye-catching and delicious!
Photo: Desert 5 Spot
6516 Selma Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Countrycore is BACK darlin'! This rooftop bar in the heart of Hollywood brings the spirit of the Wild West to the Eastside with its Joshua Tree and roadside motel-inspired decor and boozy margaritas. Desert 5's jukeboxes are filled with a treasure trove of country and rock n' roll deep tracks, but we recommend hitting the dance floor whenever the in-house band starts playing. You'll also want to bring your finest dancing boots and cowboy hats because Desert 5 frequently offers line dancing lessons. Do-si-don't mind if we do!
Photo: Bar Flores FB
1542 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
What started as a pop-up speakeasy around LA is now one of the best bars in Echo Park. Located above two other bustling bars worth checking out (Lowboy and Adamae), Bar Flores is a bougainvillea-covered wonderland serving up vibrant cocktails and great live music. The outdoor patio feels like it could be your friend's back patio while the interior is LA's answer to a chic Mexico City watering hole. Swing by on any Friday night for a couple cocktails with a date or a bring a crowd to split one of their tasty mezcal margarita pitchers.
Photo: Harriet's Rooftop
8490 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
You're not coming to Harriet's for a chill rooftop bar experience — this a see-and-be-seen kinda scene — but for unbeatable views stretching from West Hollywood to DTLA and some excellent people-watching, it's worth the price. The glitzy, old-Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar's handcrafted cocktails are fruit and citrus-focused, but if you prefer something a little less sweet, they have a full wine and beer list. Be advised that reservations are necessary if you want to score a table for brunch or dinner, but feel free to roll the dice on a seat at the bar.
Photo credit: @hotelerwin
1697 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Catch sunsets, not feelings. High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin checks off all the boxes: fresh ocean breeze, views, chill vibe, tasty bites, and delicious cocktails. Make a reservation today and order a Venice Way Pizza and some of their signature cocktails. We recommend the light and fresh Light My Fire or LA Woman (inspired by The Doors). See you on the roof!
Photo VIP Nightlife
811 Wilshire Blvd, 21st floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
This sleek lounge feels like the penthouse suite of a Succession character. From the sweeping views of the city to the chic modern furniture, Elevate Lounge is the kind of place you go when you win big or wanna ball out. The space on the 21st floor has a giant dancefloor and three bars, so come prepared to party hard. While this bar technically isn't on the rooftop, the striking views from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows give you the same effect.
Photo credit: @perchlosangeles
448 S Hill St,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
15 floors above the heart of DTLA sits Perch. Dress your best and make your reservations in advance because this spot fills up quickly! Order your favorite drinks and be surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city, beautiful greenery, and overall good vibes. Not only is it the perfect place to snag your next IG pic, but they also have a delicious dinner and brunch menu that you won't want to skip out on.
Photo credit: Mama Shelter
6500 Selma Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
There's no place like Mama Shelter. Take in the sprawling city views everywhere from Hollywood to DTLA and you'll know what we mean. Mama Shelter is the colorful rooftop gem in the heart of Hollywood that keeps us flocking back for more. Come by for a power lunch or kick back and relax after a hard day's work. Mama Shelter is always there for you when you need her most. Looking for the perfect birthday brunch location? Happy Hour? Date? This is your spot.
Photo credit: Ace Hotel
929 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Another DTLA rooftop bar? Yes, we can't get enough! Head up to the top of the Ace Hotel and be greeted by an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere with city views in all directions. Looking for a place to eat along with those craft cocktails? Upstairs at Ace Hotel serves food all day (try their artichoke spinach dip and grilled shrimp tacos) and happy hour Wednesday - Friday 3pm - 6pm!
Photo: Bar Lis
1541 Wilcox Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90028
Inspired by traditional bistro fare and infused with the seaside soul of the Cote D’Azur, Bar Lis is the best way to escape to the French Riviera in a pinch. The rooftop lounge serves up inventive cocktails as well as shareable locally sourced canapes and coupes glacées. Under the open sky, guests can enjoy Sunset Hour with unobstructed views of the Hollywood Hills, including the Hollywood sign. The lounge's retractable roof ensures all-weather, all-year-round entertainment. At night, Bar Lis comes alive with vintage and contemporary DJ sets and its weekly programming - every Tuesday from 8 pm, Bar Lis hosts the live modern jazz night Jazz Eclectic LA and on Wednesdays, starting at 8 pm the lounge hosts Piano Nights showcasing different pianists every week.
Photo credit: Broken Shaker FB
416 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
This oasis in the middle of the DTLA skyline is one of our go-to spots on the Eastside. Broken Shaker at Freehand has everything you want in a rooftop bar – a pool, twinkling lights, incredible downtown views, tasty tiki-inspired cocktails, and some of the friendliest bartenders. Make a reservation beforehand for bigger groups or walk in with a date. While you're sipping a coconut chai cordial-infused cocktail by the pool, don't forget to fuel up on carne asada fries, spicy garlic gochujang chicken wings, and fried fish tacos.
Photo: The Roof
9040 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Getting drinks at The Roof feels like cosplaying as a billionaire with a Hollywood Hills mansion. The sleek rooftop bar is located right next to the hotel pool's terraced deck adorned with wooden benches and terra cotta potted plants. Sip on tropical cocktails and nibble on Latin-inspired small plates as you gaze out on the whole city – spanning all the way to the ocean – below you. The high life doesn't get much higher than this.
Photo credit: EP & LP FB
603 N La Cienega Blvd,
West Hollywood, CA 90069
The next time you plan a night out in West Hollywood, make sure E.P. & L.P. Rooftop Bar is on your list. Want to impress a friend visiting LA for the first time? This spot is the epitome of LA glitz and glamour with expansive views of the Hollywood hills and the Sunset strip and not to mention one of the biggest rooftop patios in the city! Come by any time day or night because they have an all-day snack menu and some seriously fun craft cocktails like California Love, Sexy Back, and Kickstart My Heart.
Photo credit: Margot
8820 Washington Blvd Suite 301,
Culver City, CA 90232
Culver City gets some rooftop love, too. If you're feeling more of a Mediterranean vibe for the night, head to the Platform, take the elevator to the top, and walk into a stunning outdoor rooftop space. Everywhere you look, take in 360 views of the surrounding city and dig into a variety of different dining experiences from brunch to a late-night dinner. You can't go wrong with Margot!
Photo: Cara Cara
1100 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Chef Suzanne Goin’s rooftop restaurant at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is one of those "IYKYK" type spots. From bright mornings to twinkling evenings, Cara Cara is a lush rooftop oasis that's perfect at any time of the day. Aside from the elegant space and sweeping views of the city skyline, Cara Cara has an excellent cocktail program curated by award-winning sommelier Caroline Styne. We're partial to their fruity, more tropical offerings like their refreshing lychee martini and passionfruit caipirinha, but they also make a mean old fashioned with mezcal.
Photo credit: Spire 73 InterContinental
900 Wilshire Blvd floor 73
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Just in time for rooftop season, Spire 73 is the tallest open-air rooftop lounge in the Western Hemisphere (that's really tall). Located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental in DTLA, this bar has got some serious views. Make reservations to dine under the stars and look over iconic LA landmarks such as Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and L.A. Live.
Photo: Lemon Grove
1717 Vine St. Floor 6
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Located atop The Aster Members Club and Hotel, this new spot has 360-degree views of Hollywood that include the famed Capitol Records building. The luxe bar and lounge space is the perfect perch for those who prefer a more low-key night out in Hollywood. Thursday through Saturday nights guests can enjoy cocktails and quick bites under the moonlight and performances by exceptional local DJs and creative displays by multimedia artists.
Written by: Allyson Borunda and Emma Kopelowicz
