The Ultimate Guide to Rooftop Bars in LA

Poolside lounges, hidden gems and restaurants with a view

Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood
Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood | Photo: Michael Mundy

With its year-round sunny weather, Los Angeles is second to none when it comes to rooftop bars. From poolside lounges and hidden gems to restaurants by some of the city's most famous chefs, read on for the best bars in LA to enjoy an elevated drink experience.

Outdoor rooftop sitting area at the AC Hotel Beverly Hills
Outdoor rooftop sitting area | Photo: AC Hotel Beverly Hills

AC Hotel Beverly Hills



Located a half-mile from the Academy Museum, LACMA and the Petersen, the AC Hotel Beverly Hills features an 11th floor Rooftop Lounge that serves signature cocktails and tapas to share. Sit at the indoor bar, or step outside to enjoy the expansive views of the Miracle Mile and beyond.

Agua Viva at the Conrad Los Angeles in Downtown LA
Agua Viva | Photo: Conrad Los Angeles

Agua Viva - Conrad LA



Agua Viva ("Living Water") is a chic rooftop restaurant from Michelin-starred chef José Andrés at the Conrad Los Angeles. Designed for outdoor sipping, the cocktails include the Shiso Spicy Margarita (Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila, triple sec, shiso, lime, serrano peppers), Tornup Tiki Punch (vanilla-habanero rum, pineapple, grapefruit, cinnamon, bitters blend) and an elevated Paloma with Milagro Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Crème de Violette and Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda. More than two dozen wines by the glass span California to Spain and New Zealand.

With its location across from Walt Disney Concert Hall, Agua Viva offers a Pre-Theater Menu for select LA Phil concerts. Priced at $75 per person, the three-course prix fixe menu includes options like Croquetas de Cangrejo (jumbo lump crab fritters), Half Roasted Mary’s Farm Chicken (mojo rojo, garlic labneh, Castelvetrano olive, piparra peppers, jus) and Traditional Spanish Flan.

Bartenders making drinks in Bar Bohémien at Citizen Public Market
Bar Bohémien | Photo: Citizen Public Market

Bar Bohémien - Citizen Public Market



Opened in November 2020, Culver City's Citizen Public Market is housed in the landmark 1929 Citizen Publishing Company Building. The food hall's offerings include Bang Bang Noodles, Go Go Bird, goodboybob, Jolly Oyster, The Press, Uoichiba and WEHO Sausage Co.

Citizen's rooftop bar, Bar Bohémien is inspired by the building's history, cocktail bars from around the world, and the tapas culture of Spain. Highlights include the From LA with Love (Tequila, passionfruit, Lo-Fi Amaro, lime, grapefruit, topped with Prosecco), Culver Carajillo (Vodka, Copali Cacao, Licor 43, cold brew espresso) and one of our new favorite cocktail names: A Vibe Called Quest with Shochu, Gray Whale Gin, Melon Liqueur, matcha, lime, yuzu and orange blossom.

Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood
Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood | Photo: Michael Mundy

Bar Lis - Thompson Hollywood



Take a trip to the French Riviera at Bar Lis, which evokes the South of France with a chic design that includes a central water fountain, plush banquettes and dozens of cypress trees. Sip the spirit of the Cote D'Azur with a glass of champagne or signature cocktails like the Soleil (Sipsmith Gin, basil, passionfruit, Amaro Nonino, Angostura, house-made honey ginger syrup) and Mon Chéri made with Guillotine Vodka, Lychee Liqueur, St-Germain, Rhubarb Liqueur and lemon.

Broken Shaker bar at the Freehand Los Angeles
Broken Shaker | Photo: Freehand Los Angeles

Broken Shaker - Freehand Los Angeles



A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up an eclectic menu of craft cocktails and small bites. The playful drinks include Bikini Mai Tai (plantation overproof rum, malibu rum, blue curaçao, guava, pineapple, lime), Let's Archipela "Go!" (Don Papa Rum, Chinola, passion fruit, lemongrass/lime-leaf syrup, cardamom and cherry bitters) and Espress Yo Self, made with your spirit of choice, cold brew, Mr. Black, Crème de Cacao, demerara and Amaro de Angostura.

The Featured Cocktail is the Fiddler's Fashioned, made with Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey, Equiano Rum, Banana Liqueur, cinnamon peppercorn syrup and Miracle Mile Red Eye Tobacco Bitters. For every cocktail sold through Juneteenth (June 19), Uncle Nearest is donating a portion of sales on behalf of Broken Shaker to Historically Black College & Universities (HBCUs).

Cabra at The Hoxton in Downtown LA
Photo: Cabra Los Angeles

Cabra - The Hoxton



Stephanie Izard made Top Chef history when she became the first woman to win the title in Season 4 of the popular culinary competition. Izard's Peruvian inspired Cabra is situated atop The Hoxton, a revamped 1922 Beaux Arts gem in the Downtown LA Fashion District.

Cocktails include the classic Pisco Sour; Limorange You Glad (mezcal, tequila, Aperol, Aji Hot Sauce, limorange juice) and the Cali Canelazo with rum, Peru spice and limorange (served hot). Shared plates range from starters like Empanadas (beef, chicken, Swiss chard & kale) to Ceviche, Skewers (chicken thigh, chorizo, salmon), Wood-Fired Skirt Steak, Crispy Pork Shank and veg-friendly options like Papas Huancaina, Sweet Potato Ceviche and Wood-Fired Eggplant.

View from the bar at Cara Cara in the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
View from the bar at Cara Cara | Photo: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel

Cara Cara - Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel



James Beard Award winning restaurateurs, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne helm three culinary destinations at the Downtown L.A. Proper: Dahlia, the ground-floor cocktail lounge; Caldo Verde, the hotel's signature restaurant; and the rooftop Cara Cara, an all-day bar and restaurant with unobstructed 360-degree city views, al fresco dining, intimate nooks and cozy fire pits.

The market-driven cocktails include the One Night in Tulum (chili-infused Dahlia Cristalino, cilantro, coconut salt), Rosa Paloma (Calirosa Rosa Blanco, grapefruit, soda), Lychee Martini (vodka, lychee purée, walnut rinse, cinnamon) and the Passionfruit Caipirinha, a take on Brazil's national cocktail with El Silencio Mezcal, cachaça and passionfruit.

Chef Goin's seasonal menu features numerous veg-friendly options, such as Moroccan Carrots & Muhammara to start; White Trumpet Mushroom Focaccia, Cara Cara Cobb Salad (sweet potato, avocado, black beans, beets, tomato) and Chipotle Carrot Tacos with black beans, queso fresco and pickled red onion. Seafood and meat-based mains include Mini Lobster Rolls, Seared Scallops, Grilled Branzino, Piri Piri Fried Chicken and Pork Ribs with pickled golden raisins and apple butter.

Desert 5 Spot at tommie Hollywood
Desert 5 Spot | Photo: tommie Hollywood

Desert 5 Spot - tommie Hollywood



Pioneertown meets Tinseltown at Desert 5 Spot, the rooftop bar and live music venue at tommie Hollywood. The retro decor is inspired by everything from vintage Palm Springs to Joshua Tree hideouts, roadside motels and cosmic Americana. Enjoy music from old-fashioned jukeboxes, weekend DJs and nightly performances by the house band, The Desert 5.

Round up your pardners and kick back with signatures like the Cowboy Colada (Cazadores Blanco, Luxardo Maraschino, coconut, lime, pineapple, Giffard Blue Curaçao) and Dolly's Spiked Lemonade (Grey Goose, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, chamomile-infused honey, lemon).

The music theme continues with the Jolene (Avion Tequila, watermelon, strawberry, agave, lime), Desperado (Beefeater Gin, Amaro Nardini, Campari, lemon) and the spicy Ring of Fire, made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, prickly pear, lemon and ginger honey.

Élephante Beach House in Santa Monica
Photo: Élephante Beach House

Elephante Beach House



At Élephante, restaurateur Nicholas Mathers transports guests from LA to the Mediterranean with a coastal Italian menu, ocean views, and a stylish interior filled with custom furniture and design pieces from Southern Italy and Northern Africa.

Three bars offer wines by the glass that showcase the regions of Italy, along with classic cocktails like the Cadillac Margarita (Élephante Select Batch El Tesoro Reposado, Cointreau, lime, dry Curaçao float) and Moscow Mule (Hanson Vodka, house ginger beer, lime). Guests pick the base spirit (tequila, vodka, gin, rum) for the signature Élephante with passion fruit, lemon, orgeat, Amaro Montenegro and Calabrian chili.

Rooftop Bar at E.P. & L.P.
Photo: E.P and L.P.

E.P. & L.P.



One of LA's largest rooftop patios, E.P & L.P. offers memorable views of the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip. Available by the glass or pitcher, music-inspired cocktails include Don’t Sweat The Technique (Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Liqueur 43, Lime, Ginger, Soda) and Walk This Way (Vodka, Lychee, Coconut Water, Lime, Mango Boba Pearls).

The weekday Happy Hour (4pm - 6pm) includes Frozé (Rosé Wine, Bacardi Rum, Strawberry, Lemon) and noshes like the veg-friendly Impossible Burger and Waffle Fries.

Harriet's Rooftop

Harriet's Rooftop - 1 Hotel West Hollywood



Operated by LA-based h.wood Group, Harriet's Rooftop is designed by John Sofio (Built, Inc.) with pinstriped furniture, tasseled umbrellas, and burgundy awnings. Take in the sweeping city views from above the Sunset Strip while you sip the Spicy Siena (Casamigos Blanco, Fresh Lime, Agave, Fresno Chili) or Blue Velvet (White Rum, Crème de Violette, Lime, Blueberry).

Top Chef alum Chris Crary oversees the food menu, which ranges from skewers (Mediterranean Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, Shrimp) and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, to entrees like Chicken Bolognese, Vegetarian Pasta, Steak & Wedges, and Pan-Seared Salmon.

The Highlight Room bar at Dream Hollywood
Bar at The Highlight Room Grill | Photo: Dream Hollywood

The Highlight Room



Spanning 11,000 square feet of the Dream Hollywood's entire top floor, The Highlight Room has incomparable panoramic views from the iconic Hollywood Sign to Downtown LA. It's rosé all day by the pool on a plush lounger or private cabana while you nosh on bites from The Grill. Enjoy a spectacular sunset, then dance the night away to DJs while your crew shares a pitcher of Bubbles & Berries (Taittinger BLF Champagne, Vodka, St. Germain, Strawberries, Cold Pressed Lemon Sour).

High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

High Rooftop Lounge - Hotel Erwin



Hotel Erwin is located just steps from iconic Venice Beach locales like the skatepark, Muscle Beach, and the basketball courts from White Men Can't Jump.

Enjoy epic sunsets at the hotel's High Rooftop Lounge which serves signatures like the Purple Rain (Botanist Gin, St. Germain, lavender, lime), Melon Me Jealous (tequila, watermelon, Cointreau, lime, agave) and the Chilly Willy, a frozen treat with Absolut Elyx Vodka, passion fruit and pink lemonade.,

I|O Rooftop at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
I|O Rooftop | Photo: The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

I|O Rooftop - The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood



Located on the 7th floor of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, the 12,000 square-foot I|O Rooftop features indoor and outdoor bars, pool and sundeck. Enjoy the views and nosh on light bites while you sip on the Snowdrift, made with Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé, Aperol, lemon, and orange flower water. If you're in the mood for agave spirits, try The A-Lister (mezcal, yuzu juice, black lime tajin rim) or Jalisco Tea (El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, matcha, lime).

LA Cha Cha Chá



Even if it doesn't rise a dozen floors above the Arts District, LA Cha Cha Chá has style to spare - like the Mexico City original, the rooftop restaurant's Mid-Century design draws influences from Acapulco to Palm Springs. Sit at the indoor or outdoor bar, and cool off with the Blackberry-Hibiscus Swizzle (Absolut Elyx, Grand Marnier, Blackberry, Hibiscus, Lemon) or spice things up with the Oaxacan Zombie - Mezcal, Aged & Overproof Tequila, Falernum, Grenadine, Mint.

Rooftop bar at Mama Shelter in Hollywood
Photo: Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Mama Shelter



The rooftop at Mama Shelter opens daily at noon for your day drinking needs. Surrounded by 360° views of LA, sip on signatures like the Endless Summer (Tito's Vodka, raspberry, agave, fresh lime juice, fresh watermelon juice), Mama Goes to Hollywood (New Amsterdam Gin, white wine, honey, raspberry, basil leaves), and a selection of Mama's Mules, including Moscow (vodka), Kentucky (bourbon), and Mexican (Milagro). The veg-friendly bar bites include Corn Queso Fundido, Seasonal Burrata, Guasaca, and Zucchini Blossom Arancini.

The bar at Margot in Culver City
Photo: Margot

Margot



Featuring a striking indoor/outoor design, Margot serves up incredible views, veg-friendly coastal Mediterranean cuisine, regional wines and craft cocktails from the rooftop of Culver City's Platform. Signature cocktails include the Raspberry Spritz (Lillet Rose, raspberry, tonic, cava) and the Black Mamba (mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, blackberry, habanero, lemon). The Vegan Dinner menu ranges from Potatoes Bravas and Grilled Focaccia to Charred Broccoli with black garlic vinaigrette and quinoa.

Merois at the Pendry West Hollywood
Merois at the Pendry West Hollywood | Photo: Fireclay Tile

Merois - Pendry West Hollywood



Legendary LA chef Wolfgang Puck has opened two restaurants at the Pendry - the casual European-style cafe, Ospero; and the rooftop Merois, featuring his famed Asian-inflected French/California cuisine. Signature cocktails include the Samurai Sword (Suntory Toki Whiskey, Cointreau, Lemon, Ginger, Honey) and Social Disfunction (Botanist Gin, Grapefruit, Aperol, Lemon, Egg White).

The food menu ranges from Bincho Grilled Skewers, BlueFin Tuna Ceviche and Hamachi Tartare; to mains like Crab Fried Rice, Pan-Seared Jidori Chicken, and Kurobuta Pork Shank "Bo Ssam."

The Pop-Up at Kimpton Hotel Wilshire
The Pop-Up | Photo: Kimpton Hotel Wilshire

The Pop-Up - Kimpton Hotel Wilshire



Conveniently located a short walk from Museum Row, The Pop-Up at Kimpton Hotel Wilshire is a destination in itself, featuring a sleek and modern terrace setting, private cabanas, and breathtaking city views. Recent craft cocktails include the Sapphire (Bombay Sapphire, Martini & Rossi Bianco, Giffard Blue Curaçao, lemon, Q Mixers Ginger Ale) and Flower Power (chamomile-infused Bacardi Añejo Cuatro, Liquid Alchemist Peach Syrup, Chipotle Honey, lemon, Angostura Bitters).

Starters include the Pancetta & Scallop and "The Chicken Wing Project" (choose from mild Ballpark Style to fiery House Buffalo), or level up to the Poolside Burger (beef or Impossible), Roasted Garlic Chicken Alfredo, and The Urban Cowboy - a 12 oz boneless ribeye.

The Roof - West Hollywood Edition



The West Coast's first Edition hotel offers a design-forward guest experience highlighted by the lush setting of The Roof - a rooftop bar with unforgettable views, terraced deck, and tropical and Latin-inspired cocktails with a local twist.

The Roof Garden at The Peninsula

The Roof Garden - The Peninsula Beverly Hills



A hidden gem beloved by Beverly Hills locals and hotel guests alike, The Roof Garden serves up California cuisine that highlights herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel's garden (aka "The Farm"). Take a seat at the teak bar, or lounge around the fire pit while you sip signature cocktails like the Playing with Fire (Mejinta Blanco Tequila, Prickly Pear Shrub, Jalapeño) and the Mole Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve, Mole, Chile Bitters). Snack on Chilaquiles and Cauliflower Ceviche, or level up with Grilled menu items like Ancho-Marinated Skirt Steak, Branzino, and Grilled Swordfish.

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer in Downtown LA
The Rooftop | Photo: Wonho Frank Lee, The Wayfarer Downtown LA

The Rooftop at the Wayfarer DTLA



The Rooftop at The Wayfarer Downtown LA is an urban oasis with in-pool chaise lounges and panoramic city views. Cocktails include two Tiki classics - the Trader Vic's Mai Tai and Jungle Bird - and signatures like the Frosé All Day (vodka, Chateau Ste Michelle Rosé, Lillet Rosé, berry syrup) and LA Girl, made with cucumber-infused vodka, aloe vera, lemongrass, peach, and citrus. The luxurious 10-course weekend brunch offers sippers like My My's Famous Frozen Coffee and a Mimosa Flight (bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle sparkling wine, choice of 3 juices).

The Rooftop by JG

The Rooftop by JG



Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his award-winning cuisine to the stylish 12th floor garden setting of The Rooftop by JG. To pair with the all-day food menu, sip wine by the glass and refreshing cocktails like the Raspberry Lychee Bellini (Fresh Raspberries, Lychee, Elderflower, Billecart-Salmon Brut “Jean-Georges” Champagne) and Watermelon Mojito (Matusalem Platino Rum, Fresh Watermelon, Mint, Lime, Soda).

Spire 73

Spire 73



Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere and boasts 360-degree views from the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Hotel Los Angeles Downtown. Along with classics and signatures, "In Da Club Cocktails" feature 50 Cent's Branson Cognac, including the Bulletproof (Branson Cognac Grande Champagne VSOP, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Club Soda, Muddle Raspberries) and the Power Pineapple Mule (Branson Cognac Royal, Agave, Lime, Ginger Beer, Pineapple Juice).

Go beyond the usual bar bites with entrees like Bone-In Ribeye, Prawn Toscana, and Organic Breast of Chicken.

Reservations at OpenTable. NOTE: $60 minimum per person, 2 hour time limit.

Terra bar at Eataly Los Angeles
Bar at Terra | Photo: Eataly Los Angeles

Terra - Eataly LA



Named for "earth" in Italian, Terra is a rooftop restaurant and lounge located on the third floor of Eataly in Century City. The food is centered on the wood-burning Italian grill - to pair with the earthy dishes, the extensive drink list showcases regional Italian wines and botanical cocktails. You can build your own Gin & Tonic, or sip signatures like the Via Nizza - the house Negroni is made with Sipsmith Gin, Terra's Aperitivo Blend, and Carpano Antica; and the Gaia Spritz with Banhez Mezcal, house made beet syrup, Aperol, lemon juice, prosecco and soda.