The Ultimate Guide to Rooftop Bars in LA

Located a half-mile from the new 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.

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 Nancy Silverton's Pizzette, goodboybob coffee bar, Jolly Oyster, Louella's Cali Soul Kitchen, Mexicology, and WEHO Sausage Co.

Citizen's rooftop bar, Bar Bohémien is inspired by the building's history, cocktail bars in Paris and New York, and the tapas culture of Spain. The 2,400 square-foot space is the brainchild of Andrew Corbett, Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi - the team behind Cafe Birdie, Horse Thief BBQ, Ichijiku Sushi, and the now-closed Ma'am Sir. Cocktails include the Moonchild, a Penicillin riff with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Lemon, Banana-Ginger, Orange Honey, Walnut Bitters; and the frozen Parisian Cafe (​​Rye, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Oat Milk, Cold Brew, Licor 43, Whipped Cream).

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 cocktails like the French Riviera (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Pineapple Gomme, Lime) and the Strawberry Fields (Belvedere Vodka, St. Germain, Strawberry, Mint, Lemon, Rhubarb, Bubbles).

The kitchen is helmed by former Bar Temps chef Lincoln Carson, who serves up canapés like Blistered Shishitos, Kusshi Oysters, Hamachi Crudo and Regiis Ova Caviar. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Peach Melba, Bananas Foster, and “Sundae” Glacée.

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 the PB&J Old Fashioned, L.A. Breeze (Botanist Gin, Giffard Framboise, Dimmi, Elderflower Tonic, Opal Basil) and Seaweed Papi (Roku Gin, Iichiko Shochu, kombu-infused Martini Bianco, Yuzu Bitters). Keep the party going with cocktails to-go, which serve eight.

James Beard Award winning restaurateurs, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne are opening three dining destinations at the Downtown LA Proper, the highly anticipated hotel in the historic Broadway Corridor.

Located on the 5,000 square-foot rooftop, Cara Cara is a poolside restaurant and lounge with market-driven cocktails and globally inspired dishes like local seafood aquachile, seasonal focaccias from the wood-fired oven, and tacos.

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 Negroni (made with Sipsmith VJOP), Aperol Spritz on tap, and the signature Élephante (Passionfruit, Lemon, Orgeat, Meletti, Calabrian Chili) - you pick the base spirit.

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.

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.

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).

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 pays tribute to Venice local Jim Morrison and The Doors with cocktails like the Light My Fire (El Silencio Mezcal, pineapple, ginger syrup, jalapeños) and LA Woman (vodka, prickly pear, lemon, dragon fruit). The weekend "Baby Got Brunch" features DJs and favorites like the Cold Brew Martini and Detroit-style Venice Way Pizza.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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."

Pilot is a coastal Mediterranean restaurant, bar and lounge situated on the rooftop of The Hoxton in Downtown LA. Available daily from 2pm to close, the bar menu includes cocktails like the Banana Daiquiri (Rum, Cachaça, Banana, Lime) and Stone Fruit Margarita (Mezcal, Apricot, Green Chartreuse, Lime). Nosh on Za’atar Spiced Fries, West Coast Oysters, and Kampachi Crudo.

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 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.

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 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).

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 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.

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.

Featuring cinematic city views and a concrete pool inspired by artist Donald Judd, Upstairs at Ace Hotel is an all-day affair that heats up on weekends with DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday Funday sets in the afternoon. For weekend brunch, enjoy a half-dozen oysters with Mimosas for Two or an Aperol Spritz Pitcher.