Rooftop season has finally arrived, (finally!!) and luckily, there’s no shortage of spectacular rooftop bars to enjoy in Los Angeles. After all, we’re spoiled with gorgeous weather and sunshine all year-round. I might be biased but I think Los Angeles might just be blessed with the highest capita of rooftop spots per mile? Don’t quote me on that, I literally just made it up for the sake of dramatizing this intro, but it could be true based on my experience enjoying these outdoor perches these past few years.
We get to enjoy views of both the ocean, and the sparkling lights of the city! We are also blessed with some of the most gifted mixologists and bartenders in the world — who can create practically any drink you’d ever dream of (or haven’t yet thought to dream of but will most definitely love).
Here are 13 of the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles, from Santa Monica on the west side, all the way to DTLA.
Hollywood
Mama Shelter
The trendy rooftop bar at Mama Shelter may just be the epitome of what Los Angeles stands for: effortless, glamorous chic. It’s diverse, bright, versatile, and serves a really great drink.
There’s a fantastic cocktail selection, but my favorite thing to order every time is the Sangria. It doesn’t matter what day, time, or season it is — Mama Shelter’s sangria is absolutely phenomenal (and strong). There’s also a selection of tasty bites like waffle fries and homemade burgers.
Wonderful views of the Hollywood hills pair with panoramic sights of the rest of the city, making this rooftop a must-visit if you’re anywhere near the LA area.
Grandmaster Recorders
In what was once a former hit-making recording studio from 1971 to 2016, Grandmaster Recorders has taken on a whole new look. Artists like Kanye, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Ringo Starr, No Doubt, Shaq, Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, and MORE used this place to create music.
This trendy outpost is located in the up-and-coming “Vinyl District” of Hollywood, and its 4,000 square-foot rooftop deck hosts sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, serving as the perfect place to soak in the history of some of the most classic music while also watching the future of this brilliantly creative industry the making (and perhaps pregaming for a show at one of the dozens of concert venues nearby).
Signature bites include the Chicken Parma Roll made with crispy chicken breast, blistered heirloom tomato, basil, and cheese on a seeded roll, and the Mini Mortadella Panini made with mixed garden pickles.
Be sure to try one of the signature rooftop spritzes, like the “Live on Air Cocktail” which is made with Salers, dry vermouth, lime, cucumber, and a pinch of sea salt — or the “Studio Spritz” concocted with liquor Strega, passionfruit, honey, lemon, and prosecco.
I personally enjoyed the “bad magic” which was a STRONG mix of lemongrass vodka, “GMR” Limoncello, verbena syrup, and lemon. It was delightful.
West Hollywood
Catch LA
Catch L.A. rises above the glamorous streets of the design district in West Hollywood sitting on perhaps what’s one of the trendiest intersections in the world om Melrose and San Vicente. It’s a lively spot to dine, drink, and relish in a divine destination that’s openly frequented by some of L.A.’s most elite.
It feels like a truly Angeleno-style restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh seafood, sushi, steak, and a range of rotating sensational cocktails. Plus, it’s a standout place to see (and be seen!).
E.P. & L.P.
More spectacular views of the Hollywood hills and the Sunset Strip make the star studded WeHo outpost EP & LP just off Melrose one of the best roof decks in LA, hands down. Be forewarned that this rooftop is only open on a first come first served basis, but totally worth the wait! It’s open daily until 2 a.m. and is a place where LA friends can chill out, enjoy a sunset, people watch, celebrate life, and relax around a cozy fire pit.
The Roof at The West Hollywood EDITION
The sophisticated feeling of Beverly Hills meets the upscale, trendy vibes of West Hollywood, with a top-notch view from The Roof at The West Hollywood EDITION.
Enjoy bites like classic guacamole and chips, as well as signature selections like the Dungeness crab nachos. For cocktails, try out the L.A. Confidential or the Lethal Weapon both of which are a nod to Hollywood film history.
And don’t be surprised if you see a celeb while you’re here — stars like Leonardo, Lenny Kravitz, and Janelle Monáe have known to spend time here also soaking in the impeccable sights (just like us!).
Bar Lis
Bar Lis is a newly unveiled rooftop bar perched over the heart of Hollywood at the luxurious Thompson Hollywood hotel. It’s a laid-back, classy lounge that encapsulates the spirit and style of summer on the beach in Europe, but with an Angeleno twist. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor open-air spaces to eat, drink, and dance beneath the dazzling lights of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown Los Angeles.
There’s the ten-foot antique water fountain that greets the visitors at the entrance, and plush stone-blue velvet banquettes with blush striped settees to sit upon and appreciate the views. Dance under the twirling of the disco ball and the lights bouncing off the retro-style photography on the walls in this stunning spot for a spirited soiree.
Merois
Merois brings West Hollywood to literal “new heights,” atop the roof of the exquisite Pendry West Hollywood with stunning Sunset Strip views below. The menu is inspired by the renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck’s vision for combining the sophisticated subtleties of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French California cuisine.
The cocktails are incredible, and the desserts are just as delightful to dive into. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, both of which offer unparalleled panoramas of Los Angeles scenes all the way to downtown L.A. at any time of day.
The Highlight Room Grill at Dream Hollywood
The Highlight Room at Dream Hollywood encompasses all 11,000-square feet of the Dream Hollywood rooftop. Decorated with lush greenery, and emitting an approachable (but upscale) atmosphere, diners can enjoy unobstructed views of LA including the Hollywood Sign and the iconic Hollywood Hills. By day, visitors can lounge by the pool. At night, the lounge comes alive with high-energy events like DJ sets and live music performances.
Culver City
Margot
Margot is not “just another LA rooftop bar” it’s a carefully curated, photogenic drinking and dining experience. This restaurant/bar feels as if it’s been ripped straight from the pages of an elegant design magazine. The cocktails are beautiful (and strong), and the dishes have been created as if they’re meant for Instagram features.
Soak up 360 degree views of the trendy neighborhood of Culver City down below, from your perch. Soak up the warmth of the fire pits that are sprinkled throughout this large outdoor space and reflect on how this is why you choose to live in Los Angeles.
Celestina Rooftop @ The Shay
Celestina Rooftop takes inspiration from the diversity of Los Angeles cuisine and combines this with the liveliness of an agave-focused bar program. As Culver City’s first and only rooftop pool bar, in a fantastic location at the newly unveiled hotel, The Shay, in Culver City, its menu includes a delicious array of freshly made tacos, salads, and bites featuring the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
It’s an open-air bar scenic rooftop, with views of Culver City and beyond, serving as the perfect setting for meeting with friends or going on a romantic date with a significant other.
Be sure to try their signature cocktails such as, “Gicela’s Flame” (pictured above — it was literally on fire when it came out!!) made with Milagro Blanco tequila, grilled and fresh pineapple, demerara, lime — all lit up on fire—or the “Honey Bee,” which is made with Verde Mezcal, lemon, lavender honey, and Yuzuri yuzu. And Celestina’s aguas frescas are made fresh — perfect for enjoying poolside (or anywhere, really!) on a hot LA day.
Santa Monica
Calabra
The vibes at Santa Monica Proper’s Calabra, an elegantly designed Kelly Wearstler hotel on a west side rooftop restaurant, emits vibes that are hot and chic.
It features a Mediterranean themed decor and an elevated atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’re one of LA’s elite (which you kind of are, if you’re here…).
Élephante Beach House
If you really want to feel like you’ve been transported to the Southern Mediterranean — while enjoying delicious homemade “light Italian” fare, pay a visit to the indoor/outdoor lounge style restaurant Élephante Beach House on a rooftop in Santa Monica.
With three bars, an extensive wine selection, tasty cuisine and a view of the ocean that will undoubtedly take your breath away — this eatery is an obligatory sky-high LA experience.
The restaurant describes itself as “a place to come and relax,” where a tranquil afternoon can turn into a decadent dinner and flow seamlessly into a lively late night scene. Elephante feels like a fabulous balance of the laid back California beach lifestyle, mixed with the trendy glitz and glam of upscale LA life.
Read more about Élephante, here.
Downtown LA
Spire 73
Spire 73 is one of the hottest downtown LA bars, and is located at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown hotel in the Grand Wilshire building.
With unrivaled sweeping views of the entire city (it’s currently the tallest building west of the Mississippi), this outpost rightly claims the title as the “tallest open-air bar in the Western hemisphere.”
Here, guests can enjoy a seasonal menu of cocktails and culinary creations that are truly “above” par. There are breathtaking views of the entire city skyline with chic fire pits and a buzzy atmosphere.
Ready more about the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown and Spire 73, here.
Wayfarer DTLA
Wayfarer DTLA isn’t just an eclectic new hotel — it’s also host to a signature 12th-floor sky-high outpost, called The Rooftop which is a fabulous place to enjoy craft cocktails with skyline views to match. The Rooftop serves lunch, brunch, and dinner with a full bar and delicious, handmade drinks to match its impressive views.
All of the drinks also have fun, LA entertainment scene themed names like “Bad Bunny,” “Hotline Bing,” and “Tai Hard (With A Vengeance),” — you can also choose what brnad of liquor to put in the drink (for example, you can either choose Tito’s or Belvedere for the “LA Girl.” They’re both vodka, but different kinds).
I’d recommend getting the “LA Girl” if you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, like me. I also really enjoyed the Miso Sesame Hummus (DELICIOUS), and the Ahi Tartare which was a perfect burst of flavors.
Perch
Perch is an elevated and elegant whimsical French-inspired rooftop bistro in DTLA, with sweeping 360 degree views of the LA skyline.
Located in the historic Pershing Square Building, this glamorous outpost offers two outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, accompanied by both lounge and table seating to relax with a beer, wine or one of their fabulous Parisian-inspired cocktails.
Perch also serves food, and specializes in “classic French dishes with a twist.” From Fromage & Charcuterie, to Filet Mignon, Tiger Shrimp, Salmon, Scallops, Boeuf Bordelaise and more — it’s all curated with a finely tuned presentation.
Upstairs at the Ace Hotel
Sitting atop the rooftop of the Gothic tower that is the hotel Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, visitors will encounter Upstairs, a bar which offers a vibrant atmosphere and an eclectic menu of fabulous cocktails / bites paired with “cinematic” city views in all directions.
This open air outpost was inspired by Hollywood’s famous Les Deux Cafe, and it’s a sky-high urban oasis that truly “has it all.”
There’s a small concrete pool that has traditionally been known to host legendary pool parties, as well as a bunker-like bar that’s reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. Decor is Earthy with warm, natural tones. Tree trunk tables, Moroccan-style cushions, leather armchairs and ceramic hanging lamps fill the space and make it feel like a bohemian treehouse home.
Broken Shaker
At the top of the Freehand hotel, Broken Shaker feels like an oasis in the heart of Downtown LA. The bar boasts a rooftop pool deck, and offers a tasty menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites.
Broken Shaker serves up libations infused with homemade elixirs and sensational ingredients, meant to make you feel as if you’re at the beach — all while you’re really in the central urban hub in the midst of trendy DTLA.
The Deck, at Sheraton DTLA
The Deck at Sheraton DTLA in The Bloc outdoor shopping plaza offers stunning city skyline views, craft cocktails, a private seating area, and cozy fire pits to congregate. It’s a great place to catch a sunset and people watch in downtown LA.
The Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (Temporarily Closed – But Stay Tuned)
The Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (keeping its name simple) sits on the top floor of the trendy NoMad Los Angeles in downtown LA, boasting fantastic cocktails and even better panoramic views.
Residing in the landmark Giannini Place building built in the 1920s (the Golden Age of Hollywood) as LA’s headquarters for The Bank of Italy, NoMad Los Angeles combines a sense of old-world glamour with a new sense of the vibrant, playful spirit that is modern Los Angeles.
Please note this outpost is currently closed due to COVID-19, but stay tuned for its revival!
Burbank
Castaway
If you’re seeking a celebrity sighting outside of WeHo, Castaway in Burbank is your spot. This iconic rooftop terrace hosts a curated dining experience where everyone feels like a star (even if there is an actual movie star present) and every seat has a view that seriously feels like magic hour, every hour.
Besides the incomparable sunsets and breath-taking views from the valley out to downtown Los Angeles, Castaway is always “ready for its premiere” as they say in the nearby movie studios.
This restaurant is known for its phenomenal charcuteries and cocktails — which is no surprise, because there’s a meat dry-aging room, right on-site.
There is also a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar and a seasonally-inspired, steak-forward menu that features cuts of meats from top-notch butchers paired with fresh, locally sourced produce.
Koreatown
Openaire at The Line Hotel
Openaire at The Line Hotel in downtown LA is a fabulous place to grab a well-made cocktail with a skyline view.
The menu has been curated by Native Angeleno, surfer, and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin. It’s meant to embrace each individual season (yes, LA does have seasons) while reflecting upon the melting-pot culture that is Los Angeles.
The lush greenhouse and outdoor terrace are perfectly Instagrammable, and the restaurant is now open for dinner and weekend brunch for guests to soak up its famous “open air” atmosphere.
Venice
Hotel Erwin Lounge
Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge is perfectly perched to offer unmatched sights of Venice’s famed Muscle Beach, the Venice Boardwalk, and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy a classic, SoCal relaxed atmosphere paired with the buzzy, funky energy that Venice is known for. I’ve heard that some of the “must order” menu items include Chef Mason Royal’s beach-to-table bar bites and the Venice Way Pizza. Also, be sure to save room for the “adult slushies” that are served on tap…
South Bay
ShoresLAX
ShoresLAX is perched poolside overlooking the runways of LAX, on top of the 15th-floor rooftop of Hyatt House LAX. This trendy, bohemian and modern feeling eatery and bar features a menu of chef-driven dishes and crafted cocktails made using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
The seasonally inspired street tacos are a must-try (right now it’s shrimp, and it’s delicious!), as is the charcuterie board and the platter of veggies with avocado hummus and pita bread. I ordered the “Newport Spritz” which was perfectly balanced, and not too sweet.
All of the cocktails on the menu feature fun, Southern California-themed names like the “hermosa’dora” (a spicy + savory margarita) and the “on malibu thyme” (malibu + rum thyme).
It’s a romantic spot for a date night, a fantastic place to have a business meeting, and a fun place to enjoy a cocktail with friends while watching the airplanes take off across the street.
Beverly Hills
The Rooftop by JG
If you’re looking to celebrate a milestone or just splurge on a girls’ night or a date night out, check out the Waldorf Astoria’s rooftop spot, The Rooftop by JG.
Here, you’ll find an assortment of upscale new American fare paired with cocktails that are as pretty as they are tasty (and pricey) with views from the hills to downtown Los Angeles.
We split the Tuna Tartare as an appetizer, and then I opted for the broccoli and kale salad for dinner while Conner enjoyed the roasted chicken. And my seemingly fishbowl-sized “Rose Aperol Spritz,” made with Hanger One Vodka, Rosé, Aperol, and Lime did not disappoint.
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Have a suggestion for a rooftop bar I didn’t include, or want to visit a new one together?! Reach out, below:
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