Filifera Is The Perfect Hollywood Hideaway Rooftop Bar

It can be easy to miss the recent resurgence of Hollywood with downtown Los Angeles grabbing most of the headlines. The neighborhood spent years as an unpleasant destination, mainly drawing tourists who wanted to press their hands into cement imprints left by former movie stars. But Hollywood now boasts the sort of construction and crane count that rivals downtown—and with it, a new wave of dining and nightlife options where dive bars, flashy clubs, and Planet Hollywood once reigned supreme.

Among all the gleaming new developments is Columbia Square—a historical reuse/new construction mix at the old CBS campus topped by a 22-story residential tower. And should you know where to look (Hollywood loves its secrets and exclusivity) you will discover a new rooftop cocktail lounge redefining elegance for the neighborhood: Filifera.

When the elevator hits floor R, and you walk out onto the patio, the first thing you'll see are the sweeping views of the Hollywood skyline and the city beyond. To the west, the white geodesic roof of the Cinerama dome and the CNN building. To the north, the records-stack design of the Capitol Records building and the Hollywood Sign. It would be understandable if you decided to stand against the glass panes lining the roof and stare out forever, but at a certain point, should you decide it's time for a cocktail, you'll find your way into the bar.

The design of the bar (by Kelly Wearstler, of course) has a certain neutral-toned chic—as if you've stumbled upon a sun-bleached Sonoran desert hideaway that just happens to be 218 feet above Hollywood. Filifera, after all, is named for the Washingtonia filifera, or desert fan palm.

"With Filifera, we wanted to provide an indoor-outdoor haven not only for our residents, but also for L.A. locals and visitors looking for an idyllic space above it all in Hollywood, with a great vibe, incredible views and delicious cocktails," Brian De Lowe, co-founder of Proper Hospitality, which operates the bar as well as the residences in the tower, noted in a statement.

The cocktails were created by Last Word Hospitality (of Same Same, and Brack Shop Tavern), and put a California spin on bar standards. Try the Chamomille Last Word for a well-balanced, herbaceous version of the classic that feels at once soothing and fresh. Or the Filifera Manhattan for a more rye-forward drink that uses orange notes (in place of Angostura bitters) to round itself out nicely.

Bar snacks are currently available, and Filifera will introduce a more robust food menu by summer's end. For now, a cheese plate, or crudité with hummus will suffice. You don't want something to distract you from the sunset, anyway.

Filifera is located on the rooftop of the Hollywood Proper at 1550 North El Centro Avenue in Hollywood. (323) 499-4009. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are available through Resy.