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The Best Date Bars in Los Angeles
L.A. is a notoriously difficult city to date in, so we thought we'd make it just a little bit easier by gathering a list of some of the best bars to bring the apple of your eye. These spots aren't cheesy or over the top, just intimate spaces with solid drinks.
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Jack Rose and a Manhattan at the bar at Little Door (Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist)
CLIFF'S EDGE: Not only is Cliff's a great spot to take a date for dinner, but the bar is ideal for romance too. Sit outside in the candlelit grotto that's centered around a giant ficus tree, or come indoors and grab a seat at their well-stocked bar. Champagne and oysters are always a safe bet when it comes to aphrodisiacs, but your date will really swoon over the Bee's Knees cocktail, made with gin, honey, grapefruit, and lemon juice.
Cliff's Edge is located at 3626 W. Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake, (323) 666-6116
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HARVARD & STONE: If your lover is more cigarettes and leather than roses and chocolate, then this stylish Thai Town cocktail bar is the answer. Sit on one of the couches by the fireplace, or grab a seat at the R & D bar in the back. Light up a smoke and sip on Bulleit bourbon mixed with St. Vincent's orgeat syrup, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters in Baby's First Bourbon. It might be the first, but if you play your cards right, it won't be the last.
Harvard & Stone is located at 5221 Hollywood Blvd in Thai Town, (323) 466-6063
LITTLE DOOR: This intimate space has a decidedly romantic feel without being too cheesy. Candles light up the wood bar, which is stocked handsomely with French apertifs and spirits. Order a glass of champagne or a few cocktails to get the night started, and if your game is running smoothly, head next door to El Carmen for a nightcap.
Little Door is located at 8142 W 3rd St. in Los Angeles, (323) 951-1010
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The rooftop at the Redbury is an ideal spot for date night (Photo courtesy of SBE)
THE ROOFTOP AT THE REDBURY: A little oasis in the heart of Hollywood exists at this chic boutique hotel by the SBE Group. The Redbury's secluded red-painted rooftop is lit by strings of bare Edison lights, and there are plenty of plush couches and cozy fire pits to snuggle by. Inside, you can play pool or snag a table in the Library bar. If you're after some serious bonus points, you'll get them for taking your partner to dinner at Cleo downstairs.
The Redbury is located at 1717 Vine St. in Hollywood, (323) 962-1717
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BAR MARMONT: All those celebs must be on to something. The historic Bar Marmont is super small and intimate, and the dimly lit room just screams sex. The drinks are decent, as is the food at the Chateau next door.
Bar Marmont is located at 8171 West Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, (323) 650-0575
1886: This old craftsman house on Fair Oaks has a more sophisticated vibe, and would be a great place to take a history geek or a cocktail nerd. The bar is overseen by Marcos Tello, one of the city's foremost barmen. Their honey nut old fashioned is still one of our favorite drinks in the city. Nurse one of those while perched at one of the window seats that overlooks the wooded outdoor patio.
1886 is located at 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena, (626) 441-3136
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Photo of the Tenderheart cocktail courtesy of 1886
PETIT HERMITAGE: This West Hollywood hotel only allows its guests to dine and drink at its uber-romantic bar and restaurant that sit on the rooftop. If you're in a relationship and needing to score some points, booking a room and having a night on the property is definitely the way to do so. The vibe is like Chateau Marmont, minus the Hollywood hype.Petit Hermitage is located at 8822 Cynthia St. in West Hollywood, (310) 854-1114
BAR BOUCHON: Let's just call Bouchon our one-stop shop for everything awesome. We love their pastries, we love their happy hour, and we really love their bars. There's Bar Bouchon downstairs, which serves a variety of French wines and cocktails. Then upstairs in the dining room next to the epic raw bar is a second bar with an equally romantic vibe. Take your pick; you can't lose. Especially if you finish the night with one of their desserts.
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Bar Bouchon is located at 235 N Canon Dr. in Beverly Hills, (310) 271-9910
POUR VOUS: This French-themed bar is operated by Steve Livigni, who also handles Harvard & Stone and La Descarga, the latter of which is a great choice if your date is into dancing. Between the oyster bar, the champagne cocktails, and the steamy live performances (think aerialists and burlesque), this could very well be the sexiest bar in the city.
Pour Vous is located at 5574 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, (323) 871-8699
The Lounge at WP24: Looking for a room with a view? Wolfgang Puck's WP24 has that and some killer cocktails to boot. No matter what state your game is in, the view of the entirety of Downtown L.A. and a few cocktails are a surefire panty-dropper.
WP24 is located at 900 W Olympic Blvd. in Downtown, (213) 743-8824
Honorable mentions:
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