Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Best Hotel Bars In L.A.
Hotel bars are some of the best places to meet new people. If you're looking to have your very own "Lost in Translation" type evening, here are some of our favorites in the city. We can't promise you ScarJo, but you can bet on solid cocktails in a stylish setting.
THE LIBRARY BAR
Hotel Roosevelt's teensy little bar has quite a legacy. Things reallykicked up when Matthew Biancaniello, who is no longer in charge, took over the program. He's since left, but the historic Hollywood hotel is still one of our favorite places to drink. The art deco architecture and stunning foyer are the perfect place to meet for a cocktail, so long as it's not on a weekend night when things tend to get rowdy.
The Library Bar is located at 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, (323) 466-7000
Support for LAist comes from
BAR CENTRO
It's a tough call between Bar Centro andThe Altitude rooftop bar at the SLS, but we're leaning towards the former simply for their g & t. Jose Andrés and his team over at the SLS Hotel make the appropriately-named Ultimate Gin and Tonic with your choice of gin from Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Hendrick's, or Oxley gin plus either Fever Tree or Stirrings tonic water, and garnish it with lemon and lime wheels, a couple juniper berries and lemon verbena. (I go for a combo of Oxley and Fever Tree.) Served with a little sphere of clarified ice in a stemless wine glass, it's a gorgeous drink to look at, and the aromatics are out of control. It may be a bit of a splurge at $18, but you're also paying for the ambience; Bar Centro is a great place for people watching.
The Bazaar is located at 465 S La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, (310) 246-5555
SPIN
Sure, the crowd can sometimes be a little bit douchey, but the views at The Standard Hotel in DTLA are totally worth it. The newish ping pong bar slash nightclub Spin, which is partially owned by Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, is a total riot for a night out. Get dressed up in tennis themed outfits, grab a cocktail, and go wild for the Olympic's most beloved sport.
The Standard Downtown is located at 550 S Flower Street, Downtown, (213) 892-8080
THE LIBRARY
Support for LAist comes from
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 inhaling all that fresh air makes you hungry, you can hop down to Cleo for a bite.
The Redbury is located at 1717 Vine St. in Hollywood, (323) 962-1717
SUITE 700
The rooftop at the Shangri-LA Hotel in Santa Monica hotel offers a stunning vista overlooking the Pacific Ocean Palisades Park. Watch the sunset over the ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier while sipping on a glass of champagne, or just do some quality people watching. There are unique design touches here and there, like the patio furniture that's upholstered with suiting fabric and leather. It's definitely a sexy spot.
Hotel Shangri-Lais located at 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, (310) 394-2791
THE BUTTERFLY BAR
West Hollywood's Petit Hermitage only allows its guests and members 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.
Support for LAist comes from
Petit Hermitage is located at 8822 Cynthia St. in West Hollywood, (310) 854-1114
THE ROOF ON WILSHIRENot only does this rooftop bar have great views, but it's also got good food. Chef Eric Greenspan crafted the menu here, which means you can nosh on items like coconut crusted shrimp with a green papaya salad, mango and tamarind sauce while you sip on your Bourbon Smash made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey and raspberries. They also have a special Sunset Menu, which is basically a happy hour, where cocktails and various dishes are served at a discount.
The Roof on Wilshire is located at 6317 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-City West, (323) 852-6002
HIGH
Only a Venice Beach establishment like the Hotel Erwin could pull off naming their F&B establishments "Hash" and "High," the latter of which is this Joie de Vivre hotel's rooftop bar. It's located a stone's throw from the sand and has views of Muscle Beach.
Hotel Erwinis located at 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, (310) 452-1111
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist