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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
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
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.
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
