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The Best Bars For Outdoor Drinking in L.A.
The sights and sounds of a big city like Los Angeles can be overwhelming to say the least. After a long day of braving the traffic and listening to countless aspiring screenwriters pitch you their recent scripts, you might want to throw back a drink or three in the open air. Here are some of the best outdoor oases in the city where you can do just that.
Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist
AOC Wine Bar
Chef Suzanne Goin and super sommelier/partner Caroline Styne recently moved their iconic AOC dining room to the former Il Covo space after 10 years of operation at the original location 3rd Street. With a gorgeous Spanish-style patio that gets a hearty dose of sunshine, it's sure to become summertime staple with the outdoor wine-ing crowd. There are even little brick windows that look out onto a lemon tree-lined street. It truly feels like a hacienda retreat in the middle of the city.
AOCis located at 8700 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, (310) 859-9859
YAMASHIRO
An iconic property hovering watch over Hollywood for almost a century, this Japanese restaurant on the hill has been a dining destination for over five decades now. What was once a private estate has gone through many changes and purposes over its storied (and haunted) history, however it remains a cherished spot for special occasions, thanks to its stunning, sparkling vistas of the city and its cozy, often romantic atmosphere perfect for proposals or celebrations. Order a throwback Mai Tai from the bar or a selection from their incredible sake menu.
Yamashiro is located at 1999 N Sycamore Avenue, Hollywood, (323) 466-5125
HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT
We love pretty much every little nook and cranny at the Roosevelt, but our two favorite escapes within this Hollywood hideaway are the poolside restaurant called the Tropicana and the lobby bar with its art deco fountains. Things can get a wild on the weekends, but on a Tuesday it's a great little escape with classic Hollywood flare.
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The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, (323) 466-7000
CLIFF'S EDGE
Cliff's Edge makes for a great bar to take a date, but it's also got some cutting edge mixology going on these days, seeing as how Matthew Biancaniello has made it his home base each Wednesday night. 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. You'll swoon over the Bee's Knees cocktail, made with gin, honey, grapefruit, and lemon juice, served daily.
Cliff's Edge is located at 3626 W. Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake, (323) 666-6116
Photo courtesy of Aventine Hollywood
AVENTINE
The wooded patio at the new Aventine on Cahuenga provides a little peace and quiet amidst the Hollywood rat race. Order up a classic cocktail and a trio of bar snacks that includes nuts, olives and pickles ($6), but don't forget the truffled popcorn. It's totally more-ish, and is a signature dish at the San Francisco location.
Aventine is located at 1607 N Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood, (323) 500-0969
GOLDEN ROAD PUB
Granted many people might not think that a big brewpub on the train tracks is an "oasis," but if you've ever dropped by this L.A. microbrewery on the weekend, you'll see why it makes the cut. There are beer games and a great community vibe, and (perhaps most importantly) quality brews.
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Golden Road Pub is located at 5410 W San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, (213) 373-4677
RAY'S & STARK BAR
Barman Paul Sanguinetti puts some artistic flare into his cocktails at the new-ish cocktail lounge outside LACMA. The patio is decked out in a brightly-colored retro theme, and it's the perfect place to unwind after spending the day cruising through the museum galleries, or if you're just looking for somewhere chic, stylish and outdoors for a night cap.
Ray's & Stark Bar is located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, (323) 857-6180
THE EVELEIGH
It's a known fact that Aussies love their outdoor drinking, so it's no surprise that this Australian-owned WeHo bar keeps things open and airy. The farmhouse-like setting is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, whose other establishments are much more on the sceney side. The cocktail program is aces too, and they have a guest bartending series on Mondays that's worth popping in for
The Eveleigh is located at 8752 W Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, (424) 239-1630
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LITTLE DOOR
Sipping on a glass of wine at this little hideout truly does feel like a vacation to France. Candles light up the wood bar, which is stocked handsomely with French apertifs and spirits. Little Next Door is also quite cozy, too.
Little Door is located at 8142 W 3rd St. in Los Angeles, (323) 951-1010
THE REDBURY HOTEL
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
Related:
The Best Rooftop Bars in L.A.
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