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 Rooftop Bars in L.A.
As the weather continues to warm, there's no doubt you'll be drawn outdoors. Thankfully, you can do so while you're drinking at these fabulous rooftop bars. Here are our favorites.
()
Photo courtesy of Perch onFacebook</i>
PERCH
Perched atop an old art deco building, this French-inspired bistro and cocktail bar offers unobstructed views of downtown Los Angeles. They have two outdoor fireplaces, various fire pits as well as lounge and table seating both indoors and out. And there's often live jazz music on the outdoor patio during the spring and summer months.
Perch is located at 448 S Hill Street, Downtown Los Angeles, (213) 802-1770
THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN
Sure, the crowd can sometimes be a little bit douchey, but the views are totally worth it. And by view, of course, we're not just referring to the scantily-clad bikini bods that gather for the Standard's rooftop pool parties on the weekends during the warmer months. KCRW sometimes hosts concerts on the rooftop too, which naturally draw a little bit more of a hipster crowd. It's a total scene.
The Standard Downtown is located at 550 S Flower Street, Downtown, (213) 892-8080
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
HOTEL SHANGRI-LA
The rooftop at this 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-La is located at 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, (310) 394-2791
()
Photo courtesy of the Thomspon Beverly Hills on Facebook
ABH AT THE THOMPSON BEVERLY HILLS
Don't be intimidated by the ZIP code. This rooftop bar is actually pretty mellow and could even function as a location for an outdoor business meeting. Tables aren't smooshed too closely together, which means you can actually talk—or gossip with your gals on the weekend. There are luxury cabanas with flat screen TVs available for special occasions, too. No matter where you sit, you'll be getting a great view; the ABH has a 360 degree panorama of Los Angeles.
The Thompson Beverly Hills is located at 9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, (310) 273-1400
DRAI'S
If you're looking for a taste of the real Hollywood day/nightlife scene, Drai's is it. Bottle service will cost you an arm and a leg, and it might be a bit of a hassle to get in on the weekends, but the views are worth it. If you can pony up for one of their plush cabanas—ideal for bachelor and bachelorette parties—do it.
Drai's is located at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, (323) 962-1111
THE RED LION TAVERN
This cozy German tavern and beer garden in Silver Lake serves traditional German food—and beers in giant boots. It's a complete 180 from many of the aforementioned establishments: super chill, no dress code and certainly no bottle service. The rooftop does have great vibes though, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg to hang for the day.
The Red Lion is located at 2366 Glendale Boulevard, Silverlake, (323) 662-5337
()
Photo courtesy of the Roof on Wilshire
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
THE ROOF ON WILSHIRE
Not 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 AT HOTEL ERWIN
Only a Venice Beach hotel 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 Erwin is 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
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist