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With springtime inching its way toward summer, Angelenos can look forward to spending warm days and nights outdoors at Los Angeles' numerous rooftop bars. Some of our favorites includes bars where you can break out your bathing suit for the rooftop pool or check out panoramic views of the skyline. All of them serve stiff drinks. As always, let us know your favorites in the comments.
Perch (Photo via Perch's Facebook)
Perch
Perched (that's right) 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.—Krista Simmons
Perch is located at 448 S Hill Street, Downtown Los Angeles, (213) 802-1770
High at Hotel Erwin
If you want a sweeping 360-degree view of Venice Beach and its surrounding landscapes (all the way to the Santa Monica Pier), Hotel Erwin's High bar does the trick. The name of the rooftop bar might very well be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the Venice Boardwalk stoners. After all, the hotel also once had a brunch joint called "Hash." While you sip on your cocktails there, you can also munch on appetizers like poke tacos and lamb sliders. And since it always gets a little chilly close to the beach, the bar offers blankets to keep you warm.
Hotel Erwin is located at 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, (310) 452-1111
The Standard downtown (Photo by Eric Norris via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
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.—Krista Simmons
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. 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.—Krista Simmons
The Redbury is located at 1717 Vine St. in Hollywood, (323) 962-1717
Pool at the ACE Hotel (Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist)
ACE Hotel
The ACE Hotel downtown has been a hip attraction ever since it opened on Broadway Avenue in January. Although its Upstairs Bar is smaller than downtown's Perch, it's a worthy alternative as it offers a different (and stunning) view of the city skyline as well as L.A. Live and the Staples Center. The rooftop bar has a pool, a fireplace and plenty of heat lamps to keep you warm and toasty. It's decked out in Moroccan decor and bartenders will pour you a stiff one (especially if you order an Old Fashioned). And if you get the munchies late at night, you can order snacks like Red Vines, Bugles and Funyuns Flamin' Hot.
ACE Hotel is located at 929 S. Broadway in downtown, (213) 623.3233
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.—Krista Simmons
The Red Lion is located at 2366 Glendale Boulevard, Silverlake, (323) 662-5337
The Roof on Wilshire (Photo via The Roof on Wilshire's Facebook)
The Roof on Wilshire
The Roof on Wilshire is the type of classy joint that has cabanas by its rooftop pool with some sweet panoramic views. It also has food served all day, a menu helmed by chef Eric Greenspan. From duck confit scallion pancakes to grilled rib eye, you can expect to leave on a full stomach. They also have a special Sunset Menu, which offers happy hour drinks from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays. We suggest trying out the Bourbon Smash that is made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey and raspberries.
The Roof on Wilshire is located at 6317 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-City West, (323) 852-6002
Petit Ermitage
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.—Krista Simmons
Petit Hermitage is located at 8822 Cynthia St. in West Hollywood, (310) 854-1114
Hotel Shangri-La rooftop (Photo via Hotel Shangri-La's Facebook)
Hotel Shangri-La
The Suite 700 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.—Krista Simmons
Hotel Shangri-La is located at 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, (310) 394-2791
