While Melbourne might be best known for its laneway bar culture, in Los Angeles some of the coolest hangouts are hidden sky high. To help track down LA’s best rooftop bars, we’ve curated your next spectacular sip in the city of angels.
Here are 13 of the best Los Angeles rooftop bars.
Cabra At The Hoxton
Residing on the rooftop of The Hoxton Hotel is Cabra—a Peruvian restaurant led by award-winning chef and television personality Stephanie Izard. Meander over a colourful menu of cocktails, share plates, skewers and empanadas while overlooking the bustle of downtown Los Angeles below.
Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge
Image credit: High Rooftop Lounge | Instagram
Perched atop Hotel Erwin, the High Rooftop Lounge is a tribute to 1970s California surf culture. With picture perfect views of Venice Beach and its palm-studded boardwalk, this Los Angeles rooftop bar is the perfect vantage point to relax with a beer and soak up the sunset. Arrive early for happy hour (Monday to Friday from 1-4pm) to score prime seats and one of their signature burgers.
Lemon Grove
A celebrity chef, boozy (or zero-proof) weekend brunches and an endless array of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menu options? This is quintessential LA dining. Named after the lemon trees that once inhabited Tinseltown, Lemon Grove rooftop bar and restaurant showcases contemporary Californian cuisine while boasting an impressive view of the landmark Hollywood sign and Capitol Records building.
Grandmaster Recorders
Image credit: Grandmastser Recorders | Instagram
Spanning three stories of epic bar and restaurant space, Grandmaster Recorders pays tribute to its former life as a recording studio where artists such as Davie Bowie, Tool, Gwen Stefani, Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Beck have all laid down tracks. On the top floor, you’ll find the rooftop bar with sweeping views of Hollywood’s iconic skyline. Fun fact—the venue is co-owned by Australian restaurateur and DJ Grant Smillie.
La Cha Cha Cha
Expect authentic tacos, tostadas and tequila with the view at the vibrant La Cha Cha Cha rooftop bar, based on the original restaurant in Mexico City. It can be blaring-hot in the summer months, but from beneath the shade of surrounding palm trees and patio umbrellas, it's easy to forget that you’re in the middle of Downtown LA (and not a faraway holiday resort). So sit back, order a paloma and bask in the serenity at this laid-back Los Angeles rooftop bar.
Cara Cara At The Proper Hotel
It’s all about farm to table (to rooftop) at Cara Cara at The Proper Hotel in downtown L.A. Decked out in earthy tones contrasted with multicoloured murals, the space is an ode to modern Mexican and Portuguese design and culture. Sip classic cocktails on the glorious rooftop while you soak up 360-degree views of L.A's iconic skyline, or settle in for a full-blown feast from culinary legend Suzanne Goin’s seasonal menu.
Desert 5 Spot
Nothing screams Hollywood country western rock ‘n’ roll bar like a pair of glittery cowboy boots fashioned into a disco ball. This is precisely what you’ll find at Desert 5 Spot—along with karaoke, live music and line dancing. While the venue’s pretty laid back, they do prefer you don your Coyote Ugly best–we’re talking the classic cowboy dresscode of boots and denim.
Bar Lis At Thompson Hollywood
_(1).jpg)
Image credit: Bar Lis | Instagram
Set sail for the French Riviera at ritzy Los Angeles rooftop Bar Lis. Decked out in pink with a dramatic water fountain by the bar and frequented by LA’s most fashionable folk, this sky high drinking spot requires a killer fit to match. Snack on burrata, mezze and charcuterie plates as you sip elevated cocktails. Then, hit the dance floor for a boogie under the disco ball into the early hours. Keep an eye out for Hollyw00d celebs—they're known to frequent this luxe spot.
Wayfarer Downtown Los Angeles
Amidst the skyscrapers and office spaces, an urban oasis awaits on the 12th floor of downtown’s Wayfarer Hotel. Sprawling with greenery and hanging vines, this Los Angeles rooftop bar is a haven for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the bar’s comfy couches while sipping cocktails under the sun (or the stars), and don’t leave without ordering at least one serve of the beignets.
Broken Shaker At Freehand Los Angeles
In the heart of downtown L.A. you’ll find Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles, a kitsch party rooftop complete with its own pool. Expect party vibes, inventive cocktails, banging views of the city and rowdy tunes to soundtrack your night. Keen to sip cocktails poolside? There’s a minimum spend of $65pp for non-hotel guests—which we recommend using on a couple of Bikini Mai Tais.
Canopy Club
Image credit: Canopy Club | Instagram
Canopy Club is the perennial summer pool party located above Culver City’s Shay Hotel—making it one of the hottest rooftop venues in LA. For maximum enjoyment, reserve a poolside sun lounge or private cabana and be sure to hit up the snack menu which is the perfect split of healthy salad bowls and comfort food favourites—hello loaded smash burgers with the works.
Margot
Located above Platform—a shopping hub for independent brands—Margot provides a stellar vantage point for city views, without the hectic hustle you might encounter at more common tourist hotspots. Complementing the wraparound scenery is a coastal Mediterranean menu featuring pasta, seafood, snacks and a curated wine program.
The Highlight Room At Dream Hollywood
Image credit: High Rooftop Lounge | Instagram
A sprawling, opulent rooftop with a pool where you can sip under the stars? It doesn’t get more quintessentially LA than this. 11,000 sqm party haven The Highlight Room comes alive after dark, with revellers keen to rub shoulders with LA’s celeb crowd. Expect sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, a fun party vibe, and pasta, burgers and others hearty dishes to line your stomach with.
Editor’s note: This article was produced in partnership with LA Tourism and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Desert 5, High Rooftop Lounge, Grandmaster Recorders, Cara Cara, Bar Lis, Canopy Club, The Highlight Room