The culinary scene in Los Angeles is continually reaching new heights and pushing creative boundaries, so, naturally, the bar culture follows suit. Whether you’re seeking quality libations at a hidden speakeasy, a lively late-night dance floor, or you’d just like to watch the sun sink into the horizon from a lush rooftop bar, you’ll find something to quench your thirst. So without further ado, these are the best bars in Los Angeles that will suit any mood or occasion.
1. All Seasons Brewing
The 83-year-old Firestone building was given new life as a 13,000-square-foot hub of culinary experiences and entertainment with beer made right on-site. Its historic facade was beautifully preserved and has a beautiful mix of nostalgia balanced with new amenities which is perfect for laid-back hangouts.
Hours: 3pm-12am Monday-Thursday, 12pm-2am Friday-Saturday, 12pm-12am Sunday
📍 Location: 800 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
2. Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt has pulled some impressive accolades in the last couple of years, earning a spot in the Top 500 Bars’ 2023 national ranking and the World’s 50 Best Bars List in 2024. Thunderbolt emphasizes “accessible hospitality,” skillfully blending the welcoming feel of a local pub with the sophisticated techniques of a high-end cocktail bar. The menu is designed to be user-friendly, providing detailed descriptions of each drink’s dilution, culinary background, texture, and other aspects.
Hours: 5pm-12am Monday-Thursday, 5pm-1am Friday-Saturday, 2pm-12am Sunday
📍 Location: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles
3. Spire 73
Los Angeles’ sky-high scene is quite impeccable, there are plenty of incredible rooftop bars that are worth burning a hole in your pocket for. However, there is only one that can claim to be the highest rooftop bar in the western hemisphere: Spire 73. You’ll be floating amongst the clouds with jaw-dropping views and all the luxurious comforts you could ask for.
Hours: 4pm-12am daily
📍Location: 900 Wilshire Blvd fl 73, Los Angeles, CA 90017
4. Mírate
Mírate menu is meticulously designed to celebrate Mexican ingredients and culinary traditions, enhanced with a touch of Californian flair. The selection includes a variety of imported spirits and a vibrant food menu. A highlight is their tequila-based drinks, featuring everything from the traditional Tommy’s Margarita to the innovative El Guero, which includes unique flavors such as aguachile, nopales granita, and coconut. Immerse yourself in the lively and colorful atmosphere of the dining area, making your experience at this standout Los Angeles cocktail bar truly unforgettable
Hours: 5-11pm Monday-Wednesday, 5pm-12am Thursday-Friday, 11am-12am Saturday, 11am-11pm Sunday
📍 Location: 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles
5. Mrs. Fish
When it comes to underground spots, Mrs. Fish really goes the extra mile. You enter through a vividly painted stairway into a subterranean paradise, featuring a suspended 5,500-gallon aquarium and about as much art as a major Tokyo gallery. While you should definitely stay for the incredible menu of sushi if you make your way to the lesser-known omakase bar in the back, you’ll stay for a Japanese whiskey flight where you might just sample Ichiro’s premium 30-year Komagatake.
Hours: 5pm-11pm Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-12am Friday, 4pm-12am Saturday, closed Sunday-Monday
📍 Location: 448 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles
6. Madre!
While these restaurants are well known for delivering the essence of Oaxaca with modern-day flair, its Palms and Torrance locations cumulatively boast the widest collection of mezcal in the US, with over 400 different bottlings on-site. You’ll find mezcals so rare, that they are almost impossible to taste without coming here which is why it’s a must for those that are more invested in a unique tasting experience.
📍 Location:
- Santa Clarita: 27007 McBean Pkwy, Valencia
- West Hollywood: 801 North Fairfax Ave #101, Los Angeles
- Culver City: 10426 National Blvd, Los Angeles
- Torrance: 1261 Cabrillo Ave #100, Torrance
7. Death & Co
The esteemed New York City-based cocktail bar, Death & Co., launched its Los Angeles branch in 2019. When guests arrive, they spend time in the “Standing Room,” which offers a smaller selection of cocktails. As space becomes available in the main area of Death & Co., patrons gain access to an extensive 25-item cocktail menu categorized by moods such as “Light & Playful,” “Boozy & Honest,” and “Elegant and Timeless.” Set in a subterranean setting, the bar features warm amber lights and elegant brass details, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a contemporary speakeasy.
Hours: 6pm-1am Sunday-Wednesday, 6pm-2am Thursday-Saturday
📍 Location: 818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles
8. Apothéke
Allow the bartender to prescribe a unique botanical-based cocktail at this apothecary-themed bar in DTLA. The bar boasts a vast selection of spirits, including rare and unique finds, which are expertly crafted into creative and delicious cocktails by skilled bartenders. Its ambiance is intimate and sophisticated, with plush velvet seating and vintage décor that adds to the vintage charm. Apoteké Bar is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a sophisticated evening out with friends. Not only have the stunning interiors racked up interior design accolades, but it hosts a great selection of DJs, and live acts too. It also has one of the cutest outdoor patios in the city.
Hours: 7pm-12am Sunday and Thursday, 7pm-2am Friday-Saturday, closed Monday-Wednesday
📍Location: 1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles
9. The Ruby Fruit
This natural wine bar and jovial queer space has a tiny but perfectly curated menu. It occupies a little slice of a Silver Lake strip mall and is the perfect place for a carefree night out where patrons will feel safe and welcome.
Hours: 11am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday
📍 Location: 3510 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
10. Tiki Ti
As far as quirky, themed tiki bars go, Tiki Ti has stood the test of time. The legendary spot opened in 1961 and proves that ornamental cocktail classes, potent drinks, and garish tropical decor will never get old. It may be a small bar with just enough space for a few guests, but it packs in a whole lot of atmosphere.
Hours: 6pm-12am Wednesday-Saturday, closed Sunday-Tuesday
📍 Location: 4427 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
11. Employees Only
The venue exudes a sophisticated and elegant ambiance, with dark wood paneling, plush leather seating, and ornate lighting fixtures. The bar offers an extensive selection of spirits, wines, and beers, with a focus on classic cocktails and innovative mixology. Skilled bartenders create deliciously complex drinks with precision and artistry, while the friendly and attentive staff provide exceptional service. You’ll be immersed in a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with a bustling crowd of locals and visitors mingling and enjoying the upscale setting. Employees Only is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a chic and memorable night out in L.A.
Hours: 6pm-2am Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday
📍 Location: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
12. The Let’s Go! Disco & Cocktail Club
This Arts District newcomer is a stunning homage to ’70s Italian disco clubs, and its incredible cocktails and intoxicating atmosphere have already shaken up the bar scene. As it gets deeper into the night, the elegant 2,500-square-foot bar is completely transformed into a neon-soaked dancing haven. It’s one of the best bars in Los Angeles for an evening of cocktails that seamlessly flows into a debaucherous night out.
Hours: 7pm-1am Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-1am Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday-Monday
📍 Location: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles
13. The Varnish
Located in the historic Cole’s French Dip building in downtown L.A., The Varnish is a speakeasy-style bar that serves up some of the best cocktails in town. The bartenders here are true craftsmen, and the dimly lit ambiance is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. So if you feel like getting lost in a moody, bygone era, this is one of the best bars in Los Angeles to do it.
Hours: 7pm-2am daily
📍 Location: 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles
14. Walt’s Bar
If it’s a dive bar you seek, this legendary outpost in L.A.’s Eagle Rock neighborhood is a great one to keep in your back pocket. Enjoy a seamless blend of kitschy retro decor, vintage pinball machines, natural wines, local beers, and comfort bar food. It’s one of our favorite casual bars in Los Angeles for the juxtaposition of high-quality drinks with low-key surroundings.
Hours: 12pm-12am Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-2am Friday-Saturday
📍 Location: 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles
15. Capri Club
Capri Club is a vintage-style aperitivo bar serving up Italian-themed beverages and cuisine. Despite only recently opening in 2022, the bar maintains a classic aesthetic featuring weathered wood paneling, sleek red leather seating, and decorations reminiscent of Italy’s southern coast. Guests can enjoy $15 cocktails including the classic negroni or the unique mezcal-infused capri sour, as well as $13 aperitivos such as the whimsical cherry spritz with maraschino or the delicate piccolo sorso with vermouth and sherry.
Hours: 4pm-12am Monday-Friday, 2pm-12am Saturday-Sunday
📍Location: 4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles
These are just some of the best bars in Los Angeles, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Written by Ashlyn Davis and Jamie Ferrell