18 Lush Rooftops With Delicious Cocktails And Even Better Views

Nothing elevates happy hour like the sweeping views of the twinkling city lights or magical pink-and-orange sunsets (courtesy of the smog), punctuated by beachside palaces and palms. If there’s one way to take in Los Angeles, it’s from the top floor, shrouded in plants and dotted with fairy lights. Here are some of our favorite gardens in the sky where cocktails, music, food and good times are guaranteed.

1. LA Cha Cha Chá

LA Cha Cha Chá brings a distinctly Mexican flavor to an Arts District rooftop from March 19. Being the sister location of the famous Terraza Cha Cha Cha in Mexico City’s Colona Tabacalera neighborhood, it will combine traditional dishes with Mexico City-born, LA-raised chef Alejandro Guzman’s signature touch. Design-wise, you’ll find sleek timbers and eclectic tiles in turquoise with a substantial amount of foliage (about 150 plants) enclosing the space, all accented with fairy lights for ambiance.

820 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

2. Margot LA

This Culver City hotspot channels the very best of the Mediterranean with Spanish-style tapas, seasonal craft cocktails, a beautiful blend of natural furnishings, contrasted with bold centerpieces, accented with vibrant tiles and dotted with sun-loving plants. With nothing but the blue skies as your ceiling, you can imagine yourself on a quaint, Balearic coastal terrace. The greenhouse-like indoor section is also a cute spot to migrate to if things heat up or cool down.

8820 Washington Blvd., Suite 301, Culver City, CA 90232

3. Merois

Credit: Merois (Pendry West Hollywood)Chef Wolfgang Puck has gifted L.A. with two incredible new restaurants, exciting new restaurants, Merois and Ospero. Merois, located on the rooftop of Pendry West Hollywood, combines the striking views of the city (which can be enjoyed through floor-to-ceiling windows with a menu that weaves Japanese, Southeast Asian flavors with French-California cuisine. There’s also a gorgeous pool

8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

4. The Highlight Room

The Highlight Room offers something for every mood; whether it’s the wild parties at the rooftop pool, drinks, or a brunch at the Grill, you’re bound to enjoy yourself at this Hollywood hideaway, perched on the 10th floor of the DREAM Hotel Hollywood.

6417 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

5. The Roof at Edition

Edition hotels have mastered the art of creating exclusive oases while making you feel as though you’re still fully immersed in the city. You can sip on cocktails on one of the loungers under a lush canopy of foliage or get cozy at one of the intimate, candlelit tables perched on the patio along the rooftop side. Enjoy tequila cocktails and tostadas with 360-degree views of the sun setting over the city.

6. L.P. Rooftop Bar

The hotspot, located on Melrose and La Cienega, offers some of the best views of West Hollywood. The insanely popular rooftop is the first section of the multistorey dining and drinking haven to reopen. You’ll have to wait for the main dining room to open over the next few weeks. You might also want to check out their more tropical sister space, Las Palmas.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069

7. Perch

Perch LA, the Downtown rooftop hotspot, and its breathtaking 360-degree views are yours to enjoy! Head up to the 15th floor and waltz through the eclectic interior of the bar and restaurant filled with vintage oddities and colorful textiles. Then, step through the arches and onto the outdoor terrace covered with lush greenery and fire pits to take the sunsets over the city. On the 16th floor, you’ll find an open rooftop terrace for more all-encompassing views of the city.

448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

8. Catch LA

Walking under this canopy of white wisterias and exotic blooms will make you feel like wandering through the Enchanted Forest. At Catch, you’re likely to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, a crowd that’s glammed up to the gills, while you work your way through a decadent seafood tower. The unique cocktails will make the chandeliers and moody fairy lights at this hotspot twinkle just that little bit extra.

8715 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood 90069

9. Mama Shelter

The vibrant escape six floors up are filled with tropical plants, colorful prints and draped fairy lights that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an exotic hideaway. Until, of course, you get the head-on view of the Hollywood sign and remember where you are. You’ll have an eclectic mix of drinks and decor to lose yourself in as you leave the hustle and bustle below.

6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, 90028

10. Élephante

This Santa Monica beach house seems to float in the sky with palm trees. The casual-chic atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old friend’s living room—a friend that’s not struggling to show up with a new designer bag in tow for weekly brunches. Their Italian-style food seems at odds with the clientele. Still, there are plenty of surprisingly good options considering the incredible ocean view—which is often coupled with less than desirable food.

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, 90401

11. Terra

The Century City rooftop oasis, Terra, is a little slice of Italian heaven perched atop the mammoth food emporium Eataly LA. You’ll ascend a spiral staircase, catching a glimpse of the wood-burning grill where the beautiful seasonal ingredients are brought to life, before stepping onto the bright terrace with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills. Terra is centers itself around seasonal ingredients grilled on open flames to bring out the rich flavors. Of course, nothing pairs better with these earthy dishes than botanical cocktails or a premium Italian wine alongside an L.A. skyline.

12. Upstairs at the Ace Hotel DTLA

This beautiful spot offers views of the city in every direction and is the perfect balance of luxe and casual. White textiles and natural furniture with gorgeous trees dotted around make this a welcoming haven to mark your week’s end. Reservations are required and you can book for a maximum of 6 people.

929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

13. SkyBar

This glamorous rooftop setting is covered in ivy and is perched atop the Mondrian Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place to take in panoramic views of the city on a romantic date or to spend your summers occasionally dipping into the pool between drinks.

8440 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069

14. Openaire

Openaire is the poolside restaurant that replaced the Commissary at the Line Hotel in Koreatown. While you can’t bask in sunlight in the greenhouse on the rooftop filled with greenery cascading above you, there’s an all-new outdoor dining area for guests around the pool. It’s excellent value for money as far as hotels go, especially considering you have the likes of two Michelin star Chef Josiah Citrin bringing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from land and sea and transforming them into vibrant plates that go down just as easily as the Midnight Margarita—an interesting mix of tequila, Cointreau, lime and charcoal.

3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

15. Pilot DTLA

It’s hard to dream of a better way to take in the L.A. skyline than basking in the sun next to a sparkling aqua pool surrounded by gorgeous hanging plants and white umbrellas. And, of course, an icy cocktail in hand. The Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar, Pilot DTLA, is perched atop The Hoxton and it’s an unexpected oasis overlooking the bustling Downtown city life below.

1060 S Broadway Rooftop, Los Angeles, CA 90015

16. Harriet’s Rooftop

Craft cocktails, delicious food, white umbrellas and panoramic views of Los Angeles. What more could you ask for?  Head to this lofty rooftop restaurant to soak up the sun and incredible, mellow ambiance.

8490 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.

18. Calabra Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Your next luxury retreat could be as close as Santa Monica. This gorgeous rooftop space pairs ocean views with delicious plates and lush decor. Whether you enjoy getting some work done at the poolside or enjoying sundowners with friends, you’ll want to check out this spot while the sun is out.

700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[Featured Image: Harriet’s Rooftop]