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. Here are some of our favorite rooftop bars in Los Angeles where cocktails, music, food, good views and good times are guaranteed.
1. LA Cha Cha Chá
Order up all the tequila and mezcal cocktails at LA Cha Cha Chá, the sister location of the famous Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City’s Colona Tabacalera neighborhood. This lush, plant-filled terrace (about 150 plants in total) is the perfect spot for just grabbing drinks or sitting down for a delicious dinner — think ceviche, tostadas, tacos and carnitas.
820 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Closed Monday, open Wednesday, Thursday and Tuesday from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
2. The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel
Stepping into the tropical oasis that is Broken Shaker on the rooftop of the Freehand Hotel feels like you’ve been transported straight to South Beach, Miami (and by that we mean the sultry ambience and decor, not the drunken frat boys). A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, this effervescent spot serves up outstanding cocktails made with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients.
And we can confirm: The Vibe Check cocktail–a tantalizing blend of el tesoro blanco tequila, aperol, pimms, blood orange, prickly pear, herbs de provence, lemon, angostura and peychaud’s bitters—passes the vibe check.
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Open every day from 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
3. Merois
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, and Southeast Asian flavors with French-California cuisine.
8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
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. Every Friday and Saturday they host “Highlight Nights” with live DJs for a night of dancing and drinking until 2 a.m.
6417 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Highlight Nights: Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m.-2 a.m.; Pool Hours: Monday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
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.
9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Open Sunday-Wednesday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thrusday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
6. L.P. Rooftop Bar
This hotspot, located on Melrose and La Cienega, is one of the biggest rooftop patios in L.A. and offers some of the best views of The Hollywood Hills and The Sunset Strip. You’ll find inventive hand-crafted cocktails on the menu, alongside a curated selection of wine, Champagne and beer.
603 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Open Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.-2 a.m.
7. Perch
Perch LA, the longstanding Downtown rooftop favorite, 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
Open Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Friday from 4 p.m.-1:30am, Saturday from 10 a.m.-1:30 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
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 LA, you’re likely to rub shoulders with Hollywood’s elite, 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
Open Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday from 5:30-11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
9. Mama Shelter
This vibrant escape six floors up is 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. Mama Shelter offers a creative mix of drinks and decor to lose yourself in as you leave the hustle and bustle below.
6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, 90028
Open Monday-Wednesday from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. and Thursday-Sunday from 12 p.m.-2 a.m.
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. Inspired by the spirit of costal southern Italy, you can expect a perfect Negroni and plenty of delicious signature cocktails (we suggest the One Way Ticket — a delightful blend of amaro ciociaro, rye whiskey, brucato woodlands and grapefruit oils), all while taking in the breathtaking ocean view.
1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, 90401
Open from Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 a.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
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 fresh seasonal ingredients are brought to life, before stepping onto the bright terrace with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills.
Terra 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.
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Roof, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Open every day from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
12. Upstairs at the Ace Hotel DTLA
This beautiful rooftop bar 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 work week’s end. Order the Señorita cocktail — a zesty blend of tequila, elderflower, chili, lime and tajin — and relax in style at this stunning spot.
929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Open Sunday-Wednesday from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
13. SkyBar
This glamorous rooftop bar 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
Open Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
14. Openaire
Openaire is the poolside restaurant that replaced the Commissary at the Line Hotel in Koreatown. While you can’t bask in sunlight at this rooftop bar—it’s actually a lush greenhouse—there’s an all-new outdoor dining area for guests around the pool. Our drink of choice here is the Midnight Margarita—an interesting mix of tequila, Cointreau, lime and charcoal.
3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
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 pool surrounded by gorgeous hanging plants and white umbrellas. And, of course, an icy cocktail in hand.
The Peruvian-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, Cabra, is perched atop The Hoxton and it’s an unexpected oasis overlooking the bustling Downtown city life below. You can’t go wrong with the Pisco Sour here, a perfectly sweet, sour and frothy delight that’ll whisk you away to the streets of Lima.
1060 S Broadway Rooftop, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Open Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
16. Harriet’s Rooftop
Craft cocktails, delicious food and panoramic views of Los Angeles—what more could you ask for? Head to this lofty rooftop bar and restaurant to soak up the sun and incredible, mellow ambiance. Our cocktail of choice here has to be the
8490 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.
Open Monday-Friday from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 12 p.m.-2 a.m.
17. 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. Order the Americabo, a mouthwatering blend of Domingo Mezcal, Cointreau, hibiscus cordial and lime.
700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Open Sunday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 a.m.
18. The Wayfarer
This sweet rooftop bar offers incredible views of DTLA along with lush and intimate decor. Whether you’re starting the day or ending the night, it’s the perfect place for brunch or evening cocktails. We recommend their Fruta Madre margarita made with tequila, watermelon, tamarindo, lime and agave. It’ll quench your thirst no matter the time of day.
813 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5p.m and for dinner Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Enjoy brunch Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
19. Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel
- Credit: Michael Mundy via Thompson Hotels
Paring the breezy sophistication of Côte d’Azur with arresting views of the Hollywood hilltops, Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel is a postcard for the laidback 60s glamour. Sip on elegant cocktails or a flute of champagne and indulge in a beautiful selection of canapés with a traditional bistro fare infused with the seaside soul of the French coast from chef Lincoln Carson.
1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, 90028
Closed Sunday and Monday, Open Tuesday-Saturday from 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
20. 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
Every day from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.