Los Angeles, the City of Angels, boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, and a significant part of that is its incredible bar culture. From dive bars with character to upscale lounges with stunning views, LA has something to offer every drinker. This guide dives deep into 26 of the best bars in LA, categorized for easy navigation, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your next night out.
Exploring LA's Diverse Bar Scene: Categories to Guide Your Choice
To help you navigate the vast landscape of LA bars, we've categorized them to match your mood and preferences:
Upscale & Chic Lounges: Where Elegance Meets Cocktails
- The Normandie Club: This stylish bar in Koreatown offers expertly crafted cocktails in an elegant setting. Think sophisticated ambiance, dim lighting, and a menu that changes seasonally.
- No Vacancy: This intimate, dimly lit Hollywood bar exudes old-world charm with its vintage decor and expertly mixed drinks. The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out or a sophisticated gathering.
- The Walker: Located in the Arts District, this high-end establishment boasts an extensive cocktail menu, a sophisticated atmosphere and delicious bar snacks.
- Blind Barber: This hidden gem in Culver City is a speakeasy with a barbershop facade. Expect creative cocktails, a lively atmosphere, and a unique experience.
- Harlowe: This West Hollywood bar is known for its stunning decor, top-notch cocktails, and a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion.
Dive Bars: Raw, Real, and Refreshingly Unpretentious
- Cole's: A true LA institution, Cole's is a classic dive bar with a rich history. Enjoy a cold beer and soak in the atmosphere of this legendary spot.
- The Redwood: This beloved dive bar in Hollywood offers a relaxed atmosphere, cheap drinks, and a great place to mingle with locals.
- Tom Bergin's: A long-standing Hollywood staple, Tom Bergin's is known for its Irish charm, great selection of beers, and a lively crowd.
- Angel City Brewery: This downtown brewery offers a casual atmosphere, great craft beers, and delicious pub food. Perfect for a laid-back evening.
- Father's Office: While technically gastropubs, these locations (Culver City and Santa Monica) offer an excellent selection of craft beers and delicious bar food.
Rooftop Bars: Stunning Views and City Lights
- Perch: This chic rooftop bar in Downtown LA offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- EP & LP: This rooftop bar in West Hollywood combines a trendy restaurant with a lively bar and stunning city views. A great spot for a night out with friends.
- Mama Shelter: Located in Hollywood, this rooftop bar is known for its stunning city views, fun atmosphere, and delicious cocktails.
- The Highlight Room: Situated atop Dream Hollywood, this glamorous rooftop bar offers panoramic city views, stylish cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- High Rooftop Lounge: A stylish bar located at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood, this location is known for its great views and delicious drinks.
Cocktail Bars: Innovative Drinks and Expert Mixology
- The Varnish: This acclaimed speakeasy in Downtown LA is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and intimate setting. Reservations are highly recommended.
- La Cita: This vibrant bar in Boyle Heights offers unique cocktails, a lively atmosphere, and a delicious food menu.
- Honeycut: This hidden gem in the Arts District features creative cocktails in a stylish, dimly lit setting.
- The Spare Room: This elegant bar located inside The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is known for its luxurious ambiance, delicious drinks and a great selection of bowling lanes.
- Lost Property: This intimate speakeasy in the Arts District offers creative cocktails and a speakeasy atmosphere.
Wine Bars: For the Connoisseur and Casual Drinker Alike
- Domaine: This stylish wine bar in West Hollywood offers a great selection of wines from around the world, and features a curated selection of cheeses and charcuterie boards.
- Gjelina: This popular Venice Beach restaurant and wine bar offers a great selection of wines by the glass and bottle, and delicious food to match.
- Bar Covell: This unique wine bar in Los Feliz offers a rotating selection of wines and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Sports Bars: Catch the Game with a Crowd
- The Spare Room: Located inside The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, this bar boasts not only beautiful cocktails, but also bowling lanes!
- Barney's Beanery: A West Hollywood institution, Barney's Beanery is a classic sports bar with a lively atmosphere and a great selection of beers.
- The Brig: This popular sports bar offers a large screen, a good selection of food and an energetic crowd to enjoy your favorite game with.
Planning Your LA Bar Crawl: Tips for a Successful Night Out
- Transportation: LA sprawls, so plan your transportation wisely. Ridesharing services are readily available, but consider using public transport or designating a driver if possible.
- Reservations: For popular bars, especially upscale lounges and speakeasies, making reservations is highly recommended, particularly on weekends.
- Dress Code: While many bars have relaxed dress codes, some upscale establishments may have stricter policies. Check the bar's website or social media pages beforehand.
- Budget: Prices vary significantly across different bars, so set a budget before you head out to avoid any surprises.
- Explore Beyond the Popular Spots: LA's bar scene is incredibly diverse. Don't be afraid to venture beyond the well-known spots and discover hidden gems in different neighborhoods.
This guide is just a starting point for your exploration of LA's vibrant bar scene. With so much to offer, you're sure to find your new favorite spot among these 26 gems. Happy drinking!
