25 Best Bars in Los Angeles: Top Cocktails & Wine

Los Angeles features a diverse bar culture ranging from historic landmarks like Musso and Frank Grill to contemporary hotspots like Death & Co. and Thunderbolt, emphasizing craft mixology and seasonal ingredients across neighborhoods like DTLA, Hollywood, and Silver Lake. Whether you seek the amber glow of a prohibition haunt or the effervescent pop of a bottle at natural wine bars Los Angeles, this city offers a world-class drinking scene spanning from Art Deco speakeasies to sunny rooftops.

The Icons: Historic Hollywood Bars with Old School Glamour

Tracing the history of Los Angeles is often best done through the bottom of a chilled glass. In a city that famously reinvents itself every decade, these institutions offer a rare tether to the past, where Art Deco interior design meets a pour that has remained unchanged for a century.

Musso & Frank Grill | Hollywood

The legendary red leather booths of Musso & Frank have seated everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Quentin Tarantino. Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule where the clamor of modern Hollywood disappears, replaced by the rhythmic clinking of stirrers.

• Neighborhood: Hollywood
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Old school glamour and celluloid history
• Signature Drink: The Classic Martini (served with the little sidecar glass)
• Insider Tip: No matter how busy it is, try to snag a seat at the bar to watch the masters stir—never shake—your drink.

Yamashiro | Hollywood

Perched high above the city, this replica of a palace near Kyoto was built in 1914. While many come for the view, the bar atmosphere is steeped in a century of Hollywood lore. The transition of historic Hollywood bars with old school glamour is perfectly captured here, where the mountain palace vibe meets modern mixology.

• Neighborhood: Hollywood
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Romantic sunsets and historic architecture
• Signature Drink: Matcha Mule
• Insider Tip: Arrive early to walk through the gardens and the 600-year-old pagoda before the evening crowd descends.

Dante Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills

While technically a newer addition to the West Coast, Dante brings the pedigree of its legendary New York predecessor to the rooftop of the Maybourne. It has quickly become an essential stop for those seeking a high-end cocktail experience with a classic European soul.

• Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: The $10 martini hour
• Signature Drink: Dante Martini
• Insider Tip: Their Martini Hour (3 PM - 5 PM) is one of the best ways to experience luxury at a fraction of the cost.

Modern Masters: Best Cocktail Bars in DTLA for Craft Drinks

The downtown skyline has transformed into a laboratory for liquid innovation. As the market size of the Bars and Nightclubs industry in California is projected to reach $4.0 billion in 2026, DTLA remains the heart of this growth, offering a sophisticated blend of technical precision and local flavor.

Death & Co | DTLA

A name synonymous with the modern cocktail renaissance, Death & Co’s Los Angeles outpost is a subterranean sanctuary. The menu is a massive, leather-bound tome that categorizes drinks by mood and intensity, focusing heavily on Farm-to-Glass principles and rare spirits.

• Neighborhood: Arts District
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Serious enthusiasts and dark, moody dates
• Signature Drink: Buko Gimlet
• Insider Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for the main lounge, though the Standing Room often accommodates walk-ins for a quicker sip.

Thunderbolt | Echo Park

Technically perched on the edge of Echo Park and DTLA, this venue is a masterclass in approachable excellence. It is no surprise that it is Thunderbolt consistently ranking in the Top 50 Best Bars in North America. They utilize advanced techniques like carbonation and clarifying to serve world-class drinks with the speed of a neighborhood pub.

• Neighborhood: Echo Park / DTLA
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: High-concept drinks without the pretension
• Signature Drink: Liquid Gold
• Insider Tip: Do not sleep on the food; their Southern-inspired snacks are the perfect pairing for the high-acid cocktails.

Night on Earth | DTLA

A newcomer that has quickly captured the local imagination, Night on Earth offers a futuristic, neon-drenched atmosphere. Their drink program is playful, featuring ingredients like movie theater butter and toasted corn, reflecting the city’s cinematic roots through Japanese Whiskey and modern infusions.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Avant-garde flavors and late-night energy
• Signature Drink: Movie Theater Butter Old Fashioned
• Insider Tip: Check their schedule for guest shifts, as they often host top bartenders from around the globe.

Vandell | DTLA

Appearing in the top 100 as of 2026, Vandell represents the next wave of best cocktail bars in DTLA for craft drinks. The focus here is on minimalism and precision, with a sleek interior that lets the complex flavor profiles speak for themselves.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: A sophisticated Happy Hour
• Signature Drink: Clear Negroni
• Insider Tip: Ask about their off-menu Japanese Whiskey selection for a truly premium experience.

Hidden Gems: Best Speakeasy Bars in Los Angeles for a Date Night

The allure of the secret entrance remains a cornerstone of Los Angeles nightlife. These venues require a bit of effort to find, but the reward is an intimate world of artisanal spirits and Prohibition-style romance.

Apotheke | Chinatown

Hidden behind an unassuming door in Chinatown, Apotheke feels like a botanist's dream gone wild. The bartenders wear lab coats, and the menu is divided into "prescriptions"—Stress Relievers, Pain Killers, and Aphrodisiacs—using fresh herbs and exotic spices.

• Neighborhood: Chinatown
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Sensory exploration and one of the best speakeasy bars in Los Angeles for a date night
• Signature Drink: Tainted Love
• Insider Tip: The outdoor patio is a lush, tropical escape that feels worlds away from the industrial streets of Chinatown.

The Obscure | DTLA

More than just a bar, The Obscure is a story-driven immersive sanctuary. It requires a membership or a specific reservation for their tasting experience, which pairs handcrafted spirits with evocative storytelling in a space filled with occult curiosities.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: An exclusive, one-of-a-kind evening
• Signature Drink: The Flight of Spirits
• Insider Tip: This is a strict "no phones" environment, so be prepared to disconnect and fully engage with the experience.

Del Monte Speakeasy | Venice

Located beneath the Townhouse (one of the oldest bars in Venice), this genuine Prohibition-era basement once served as a hub for rum-runners. Today, it remains one of the best hidden bars in Los Angeles Chinatown and Venice aficionados frequent for live jazz and stiff drinks.

• Neighborhood: Venice
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: Live music and gritty history
• Signature Drink: The Abbot Kinney
• Insider Tip: Check their calendar for burlesque Wednesdays—it is a classic Venice experience that shouldn't be missed.

Bar Next Door | West Hollywood

True to its name, this spot is intimate and unassuming. It focuses on the "perfected classic," using traditional mixology techniques with modern twists to create a space that feels like a private lounge for friends.

• Neighborhood: West Hollywood
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: A quiet, intimate nightcap
• Signature Drink: Seasonal Gimlet
• Insider Tip: They have no signage; look for the nondescript door next to the more boisterous neighbor venues.

Vines & Vibe: Best Natural Wine Bars in Los Angeles Echo Park

The natural wine movement has found its spiritual home in the hilly, sun-drenched streets of East LA. Here, the emphasis is on Small Plates and low-intervention bottles that tell the story of the soil.

Bar Bandini | Echo Park

If you are looking for the heart of the wine scene, this is it. Bar Bandini is dark, moody, and perpetually cool, specializing in draft wines and an ever-changing list of organic and biodynamic bottles. It is the quintessential spot to discover your new favorite Pet-Nat.

• Neighborhood: Echo Park
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: Low-key dates and natural wine education
• Signature Drink: Any rotating Pet-Nat on tap
• Insider Tip: Their "Skin Contact" section is particularly robust—don't be afraid to ask for a taste before you commit to a glass.

Esters Wine Shop & Bar | Santa Monica

Across town in Santa Monica, Esters offers a brighter, more airy approach to wine. It is part shop, part bar, and entirely focused on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. It is easily one of the best natural wine bars in Los Angeles Echo Park locals will drive across the 10 freeway for.

• Neighborhood: Santa Monica
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Weekend afternoon sipping and gourmet snacks
• Signature Drink: Curated Wine Flight
• Insider Tip: They host excellent Sunday tastings that are perfect for those wanting to learn about specific regions or producers.

Tilda | Echo Park

A cozy neighborhood gem that feels like a friend’s living room. Tilda focuses on California-grown grapes processed with minimal intervention. It’s small, intimate, and perfectly captures the casual neighborhood bars in Los Angeles for weekend drinks vibe.

• Neighborhood: Echo Park
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: A pre-dinner glass of wine
• Signature Drink: Rotating Orange Wine
• Insider Tip: Grab a bottle to go! Their retail prices are remarkably fair for the quality they stock.

Agave & Atmosphere: Specialists in West Hollywood & Silver Lake

For those who prefer the smoke of mezcal or the bright zing of agave, Los Angeles has become a secondary home for Oaxacan traditions. In these venues, the spirit is the star, often served in Outdoor Patios under the California stars.

Mírate | Los Feliz

Recently ranked #28 in North America, Mírate is a sprawling, multi-level masterpiece of Mexican design. The agave program is extensive, highlighting small-batch producers and house-distilled spirits that represent the true agave and mezcal bars Los Angeles recommendations.

• Neighborhood: Los Feliz
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Group dinners and world-class mezcal
• Signature Drink: El Guapo
• Insider Tip: Sit under the massive tree in the center of the atrium for the best atmosphere in the house.

Mezcal Bar at Laurel Hardware | West Hollywood

Tucked away in the back of the popular Laurel Hardware, this specialized space is a shrine to all things agave. The decor is dark and luxurious, offering a sharp contrast to the lively garden in the front.

• Neighborhood: West Hollywood
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Late-night mezcal discovery
• Signature Drink: The Butcher
• Insider Tip: Ask the bartender about their "library" of mezcals—they have rare bottles that aren't listed on the main menu.

Madre | Torrance / Palms / West Hollywood

With one of the largest collections of Mezcal in the United States, Madre is a pilgrimage site for fans of Oaxacan culture. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful, reflecting the warmth of its heritage.

• Neighborhood: Multiple (West Hollywood is most central)
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Authenticity and education
• Signature Drink: Madre Margarita
• Insider Tip: They offer educational flights that take you through the different types of agave—essential for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge.

Sky High: Best Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles with Views and Pools

Los Angeles is one of the primary urban hubs for U.S. nightlife, generating more than 8 million annual venue visits. A significant portion of that footfall heads upward to the city's many rooftops, seeking a Nightcap with a side of twinkling city lights.

Spire 73 | DTLA

Located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental, Spire 73 is the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. The view is dizzying and magnificent, making it one of the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles with views and pools nearby.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$$
• Best For: Wowing out-of-town guests
• Signature Drink: Skyline Sunset
• Insider Tip: There is a cover charge for non-hotel guests, and the wind can pick up at that height—bring a light jacket even on warm nights.

Broken Shaker | DTLA

Sitting atop the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker brings a bit of Miami kitsch to the DTLA skyline. The vibe is tropical, casual, and focused on fun cocktails that go down easy by the pool.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: A sunny afternoon or a casual weekend hang
• Signature Drink: Trash Tiki
• Insider Tip: It gets very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights; try a weekday afternoon for a more relaxed experience.

EP & LP | West Hollywood

One of the most popular rooftops in the city, LP offers a massive space with views of the Hollywood Hills. The energy is high, the music is loud, and the crowd is always dressed to impress.

• Neighborhood: West Hollywood
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Seeing and being seen
• Signature Drink: Where Love Lives
• Insider Tip: The downstairs restaurant (EP) is fantastic, but the rooftop (LP) is where the party is.

Perch | DTLA

While not as high as Spire 73, Perch offers a more intimate connection to the historic architecture of DTLA. With its French bistro vibe and fire pits, it is a staple of the city’s rooftop scene.

• Neighborhood: DTLA
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Romantic dates and live jazz
• Signature Drink: Penicillin
• Insider Tip: Make a reservation specifically for the bar terrace if you want a seat; the "garden" area is mostly standing room.

The Finishing Touches: Neighborhood Gems & Themed Escapes

To round out the 25 best bars in Los Angeles, we look toward the spots that provide soul and character to their respective blocks.

Tiki-Ti | Silver Lake

A tiny, family-run Tiki landmark where every drink is a tropical adventure. It is legendary in Silver Lake for its strictly-enforced "Tiki" rules and its massive menu of potent rums.

• Neighborhood: Silver Lake
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: Tropical escapism
• Signature Drink: Ray’s Mistake
• Insider Tip: It is cash only and very small—get there right when they open to secure a stool.

Everson Royce Bar | Arts District

Commonly known as ERB, this spot features one of the best Outdoor Patios in the city. It is the gold standard for best bars in Los Angeles with gourmet food and snacks, specifically their famous burger.

• Neighborhood: Arts District
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Outdoor drinking and great food
• Signature Drink: Paper Plane
• Insider Tip: Go for the burger, stay for the extensive bourbon and rye list.

Genever | Historic Filipinotown

A women-owned lounge that pays homage to the era of Art Deco and gin. The drinks are sophisticated and often utilize ingredients from Filipino culture.

• Neighborhood: Historic Filipinotown
• Price Point: $$$
• Best For: Gin lovers and beautiful decor
• Signature Drink: Dama de Noche
• Insider Tip: They have a fantastic non-alcoholic menu that is just as thoughtful as their spirited one.

Scum and Villainy Cantina | Hollywood

For those who want their drinks with a side of geek culture, this Star Wars-inspired bar is a must-visit. It’s immersive without being a "costume party," though costumes are always welcome.

• Neighborhood: Hollywood
• Price Point: $$
• Best For: Sci-fi fans and themed fun
• Signature Drink: Wretched Hive
• Insider Tip: They hold weekly trivia and karaoke nights that are some of the most welcoming in the city.

FAQ

What neighborhoods in Los Angeles have the best nightlife?

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and West Hollywood are generally considered the primary hubs for nightlife. DTLA offers a mix of high-end cocktail bars, historic speakeasies, and rooftop lounges. West Hollywood is famous for its high-energy clubs, iconic music venues, and rooftop bars along the Sunset Strip. Silver Lake and Echo Park are excellent for those seeking a more relaxed, hipster-friendly vibe with natural wine bars and neighborhood pubs.

What are the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles?

Spire 73 offers the highest views in the city, while Perch and Broken Shaker are beloved for their atmosphere and central DTLA locations. For views of the Hollywood Hills, EP & LP in West Hollywood is a top choice. Each offers a different perspective of the city's vast landscape.

Do I need a reservation for popular bars in Los Angeles?

For high-end cocktail lounges like Death & Co or popular rooftops like Perch, a reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekends. Many speakeasies like The Obscure require advance bookings or even memberships. However, casual neighborhood bars in Silver Lake or Echo Park often operate on a walk-in basis.

Are there historic or famous bars to visit in LA?

Yes, Musso & Frank Grill and Yamashiro are historic landmarks that have been serving guests for over a century. The Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice is another genuine Prohibition-era site. These venues provide a unique look into the city's glamorous past while serving world-class drinks.

What are the most unique or themed bars in Los Angeles?

Apotheke offers a unique "pharmacy" theme in Chinatown, while Tiki-Ti provides a classic tropical escape. For fans of pop culture, Scum and Villainy Cantina offers an immersive sci-fi experience. The Obscure provides one of the most unique, story-driven drinking experiences in the city.