The Ultimate Guide to Rooftop Bars in LA

Located a half-mile from the Academy Museum, LACMA and the Petersen, the AC Hotel Beverly Hills features an 11th floor Rooftop Lounge that serves signature cocktails and tapas to share. Sit at the indoor bar, or step outside to enjoy the expansive views of the Miracle Mile and beyond.

Agua Viva ("Living Water") is a chic rooftop restaurant from Michelin-starred chef José Andrés at the Conrad Los Angeles. Designed for outdoor sipping, the cocktails include the Shiso Spicy Margarita (Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila, triple sec, shiso, lime, serrano peppers), Tornup Tiki Punch (vanilla-habanero rum, pineapple, grapefruit, cinnamon, bitters blend) and an elevated Paloma with Milagro Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Crème de Violette and Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda. More than two dozen wines by the glass span California to Spain and New Zealand.

With its location across from Walt Disney Concert Hall, Agua Viva offers a Pre-Theater Menu for select LA Phil concerts. Priced at $75 per person, the three-course prix fixe menu includes options like Croquetas de Cangrejo (jumbo lump crab fritters), Half Roasted Mary’s Farm Chicken (mojo rojo, garlic labneh, Castelvetrano olive, piparra peppers, jus) and Traditional Spanish Flan.

Opened in November 2020, Culver City's Citizen Public Market is housed in the landmark 1929 Citizen Publishing Company Building. The food hall's offerings include Bang Bang Noodles, Go Go Bird, goodboybob, Jolly Oyster, The Press, Uoichiba and WEHO Sausage Co.

Citizen's rooftop bar, Bar Bohémien is inspired by the building's history, cocktail bars from around the world, and the tapas culture of Spain. Highlights include the From LA with Love (Tequila, passionfruit, Lo-Fi Amaro, lime, grapefruit, topped with Prosecco), Culver Carajillo (Vodka, Copali Cacao, Licor 43, cold brew espresso) and one of our new favorite cocktail names: A Vibe Called Quest with Shochu, Gray Whale Gin, Melon Liqueur, matcha, lime, yuzu and orange blossom.

Take a trip to the French Riviera at Bar Lis, which evokes the South of France with a chic design that includes a central water fountain, plush banquettes and dozens of cypress trees. Sip the spirit of the Cote D'Azur with a glass of champagne or signature cocktails like the Parisian Sunset (Sipsmith Gin, basil, Passionfruit Purée, Amaro Nonino, Angostura Bitters, ginger beer) and Mon Chéri made with Absolut Vodka, Lychee Liqueur, St-Germain, Rhubarb Liqueur and lemon.

A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up an eclectic menu of craft cocktails and small bites. The playful drinks include Bikini Mai Tai (Plantation Overproof Rum, Malibu Rum, Blue Curaçao, guava, pineapple, lime), Let's Archipela "Go!" (Don Papa Rum, Chinola, passion fruit, lemongrass/lime-leaf syrup, cardamom, cherry bitters) and Espress Yo Self, made with your spirit of choice, cold brew, Mr. Black, Crème de Cacao, demerara and Amaro de Angostura.

Stephanie Izard made Top Chef history when she became the first woman to win the title in Season 4 of the popular culinary competition. Izard's Peruvian inspired Cabra is situated atop The Hoxton, a revamped 1922 Beaux Arts gem in the Downtown LA Fashion District.

Cocktails include the classic Pisco Sour; Limorange You Glad (mezcal, tequila, Aperol, Aji Hot Sauce, limorange juice) and the Fresa Frozé with rosé wine, strawberry, kiwi and lemon (served frozen). Shared plates range from starters like Empanadas (beef, chicken, Swiss chard & kale) to Ceviche, Skewers (chicken thigh, chorizo, salmon), Wood-Fired Skirt Steak, Crispy Pork Shank and veg-friendly options like Papas Huancaina, Sweet Potato Ceviche and Wood-Fired Eggplant.

James Beard Award winning restaurateurs, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne helm three culinary destinations at the Downtown L.A. Proper: Dahlia, the ground-floor cocktail lounge; Caldo Verde, the hotel's signature restaurant; and the rooftop Cara Cara, an all-day bar and restaurant with unobstructed 360-degree city views, al fresco dining, intimate nooks and cozy fire pits.

The market-driven cocktails include the Night in Tulum (chili & cilantro-infused tequila, falernum, lime, coconut salt), The Spice Trade (15-year Rum, Elderflower, grapefruit, cinnamon, absinthe rinse) and Cara Carjillo with Licor 43, tequila, espresso, cacao and egg white.

Chef Goin's seasonal menu features numerous veg-friendly options, such as Moroccan Carrots & Muhammara to start; White Trumpet Mushroom Focaccia, Cara Cara Cobb Salad (sweet potato, avocado, black beans, beets, tomato) and Chipotle Carrot Tacos with black beans, queso fresco and pickled red onion. Seafood and meat-based mains include Mini Lobster Rolls, Grilled Branzino, Piri Piri Fried Chicken and Pork Ribs with pickled golden raisins and apple butter.

Pioneertown meets Tinseltown at Desert 5 Spot, the rooftop bar and live music venue at tommie Hollywood. The retro decor is inspired by everything from vintage Palm Springs to Joshua Tree hideouts, roadside motels and cosmic Americana. Enjoy music from old-fashioned jukeboxes, weekend DJs and nightly performances by the house band, The Desert 5.

Round up your pardners and kick back with signatures like the Heartache Medication (Tres Generaciones Blanco, Velvet Falernum, orgeat, passion fruit, lime) and the Desperado with Beefeater Gin, Amaro Nardini, Campari and lemon. The music theme continues with the Jolene (Avión Tequila, watermelon, strawberry, agave, lime) and the spicy Ring of Fire, made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, prickly pear, lemon and ginger honey.

At Élephante, restaurateur Nicholas Mathers transports guests from LA to the Mediterranean with a coastal Italian menu, ocean views, and a stylish interior filled with custom furniture and design pieces from Southern Italy and Northern Africa.

Three bars offer wines by the glass that showcase the regions of Italy, along with classic cocktails like the Cadillac Margarita (Élephante Select Batch El Tesoro Reposado, Cointreau, lime, dry Curaçao float) and Moscow Mule (Tito's Vodka, house ginger beer, lime). Guests pick the base spirit (tequila, mezcal, vodka, gin or rum) for the signature Élephante with passion fruit, lemon, orgeat, Amaro Montenegro and Calabrian chili.

One of LA's largest rooftop patios, E.P & L.P. offers memorable views of the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip. Available by the glass or pitcher, music-inspired cocktails include the refreshing Good Vibrations (Roku Gin, St. Germain, Aperol, grapefruit, cucumber, lemon, prosecco) and the California Dreamin' with Tres Generaciones Plata, Nixta, mango, lemongrass, ginger and lime. Cool off with the Frozé (Rosé Wine, Bacardi Rum, Strawberry, Lemon) or an E.P. Rotating Slushy.

Part of the spectacular Level 8 dining and nightlife complex at AC/Moxy, the Carnival-inspired Golden Hour is a poolside oasis featuring tropical cocktails by Melina Meza served at a rotating carousel bar; fire dancers and city views from its eighth-floor rooftop perch.

This summer, Golden Hour is hosting Golden Daze, its first-ever pool party series. Taking place from 2pm to 8pm every Sunday, Golden Daze features local DJs bringing that Miami-meets-Copacabana vibe to the decks. General Admission tickets at Eventbrite, with numerous options for Tables, Daybeds and Cabanas.

Operated by LA-based h.wood Group, Harriet's Rooftop is designed by John Sofio (Built, Inc.) with pinstriped furniture, tasseled umbrellas, and burgundy awnings. Take in the sweeping city views from above the Sunset Strip while you sip the Spicy Siena (818Blanco, Fresh Lime, Agave, Fresno Chili) or Spirit in the Sky with Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Jim Beam Bourbon, Apricot, Lime, Ginger and Peach Bitters.

Top Chef alum Chris Crary oversees the food menu, which ranges from veg-friendly bar bites to entrees like Flatbreads, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Pasta Bolognese and Maine Lobster Roll.

Spanning 11,000 square feet of the Dream Hollywood's entire top floor, The Highlight Room has incomparable panoramic views from the iconic Hollywood Sign to Downtown LA. It's rosé all day by the pool on a plush lounger or private cabana while you nosh on bites from The Grill. Enjoy a spectacular sunset, then dance the night away to DJs while your crew shares a pitcher of Bubbles & Berries (Belvedere Vodka, St. Germain, Chandon, Strawberries, Cold Pressed Lemon Sour).

Hotel Erwin is located just steps from iconic Venice Beach locales like the skatepark, Muscle Beach, and the basketball courts from White Men Can't Jump.

Enjoy epic sunsets at the hotel's High Rooftop Lounge which serves signatures like the Purple Rain (Sipsmith Gin, St. Germain, lavender, lemon), Venice Sodie (Grey Goose Vodka, cucumber, mint, lime, soda) and the Chilly Willy, a frozen treat with Maestro Dobel Blanco, Cointreau, mango and lime.

Located on the 7th floor of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, the 12,000 square-foot I|O Rooftop features indoor and outdoor bars, pool and sundeck. Enjoy the views and nosh on light bites while you sip on classics liike the Daiquiri or Cucumber Gimlet; or try The Godfrey Signature Cocktail with Bar Hill Gin, cucumber, basil, honey, lime and cold seltzer.

Even if it doesn't rise a dozen floors above the Arts District, LA Cha Cha Chá has style to spare - like the Mexico City original, the rooftop restaurant's Mid-Century design draws influences from Acapulco to Palm Springs. Sit at the indoor or outdoor bar, and enjoy the El Tigre Penicillin (La Luna Mezcal, Licor de Chile Pasilla, ginger) or the Clarified Apricot Colada with Gustoso Rum, La Luna Cupreata, apricot, coconut and pineapple.

The rooftop at Mama Shelter opens daily at noon for your day drinking needs. Surrounded by 360° views of LA, sip on signatures like the Mamacita (cucumber & grapefruit infused gin, Elderflower, grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, hibiscus, jalapeño), For the Mez-Gals (400 Conejos Tobala, Prickly Pear Brandy, Aperol, fresh lime juice, agave fire water bitters) and the Frozen Mexican Candy with Superbird Tequila, watermelon, LoFi Gentian Amaro, lime juice and simple syrup.

Veg-friendly bar bites include Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Popcorn Cauliflower and Le Royal Impossible Burger.

Featuring a striking indoor/outoor design, Margot serves up incredible views, veg-friendly coastal Mediterranean cuisine, regional wines and craft cocktails from the rooftop of Culver City's Platform. Signature cocktails include the Raspberry Spritz (Lillet Rose, raspberry, tonic, cava) and the Black Mamba (mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, blackberry, habanero, lemon). The Vegan Dinner menu ranges from Potatoes Bravas and Grilled Focaccia to Charred Broccoli with black garlic vinaigrette and quinoa.

Legendary LA chef Wolfgang Puck has opened two restaurants at the Pendry - the casual European-style cafe, Ospero; and the rooftop Merois, featuring his famed Asian-inflected French/California cuisine. Signature cocktails include the Samurai Sword (Suntory Toki Whiskey, Cointreau, Lemon, Ginger, Honey) and Social Disfunction (Botanist Gin, Grapefruit, Aperol, Lemon, Egg White).

The food menu ranges from Dim Sum, Hamachi Tostada and Prime Beef Skewers to start; to mains like Singapore Baby Back Ribs, Wood-Grilled Jidori Chicken and Whole Sizzling Fish.

The West Coast's first Edition hotel offers a design-forward guest experience highlighted by the lush setting of The Roof - a rooftop bar with unforgettable views, terraced deck, and tropical and Latin-inspired cocktails with a local twist.

A hidden gem beloved by Beverly Hills locals and hotel guests alike, The Roof Garden serves up California cuisine that highlights herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel's garden (aka "The Farm"). Take a seat at the teak bar, or lounge around the fire pit while you sip signature cocktails like the Playing with Fire (Mejinta Blanco Tequila, Prickly Pear Shrub, Jalapeño) and the Mole Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve, Mole, Chile Bitters). Snack on Chilaquiles and Cauliflower Ceviche, or level up with Grilled menu items like Ancho-Marinated Skirt Steak, Branzino, and Grilled Swordfish.

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer Downtown LA is an urban oasis with in-pool chaise lounges and panoramic city views. Cocktails include Tiki classics like the Jungle Bird and Three Dots & a Dash; and modern tropical drinks like the Mango Unchained with choice of tequila, Tai Hard (With a Vengeance) with choice of Cognac; and the LA Girl (choice of vodka, cucumber, peach, aloe vera, lime). Cool off this summer with the Mac Daddy Frozé with Chateau Ste Michelle Rosé, Lillet Rosé, Haku Vodka, lemon and Liquid Alchemist Strawberry.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his award-winning cuisine to the stylish 12th floor garden setting of The Rooftop by JG. To pair with the all-day food menu, sip wine by the glass and refreshing cocktails like the Raspberry Lychee Bellini (Fresh Raspberries, Lychee, Elderflower, Billecart-Salmon Brut “Jean-Georges” Champagne) and the Rooftop Ginger Margarita with Orange-Infused Tequila Ocho Reposado, Ginger, Agave, Lime and Salt.

Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere and boasts 360-degree views from the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The Cocina Moderna food menu includes the veg-friendly Blistered Peppers to start; Tostada de Camarones, Beef Brisket Hamburguesa and Salmon en Salsa de Tomate.

Reservations at OpenTable. NOTE: $60 minimum per person, 2 hour time limit.

Named for "earth" in Italian, Terra is a rooftop restaurant and lounge located on the third floor of Eataly in Century City. The food is centered on the wood-burning Italian grill - to pair with the earthy dishes, the extensive drink list showcases regional Italian wines and botanical cocktails. You can build your own Gin & Tonic, or sip signatures like the Via Nizza - the house Negroni is made with Sipsmith Gin, Terra's Aperitivo Blend, and Carpano Antica; and the Gaia Spritz with Banhez Mezcal, house made beet syrup, Aperol, lemon juice, prosecco and soda.

Conveniently located a short walk from Museum Row, Videre at Kimpton Hotel Wilshire is a destination in itself, featuring a sleek and modern terrace setting, private cabanas, and breathtaking city views. Recent dinner cocktails from A Menu Called Quest include the eponymous A Cocktail Called Quest (hibiscus infused Wray + Nephew, pineapple juice, lime, orange, all-spice coconut milk, mint leaf, black pepper), the Super Espresso Martini Bros (rye, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Cynar, pinot noir, mushroom coffee peach bitters, parmesan cheese) and In A Gadda Da Vida, an Aperol Spritz variation with mirepoix Aperol, Creme de Cassis, soda, sparkling wine, mint bouquet, citrus and carrot.

Shared plates include Seared Prawns, Manila Clams and veg-friendly options like Artichoke Hearts, Truffle Parmesan Fries and Almond Hummus.