When it comes to where to get fine cocktails, you can’t beat Los Angeles, California.
This bustling city is home to all types of bars, from the most crowded, and award-winning ones, to hidden bars with an intimate vibe you’ll love.
If you’re in search of the best bars in Los Angeles, we’ve gathered all the fun places to get drinks, with incredible food, views, and amazing company! Dive right in and find yourself a perfect match!
1. Everson Royce Bar
Located in a nondescript building on the southern edge of the Arts District, Everson Royce Bar is a massive, casual, and energetic space for any group gathering. The space is divided into two parts, the bar area and the outdoor patio. You can either choose the bar which has a dark and intimate vibe or the back patio where things open up a bit.
Settle down with the Single Burger, which is perhaps the best one in town! The whole burger is taken to another level with prime beef chuck, Tillamook cheddar, dijonaise, and a side of house-made pickles. Order this or you’ll cry later! Hamachi Tostada isn’t the easiest to share, but it’s a must-order, so don’t hesitate to make your way through it!
Wash them all down with some drinks, especially the Field Of Dreams and Gobble Me, Swallow Me. They are simply phenomenal! While the Field Of Dreams has a sour and bitter taste with whiskey, lemon, and tiki bitters; Gobble Me, Swallow Me has a velvet mouthfeel with Japanese whisky. strawberry, and cinnamon-infused sherry.
What to order: Single Burger, Hamachi Tostada, Mojo Pork Sandwich, Field Of Dreams, Gobble Me, Swallow Me
Address: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
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2. Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt has long been the locals’ favorite date spot for good reasons. Ranked No.9 on the Best Bars In North America list is nothing to sneeze at either.
Located at the edge of Historic Filipinotown, this charming, little hideaway is where to sip some of the city’s best cocktails and eat Southern-style snacks on comfy leather couches. Whenever you feel like escaping from the hustle & bustle of the city, think of Thunderbolt!
First thing first, order the Buttermilk Biscuit with whipped butter and homemade seasonal jam, it’s just satisfying to start the date! Or you can grab the Fried Chicken Biscuit, which is a bigger portion with mayo, lettuce, pickled green tomato, and a buttermilk biscuit.
Accompany by their most famous drink – Tropipop – the piña colada soda you never knew you wanted, made with rum, coconut, and pineapple. Then move on to the Isle Of Negroni, which is fresh yet powerful with dry gin, rum, orange oil, and tropical fruits. They are just stunning!
What to order: Buttermilk Biscuit, Fried Chicken Biscuit, Tropipop, Isle Of Negroni, Faux Mo Fizz
Address: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
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3. Death & Co.
Death & Co. is where you’ll be immersing yourself in a speakeasy vibe while sipping on your favorite refined cocktails. Their cocktail menu is super extensive, full-color with over 25 choices for you. You can choose to customize it based on your liking and feelings for that moment too!
A dozen of French and Californian wines are also available to pour, as are beers on tap from all over the world, so don’t skip on that.
The menu is made to serve customers’ moods, from “light and playful” to “boozy and honest” and even “bright and confident”. For a light & playful one, get the Love Deluxe with the aroma and taste of strawberry, blended in tequila and dry gin. Or the Clandestino, which is a bit heavier with a greeny, citrusy taste profile.
For a bright & confident one, Tip The Weatherman is a must-try! It is easy to drink and has a fruity yet fresh spicy scent from raspberry and ginger. End the night right with Queensland Negroni, we have to say it is so elegant with mango brandy, vermouth, and macadamia nut!
What to order: Kanpachi Tartare, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Love Deluxe, Clandestino, Tip The Weatherman, Queensland Negroni
Address: 818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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4. Apotheke
Whenever you’re craving a drink in a crowd with music, but also a laid-back space that makes it easy to have a conversation, think of Apotheke in Chinatown. Apotheke has disco parties, DJ sets, and plenty of space on its patio for dancing, along with rattan sofas and leather seats for you to hang out as well!
The menu features interactive, hands-on mixology and cocktail classes on-site. Especially the botanically infused cocktail menu is divided into sections: Aphrodisiacs, Euphoric Enhancers, Health & Beauty, and Stimulants. Must-try includes Majik Moment, Queen Of Spades, and The Bounceback!
Majik Movement is fresh, light, and fruity with gin, apple liqueur, blue Majik, rosemary, lime, and soda. While Queen Of Spades is a bit boozier and sour with vodka, lime, and champagne!
The Bounceback is just perfect to end the night, with a bitter yet aromatic profile made with earl grey gin, red bell pepper, sea salt, and lime! Enough for a well-spent night!
What to order: Majik Moment, Queen Of Spades, The Bounceback, Wind Blossom
Address: 1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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5. Big Bar
Being one of the most popular patios in Los Angeles, Big Bar is the spot to enjoy a quiet, relaxing ambiance with subtle design nods to European culture. Since the bar opened in 2010, people have been loving it for its intimate ambiance and creative take on cocktails.
The bartenders are mixologists, so you can count on their ability to make you a great cocktail on the spot – if not, their menu is still sophisticated without getting too adventurous. You can choose their Cocktail Of The Day, which is rotating every day based on what the market has that day, seasonal fruits, or ingredients.
Don’t forget some snacks to get through the night! Especially For Two Cheese Lovers, which stays true to its name when comes up with an assortment of three kinds of cheese, fresh fruit, and specialty crackers and bread. In case you want something hearty and meaty, grab the Steak Taco, you will love it!
What to order: For Two Cheese Lovers, Pig Dates A Goat, Steak Tacos, Cocktail Of The Day
Address: 1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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6. The Roger Room
Searching for a fun place to hang out? The Roger Room has got your back! This iconic spot is just a mile and a half from Sunset Boulevard and offers a vast array of classic cocktails in such a sophisticated atmosphere. While it may be small and dimly lit, there’s an old-school 1970s speakeasy vibe to the place, which promises you an unforgettable experience!
Besides its charming space, The Roger Room is famous for its artistic craft cocktail, farmers market-sourced herbs and homemade produce. Stars of the menu are Four Aces with a signature scent of basils, and tequila-based Tijuana Brass with delicious cucumber foam. They are worth every of your penny!
You can grab the Thug, a whisky, and habanero libation that is pretty impressive (and heavy too). Something old-school? Check out the Japanese Maple which is rich and velvet ever! They also have some snacks to munch on along the way, so don’t hesitate to order some!
What to order: Spiced Mule, Japanese Maple, Death In The Afternoon, Thug
Address: 370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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7. Bar Flores
Located above Low Boy in Echo Park, Bar Flores is a casual, beautiful, and fragrant cocktail bar, which feels like stepping into a different, much better world when entering. The patio is gorgeous, and the drinks are mesmerizing, which keeps a focus on mezcal and fresh produce.
If you want to start off really easy and fresh, settle down with their Passion Fruit Sour, which says it all by the name. It has a mouth-watering, sour, and a bit creamy at the end, which is surprisingly delicious! In case you want something sweeter, order the Guava Spritzer, this goodie is no less stunning!
Continue with the bitter and fruity Tiki Jungle Bird with pungent rum notes sipped through crushed ice. Properly Tiki-tastic. For food, we highly recommend the Hongos Taco and Pescado Taco. They are finger-licking good!
What to order: Passion Fruit Sour, Tiki Jungle Bird, Guava Spritzer, Hongos Taco, Pescado Taco
Address: 1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
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8. Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
Located on the rooftop pool deck of Freehand Downtown LA hotel, Broken Shaker is an award-winning bar serving up handcrafted cocktails and small bites. Step inside and you’ll be amazed by the cozy yet trendy settings, along with the friendly and helpful service. This place just checks all the boxes!
If you’re into light and fruity cocktails, hands down to the Hibiscus Bliss, which is fruity and herbal-ish with peach, rosemary, martini, and grapefruit juice, and topped with hibiscus kombucha. If you’re here after work, The 8-Hour Work Day might fit you well with that fresh spicy taste profile!
Keep going with Fireside Chat, a solid, creamy, and well-bodied made with graham cracker infused maker’s mark bourbon, creme de cacao, marshmallow demerara, chocolate bitters, and whipped cream. The taste, texture, and aroma are amazing, it will be a pity if you can’t try that!
What to order: Hibiscus Bliss, 8 Hour Work Day, Fireside Chat, Fried Fish Tacos, Chips & Salsa
Address: 416 W 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
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9. Here & Now
Here & Now is a beautiful, dim-lit bar on Santa Fe Avenue, which is our favorite spot for modern and artsy cocktails. The place itself is stylish and has a timeless decor reminiscent of the speakeasy golden era. Walk into Here & Now and you’ll be embraced by the warmth and welcoming atmosphere. Casual but classy as ever!
Late At Night is a popular drink at Here & Now, which is composed of East India Solera Sherry, Amontillado, chamomile soda, and walnut. A fruity and nutty taste that is hard to resist! Or you can treat your taste buds with Catch Of The Day, which has a fruity, fresh from stone fruits, and a hint of spiciness from cinnamon. Impressive and unforgettable!
For food, the Here & Now Burger and Fried Chicken Wings are highly recommended. They are perfectly cooked and seasoned, you can’t go wrong with these badasses! Before leaving, gently end the night with a glass of Mint Julep, which is beautifully garnished with anchovy stuffed with olive and roasted garlic. Cool!
What to order: Mint Julep, Catch Of The Day, Perfect Pepper Martini, Here & Now Burger, Fried Chicken Wings
Address: 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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10. The Spare Room
Located on the mezzanine level of The Roosevelt Hotel, The Spare Room is an award-winning cocktail lounge that is full of surprises! Here, they have a wood-paneled playground for grown-ups, with a choice of board games, two vintage bowling alleys, and a comfortable lounge area.
Sip your favorite cocktails while playing some vintage games, what can be better?
The cocktail menu is super creative, must-try includes the Salt & Vinegar Martini, which combines potato vodka, Noilly Prat, Colony Bitters, and pickle brine, and is served with dill potato chips. Or the pandan leaf-adorned Lucky Smoke, mixed with Japanese whiskey, rum, banana liqueur, and vanilla. It has a very distinctive flavor that you can’t get enough of!
Once Over Twice is a fresh yet powerful drink made with pear brandy, cinnamon, lime, and fizz. And Drag Queen’s Gambit is way stronger with a hint of herbal and spiciness from botanist gin, basil, lime, sesame, and chili oil. Don’t miss the snacks either, such as the raclette grilled cheese and a boozy ice cream sandwich. They are really game-changers!
P.S. make sure you make a reso for the bowling alley!
What to order: Salt & Vinegar Martini, Once Over Twice, Drag Queen’s Gambit, Shigoku Oysters, Parmesan Fries
Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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11. Alley
Alley is a speakeasy bar with an ultimate modern vibe, which is just the right spot for those who want good drinks, good food, and good times! There’s a candle-lit private lounge area with plush seating and pillows making it perfect for any fun night of celebration with your friends and family, or just to unwind.
Alley has some creative takes on nitrogen whisky, a unique system that adds nitrogen to the cocktail and thickens the body of the drink to make it hearty and richer. Must-try of the menu includes Nitro Old Fashioned, a classic one. And A Midwinters Night Dram, a rye whiskey with notes of dried fruits, fig, and candied ginger with a cinnamon and clove finish.
People love the Glenfiddich too, a creamy whisky with a long, smooth, and mellow finish. It has a beautifully balanced nose and refreshing complex flavor, which is too good to be true. Don’t hesitate to have some food accompany you as well. The meaty, flavorsome Slow Roasted Carnitas and cheesy, crunchy, tasty Chicken Quesadilla are the crowd-pleasers!
What to order: Nitro Old Fashioned, A Midwinters Night Dram, Glenfiddich, Slow Roasted Carnitas, Crunchy Chicken Quesadilla
Address: 12223 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
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12. The Melrose Station
Searching for a one-of-a-kind bar experience in Los Angeles? Head to The Melrose Station with no hesitation! The concept is to create a hidden bar that would evoke the feeling of being transported back in time. Once enter, you’re gonna walk straight down and there’ll be a couple of doors to trick you into other rooms, so it makes for a fun surprise.
The bartenders are super supportive and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for their suggestions while choosing your drinks. You can choose to customize the drinks based on your liking and mood, they can surprise you in many ways!
If you’re in the mood for some classics, get the Foggy Night with a rich and malty taste and the sweetness of the raspberry liqueur. The Strawberry Daiquiri is no less stunning with a little citrus juice that really kicks the strawberry flavor, and a bit of lemon-lime soda adds a hint of effervescence. Stunning!
What to order: Strawberry Daiquiri, Foggy Night, Chili Chili Bang Bang, Afternoon Tea, Caribbean Shrimp, Roasted Salmon, Sweet & Spicy Wings
Address: 7384 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
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Los Angeles has never been short of top-notch bars. Whatever you are craving, we have them all here in this bustling city. In case you’ve changed your mind to an open-air space, explore our choices for rooftops in the Los Angeles neighborhood now!