Top 10 rooftop bars in Los Angeles

Read time: 5 mins

In our eyes, there’s not much better than enjoying a cocktail with friends on a scenic rooftop bar – and where better to do this than lively, colourful Los Angeles? Whether you’re looking for a chilled afternoon or evening taking in the views or fancy dancing way into the night, there’s certainly an uber-cool LA rooftop bar for you. Amazing views, innovative cocktails and unique foodie offerings, these 10 bars have it all.

#10

Skybar

Where: On the top floor of Mondrian Los Angeles – a swanky boutique hotel nestled on the busy Sunset Strip.

The scene: This sleek bar boasts some of the finest views of LA, and with its enviable location in Sunset Boulevard and huge ivy covered windows; we’re not going to argue. Head here in the daytime and it’s a chic, sun-drenched poolside lounge, but once the sun goes down this stylish bar is a well-known spot for the hottest nightlife and bar scenes, offering pure Hollywood glamour and an energetic vibe.

Signature drink: Whether you’re sunning it up on a lounger in the day, or taking in the lights of the big city at night, you’ll be graced with fresh, handcrafted cocktails including Skybar Mojitos and Mondrian Margaritas.

Musicality: Most evenings the bar becomes an oasis of lively beats and a party ambience thanks to its world class DJs.

#9

L.P. Rooftop Bar

Where: The L.P Rooftop Bar is part of E.P & L.P, a Southeast Asian restaurant with an eatery, rooftop bar and private bar, located in sunny West Hollywood.

The scene: Grab a group of friends and venture up to L.P Rooftop Bar for a chilled night of drinking, chatting and eating until 2am, all the while taking in spectacular views of the Hollywood hills. This is the perfect place to hang out with loved ones, sipping on cocktails and wines by the warming fire pit and sitting back amongst the rustic décor.

Signature drink: Handcrafted cocktails and elegant wines are the best choices on the menu, including the refreshing LP Pimms Cup – a gorgeous blend of gin, sweet vermouth, cucumber, strawberry, ginger, and fresh lemon and lime.

Take a bite: This funky rooftop bar also serves innovative, Asian inspired late night snacks. Sit around the fire and tuck in to pork bao, oysters, or even treat yourself to a bowl of deep fried ice cream.

#8

Roof on Wilshire

Where: On top of the artsy Hotel Wilshire, sitting in the aptly named Miracle Mile district just minutes from Beverly Hills.

The scene: The amazing 360 degree view of Beverly Hills entices many to this cool, sophisticated rooftop, offering the perfect backdrop to an afternoon of soaking up the sun and enjoying a few drinks. This is a fantastic place to socialise, offering a buzzing atmosphere and plenty to talk about – whether it’s the sumptuous food, unique mules, or yes…that incredible view.

Signature drink: The crafted cocktails are delicious, but we’d recommend trying their various versions of mules – a flavoursome cocktail usually made with high-quality vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice.

Take a bite: Fancy a bite to eat? Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here daily – and in our opinion, what could be better than lounging on a rooftop with a towering plate of brioche French toast?

#7

Petit Ermitage

Where: Climb up the Petit Ermitage hotel to get to this boutique bar, located in colourful West Hollywood.

The scene: For somewhere a little bit more unique and rustic, head up to Petite Ermitage’s rooftop – a modern day bohemian oasis awash with deep oranges, cosy seating, fur blankets and warming fireplaces. This is a boutique bar at its finest, a brilliant place to gather everyone together and enjoy a peaceful evening. Every Monday they screen films on their Firedeck, so snuggle under one of the fur blankets with your drink and enjoy.

Signature drink: Adding to its bohemian charm, the rooftop bar serves specially crafted ‘Spirited Love Potions’ created by the remarkable Spirit Master, with ingredients carefully selected at local farmer’s markets.

Take a bite: Ever the unique, this rooftop bar offers healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners with sultry Japanese, Italian and Egyptian influences.

Take a dip: The heated saltwater pool will be sure to tempt you, offering therapeutic effects and the gorgeous smell of damask roses.

#6

High Rooftop Lounge

Where: Welcome to the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach, sitting at the top of Hotel Erwin.

The scene:  This sleek bar truly embodies Venice Beach’s young and trendy atmosphere, offering a laidback vibe with unforgettable panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding cityscape. Walk along the beach-style boardwalks and take in the views, or grab your drink and dance along to the DJs who welcome you with cool beats all throughout the day and night. Forgot your sun cream? No worries, you can buy some at the bar, along with a hip pair of sunglasses.

Signature drink: With such a relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder this bar chooses unpretentious, hand-picked mixed drinks including Blood Orange Juleps and Sonoran Suns. When the weather gets cooler, why not warm yourself up with a tequila-spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate?

Take a bite: To add to the cool vibe even more, the food menu offers plenty of innovative snacks, including drab dips, street tacos, and apple wood smoked bacon sliders.

#5

Perch

Where: This dazzling rooftop experience can be found in the heart of downtown LA.

The scene: Walk through the doors and be transported to France with this glamorous French inspired rooftop bistro. This place is truly picturesque, with ivy plants, potted trees and pretty French décor perfectly framing the expansive views of downtown LA. The restaurant is quite sophisticated, but wander to the various fire pits and lounge tables outside and you’ll find yourself amidst a loud and energetic crowd.

Signature drink: Sip on simple, Parisian style cocktails, plus a rare selection of Cognacs, Armagnac’s and French Cordials.

Take a bite: This chic rooftop venue is favoured for enjoying the impressive views with a drink, but if you fancy a taste of classy French cuisine be sure to try out the scenic restaurant. The white chocolate bread pudding is a particular favourite with Perch enthusiasts.

#4

Upstairs

Where: This classy bar is located ‘upstairs’ at the Ace Hotel in downtown LA. Apologies for the pun.

The scene: A hipster’s paradise, this quirky rooftop bar offers the perfect Instagram shot that will be sure to rake in the likes. With Navajo print cushions, oak tree tables, intricate architecture and exotic canopies, the décor here oozes a warming Moroccan vibe, and is a great spot for DJs, live bands, pop-up shops, and other creative events.

Signature drink: Traditional cocktails are given a pretty, artistic flair here, or blended with ice to create an enjoyable alcoholic slushy.

Take a bite: Morocco has certainly inspired this tasty Middle Eastern menu, including spicy lamb sausage flatbreads and cucumber and watermelon salads.

#3

The Sundeck

Where: Breathtaking views of West Hollywood can be seen as far as the eye can see on top of Andaz West Hollywood Hotel.

The scene: The highest rooftop pool in LA opts for a simple, modish design, adding to the friendly yet relaxed atmosphere that always brings hotel guests coming back for more. This is a perfect place to soak up the sunshine whilst enjoying views of the vibrant Sunset Strip and verdant Hollywood Hills, relaxing in your private cabana and watching the sunset.

Signature drink: Reclining on a lounge chair is made even better with a taste of ‘Creation of the Day’, a frozen crafted cocktail made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Musicality: Soulful house music is the soundtrack to your sunny afternoon every Saturday from 2pm-6pm, created by their fantastic resident DJ, J.Roberts.

#2

Mama Shelter’s Rooftop

Where: The modern boutique hotel Mama Shelter in Selma Avenue is home to this colourful rooftop bar.

The scene: Mama Shelter’s Rooftop is certainly a feast for the eyes, offering a not so subtle blend of bright colours and jazzy patterns that reflects Hollywood’s vibrant lifestyle. With potted tropical plants, table top football and tennis, vividly coloured furniture and vivacious cocktails to match, this bar offers a chilled, outgoing vibe for a leisurely afternoon with friends.

Signature drink: Mama knows how to mix her drinks, so be sure to try one of the signature cocktails. After Hours is very summery indeed, with a blend of Four Roses bourbon, strawberry, saffron, lemon and Prosecco, whilst Fiddler on the Roof gives your taste buds a tangy sensation of Ancho Reyes, Goslings rum, grapefruit, pomegranate, molasses and lime.

Not Just a bar: Fancy feeling Zen? Mama Shelter offer yoga sessions on their roof every Sunday.

Take a bite: Plenty of Mediterranean styled sharing platters only adds to the ‘bring your friends’ vibe Mama Shelter brings, as well as shawarmas, jokingly renamed ‘Shawarmamas’.

#1

West Hollywood Rooftop Pool

Where: A few steps from the bustling Sunset Strip sits The London West Hollywood in San Vicente Boulevard, host to this scenic rooftop pool.

The scene: Lazy afternoons are paramount in this beautiful rooftop oasis, gracing you with panoramic Los Angeles views, soaring palm trees, cushy couches and an easy, chilled-out ambience. When the sun starts to set, the imaginative cocktails start to be poured, and groups of friends migrate here to mingle under the stars and next to the venue’s fire pits. Every weekday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, this casual bar offers its ‘London Hour’, where brilliant Chef Anthony Keene creates a delightful food menu and creative cocktails on draft.

Signature drink: The cocktails here are ingenious, with fresh ingredients and fruits muddled with strong spirits, ranging from Angry Orchid Cider to Mezcal.

Musicality: Every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm, DJ Lindsay Luv brings the party with her for ‘London Luvs Summer’.