food & drink · music & nightlife ·
Published January 19, 2023
The Guide to LA Rooftops

Because views are best served with a cocktail in hand. 🌅🍹

by Los Angeles Bucket List
While other cities’ rooftop season may be restricted to the summer months, Angelenos have sunshine and good vibes to thank for year-round open-air rooftop enjoyment.
Above the sky-high palms, escalate to floors with epic views to escape the honking horns of the 405, replacing them instead with live music and friendly conversation.
Perfect for any occasion, any time, and any mood, we’ve rounded up some of the top Los Angeles rooftop bars. Check out Bucket Listers' picks below:
High Rooftop Bar at Hotel Erwin

With the beach boardwalk, palm trees and ocean breeze, it’s surprising that Venice doesn’t have more rooftop bars. However, its rarity is in part the reason High Rooftop Bar is so popular amongst Venetians (the LA kind). The weekends are typically packed, and deservingly so with all day and night DJs, lounge seating, refreshing cocktails, light bites and a light atmosphere.
Where: 1679 Pacific Avenue, Venice 90291
For more information on High Rooftop Bar at Hotel Erwin.
ONYX at Hotel Shangri-La

Soak up Santa Monica's coastal vibes on the wraparound patio perched above Shangri-La. With its Art Deco ambiance, classic menu (sliders and brussels, anyone?) and simple cocktails, it’s no wonder Santa Monica's only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar is a happy hour hot spot amongst locals and tourists alike.
Where: 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica 90401
Happy Hour - Weekdays 4PM - 6PM; Resident DJ - Saturdays 8PM - 12AM
For more information on ONYX at Hotel Shangri-La.
Terra at Eataly

Head up to the third floor of Eataly to instantly transport yourself to the flavors and feeling of Florence, Rome and Tuscany. Terra is open seven days a week but the true scene stealer is their weekend brunch, which puts an Italian spin on brunch essentials. Their brunch raises the bar – figuratively and literally – with their Bloody Mary Bar, which lets you choose your spirit, salt, skewer and garnish. Need we say more?
Where: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles 90067
For more information on Terra at Eataly.
E.P. & L.P.

Though commonly referred to as E.P. & L.P., only the latter refers to this spacious West Hollywood rooftop bar. Handcrafted cocktails (available by the glass or pitcher), Asian-inspired bites, and views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip create a trifecta of perfection three floors up. After enjoying a pre-dinner drink firepit-side, head downstairs one floor to enjoy E.P.’s menu of Thai, Chinese, Fijian and Vietnamese influenced dishes. Pro tip: Off to the side of the rooftop, you’ll find Frankie’s Bar, a private section with its own cocktail menu.
Where: 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood 90069
For more information on E.P. & L.P.
Catch

Melrose Avenue’s Catch Rooftop was a certified hot spot before it even opened in LA, thanks in part to its NYC reputation. The indoor-outdoor space is in an “ivy league” of its own with ivy-wrapped beams, cascading lights and hanging chandeliers. And that's just considering the décor. Its decadent seafood-driven menu is complemented with unique cocktails like the One Too Many, which includes strawberry-infused vodka and avocado. We can't promise you won't have one too many.
Where: 8715 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood 90069
For more information on Catch.
Upstairs at Ace Hotel Downtown

A hipster hideout in DTLA, Upstairs – the rooftop bar sitting above the Ace Hotel – offers a relaxed environment to enjoy classic bar snacks and refreshing cocktails with a tiki-twist. Our favorite thing about Upstairs isn’t the heated pool or even the panoramic views of downtown, but rather the profile descriptions of each cocktail on the menu – looking for a cocktail with a focus on citrus, light, bubbly, bitter, boozy, tropical or earthy? Starting a petition to require every cocktail menu to include this for us spirit novices.
Where: 929 Broadway, Los Angeles 90015
For more information on Upstairs at Ace Hotel Downtown.
Mama Shelter
.png)
Seek shelter six stories up at Mama Shelter’s rooftop. Its vibrant, color-charged terrace is sprinkled with plush daybeds and tribal throw blankets – all in palettes plucked straight from the LA sunsets you’ll view from the roof. Soak in the 360-degree views – including a head-on shot of the Hollywood Sign – while sipping cocktails named after popular Hollywood films. Pro tip: You can choose from 7 varying takes on the Moscow Mule at Mama’s Mule Bar (Indecisive Geminis beware).
Where: 6500 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles 90028
For more information on Mama Shelter.
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on the rooftop pool deck at Freehand Los Angeles, offering an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city.
Where: 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
For more information on Broken Shaker.
Spire 73 at Intercontinental

We love a good superlative. So when we hear that the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere can be found in LA, we have to check it out. As the name suggests, Spire 73 sits 73 floors above the Intercontinental Hotel. With luxe decor, sit back and sip back the ‘1100 Feet’ cocktail from 1100 feet up. Note, prepare to pay at least a $10 cover to enter.
Where: 900 Wilshire Blvd, 73rd Floor, Los Angeles 90017
For more information on Spire 73 at Intercontinental.
Margot

Both colorful and casual, this Culver City spot is a character of California chicness. On the menu are 360 degree views, lounge seating and fire pits, along with four types of gin & tonics, crudo and classic bar bites.
Where: 8820 Washington Blvd, Suite 301, Culver City 90232
For more information on Margot.
The Highlight Room

This lush sky-high restaurant features panoramic views of the city, including a view of the iconic Hollywood sign. This stylish LA must-see is also known for their grilled dishes and picturesque pool on the sundeck, oh- and did I mention the 360 degree views of the city? This place truly has it all. Come for a mellow business lunch or later in the evening for a more upbeat experience and catch a live performance from one of their star DJ’s.
Where: 6417 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
For more information on The Highlight Room.
Perch

With decadent French dishes like chicken with truffle polenta and cushioned chaises surrounding cozy fire pits, Perch creates an intimate setting with magical 360-views from their open patio. Two levels constitute Perch, one with indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar seating, and the other, one floor up for drinks only. Close your eyes and pretend it’s Midnight in Paris as you sip your aptly named Midnight in Paris cocktail (Park VS Cognac, Green Mark Vodka, Crème de peche, lemon and orange). Though crowds on the weekends are almost inevitable, try their aperitif hour Monday through Friday (4PM - 6PM) for cheaper bites and live music beginning at 5 PM.
Where: 448 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles 90013
For more information on Perch.
Sant’olina

Located atop the historic Beverly Hilton Hotel, Sant’olina is a melting pot of Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern California spin. Their vegetable-forward menu offers fresh, authentic dishes like marinated feta, spring veggie mezze, and potato latkes that pair perfectly with their extensive wine and cocktail options. With a timeless seaside aesthetic and breezy open-air views of Los Angeles, Sant’olina is a mini Mediterranean escape right in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Where: 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210