The Best Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles
28 March, 2018
Devoid
of seasons and largely offering only one weather type
(blinding sunshine) Los
Angeles‘ enviable climate provides the perfect playground for
al-fresco drinking. Its dizzying collection of rooftop
bars offers a chance to soak up the rays atop stylish private
residences sporting striped cabanas or some such setting.
Enjoy happy hour high up in the
Hollywood hills at some of
Los Angeles best rooftop bars.
bar
Filifera
Hollywood
Sat atop Hollywood Proper Residences, this 23rd floor
bar has flown largely under the radar since its opening last May.
Blissfully free of crowds,
LA’s in-the-know patrons flock here to enjoy the no-fuss vibe
and views that take in the best of
Hollywood. Spot the Capital Records Building, Griffith
Observatory and the Hollywood sign from the elegant rooftop (decked
out by acclaimed interior designer Kelly Wearstler). Sink into a
sumptuous black-and-white striped chair and watch the hazy sunset
while you sip on a punchy margarita.
bar
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
Venice
restaurant
Catch
West Hollywood
Thickly adorned with lush foliage, this sought-after
design district location is often laden with A-listers. LA’s
rooftop darling, squeeze past the selfie-takers in the
oh-so-Instagrammable entrance and grab a spot on the patio on the
edge of the restaurant. The intimate bar is often packed so make a
night of it and enjoy the first-class seafood – order heavy and
don’t forget to try the ceviche with blood orange ponzu. Wash it
down with the detox-retox cocktail, a cleverly disguised,
refreshing blend of tequila, Matcha tea, cucumber, mint and lime –
it will guarantee you miss your morning spin class.
This image is on holiday
bar
E.P + L.P
West Hollywood
We bet you can’t name a more dynamic
West Hollywood duo? Climb the stairs to the buzzy LP bar for
heavy beats and strong cocktails and descend the stairs for
Asian-small plates at the relaxed EP. All you need to remember is
that LP plays longer than its tasty downstairs neighbour, so slurp
on spiked-bubble tea cocktails under neon lights and low-lit bulbs.
Steal a moment of intimacy in Frankies Bar, a secluded nook with
daybeds usually equipped with a string of lounging models.
hotel
Petit Ermitage
West Hollywood
A stone’s throw from sunset strip, the mystical
Petit Ermitage’s private rooftop will have you thinking you’ve
stumbled across your own secret haven. Beautifully bohemian, the
outdoor restaurant, bar and pool is covered in citrus trees and
lush potted plants decked with twinkling fairy lights. Candle-lit
tarot card readings take place in gypsy wagons and exclusive films
premiers are held at the intimate fire deck. Humming with birds and
butterflies, the rooftop gives off a distinctively Mediterranean
feel in the flashiness of LA.
bar
Mama Shelter
Hollywood
Mama loves LA and we definitely love Mama. With its bright,
Mexican
inspired decor scattered with funky, multi-coloured sofas, its
playful vibe offers a laid-back oasis in the heart of Hollywood.
Come to Mama’s for weekday movie screenings or drop by at weekends
for a livelier affair. Arrive early and settle in for the night
with a cocktail menu that threatens to drink you under the table.
Take it easy with the rosé sangria – the made-for-sharing cocktail
is a tasty mix of rhubarb, vodka, mint, strawberries and lemon.
This image is on holiday
bar
Upstairs at the Ace Hotel
Downtown
Wherever the
Ace Hotel goes we usually follow. The Aces restored 1927
historic United Arts Building is the perfect spot to wile away
countless evenings and weekends. Their ornately gothic rooftop,
equipped with LA’s smallest (heated) pool, draws the city’s hippest
crowd. Take happy hour to new heights and enjoy $1 Oysters and
near-nightly events, all served up under the iconic “Jesus Saves”
sign.
shopping
Restoration Hardware: The Gallery
Los Angeles
We’re reluctant to share this lesser-known nugget with you for
fear our weekend sanctuary will be disrupted. While there’s no
happy hour or bar and the soundtrack airs on the chilled side,
ascend the grand staircase of the Melrose Avenue store to revel a
10,000 square-foot public space. Filled with olive trees, concrete
fire pits and shaded outdoor seating, the garden provides a
welcomed respite from the LA glare. Pop over to Urth Café, which is
just opposite, and kickback in West Hollywood’s greenest and most
relaxed rooftop space.