241 bars across 12 neighbourhoods, organised by occasion.
Tucked behind Cole's French Dip restaurant, the Varnish is LA's most serious classic cocktail bar. Low ceilings, candlelight, and drinks made with real intention. Arrive before 9pm for a seat.
Enter through the Victorian house's front door, past a burlesque performer on the staircase, into a rooftop bar with some of the best views on Cahuenga. Theatrical and worth it.
Six floors of themed bars in a 1930s cafeteria building. The redwood forest on the ground floor alone is worth the trip. Show up after 6pm when the office crowd fills it properly.
The beating heart of LA's creative scene, Silver Lake houses some of the city's most experimental cocktail bars and intimate underground music venues. From the minimalist Japanese whisky bars to intimate speakeasies hidden above vintage shops, this neighbourhood celebrates craft and authenticity. The crowd is diverse and the energy is always electric. If you are driving south, San Diego's craft beer scene makes an excellent addition to any Southern California bar itinerary.
Historic, gritty, and rapidly evolving, Downtown LA has become a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts and vintage spirits collectors. The Arts District brings gallery-adjacent bars and industrial-chic lounges. Grand art deco buildings now house some of the most talked-about bars in the city, including the best after work bars in Los Angeles and standout spots in our date night guide.
The energy of West Hollywood is unmistakable—tree-lined streets, rooftop terraces, and bars that double as see-and-be-seen scenes. From Sunset Boulevard's legendary venues to intimate craft cocktail rooms, WeHo offers something for every occasion. The neighbourhood is known for its inclusive atmosphere and consistently excellent bartending.
Laid-back meets upscale in Venice, where beachside bars serve everything from craft cocktails to cold beer in a casual atmosphere. The vibe is bohemian but sophisticated, with bars that take their drinks seriously while maintaining a relaxed Southern California attitude. Perfect for evening aperitifs with a sunset view. For a similar craft-bar ethos at higher density, the San Francisco Mission District is the closest West Coast comparison.
From the legendary rooftop bars with panoramic city views to intimate speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors, Hollywood delivers theatrical bar experiences. The neighbourhood has transformed its reputation, now home to serious craft cocktail bars alongside the classic entertainment venues. Hollywood Hills brings elevation and perspective.
Koreatown's bar scene is kinetic and inventive. Beyond the famous noraebang karaoke bars, you'll find craft cocktail spots, intimate wine bars, and Korean spirits lounges that celebrate soju and traditional drinks. The energy is youthful and the atmosphere encourages spontaneity. A neighbourhood that defies categorisation and rewards exploration.
One email every week. The bars our editors are recommending right now, across 60 cities worldwide.
From the original classic whiskey cocktails that defined 20th century bartending to the modern interpretations pushing the boundaries of what's possible with spirits and citrus, we explore how LA's best bars have mastered this quintessential drink.
Los Angeles rooftop bars offer more than just views. We examine how elevation changes perspective, atmosphere, and the entire bar-going experience. From downtown skyline perspectives to hillside hideaways, we cover the best elevated experiences.
LA's best hidden gem bars exist precisely because they don't market themselves. We've found the unmarked doors, the dimly lit speakeasies, and the neighbourhood spots where bartenders remember your name and actually care about your drink.
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