Best Date Night Bars in Los Angeles

Mediterranean rooftop bar at the Hotel Figueroa. Lemon trees, terracotta, candlelight, and a view of the Hollywood Hills. The Aperol Spritzes are textbook, the shared plates are worth ordering. Reserve in advance; the rooftop terrace fills by 7pm on weekends. Rooftop

The Library Bar at the NoMad Hotel LA. Dark wood panelling, serious cocktails, and the kind of room that makes any evening feel significant. The house Negroni is the best in the city. Order two and take your time. Cocktails

Cuban rum bar hidden behind a vintage shop facade. Live music most nights, a cast of characters at the bar, and a rum collection that could occupy a dedicated enthusiast for a year. Live Music

A genuine LA relic from 1954. The same couple has played the lounge seven nights a week for decades. Order a martini, tip well, and let the evening unfold. Live Music

Four floors of different worlds: tiki bar, cocktail lounge, beer hall, and rooftop. The showmanship is part of the appeal. Best for adventurous dates who want to explore. Multiple Rooms

Rooftop restaurant with downtown views and a cocktail list built for sharing. The chilli margarita is remarkable. Arrive before sunset. Rooftop

Natural wine bar with 75 selections and a small bites menu. The staff know every bottle on the list and will pair drinks to your mood. Intimate, quiet, genuinely romantic. Wine

Hidden behind a deli curtain in Cole's French Dip. Classic cocktails executed to a standard that made this bar nationally famous. The Jack Rose is not to be skipped. Cocktails

Two rooms: a retro cocktail bar at the front, a blues and soul stage at the back. The contrast works. Order a Sazerac at the bar and wander through when the music starts. Live Music

Small plates and natural wine in a Koreatown alley space. The bar seats at the counter are the best in the house. Go on a Tuesday when it's quieter. Wine

Neighbourhood wine bar with an exceptional by-the-glass list. The terrace on a warm LA evening is genuinely lovely. Best for a second or third date. Wine

70s basement party with a backyard BBQ setup. Unusual for a date night recommendation, but the tiki cocktails and the novelty of the setting make it work for early dates. Tiki

Hidden below a vintage clothing shop. Low ceilings, red velvet, and a DJ who understands the assignment. More late-night than first-date; better for dates three and beyond. DJ