The best rooftop bars in L.A.

What is it? The ritzy 90210 rooftop outpost of an award-winning New York City cocktail bar with amazing drinks and sweeping views of the hills.

Why we love it: The ninth-floor vantage point is gorgeous no matter what time of day you arrive, but Dante Beverly Hills isn’t just any old rooftop bar—it serves some of the best all-around drinks in town. There are 10 different iterations of the martini (all equally great), plus Dante’s signature “fluffy” orange juice Garibaldi and a few agave-based creations unique to Los Angeles. Given the area code, drink prices are higher than average; most run in the $19 to $30 range, but the overall quality and consistency makes them well worth the price. Since opening in 2023, the hype has finally subsided to the point that it’s possible to drop in more casually for a drink, though I’d still recommend making a reservation on the weekends or to catch the sunset. Plus, the luxurious ambience makes for a wonderful backdrop whenever you’re enjoying a drink. One more unique aspect of Dante for the caffeine-sensitive: It’s one of the few places in town where you can find a decaf espresso martini. Reservations and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: Not in the mood for a whole drink? Many of Dante’s signature cocktails can be made in half-portions, including a mini version of a Bloody Maria.

Address: 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Daily noon–midnight

What is it? One of the oldest, most popular rooftop bars in the city. 

Why we love it: No matter how many new Downtown rooftops open, we always come back to Perch, one of the prettiest rooftop bars (and bistros) in town. Patterned tile floors, potted trees full of twinkly lights and charming seating combine nightly for a scene full of Downtown locals, plus a few hundred of their closest friends. Though it’s often crowded inside the interior boudoir-themed bar, you’ll find plenty of breathing room and even a few fire pits on the outdoor patio. From any seat, you’ll want to sample the selection of kir-style cocktails that go beyond crème de cassis. The after-work crowd drops in for happy hour, which runs weekdays from 4 to 6pm, while late-night partygoers and music-lovers can enjoy frequent DJ sets and live bands. Reservations and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: While you can technically enjoy a meal here too, I actually prefer the food at Mrs. Fish downstairs. 

Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–1am; Thu 4pm–1:30am; Fri 11:30am–1:30am; Sat 10am–1:30am; Sun 10am–1am

What is it? The L.A. outpost of a James Beard-nominated rooftop bar.

Why we love it: Like moths to a flame, trendy clientele and youngish Angelenos from all over flock to this quirky, colorful and palm-laden rooftop bar atop the Freehand Hotel. Cool off with eclectic, moderately priced cocktails—with some equally colorful garnishes—served from the thatched-roof bar, including the Oscar De La Hoya, Broken Shaker’s take on a spicy margarita incorporating strawberry and Aperol. For a crowd, you can also order a punch bowl with your choice of spirit, fruit and botanical for $300 (each one contains 10 to 12 servings). Food-wise, there’s guac and chips, grilled skewers and a jerk chicken sandwich, all of which make for great finger food while taking in excellent sunset views of Downtown. Reservations and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: Head here during happy hour (Mon–Thu 3–6pm) for $14 cocktails and discounted bar bites.

Address: 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening hours: Daily noon–midnight

What is it? Tomat's rooftop companion, with an impeccable cocktail menu.

What we love about it: With a menu separate from the full Tomat restaurant downstairs, you get a glimpse of what their team does with food and a complete show of what happens when you invite a little play into a cocktail menu. The atmosphere is easygoing and unpretentious, with a private-school atrium feel and the occasional LAX-bound plane sighting. It's a place where responsible individuals can let loose a little (you get the sense anyone visiting always returns their shopping cart at the grocery store). The Cali-American fare fills a much smaller menu than the main restaurant downstairs but still covers the bases with grilled vegetables that dare you to call them just a side dish and a slate of pizzas ready to share with friends. But the real reason to come is the drinks. Their non-alcoholic offerings include their house-made cola, which can be made into a float and makes some appearances elsewhere on the menu. Movie Night makes drinking popcorn out of a Nick and Nora glass fun and their spritz menu gives you your classics, plus fun detours like the Persian Spritz with regional notes like mint, rose water, and pomegranate. 

Time Out tip: The Sticky Toffee Pudding made its way upstairs and you deserve to enjoy it with a view.

Address: 6261 W 87th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045 

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 8am–2:30pm, 5pm–8:30pm; Sat, Sun 8am–8:30pm

What is it? A rooftop bar in Downtown L.A. that looks out on the Gas Company and U.S. Bank towers with a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail and bar menu.

Why we love it: If you’ve ever wanted to party above the Skechers store, this is your chance. The glinting metal of the skyscrapers in the distance offsets the neighboring ornate architecture common in the old Broadway Theater District. The modern Mediterranean design adds to this feeling of being not quite in the past or the future. Florentín is just large enough to feel alive on a half-full night, but the space is small enough that the bartenders can still crank out their meticulously crafted cocktails during a rush. Don’t resist an on-the-nose order; the Florentini is their most popular cocktail for a reason. The balanced sour that evokes spring on the Amalfi Coast is worth the $19 price tag, from taste to presentation. They also hopped on the beer cocktail trend with a Peroni-based Spaghett and the mescal-based House Special, both under $10. Don’t drink? Instead of settling for a few options, you can request that any of the bar’s cocktails be made without alcohol. Walk-ins only.

Time Out tip: The journey to Florentín requires you to walk through a parking lot into an alleyway that will put the sketch in Skechers, but the conspicuous green neon sign will let you know you’re in the right place.

Address: 617 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 2pm–2am; Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? A breezy Mediterranean-inspired rooftop lounge atop Venice’s Hotel Erwin from the same group behind Elephanté and Belle’s Beach House.

Why we love it: High Rooftop Lounge may be no longer, but Hotel Erwin’s newest rooftop concept features the same dreamy sunset views plus a surprisingly solid light bites menu and striking Aegean-inspired design touches. Like Wish You Were Here Group’s other properties, Kassi offers lavish vacation vibes without the actual getaway—and despite the occasionally uppity Westside clientele (a woman rudely closed the elevator in my face), I still managed to have a wonderful time here thanks to the first-rate staff and the must-order fried zucchini crisps. Nothing on the menu reinvents the wheel, but there’s enough to put a full meal together if you’re feeling hungry, and the breezy drinks are delicious, if a little bit light on actual alcohol. And again, remember, Kassi is Venice’s only rooftop bar—so unless you’re willing to hop on over to Santa Monica, you don’t have any other real options in the surrounding area. Reservations and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: Order the baklava sundae for dessert. 

Address: 1697 Pacific Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Wed noon–10pm; Thu, Fri noon–midnight; Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? The Western-themed bar atop the Hollywood VOLUME and the least douchey rooftop in the area. 

Why we love it: Named after a Mojave wildflower, Desert 5 Spot is a Tinseltown simulacrum of a roadside country saloon, complete with blinking, pseudo-broken neon sign. Unlike its French Riviera-inspired sibling Bar Lis located around the corner (the polar opposite in every way), the bar draws a casually dressed, youngish crowd full of folks happy to unironically don a cowboy hat. The bar’s kitschy aura and weekday-only happy hour (6–8pm) with $9 cocktails and $10 pairs of tacos contributes to Desert 5’s appeal as a casual rooftop destination, but the still-quite-flashy aesthetic and breathtaking views make the bar are just as enticing for out-of-towners and outings where you want to impress. Walk-ins only (except for large party reservations).

Time Out tip: Come here on Friday nights for free line dancing lessons earlier in the evening—hourlong slots start at 7, 8 and 9pm.

Address: 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 6pm–midnight; Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am 

What is it? A glitzy West Hollywood rooftop that offers a stunning view of the stars in more ways than one.

Why we love it: Like nearby Saddle Ranch on the Sunset Strip, Harriet’s is known for its magnetic ability to attract celebrities and influencers. Compared to other rooftop bars on this list, you’ll find a more club-like atmosphere here most nights of the week, plus pricey Asian-inspired bar bites, standard cocktails and flashy bottle service. On my visit, I enjoyed the spicy tuna crispy rice and the dragon crunch roll—both straightforward, fairly average renditions of classic fusion-style dishes. Given the high volume of tourists and influencers, most of the servers at Harriet’s are experts at taking photos—so if you want a photo, don’t be afraid to ask. Sure, Harriet’s cocktails are a little watered down for how much they cost, but don’t the views just take your breath away? Bottle service, reservations and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for food in the immediate area, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to walk to Saltie Girl, which I consider one of the best seafood restaurants in Los Angeles. 

Address: 8490 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm–10:30pm; Thu, Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–10pm

What is it? The seventh-floor rooftop restaurant and lounge at the Santa Monica Proper.

Why we love it: The upscale Mediterranean food might be fairly mediocre, but the Goop-on-steroids aesthetic and breezy (but fairly pricey) cocktails keep this impeccably designed rooftop oasis top of mind whenever we’re drinking on the Westside. Located a few blocks from the Pacific, Calabra’s lounge seating and hidden poolside alcoves are the perfect place to impress folks coming in from out of town. The views from this seventh-floor hotel lounge don’t include the Santa Monica Pier, however, but the extremely chic elements of Calabra itself, fashionably dressed clientele included, provide more than enough eye candy to make up for it. Reservations (strongly recommended) and walk-ins.

Time Out tip: If you really want to order food, go for one of the mezze items, like the phyllo-baked feta or roasted heirloom carrots.

Address: 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A longtime West Hollywood terrace known for its pool parties and other live music events. 

Why we love it: Skybar isn’t a rooftop in the conventional sense (it’s situated at about ground level, but high up on a hill), but the beautiful city views and serious nightlife cred make it a worthwhile destination for a wild night on the town. While Skybar is one of the rare poolside bars where people really do jump in after a long night of cocktails, you’ll typically find a more relaxed crowd lounging within its cabana, which also hosts one of its bars. On weekday afternoons, there’s generally a more relaxed, casual vibe and a full food menu (which I don’t really recommend). The all-ages clientele ranges from wide-eyed ingénues to grizzled old sugardaddy types, but no matter where you fall on the spectrum, the Mexican-style oasis of flowering walls and gorgeous nooks will win you over—especially with one of their passion fruit margaritas in hand. Bottle service, reservations and walk-ins. 

Time Out tip: If you’re coming in the evenings or during pool party season, get here early—these times are when Skybar is the most crowded. 

Address: 8440 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon noon–7pm; Tue–Thu noon–11pm; Fri, Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–7pm

What is it? A Long Beach brewery with stunning sunset ocean views.

Why we love it: Alright, Ballast Point can barely be considered a rooftop bar, but it still offers a pretty great view from its two-story space right on the water. Head upstairs for the best seats in the house, throw in the straightforward food menu and a couple of fire pits and Ballast Point easily wins the title for brewery with the best views in L.A. County. If you’re looking for ordering recommendations, I like the Baja fish tacos, Filipino-inspired pork ribs and garlic fries, and you can’t go wrong with either the chicken wings or fish and chips. Walk-ins only (but reservations are accepted for parties of nine or more).

Time Out tip: This is one of the most popular places in Long Beach—so expect to wait for a table if you show up at peak hours. 

Address: 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, Sun 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm

What is it? Mid-Wilshire’s only rooftop bar (and the newest occupant of the former Roof on Wilshire space).

Why we love it: While the California cuisine is downright forgettable, the drinks at Videre are actually well-made—they come from the same minds behind West Hollywood’s Employees Only. Think a savory-sweet espresso martini with Parmesan cheese shaved on top, or a delightful red shiso-spiked cachaca cocktail served in a chic coupe. What Videre does have going for it, however, are glittering eighth-floor views of the hills, without all the pomp and circumstance of Beverly Hills or the drunken Hollywood crowds. On the weekdays, Videre also offers an excellent happy hour (3–6pm), playfully named “Work Drinks,” that includes $12 cocktails and steeply discounted bar bites like fried chicken bites, popcorn cauliflower and truffle Parmesan fries. Walk-ins and reservations.

Time Out tip: If you want a full meal in the area, I would rather point you to Kazunori (one of the city’s best sushi options), Uovo (one of the city’s best Italian restaurants ) or Laki Ramen (one of the city’s best ramenyas). 

Address: 6317 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 7am–10pm; Fri, Sat 7am–11pm; Sun 7am–10pm

What is it? The tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere—and a total tourist trap. But yes, there are breathtaking views. 

Why we love it: Perched 73 floors above Downtown in a luxury hotel, Spire 73 attracted plenty of attention when it first opened in 2017. But what does the sky-high vantage point mean in actual practice? Little to no protection from the weather, so bring a jacket to Spire 73 or face high-altitude wind chill like no other. There are a few firepits, but the seats closest to windows are further away and the blankets staff members provide don’t always get the job done. There’s also a $60 per person spending minimum, reflective of the aforementioned “tourist trap” designation, but if you must go, you’ll find classic cocktails and swanky lounge seats as you peer down on the rest of us mere mortals. What you won’t see much of is the recognizable Downtown L.A. skyline—since you’re literally part of it. 

Time Out tip: Spire 73 offers parking validation, bringing the normally eye-wateringly expensive hotel valet down to a manageable $16.

Address: 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–11pm; Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 4pm–midnight; Sun 5–11pm

What is it? A poolside rooftop bar in downtown Los Angeles with a Baja-meets-Mediterranean atmosphere.

Why we love it: From its opening, Bar Clara has typically delivered on their drink menu, and is finally finding some consistency with its food. Though the Mediterranean-inspired food menu gets the rooftop bar tax, it’s a pleasant tour of the region highlighted by their harissa seasoning—a delight on everything from fries to prawn tacos. The tropical-leaning cocktail menu features riffs on bourbon smash and junglebirds, but with its stunning simplicity, the Melon State of Mind (a watermelon-based pisco sour) may very well be the drink of the summer. You’ll need to be a guest at the hotel or a resort pass to snag poolside seating, but there are clearer views of the skyline in the regular lounge areas.

Time Out tip: Though the pina colada sits on the non-alcoholic menu, you can have a shot of rum added to it. It’s one of the fastest drinks you can get when it’s packed, thanks to their full-time slush machine.

Address: 649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun, Mon 11am–10pm

What is it? A West Hollywood rooftop bar with treehouse meets 80s club vibes.

What we love about it: Despite following a tried-and-true playbook for rooftop establishments, Blondie manages to feel fresh and fun, especially with the space’s before-and-after-sunset transformation. It's casual and bright by day, then turns flirty and date-night-ready once the hipster lights and red glow kick in. The whimsical signage does its job of making the bar feel a little more casual. The space itself is deeper than you'd expect (Look up for nice views of the Hollywood Hills; look straight down for a construction dumpster situation). The drinks are inventive and well-executed, even if they don't linger in your mind quite as long as the atmosphere. But when the cocktails top out at $17 in this part of town, it’s easy to forgive the forgettable. It's an earnest attempt at being a hip and cool spot that generally succeeds, and the frozen "Daily Crush" on the menu is a fun touch. 

Time Out tip: Treat the food menu here like bar snacks and you won’t disappoint yourself; heavy hitters are the Japanese sweet potatoes and prawn toast.

Address: 8457 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm–midnight

What is it? A wine-and-amaro bar meets Rooftop Cinema Club.

Why we love it: Tucked in and above one of the busiest intersections in the Arts District, you’ll find a rare rooftop oasis. Cineopera offers a strong selection of amari and wine, whether you want to lounge during the day or settle in for a movie after dark. A tight food menu makes sure you won’t get peckish and there’s still a full bar ready for you to put its amari to work. Though an interesting direction to take in the gone-too-soon LA Cha Cha Chá space, it does bring something unique to an area that’s increasingly packed with a few versions of the same venue.

Time Out tip: There are tables and seating that are first-come, first-served, but you can reserve a screen seat for $5 if you want an unobstructed view. 

Address: 812 E 3rd St, Second Fl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5pm–late