Rooftop bars are understandably cherished in Los Angeles. It's no exception for Pearl's Liquor Bar, which ups the ante with a double-decker patio. The ground floor is steeped in '20s glam, with dazzling chandeliers, jewelry cases and marble countertops—a look that's been done over and over, but this one surprisingly lacks pretension. The real draw, though, is upstairs. Ascend a hidden staircase to an AstroTurf oasis of ivy-covered walls, antique garden furniture, a swing, fireplace and photo booth. Then head straight to the upper-deck bar. Pearl's not only boasts (arguably) the best view on the Sunset Strip, but also some seriously tasty libations. It's not too often you get great people-watching and a flawless gin fizz.
Vitals
The scene: It's like a kickback in your best friend's backyard, bursting with gregarious bar-goers and an abundance of boozy libations. Come early to grab one of two stools at the rooftop bar. There are plenty of empty seats on a weekday, but it can get packed when the DJ spins on weekends. The plus is that Pearl’s does take reservations.
Good for: Indulging in sinful delights, like sipping pre-Prohibition era cocktails with a kick or sucking down oysters on the half shell ($1 on Tuesday nights, $2 shooters, 2 for $6 grilled oyster apps, plus $3 champagne). The wine list is decent too (beer, meh, but you didn't come here for a Bud Light). Snag a seat with friends on the terrace for a view of the Strip or hide out with your date in a corner of the dim-lit garden. Come rain or shine—tents will keep you dry or in the shade.
Drink this: Stick with the gin and tequila handcrafted cocktails. The Villa Nova ($13), made with Nolet's gin, Pavan liqueur, cucumber, lemon and frothy egg whites (in pre-Prohibition fashion), goes down easy. If you're not paying attention, you'll drink several in no time. But it's the Mickey Cohen ($14) that's a must. A refreshing fusion of Casamigos tequila, passion fruit and agave nectar over a slow-melting strawberry-jalapeno lime ice sphere makes this cocktail superb.
The bartender says: "Try the in-house whiskey." Just. say. no. The guys behind next door’s Rock and Reilly's (and the founding fathers of Pearl's) are pretty proud of their whiskey; hence the jazzy menu blurb about the stuff being aged for "2 months in a charred American white oak barrel." But unless you're into the taste of rubbing alcohol, just avoid any cocktails made with Mother's Milk Whiskey. OK?