The best bars in Los Angeles

What is it? A Los Feliz cocktail lounge from Bar Flores and Republique alums that’s serving up craft cocktails with a depth of flavor you could drown in and bar bites that’ll make you claim squatter’s rights. Vandell is one of our fastest new bars to join our best bar ranking in recent years, and Best Bars in North America agrees, slotting it in at 68 just months after opening

Why we love it: With a line that often pours out the door and limited reservations that disappear faster than their anchovy toast, this neighborhood haunt is always buzzing with energy. Different zones and an intelligently designed bar area make Vandell feel cozy, not claustrophobic, even when it’s at capacity. The American fare food menu won’t surprise you, but the execution of even the simplest dishes will. But the star of the show is a drinks program that makes you believe in Old Fashioneds again, forces your date to Google classic spirits like Benedictine, and tempers often cloying flavors like banana and pandan with ease—all while not leaving your sober friends out of the mix.

Time Out tip: If you’re daring a visit on the weekend, a few reservations are released one week in advance of the day, but Vandell mostly caters to the walk-up crowd.

Address: 1966 Hillhurst Ave. Los Feliz, CA 90027

Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 5pm–1am

What is it? A relaxed indoor-outdoor cocktail bar in the Arts District serving some of the city’s tastiest, most reasonably priced cocktails.

Why we love it: You enter beneath the neon sign hanging over the door—it just reads “BAR,” you can’t miss it—and the second you’re in, you’ll probably agree with the second neon you see: “My, that’s better.” Stepping into Everson Royce Bar is like heaving a sigh of relief, a boozy boon to the Arts District that feels part elegant cocktail den, part raucous patio party. No matter which experience you choose (based on where you choose to sit), you’ll be ordering some of L.A.’s best cocktails. They come inspired by Los Angeles and seasonal produce—we recommend the long-time favorite Yo LA Tengo, which comes packed with mezcal, grapefruit, Aperol, ginger and lime, or the Ginger’s Last Kiss, which involves, you guessed it, ginger. 

Time Out tip: Order the single cheeseburger—it’s on our list of the best burgers in Los Angeles.

Address: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4–10pm; Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 2pm–2am; Sun 2pm–9pm

What is it? A first-rate West Hollywood cocktail bar run by hospitality and nightlife veterans Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson.

Why we love it: You see it on the coasters, you see it atop the foam on your drink: “YES.” It’s the unofficial ethos of Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson’s high-minded cocktail bar, where it’s best to just go with the flow because everything off that order-by-the-spirit menu is going to be good. But first, you have to find it: Look for the neon “PSYCHIC” sign on La Cienega, then enter through a curtain to find a handful of seasonal cocktails in addition to classics-leaning drinks split into categories of sparkling, rum, tequila, whiskey, gin, vodka and even absinthe. The place fills up fast, particularly on nights when there are larger comedy acts at the Largo next door, so stop by early or late. The lights are low and the drinks are spot-on, making it a perfect place to bring a date—or go solo and bring yourself on one.

Time Out tip: Can’t decide what to order? This is one of the few spots in town where you’ll never regret ordering the bartender’s choice.

Address: 370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 6pm–2am; Sat 7pm–2am; Sun 8pm–2am

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: While the coastal Italian cuisine is hit-or-miss, Dante Beverly Hills 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 make them well worth the price. You can also take most of their bestselling martinis for a cost-conscious spin during their daily $10 “Martini Hour” with a side of live piano.

This winter, the bar has begun serving seasonal creations like a spiced cranberry spritz and a pear bellini. The luxurious ambiance and a ninth-floor vantage point make 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.

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? An L-shaped bar inside Mar Vista’s Little Fatty serving the Westside’s best cocktails.

Why we love it: the ever-changing cocktail menu somehow makes even the most de rigueur drinks feel exciting. During daily happy hour (5–6pm, 10–11pm), you’ll find $11 drinks, including an apple martini made with Thai basil and Granny Smith apple cordial. But Accomplice impresses us most with the regular cocktail menu, which dares to be different with savory ingredients like black vinegar brine and crispy chicken skin. The current menu is called the Accomplice Guide and is modeled after the old Thomas Guides that used to steer commuters all over L.A. County in the days before GPS or even MapQuest. The menu features inventive, well-balanced creations like Hollywoodland (the house’s take on an espresso martini) and the Venice Canals (a bubbly concoction made with wine, vermouth and bitters). These days, you can also order from the Bartender’s Playground, which features an apricot brandy-infused “reclaimed” margarita, a Scotch Thai tea that integrates condensed coconut milk (!) and a mezcal negroni.

Time Out tip: Accomplice has long been one of my favorite places to grab a mocktail—so if you want a drink without the booze, head here.

Address: 3811 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–midnight

What is it? An award-winning casual cocktail bar in Historic Filipinotown known for its tech-forward, zero-waste approach to mixology.

Why we love it: After a great run, Thunderbolt has officially lost its credentials as one of the 50 best bars in North America. Its absence feels less like an indictment of its quality and more like emphasizing the sizzling bar programs taking over Mexico City and New York City. Jonathen Liu’s gluten-free, Southern-inspired bar bites still include cheesy grits, Hoppin’ John rolls and a pimiento cheeseburger. That being said, the drinks are still the star of the show. Signature creations include the P-Town Boxing Club, made with pandan and coconut-washed rye, and entire menu sections dedicated to savory (“culinary adjacent”) drinks and texture-forward drinks like the Koji Killer: “a frozen painkiller with an umami punch.” Throw in a lively front patio, comfy leather sofas and top-notch playlists, and it’s no surprise we tend to stay all night.

Time Out tip: If you’re no stranger to Thunderbolt, check out owner Mike Capoferri’s newest project, Night on Earth. Located in the Cahuenga Pass, the futuristic Valley strip-mall joint serves an entirely different menu of first-rate drinks built at 16 degrees Fahrenheit—three degrees cooler than Thunderbolt ’s—resulting in a slightly colder mouthfeel and less reliance on ice.

Address: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–1am; Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? A futuristic-looking Valley cocktail bar and the newest project from the team behind Thunderbolt.

Why we love it: All flavor, no frills—that’s the name of the game at Night on Earth. Located in the no man’s land between Hollywood and Studio City (a.k.a. the Cahuenga Pass), Night on Earth serves an all-star lineup of over a dozen signature drinks ($13–$19). Each one deftly riffs on a classic. While my personal favorite was the Bad Influencer (a clarified, carbonated version of a porn star martini), I was most impressed by the Blockbuster, the bar’s take on an old fashioned. The drink comes infused with actual movie theater butter flavoring. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, though, including three tasty booze-free options. Paired with the ample lounge seating and DJs on the weekends, plus $3 hot dogs, Night on Earth is the kind of drinking destination that’s worth building a night out around. The killer happy hour menu (5–8pm) includes $5 mini martinis and $9 well drinks; on Mondays, you can score additional specialty martinis for $6 or $7. For the noncommittal or the lightweight among us, almost every cocktail on the menu is available in $10 mini form. 

Time Out tip: You can also bring in outside food (there’s a pizzeria next door, FYI) or opt for one of the eclectic snacks from the vending machine inside.

Address: 3256 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–1am

What is it? The bar companion to the Benjamin Hollywood restaurant downstairs that’s too busy outshining its elder sibling.

Why we love it: Sometimes the sequel is even better than the original, and it doesn’t hurt when you start the night off with a complimentary mini cocktail. Then, Bar Benjamin puts the power in your hands, quite literally, with the Dead Heat, which comes with spice oil droppers so you can practice surviving Hot Ones. A competitive martini selection barks up Dante’s tree and doesn’t quite catch its prey, but a smoke-friendly patio can help you live out your Don Draper dreams. The bar bites are pricey and overshadowed by the strength of the drinks program, even the small-but-mighty non-alcoholic cocktail offering.

Time Out tip: I’ve only encountered a tom kha-inspired drink once before, but the Tommy Boy has nearly obliterated that memory, managing complexity and delicacy in each sip. 

Address: 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 6pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 6pm–1am

What is it? A Long Beach speakeasy featuring light, Japanese flair bartending and seafood-forward izakaya vibes.

Why we love it: Fresh from his tenure at The Wolves (also on this list), Kevin Lee invites Japanese mixology to a muraled alley in Long Beach. Guests can expect a host of Japanese spirits, from sake and shochu to liqueurs like the sweet-and-sour umeshu. Even the ice is imported straight from Japan and cut before your eyes at the bar, often spotlit, as though on its own stage. The bartenders perform more than ice tricks as they throw cocktails (a dramatic technique, not literally) and play with fire. Each cocktail is a work of art where fresh ingredients are manipulated to find balance, like the fermented tomato standing its ground against umeshu in their popular Juice Theory cocktail. The bar bites can be hit or miss, but the Okonomi corn dogs and wasabi fries will keep you ordering another round.

Time Out tip: Some of the best dessert cocktails in L.A. can be found here, from the snowcone-like First Love (perfect for sharing) to a clarified Mud Slide that matures the relationship between peppermint and chocolate.

Address: 1731 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802

Opening hours: Sun, Tue–Thu 5pm–12am; Fri–Sat 5pm–1am

What is it? An underground bar in the Arts District and the L.A. outpost of a famous NYC cocktail bar known for its use of rare spirits and high-quality ingredients.

Why we love it: The chances of you, a mere mortal, walking into Death & Co without a reservation on a weekend are slim to none, but the bar still has some of the best (and most expensive!) drinks in the city. Flavor profiles and vibes divide the menu under labels like “light and playful” and “boozy and honest.” These days, the majority of drinks run in the $18 to $20 range—a marked improvement from the bar’s earlier prices, which used to regularly average $25 or more. On my most recent visit, I particularly enjoyed the Kissaten Café ($25), a guava-infused take on a Japanese highball, and the Flying Nimbus ($20), which tastes like an elevated tiki drink thanks to mango eau de vie, coconut milk, nigori sake and pumpkin seed orgeat.

Time Out tip: In both spaces, a slightly damp, “old building” smell hangs in the air, and anyone who’s closed their tab at Death & Co. proper will definitely feel pressured by staff to leave.

Address: 810 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 6pm–midnight; Wed, Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am; Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? A New Orleans-inspired cocktail dive in Filipinotown with rotating DJs and movie nights.

Why we love it: You could walk into Shim Sham on a Tuesday and it could feel like a Saturday night. A round of boilermakers lands at a table while a reliable Manhattan is being stirred behind the bar. The drink prices have crept up with inflation, but they remain a good deal for the quality. Plus, many divey establishments around town don’t have nearly as many non-alcoholic options, especially under $10. Whether you stumble a few blocks home at the end of the night or you need to search for Dave in his 2013 Prius, you leave Shim Sham feeling like a regular.

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without taking a few free photos in the “booth” by the bathroom. 

Address: 3123 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90057

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–2am

What is it? An apothecary-themed bar at the edge of Chinatown and the West Coast spinoff of New York City’s Apothéke.

Why we love it: The East Coast original first racked up acclaim through detail-driven, botanical-toned drinks in a dimly lit setting. Here in L.A., the vibe, atmosphere and menu are all similar, with a few unique drinks for good measure. True to the apothecary theme, cocktails are paired off into cures for what ails ya: stress relievers, stimulants, pain killers, euphorics and more, and they might include produce, tinctures or bitters such as cantaloupe, bee pollen, bell pepper, sage, coconut charcoal, or a honeyed chamomile cordial. Don’t miss out on the side patio—one of the cutest in the city—nor the live programming, which includes DJ sets on the weekends. While there are no listed non-alcoholic options on the menu, the bartender is happy to create something to your liking, and a few of the house signatures can usually be made booze-free.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to close out your tab before you leave; Apothéke will automatically add 20 percent gratuity to any tab left open at the end of the night.

Address: 1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Thu 7pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–1am; Sun 7pm–midnight

What is it? The quintessential Koreatown drinking spot, known for its dim lighting, wood panel interiors and delicious anju, or Korean drinking snacks.

Why we love it: The food’s delicious, affordable and available until 2am, but the real reason why so many Angelenos head to Dan Sung Sa are the impeccable vibes and cheap drinks. Stepping through its doors can make you feel like you’ve been transported back to a late-20th-century Seoul pojangmacha—according to Eater, owner Caroline Cho constructed the bar based on her own memories of South Korea’s tented street pubs when she first opened it in 1997. Laminated menus present an array of over 90 food items, all of which are meant to be eaten alongside bottles of sake, fruit and yogurt-flavored soju, baekseju (an herb-infused rice wine) and makgeolli, a lightly sparkling, off-white rice wine that manages to read on the palate as sweet, tangy and bitter all at once. Pro tip: Order the corn cheese.

Time Out tip: Come here early if you know what’s good for you; wait times on weekends and most evenings can stretch to an hour or more. For a similar experience with little to no wait, I recommend Hanshin Pocha down the street, though the ambiance there isn’t quite as fun.

Address: 3317 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Opening hours: Daily 4pm–2am

What is it? A converted Craftsman bungalow in Los Feliz that’s home to one of the most creative cocktail programs in the city.

Why we love it: The boozier counterpart to Alcove, a charming neighborhood café and bakery next door, Big Bar is the IRL equivalent of Cheers. The bar team whips up housemade syrups, oft-rotating concoctions and one of the most cheeky, fun-loving menus in L.A. Puns, drink accessories and non-alcoholic cocktails abound, but don’t think they can’t do classics; the martinis, margs and spritzes here are some of the best in town—and all the better on that wonderful, well-heated patio. Follow Big Bar on Instagram for the bar’s latest creation; most recently, the bar team whipped up a new literature-inspired cocktail that draws inspiration from famous authors throughout history. Think a scotch-based riff on Margarat Atwood’s Oryx and Crake (Snowman's Stash) and a Frankenstein-inspired drink that combines vodka, tequila and Jack Daniels. A five-hour-long weekday happy hour (2–7pm), dubbed “Eastern Standard”, also features $10 cocktails, $8 wines by the glass and small plates under $12.

Time Out tip: If you love Bloody Marys, Big Bar is your spot—they serve a top-flight rendition of the tomato-based vodka cocktail all day, not just during brunch hours.

Address: 1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Mon—Thu 9am–10pm; Fri 9am–midnight; Sat 8am–midnight; Sun 8am–10pm

What is it? A Prohibition-themed cocktail bar on Melrose Avenue known for affordable, well-balanced drinks and excellent atmosphere.

Why we love it: The antique decor might seem passé by today’s standards, but the great cocktails, fairly affordable prices, and date night-friendly ambiance have helped make Melrose Umbrella Co. a reliable mainstay within L.A.’s generally fickle bar and nightlife scene. Since 2013, this dimly lit Melrose Avenue watering hole has kept the good times coming with a fleet of reasonably priced cocktails broken into five sections: “bright & refreshing,” “greatest hits,” “from the tropics” (tiki-inspired) and “spirit-forward,” plus four distinctive house takes on the Old Fashioned. For a big night out with friends, there’s a surprisingly drinkable scorpion bowl—the best we’ve ever tasted. An extensive food menu caters to those feeling peckish, while the string-lit heated patio at the back offers a cozy fireplace and couches to linger on.

Time Out tip: If you’re in search of a more westward hangout, owners Austin Melrose and Zach Patterson also run the Corner Door in Culver City, which offers the same delicious cocktails in a more casual Westside atmosphere.

Address: 7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Tue–Thu noon–midnight; Fri, Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? An ultra-trendy, picturesque aperitivo bar in Eagle Rock with an extensive amaro selection and a killer Negroni.

Why we love it: The retro Italian American charm might be slightly contrived, but the atmosphere of la dolce vita is wholly genuine at Capri Club. Unlike most L.A. watering holes, this intimate bar sits at the nexus of casual, stylish and cool. Always packed nightly with well-dressed patrons sipping away on aperol spritzes, frozen drinks and all the manner of wine and cocktails, the indoor-outdoor watering hole is currently one of the most fun places to go out in Los Angeles—if your idea of fun happens to be spending a laid-back afternoon or evening with a date or a few friends sipping on drinks, snacking on tasty, reasonably priced Italian bar bites and enjoying life to the fullest. The frozen Negroni is also the best adults-only slushie in town.

Time Out tip: Be prepared to jostle for a table or even just a seat on weekend evenings, when the see-and-be-seen crowd spills out onto the sidewalk.

Address: 4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–11pm; Thu, Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 2pm–11pm

What is it? A new-school watering hole in Eagle Rock known for its affordable, craft-inclined selection of craft beer, wine and cider.

Why we love it: What happens when a dive meets pinball meets meticulous throwback touches and hot dogs to match? You get Walt’s, which serves locally made beer and cider, plus natural wine and eternal classics like cans of ice-cold Hamm’s. The mood is casual and the vibe is immaculate, and there’s almost nowhere in Northeast Los Angeles I’d rather haunt for a glass of beer and a giant pretzel. Hot dogs, vegan dogs and chips are all on offer, too. The casual atmosphere translates into a locals-heavy crowd and plenty of folks with dogs—so if you want a chill place to drink and bring Fido that isn’t a rowdy, ultra-crowded brewery, Walt’s is one of the best bets in town.

Time Out tip: Stop by at 8pm on Wednesdays for $5 tournament nights—and don’t forget to bring some cash; while there’s a change machine, it only takes $1s and $5s.

Address: 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–midnight; Fri, Sat noon–2am;  Sun noon–midnight

What is it? A groovy Arts District cocktail lounge from the team behind De La Nonna next door.

Why we love it: The nostalgia cycle has come for the ’70s—and the Let’s Go is right on the money with tasty, deftly made house drinks and DJs spinning a groove-worthy mix that might bounce from lo-fi hip-hop to Italo disco hits as the night goes on. On the weekends, revelers fill up the tiny dancefloor, but even more relaxed weekend evenings feel a little festive soak under all those glittering disco balls. A nightclub, this isn’t—the space is just a tad too small for that—but dangerously delicious cocktails like the Miami Vice (a strawberry piña colada daiquiri) and a hi-fi sound system make for a glamorous night out that just might make you want to get up and dance.

Time Out tip: For a more relaxed vibe, arrive early on a weekday—the Let’s Go opens up at 5pm, and offers a $10 shot and beer combo until 9pm.

Address: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Wed 9pm–1am; Thu–Sat 5pm–1am

What is it? An ornate cocktail bar in Downtown’s Historic Core serving unusually delicious cocktails and one of the city’s best burgers.

Why we love it: Stepping into the Wolves is like a trip to the early 20th century. Antique lamps, sconces and art dot the space, while an old train station’s stained glass arches make up the awe-inspiring ceiling. In its post-lockdown era, the Wolves now features a serious specialty cocktail program by bar lead Nathan McCullough, who takes a culinary approach to mixology, plus a standout bistro-style burger crafted by consulting chef Laurent Quenioux. Here, you’ll find oddly delicious drinks made with unusual ingredients: asparagus (Answered Prayers),  mushrooms (Let Them Talk) and salmon skin (Skin Deep). For the novelty-inclined, there’s a weekly farm-to-glass cocktail special, where McCullough uses a different ingredient from the farmers’ market to create an entirely different cocktail.

Time Out tip: There’s a small outdoor bar upstairs for taking in a bit of fresh air, but the best seats in the house are at the main bar.

Address: 519 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon 5pm–12am; Thu 5pm–12am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? An expansive, all-purpose informal Mid-Wilshire bar that’s great for large groups and pet owners.

Why we love it: Housed in the historic Firestone tire station on La Brea, All Season Brewing hits the mark in terms of ambience, convenience and quality drink offerings. Beer lovers flock here for All Season’s extensive list of brews, which runs heavy on IPAs and lagers, but those who’d rather sip on something fruity will be more than sated by their tropical-leaning cocktails on tap, including a delicious mezcal paloma. A menu of draft wines and classic cocktails, delicious snacks from Chicas Tacos, arcade games and Skee-Ball round out a night at the expansive open-air brewery, which also has an excellent weekday happy hour menu (3–7pm) that includes $6 shots, $10 margaritas and $2 off select beers. It’s the perfect centrally located spot to catch the game or meet up for a casual hang with friends.

Time Out tip: If you’re frustrated by the lack of parking (the surrounding neighborhoods are strictly permitted after 6pm), All Season Brewing offers valet after 5pm every day but Sunday.

Address: 800 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri, Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? An expansive, all-purpose, informal Mid-Wilshire bar that’s great for large groups and pet owners.

Why we love it: Housed in the historic Firestone tire station on La Brea, All Season Brewing hits the mark in terms of ambiance, convenience, and quality drink offerings. Beer lovers flock here for All Season’s extensive list of brews, which runs heavy on IPAs and lagers, but those who’d rather sip on something fruity will be more than sated by their tropical-leaning cocktails on tap, including a delicious mezcal paloma. A menu of draft wines and classic cocktails, delicious snacks from Chicas Tacos, arcade games and Skee-Ball round out a night at the expansive open-air brewery, which also has an excellent weekday happy hour menu (3–7pm) that includes $6 shots, $10 margaritas and $2 off select beers. It’s the perfect centrally located spot to catch the game or meet up for a casual hang with friends.

Time Out tip: If you’re frustrated by the lack of parking (the surrounding neighborhoods are strictly permitted after 6pm), All Season Brewing offers valet after 5pm every day but Sunday.

Address: 800 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri, Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight