The best cocktail bars in L.A.

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: Thunderbolt is the only bar-bar in Los Angeles that consistently makes the 50 Best Bars in North America. (The only other spot in L.A. to place on the list is Mírate in Los Feliz, which is technically a restaurant.) This year, Thunderbolt came in at a tidy No. 24, and also nabbed a sustainability award from World’s 50 Best Restuarants, the list’s awarding body. The Southern-inspired bar bites are great—after all, the food menu’s brought to us by the team at the Park’s Finest next door—but the drinks are 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 the ones offered at Thunderbolt, which translates into 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 5pm–midnight

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 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 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: Mon–Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–11pm

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. A newly added daily $12 and under menu includes an old-fashioned, a daiquiri and ranch water.

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–Thu 4–10pm: Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

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 off 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 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? 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, Wed, Thu 5pm–1am; Sat, Sun 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–1am

What is it? A reservation-preferred, second-floor Melrose Avenue cocktail bar from the same team behind Benjamin, which is located downstairs.

Why we love it: The service is great, the interior design is impeccable and the drinks here are on par with some of the best bars in Los Angeles. While many Angelenos are still catching onto the excellence going on behind the counter at Bar Benjamin—or merely figuring out that cocktail bars without standing room exist, for starters—locals and hospitality industry insiders have already begun flocking to this dimly lit, cocktail-oriented concept from Ben Shenassafar, the co-founder of The Hundreds, nightlife veteran Jared Meisler (Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch) and marketing and brand strategist Kate Burr. Every guest receives a complimentary welcome drink—for now, a clarified carrot-hazelnut-aquavit milk punch—before diving into a cocktail and bar bite menu that includes the tom kha-inspired Tommy Boy, two of the Benjamin’s signature martinis and one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails I’ve ever tried, anywhere (the strawberry- and gochujang-flavored Aura Farm, which uses a tequila alternative). The food menu is pricey and rather simple—think a way-too-mustard-heavy steak tartare, a shrimp roll and mixed nuts. The bites, however, generally complement the cocktails. My favorite drink is the Dead Heat, which comes with four different chili oil options to zhuzh up your drink, depending on your spice tolerance. (You can also do the same with the Mala Margarita.) 

Time Out tip: While reservations are preferred at Bar Benjamin, walk-ins can usually be accommodated on weekday evenings or earlier on the weekends.

Address: 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–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? An intimate cocktail bar in East Hollywood with one of the best new burgers in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Intended as the more casual, no-reservation counterpart to Brian Baik’s soon-to-open tasting counter Corridor 109, Bar 109 serves a menu of refined, classically inspired cocktails and reasonably priced wine and beer, plus elevated bar bites like a decadent hot dog and a crispy fish sandwich inspired by McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. The Tuesday 10pm Burger is the ultimate culinary Easter egg—true to its name, the juicy, bistro-style creation made with a blend of different Australian Wagyu cuts is only available after 10pm on Tuesdays. Before decamping to Bar 109, head bartender Kayla Garcia helped open Thunderbolt’s Valley sibling, Night on Earth, and previously oversaw the drinks program at Chicago’s Kumiko, which has earned both regional and global recognition from World’s 50 Best Bars. On my visit, I enjoyed the non-alcoholic Chic Hey (inspired by Korean sikhye, a fermented malt and rice beverage) and the Marine Layer, Garcia’s seaweed-infused take on a dirty martini. Boozier options like the Mikan Old Fashioned and the rum-based Sanshito will appeal to those who enjoy darker spirits, though the bartenders here also more than know their way around lighter options if the Ichigo Punch (vodka, mezcal, strawberry, basil, clarified milk) is any indication.  

Time Out tip: Come here before or after grabbing dinner at Kuya Lord or Bar Etoile. 

Address: 641 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6pm–midnight

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% gratuity to any credit card tab left at the end of the night.

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

Opening hours: Thu 7pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 7pm–2am; Sun 7pm–midnight

What is it? A Mexican restaurant and bar in Sherman Oaks from the same team behind Mírate in Los Feliz. 

Why we love it: Max Reis is the mastermind behind one of the best bars in the city. Here, the Gracias Madre alum brings that same level of craft and focus to margaritas, which come in both sweet and savory renditions. Whether traditional or inventive, each cocktail is impeccably thought out. There’s a bright purple margarita inspired by a Baja-style fish taco, a verdant slushie that riffs on guacamole and a mangoneada version topped with fruity popping boba. What surprised me the most, however, were Daisy’s standout culinary offerings, which are a solid cut above most of the other Mexican options in the immediate area. Head chef Alan Sanz, formerly of Maisano in Costa Mesa, brings an upscale, modern twist to classic dishes like aguachile and guacamole. I loved the vegan-friendly aguachile de chayote and impeccably grilled branzino. The botanas (bar snacks) were especially clever, including the chicharrón del parque, which uses a puffed wheat cracker as a base for cured yellowfin and macha verde.

Time Out tip: Skip the so-so tacos in favor of a starter and one of the surprisingly well-executed entrées (“fuertes”).

Address: 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

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

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 of Alcove, a charming neighborhood café and bakery that operates 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 menu called the “Actual Eras Tour” that draws inspiration from actual eras throughout history. Think a pineapple rum-infused drink with mezcal and green chartreuse (Maya Classic Period) and a gin-based creation flavored with bacanora and kombu water (Proterozoic Eon). 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–11pm; Sat 8am–11pm; 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 ambience 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–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 2–11pm

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 7pm–1am; Thu 5pm–2am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? A Koreatown cocktail bar that dates back to the L.A. drinking scene’s mixology era. 

Why we love it: There’s no bar in Koreatown that led the neighborhood’s cocktail revolution like the Normandie Club. Bestled on the ground floor of the Hotel Normandie, this sultry drinking den comes from the prolific hospitality group Pouring With Heart (Las Perlas, Seven Grand). The drinks are beautifully built, and the killer bar team makes this spot a shaken, stirred and straight-up temple to hospitality and versatility. You could order from the brief list of classics-inspired cocktails, but don’t let the bartenders’ skill go to waste: Give them a few parameters, then let them run wild.

Time Out tip: For the best time, make sure to get in early and keep an eye out for open banquettes; booths take up most of the room, but if you don’t snag one, you’re stuck huddled in a stiff crowd around the bar. Best to plant your flag at the start of the night.

Address: 3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

What is it? A craft cocktail bar in West Hollywood located in the old office of Marilyn Monroe’s talent agent.

Why we love it: This tiny craft cocktail bar on the Sunset Strip serves impeccably crafted drinks named for nearby L.A. icons. There’s a clarified paloma rosé spritz inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel and a pisco and passion fruit ode to the Viper Room—and given the good-for-the-area prices ($18–22 for house specialties, $16 for classics), it’s no surprise Bar Next Door fills up nightly with drinkers enjoying the vintage reel-to-reel sound system and neighborhood watering hole atmosphere. Arrive early to claim a booth for you and a friend, or come later on to watch the youngish see-and-be-seen crowd collide with locals of all ages ending their night with a well-made nightcap.

Time Out tip: Don’t be afraid to order an off-menu classic cocktail tailored to your liking.

Address: 9159 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am