LA lounges and bars: Where to drink in Los Angeles

Inspired by New Mexico, this neighborhood watering hole serves tasty nachos, margaritas and plenty of the state’s famous hatch chilies.  

Enjoy la dolce vita at this picturesque new bar in Eagle Rock.

This Tinseltown rooftop feels like a grown-up Saddle Ranch—in the best way possible. 

Who knew waffles and cider paired so well? This Virgil Village cider bar, apparently.

Yes, it's that kind of Hollywood nightlife spot.

The Northeast L.A. brewery’s first tasting room lives up to the anticipation—and the hype.

The retro-fabulous design—and not the drinks—takes center stage at this new Hollywood watering hole that’s less of a cocktail bar and more of a vibe. Walk through 800 Degrees to the back of the pizzeria and up a staircase near the bathrooms to reach this hidden bar that looks like a vinyl shop bred with the basement in That ’70s Show. The handful of cocktails on offer could use more balance and finesse, but it’s hard to argue with a setting this fun and an all-vinyl soundtrack; the later the night gets, the louder the Michael Jackson plays.

Look for the pink neon beneath Metro’s Chinatown stop and you’ll find one of the city’s chicest wine bars. The latest from Bar Covell and Augustine owner Dustin Lancaster, Oriel not only brings French wines and a modern, hanging-plant haven to the neighborhood—it also offers some of the best French bistro fare on the Eastside. Staff could use a bit more training (any server at a wine bar should be aware of natural wine and whether it’s offered), but the neon’s rose-hued glow, coupled with the romance of that well-rounded wine selection—especially those available by the bottle—makes it easy to fall in love with Oriel.

This place not only excels in cocktails, but magic too. 

In L.A.’s growing speakeasy scene, there’s a collective drive toward authenticity, and Salon is doing it well.