In Los Angeles, you can’t help but look up. With a stunning skyline sitting in front of you, there’s no better way to spend a romantic date or evening out with friends than at one of LA’s many rooftop bars. At Capistrano Volkswagen, we want to make sure that you experience the best LA has to offer. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite rooftop bars where you can grab a drink and marvel at the city of angels.
Perch LA
One of the city’s most popular spots, Perch LA has something for everyone. This bar and bistro comes complete with an interior, boudoir-themed bar to shelter you from any weather. The real attraction here, though, is the outdoor space, which features trees covered in twinkly lights, wide open spaces, and cozy fire pits to complete your experience. While it may not be chilly enough to need them yet, there’s something magical about an open flame on a lovely night.
Enjoy brunch, happy hour, and an extensive drink menu featuring beer, wine, and classic cocktails with a twist. You can also partake in a classy dinner menu featuring steak, seafood, and price-fix menus to give you a taste of everything. Take in the sunset at this hip spot with live music in the evenings five days a week. On the weekends, stay out a little later with DJs, dancing, and stargazing. Enjoy delivery, pickup, and dine-in options at this trendy spot. Reservations are welcomed.
Broken Shaker at the Freehand
Located atop the impressive Freehand Hotel, the Broken Shaker is a cocktail lover’s delight. Sip eclectic cocktails while surrounded by colorful, palm-tree-forward decor. Enjoy unique drink ingredients like coconut chai tea cordial and bitters made of celery, coconut, and pandan.
If you’d rather have a less complicated drink, though, you can also select refreshments from the spot’s beer, wine, or fresh-pressed juice menu. For food, you can munch on bar snacks with a bit of a twist, including chips and guacamole, wings, tacos, or a falafel burger. Grab a reservation today and get ready to take a tiki vacation right in downtown LA.
The Rooftop at Mama Shelter
Another boutique hotel spot, The Rooftop at Mama Shelter is as colorful as it gets. Grab a seat on brightly colored sofas, chairs, and lounges and peruse a food and drink menu that covers everything from Mediterranean fare to frozen cocktails and beyond. Some other favorites include classic and updated cocktails, nonalcoholic juices, wines, beers, and bottle service options.
For entertainment, enjoy a DJ, dancing, and classic movies on an outdoor screen. You can even take in the Hollywood views while relaxing in a yoga area or kicking butt at a foosball table. Spots on the rooftop are walk-in only, so plan accordingly. You won’t want to miss this unique location.
Bar Bohémien at Citizen Public Market
A bit cozier than other options, Bar Bohémien at Citizen Public Market is a great new offering above the Culver City food hall. Stop by for a meal at the hall below then climb the winding stairs to this outdoor location. Surrounded by bushes and great sunset views, you could easily meet a first date here for a chill night or catch up with coworkers after work.
Cocktails are comparatively simple but do include unique ingredients like lavender bitters, grapefruit liquor, or watermelon shrub. You can also enjoy wines, beers, and nonalcoholic options. Food at this spot is limited to simple bar peanuts, so don’t come hungry. Thre are only walk-in options at this charming bar.
Desert 5 Spot
Named after a Mojave desert flower, Desert 5 Spot is impressively committed to its Western-inspired ideals. You’ll get blinking, neon signs, and patrons happy to show up in their best cowboy hats. Enjoy an affordable weekday happy hour with cocktails under $10 washed in a breathtaking view.
Colorful signature cocktails with fun fruit garnishes, wines, beers, and sodas complete the experience. For a fun group evening with friends, you can even select the cactus margarita, which serves 10 people. This spot is also walk-in options only, so be sure to plan ahead before you pull on your cowboy boots.
LA Cha Cha Chá
Technically more of a restaurant than a bar, this spot still deserves a rooftop mention for its impressive views. Offering an indoor and outdoor restaurant space and an open-air bar, all lined with palm trees, yuccas, and cacti, LA Cha Cha Chá is the place to go if you’re craving a fun, Mexican food experience. At the bar, you can fill up on tacos, sopas, and other Mexican-inspired bar snacks as you wait for your table at the restaurant.
A short but impressive cocktail menu includes traditional options along with specialty drinks finished with Jarritos Mexican soda. Wine, beer, and nonalcoholic aqua frescas are also available. You can make a reservation at the restaurant, but the bar is first-come, first-served.
Calabra
If you’re really looking to treat yourself or impress a date, you could do worse than the chic, trendy vibes of Calabra. This upscale Mediterranean restaurant and bar is filled to the brim with relaxing and stylish furniture, plants, and poolside views. As a part of the Proper Hotel, this bar includes a sundeck, circular bar, and indoor bar.
Guests can sip on seasonal cocktails, specialty wines, and local, small-batch spirits. There are also brunch, bottle service, and poolside menus available for those who would like to make the most of this location. Reservations are highly encouraged, so plan ahead if you’d like to hit up this spot.
So, there you have it. Capistrano Volkswagen just listed some of our favorite rooftop spots in the city for a drink with friends, a romantic date, an exceptionally happy hour, or anything in between. How did you find our list? Did we mention your favorite spot? You can always contact us today to let us know. There’s nothing better than a beautiful drink on a beautiful rooftop in a one-of-a-kind city.
LA night by Stig Nygaard is licensed with CC BY 2.0