Rocco
As a resident of this vibrant city, I can attest to the fantastic LA bar scene.
Known as the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles is famous for many things, but people come to experience the buzzing atmosphere and unique cocktails.
I’ll be sharing my list of fun places to go out to, so you can make the most of your visit.
Check out my list of the best trendy bars in Los Angeles below!
Bolita
864 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (323) 612-0240
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Bolita is a Havana-inspired bar just off the main road of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Stepping into Bolita is like taking a mini-visit to Cuba; it’s warm and friendly, with good food and a daily happy hour. I highly recommend their spacious outdoor patio to enjoy your drinks on.
This friendly and cozy bar boasts Cuban-themed craft cocktails, a curated wine selection, and seasonal beers. There’s also a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
The Roger Room
370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (310) 854-1300
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The Roger Room is tiny and eclectic but doesn’t let its size fool you! This is a small spot bursting at the seams with personality.
This friendly bar features vintage freak show pictures on the walls and plush seating with a pub atmosphere. Make sure to show up early because this place fills up fast.
Enjoy one of their trendy signature cocktails like the Black Dahlia espresso martini or the Instagrammable Film Flam gin drink.
Capri Club
4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Phone: (323) 539-8842
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Since 1963, Eagle Rock locals have been visiting the Capri Club for drinks, music, and a chill place to hang out.
After their recent remodel, Italian Aperitivo fare graces the menu again, adding dishes that pair well with their drinks offering.
They have a cut-down and concise cocktail list, but if you like the classics, you’ll find something you love. They also have a beer list and frozen negronis to help you cool down in the summer.
Melody Bar & Grill
9132 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 670-1994
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If you’re flying into Los Angeles, the Melody Bar & Grill is the closest watering hole to LAX, just a short drive from any of the arrival halls.
They have a daily happy hour that varies by the day of the week, with good discounts, special events, and a pool table to entertain everyone.
The bar serves up a variety of cocktails and wine, and they have a lengthy list of bottled beer with some draft options.
Desert 5 Spot
6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 410-6370
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The Desert 5 Spot is an exciting and welcoming new rooftop bar serving fabulous views off Hollywood Boulevard of the surrounding LA green space.
This bar does music right, and although they have a country vibe, they have a live classic rock soundtrack.
The bar has a bit of a country vibe, but regardless of your preferred genre of music, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a canned beer or one of their famous margaritas!
Thunderbolt
1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 372-5099
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Thunderbolt is a hidden gem of a cocktail bar that marks the spot between Historic Filipino town, Echo Park, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Its placement means it draws all kinds of people into its laid-back atmosphere. This is where to get a drink when you want Southern charm and hospitality.
Whether alone or with friends, check out their cocktail program, which blends old-school drinks with high-tech methods to create sustainable and modern drinks.
Death & Co.
818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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Formerly from New York, Death & Co. is the renowned cocktail bar that stormed the east coast.
Now on the west coast, the Los Angeles branch is located in the Los Angeles Arts District. This bar is very unique, and it’s making a name for itself with moody speakeasy vibes.
After a day sightseeing, enjoy a night out with an expertly crafted drinks menu that changes seasonally, featuring innovative cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Bar Flores
1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 266-8006
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Bar Flores is a vibrant and welcoming bar in the trendy, artsy Echo Park neighborhood.
With its colorful decor and spacious interior, it has terracotta shades to give it cantina vibes and a great view of Sunset Avenue.
Previously, Bar Flores was a pop-up speakeasy appearing all over Los Angeles.
However, with its new permanent location, patrons can enjoy a refreshing signature Flores margarita or a handcrafted cocktail on the patio.
Employees Only
7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 536-9045
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Employees Only looks like the kind of bar that’s members only, but thankfully, this sleek prohibition-style bar in West Hollywood is open to anyone.
Sporting a retro-looking interior with elevated service and a full house almost every night, you’ll want to bring your friends but book a spot first. Reservations are definitely recommended.
While all their interesting cocktails are inventive and sure to impress, catch their delicious signature drink, the EO Gimlet, or their delicious food menu.
APOTHEKE LOS ANGELES
1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (323) 844-0717
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If you’re looking for a trendy bar hidden off the beaten path, check out the eccentric but beautiful Apotheke.
You may have to look around a little bit for the front door, but it’s just down the street from the beautiful Los Angeles State Historic Park. It’s dimly lit and sleek inside, but it’s worth the visit.
Here, mixologists in pharmacist’s uniforms serve beer or cocktails you won’t find anywhere else to drink on their gorgeous patio.
All Season Brewing Company
800 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (323) 591-0330
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As a tourist, there are a couple of must-see spots, and if you visit the La Brea Tar Pits, All Season Brewing Company should be your next stop because it’s just down the street from the exhibit.
It’s one of those fun places to get drinks made up of half refurbished garage and half brewery – it’s vintage cool.
Check out their nachos paired with a prickly pear cider on tap or any of their domestic drafts.
The Spare Room
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 769-7296
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Located just a minute’s walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Spare Room embodies the luxury of Old Hollywood.
It feels rich and sophisticated, like old money. Visit this elegant bar and chat with friends over drinks complimented by polished wood and vintage bowling lanes.
Try one of their signature cocktails or a bottle of cold cider with a snack, then soak up the classy atmosphere with live DJs almost every night.
Bar Bohemien
9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 730-6610
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Close to MGM Studios and Sony Pictures, Bar Bohemien, located in the Citizen Public Market, is a great place to meet a few friends for a special evening out.
As a tourist, this area has so much to see and do, but they’re an excellent evening stop.
Try one of their cocktails on their rooftop patio or pair a beer from their collection with one of the tasty dishes in the nearby food hall.
Akbar
4356 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (323) 665-6810
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The LGBTQ+-friendly Akbar proudly sits in North Silver Lake on Sunset Boulevard. The bar has welcoming vibes, and while it’s a gay bar, it avoids feeling exclusive thanks to its variety of clientele.
If you’re part of the community, visit and check out their small dance floor, vintage jukeboxes, and many friendly faces.
Los Angeles can be expensive, but this is the place for cheap and strong drinks, whether you like cocktails, highballs, or a good draft beer.
Grandmaster Recorders
1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 963-7800
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A few blocks south of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the trendy Grandmaster Recorders stands out in a sea of small coffee shops and cafes.
This beautiful space was formerly a recording studio catering to plenty of famous voices. After a remodel, it now offers interesting Italian-Australian food and drinks.
While their food menu is great, they also serve fantastic espresso martinis and other handcrafted cocktails like a gin gimlet on the rocks.
Everson Royce Bar
1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Phone: (213) 335-6166
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If you’re looking for trendy and classy but not pretentious, try Everson Royce Bar. It’s just north of the historic Ford Factory building and has made its mark on the community.
This is an upscale bar, but it’s comfortable for anyone to visit and quiet enough for after-work drinks or special occasions.
Drinks are varied and exciting. They serve wine by the glass, cocktails, boilermakers, and a good draft beer list.
The Varnish
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 265-7089
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Hidden in Los Angeles’s oldest public house behind Cole’s French Dip, this dark and moody bar will capture your imagination, and you’ll have difficulty deciding whether to share this secret spot.
Inside is small, but there’s plenty to look at, and during nights with music, it’s a great place to spend the evening.
Mixologists tend the bar here, so try their rotating list of cocktails, including the bartender’s choice.
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