Best Rooftop Bars Los Angeles for Views and Vibes
Los Angeles has nearly year-round sunshine and some of the most dramatic skyline views in the country. Finding the best rooftop bars in LA is honestly a worthwhile pursuit.
Whether you’re a local just bored of your usual Friday night spot or a visitor squeezing the most out of a weekend trip, drinking above the city just changes the whole vibe.
From classic downtown perches with twinkling skyline views to beachside rooftops where you can watch the sun drop into the Pacific, the city has a rooftop bar for every mood, budget, and occasion.
The trick is knowing which ones are actually worth your time and which ones just look good on Instagram (yeah, we’ve all been fooled).
This guide covers the rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants Los Angeles locals actually go back to. Picks are organized by vibe, neighborhood, and what kind of night you’re after, so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.
Key Takeaways
- The top Los Angeles rooftop spots range from refined cocktail lounges to live-music party bars. Matching the vibe to your plans matters more than chasing whatever’s trending.
- Downtown, Hollywood, and the Westside all offer a distinct rooftop experience—think fire pit lounges, skyline panoramas, or ocean sunset views.
- Choosing between date night, group outing, or full-on dinner narrows your options fast and helps you lock in the right reservation.
Top Rooftop Bars Worth Prioritizing First
A handful of rooftop bars in Los Angeles really stand out for their consistency, drinks, and atmosphere. These four spots cover a lot: fine dining, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and late-night energy.
Perch LA for Classic Downtown Views
The Perch Los Angeles is one of the city’s most reliable rooftop experiences. It sits 15 floors above Pershing Square, pairing French-inspired bistro food with sweeping views of the skyline.
The two-level outdoor terrace is strung with warm lights and feels genuinely special after dark. Cocktails lean classic, and the wine list is solid.
If you haven’t been to a LA rooftop bar before, Perch is a strong first pick. It delivers on both food and views without feeling exclusive or pretentious.
Dante Beverly Hills for Refined Cocktails
Dante Beverly Hills brings the award-winning cocktail program of New York’s Dante to the rooftop of The Maybourne Hotel. The menu focuses on spritzes, negronis, and Italian-inspired cocktails made with serious precision.
Views stretch across Beverly Hills toward the hills, and the setting is polished but not stuffy. It’s a great pick when you want quality drinks in a calm, upscale space.
Desert 5 Spot for Music and Hollywood Energy
Desert 5 Spot at Hollywood Volume is where a rooftop bar meets a live music venue. The retro desert-inspired decor pulls from vintage Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, so it feels distinctly SoCal.
A house band plays nightly, weekend DJs keep things lively, and the cocktail menu is playful—think Heartache Medication and Ring of Fire. This is the spot if you want your rooftop night to feel like an actual event, not just drinks.
Bar Lis for Stylish Late-Night Drinks
Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood channels a bit of French Riviera with cypress trees, a central fountain, and plush seating. The cocktail list has drinks like the Parisian Sunset and Mon Chéri, both worth a try.
The crowd is stylish and the energy ramps up as the night goes on. If you’re looking for a rooftop bar LA scene that’s lively past 11 PM, Bar Lis usually delivers.
Best Picks by Neighborhood and View
Los Angeles is massive, and the rooftop experience changes a lot depending on where you are. Downtown is all about dense skyline views, Hollywood puts you near the hills and the Sunset Strip, and the Westside means ocean panoramas.
Downtown Los Angeles Skylines and Fire Pit Lounges
Downtown LA has the highest concentration of rooftop bars in the city. Here are the ones you should know:
- Cara Cara at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel has 360-degree views, cozy fire pits, and a seasonal menu from James Beard Award-winning chefs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne.
- Spire 73 sits on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental—yep, it’s the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
- La Lo La Rooftop at the AC/Moxy is on the 34th floor with 270-degree wraparound views, live music, and shareable plates.
Downtown rooftops tend to feel more upscale and are great for special occasions or date nights.
Hollywood Rooftops Near Sunset and the Hills
Hollywood rooftops trade pure skyline height for proximity to the hills, the Hollywood Sign, and the buzz of Sunset Boulevard.
The Highlight Room at Dream Hollywood spans 11,000 square feet with panoramic views from the Hollywood Sign to Downtown LA. It’s pool-adjacent during the day and DJ-driven at night.
E.P. & L.P. is one of the largest rooftop patios in LA and sits right on the Sunset Strip. Pitcher cocktails like California Dreamin’ and views of the Hollywood Hills make it a favorite for groups.
Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel West Hollywood offers sweeping views from above the Sunset Strip, plus food from Top Chef alum Chris Crary.
Westside and Beachfront Rooftops for Ocean Sunsets
If a rooftop bar with a sunset over the ocean is what you’re after, head west.
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach puts you steps from the boardwalk and skatepark, with unobstructed sunset views. The vibe is relaxed and beachy—no need to dress up.
Élephante in Santa Monica blends coastal Italian food with ocean views and a Mediterranean atmosphere. Three bars serve wine and cocktails, so it’s as much a rooftop restaurant as a bar.
Margot in Culver City rounds out the Westside picks with Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, and a striking indoor/outdoor rooftop design.
How to Choose the Right Spot for Your Plans
The right rooftop bar really depends on what kind of night you want. A romantic dinner is a whole different thing than a birthday with ten friends. Here’s how to match your plans to the right rooftop.
Best for Date Night and Special Occasions
For date night, you want good lighting, manageable noise, and a menu worth lingering over.
| Spot | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Perch Restaurant | Elegant two-level terrace, French bistro menu, warm string lights |
| Dante Beverly Hills | Refined cocktails, calm atmosphere, Beverly Hills views |
| Cara Cara | Fire pits, intimate nooks, seasonal chef-driven menu |
All three are hotel rooftop bar Los Angeles options that feel special but not stuffy. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
Best for Group Outings and Weekend Energy
With a group, you need space, energy, and shareable drinks—simple as that.
- E.P. & L.P. has pitcher cocktails and one of the biggest rooftop patios in LA.
- Desert 5 Spot keeps groups entertained with live music, DJs, and a lively crowd.
- Golden Hour at Level 8 in Downtown LA features a rotating carousel bar, fire dancers, and a Sunday pool party series.
- The Highlight Room is a pool scene by day and a DJ-driven party at night.
These spots are built for energy and work best with a crew. Don’t be afraid to show up ready for a good time.
Best for Dinner, Small Plates, and Full-Service Dining
Some rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles get skipped over by visitors who think they’re just for drinks. That’s a mistake.
Cara Cara brings out a seasonal menu—think lobster rolls, chipotle carrot tacos, and a handful of surprises. Élephante leans into coastal Italian, with pasta, seafood, and a wine list that’s honestly pretty tempting.
Perch Restaurant goes for the full bistro vibe, serving appetizers, entrees, and desserts high above the city. If you care about food as much as the view, these three are worth a shot.
By the way, dinner reservations are smart—especially if you don’t want to get turned away on a busy night.
