Best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles
Why are the best cocktail bars in Los Angeles so memorable? As a quick skim of the city’s top offerings reminds us, L.A. has no shortage of incredible places to grab a cold beer at, or sleek wine bars where you can dine on charcuterie – but the city’s cocktail scene is where the town truly thrives. Whether you decide to check out Broken Shaker for its rooftop views, Everson Royce Bar for the food, or The Walker Inn for its exclusivity, you’ll have no trouble finding top-notch venues that will impress you with their inventive flavors and unique presentations. Ready to enjoy a night out on the town? Be sure to stop by the following venues – among the best cocktail bars in Los Angeles, California – to see what all the fuss is about.
1927 Hillhurst Ave
Despite the misnomer, Big Bar is actually praised for its intimate atmosphere. The welcoming interior fits less than 20 people and is stacked with kitschy knickknacks, and there’s also a food menu featuring bar bites that range from “big” plates like crab toast or beef sliders to “bigger” truffle fries, and “biggest” charcuterie plates. The cocktails, like the Mango Fandango, have descriptions like “tastes like mango sticky rice,” or “made exclusively for Big Bar,” for the Hortus Vitiosus. Come here because there’s always a new invention waiting to be tried, and because the presentation is priceless: Some drinks even come with origami paper and instructions.
1233 N. Vine Street
Sassafras took the basic parts of a Savannah townhouse, converted them to a bar in Hollywood, and customers have been happily sipping cocktails here ever since. No matter if you choose to settle down in the living room, dining room, or front patio, you’ll be surrounded by mix and match Old West furniture and a signature Southern flare. Featured cocktails have sassafras root in them, with other combinations include the likes of bourbon and limoncello in the Baby Got Sauce or three different rums in the Hurricane. Check out the menu for hush puppies, fried mac and cheese balls, and more great comfort foods.
3612 W 6th St
The Walker Inn requires a bit of detective work to find, but like most speakeasies, it’s ultimately worth the effort in the end. Just travel to the back of the bar of Hotel Normandie and hit the buzzer to enter a world where unexpected cocktails meet an omakase-style. The ambiance is dimly lit and romantic and the drinks make it even better – try the Beehive to experience what it’s like to mix gin and honey, or The Boating, which features a mix of eucalyptus, tequila, and dry vermouth. There’s also a tasting menu, which lets you try more than one option at the bar, for $70 per person, but it requires a reservation.
12517 W Washington Blvd
Old Man Bar is tucked away in the back of Hatchet Hall, and while it may be filled with a variety of age groups, the name definitely does an apt job at preparing you for the taxidermy, deer antlers, and other animal skulls that decorate this dark and intimate space. The specialty here is Old Fashioneds, and you’ll find them made in a variety of different ways, in addition to a barrel-aged whiskey list. Try “The Exceptional,” which replaces bourbon with scotch to produce a smoky flavor. Or, you can opt for the Bartender’s Choice, which will always be exciting and refreshing. Either option will lead you to a reclining leather chair to end the night on.
370 La Cienega Blvd
The motto at The Roger Room is “nothing but the best,” and the continuous high quality of this venue’s cocktails makes the sentiment ring true night after night. The walls are lined with vintage circus memorabilia and there are numerous booth seating options to get comfortable with a group, which add to the ‘70s vibe here. If you like vanilla, the Spiced Mule offers a welcome balance of rum, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and those seeking a light liquor drink will enjoy Four Aces, which comes with vodka, basil, and green grapes inside. There isn’t really any food, though, so be sure to eat before you come here to avoid going hungry.
416 W 8th St
Nothing says LA quite like a rooftop with a view or a Tiki bar. Broken Shaker features both, featuring views of downtown, two separate Tiki-inspired bars to grab drinks at, and a pool to lounge in while you enjoy your cocktails. The names are just as inventive as the drinks, like “Rupaul’s Baby” or “Tai Hard” and “Hang Loose Brah,” and many more that match the tropical ambiance. If you and a group of people are feeling ambitious, there’s a special batch of punch for anywhere between 8-12 people that’s packed with tequila to enjoy as well.
7953 Santa Monica Blvd
Employees Only brought iconic and chic NYC cocktail culture to the streets of West Hollywood and has been a hit ever since. Even though the main dining room is occasionally crowded, The Henry Room in the back is slightly hectic and offers the vibe of an elegant lounge, without all the pressure of formal attire and a simple food menu to match any drink or palette. Cocktails like The Ginger Smash, made with Carta Blanca rum, or the Bundle Of Joy, made with green tea vodka, pair perfectly with small bites like shrimp cocktail, grilled steak, and pepperoni wood-fired pizza.
1936 E 7th St
The seemingly plain exterior of E.R.B. is ambiguous enough to deter some, but if you go beyond the nondescript sign that simply says “bar” and venture into the space, you’ll find a bright and airy ambiance that leads you to a back patio. Though the cocktails are great, the crispy buttermilk fried biscuits keep people coming back more than anything here, so it is advisable to come on an empty stomach before diving into bar bites like steamed buns or burgers with an icy cold cocktail. The Yo LA Tengo, made with mezcal and aperol, or one of the frozen slushies will help tide you over on a hot day. Don’t forget to try the Southern Squall, which combines nutmeg, mint, and white rum in one mouth-watering concoction.
12477 Washington Blvd
The Corner Door offers both seasonal options and reliable regulars, so whether it’s stirred, shaken, or on-tap, their motto is still “come on in.” The drink menu is actually separated into these categories, with notable options being the Coco D’Oro, which is shaken and made with coconut mezcal and tumeric, as well as A Bitter Affair, with is stirred and made with gin and campari. Oysters, lamb tacos, and stuffed squash blossoms are examples of some of the small fare that’s up for grabs on the menu, but we recommend getting dessert here. The strawberry shortcake gets two hearty thumbs up.
11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City
Mister O’s is the place you go if you want to enjoy a new twist on a classic drink. Its inside is reminiscent of a Mad Men set, and creates an ideal atmosphere for enjoying drinks like Mister Old Fashioned, which combines bourbon, candy cap mushrooms, and brown butter. The East Manhattan, made with 10 year-old bourbon and lapsung, is also a strong contender if you’re just looking to try one drink. If you do want something stronger, there’s a Scorpion bowl that comes in a size that’s made for 1 or 2 people. Try the fried turmeric bread if you want something to sop up the alcohol.
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For more on the best cocktail bars in Los Angeles, also check out:
Eater LA - The 13 Hottest Cocktail Spots in L.A
Time Out - The Best Cocktail Bars in L.A
Thrillist - The Best Cocktail Bars in L.A