Los Angeles is famous for sunshine, beaches, and movie stars, but when the sun sets, the city truly comes alive. From hidden cocktail lounges to rooftop bars and dance floors, the best bars in LA have something for every kind of night owl.
If you’re planning a relaxed drink with friends or a full night of dancing, LA’s nightlife scene delivers energy, creativity, and unforgettable vibes.
In this guide, we’re rounding up six best bars in LA located in Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach. You’ll find classic cocktails, ocean sunsets, live music, rooftop views, and iconic party spots (all in one list!). Let’s raise a glass and get into some of the most memorable Los Angeles bars you won’t want to miss.
🎇 Death & Co Los Angeles (Downtown LA)
Death & Co Los Angeles | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for a polished cocktail experience, Death & Co easily earns its spot among the best bars in LA. Originally from New York, this Downtown LA outpost brought serious mixology credibility to the Arts District. The space feels intimate and stylish, with low lighting, plush seating, and a calm-but-cool energy.
Come here to slow things down and focus on expertly crafted drinks. Bartenders are known for their precision and creativity, and the menu balances classics with inventive house cocktails. It’s perfect for date nights, small groups, or anyone who truly loves cocktails.
Pair your evening with Downtown LA tours by exploring attractions and nightlife options to plan a full night out!
🍸Popular drinks: Classic Old Fashioned, Seasonal signature cocktails, Whiskey-forward house creations
Address: 818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA
How to get there: Metro Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District, then walk
🍹 Venice Beach Bar (Venice Beach)
Assorted Cocktails in Venice Beach | Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt on Pexels
For laid-back vibes and ocean views, Venice Beach Bar earns its place among the best bars in LA. Located right by the boardwalk, this spot delivers the kind of relaxed energy Venice Beach is known for. It’s breezy, casual, and always buzzing with locals and travelers.
Man performing on skate park in Venice Beach | Photo Credit: Josh Hild on Pexels
Grab a drink, watch skaters roll by, and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Pacific. This is one of those Los Angeles bars where time slows down, and the moment feels easy. It’s also a great stop after booking the LA City and Beach tour, where you can watch skaters and surfers in Venice Beach.
🍸Popular drinks: Frozen margaritas, spicy watermelon cocktails, local craft beers
Address: 40 Whaler’s Walk, Venice, CA
How to get there: Drive or take a rideshare; parking is limited nearby
🎶 Harvard & Stone (Hollywood)
Performance in Harvard & Stone | Photo Credit: Flickr
Harvard & Stone brings together live music, strong drinks, and a welcoming crowd. This Hollywood favorite stands out among the best bars in LA for its energetic yet intimate feel. Many nights feature live bands or DJs, giving the space a pulse without turning it into a packed club.
Sit at the bar, talk with bartenders, and enjoy cocktails that lean classic with a modern twist. It’s a smart choice if you want a fun night without the chaos of larger nightclubs in Los Angeles. You can build a full Hollywood evening by pairing this stop with a Los Angeles sightseeing tour to see the iconic Hollywood sign!
🍸Popular drinks: Smoked whiskey cocktails, Negronis, seasonal house drinks
Address: 5221 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
How to get there: Take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Vine, then walk
💃 Employees Only (West Hollywood)
Preparing Espresso Martini | Photo Credit: Ayberk Mirza on Pexels
If your night starts late and ends even later, Employees Only is one of the best bars in LA for nonstop energy. Known for strong pours and buzzing crowds, this West Hollywood hotspot blends cocktail lounge vibes with a dance-floor feel. As the night goes on, the music gets louder and the room fills fast.
Start your evening sipping cocktails then stay for a dance. It’s also a great intro to West Hollywood nightlife, especially if you want something livelier than a quiet bar but more stylish than a mega club. It’s a great spot to unwind after taking photos of all the iconic LA attractions from the Grand Bus Tour in Los Angeles!
🍸 Popular drinks: EO Gimlet, Amaretto Sour, Espresso Martini
Address: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
How to get there: Best reached by rideshare due to heavy nightlife traffic
🌆 Perch (Downtown LA)
Cozy rooftop bar in Downtown LA | Photo Credit: Jay Moon on Pexels
Looking for a stunning rooftop bar Los Angeles travelers rave about? Perch gives you amazing skyline views, French-inspired cocktails, and a romantic atmosphere. It’s one of the most visually striking entries on any best bars in LA list.
Dress up, grab a seat outdoors, and enjoy live jazz or DJ sets while the city lights sparkle around you. It’s ideal for celebrations, date nights, or impressing out-of-town guests. Make your night even smoother by booking a Los Angeles car rental so you won’t have to think about getting to/and from the bar!
🍸Popular drinks: French 75, lavender cocktails, champagne drinks
Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA
How to get there: Metro Red or Purple Line to 7th Street/Metro Center
🌈 The Abbey (West Hollywood)
The Abbey West Hollywood | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Abbey is more than a bar, it’s a nightlife institution. Famous for high-energy parties and inclusive vibes, it’s usually named as one of the best bars in LA and the most popular nightclubs in Los Angeles. The patio, dance floors, and themed nights keep the energy high from open to close!
Celebrate all night long, dance, and make new friends. It’s a perfect way to end the day after going down Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, City & Beach Tour! It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience LA nightlife at its boldest.
🍸Popular drinks: Vodka sodas, colorful house cocktails, champagne bottles
Address: 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
How to get there: Rideshare recommended, especially on weekends
FAQs About the Best Bars in LA
What bars do celebrities go to in LA?
Celebrities often visit bars in West Hollywood and Hollywood, especially spots like The Abbey or upscale lounges near Sunset Boulevard. These places offer privacy, stylish crowds, and strong security. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, these areas are known celebrity hangouts.
What are the best bars in downtown LA?
Downtown LA is home to standout spots like The Varnish and Perch. You’ll find everything from hidden speakeasies to elegant rooftop bars. It’s one of the best areas for variety and easy bar hopping.
What are some unique bar experiences in LA?
LA has rooftop views, beachfront bars, and hidden speakeasies. You can sip cocktails by the ocean in Venice or enjoy skyline views in Downtown LA. This mix makes the best bars in LA feel truly special.
What is the most popular nightclub in LA?
The Abbey is often considered one of the most popular nightclubs in Los Angeles. Its mix of dancing, themed nights, and high-energy crowds keeps it packed most nights of the week.
Is L.A. known for nightlife?
Yes, LA is famous for its nightlife. From relaxed cocktail lounges to massive clubs, the city offers endless options. The best bars in LA reflect the city’s creativity, diversity, and nonstop energy!
Ready to Experience the Best Bars in LA?
People drinking shots in Los Angeles bar | Photo Credit: Isabella Mendes on Pexels
If you’re sipping cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, dancing until sunrise, or watching the sunset with a drink in hand, the best bars in LA promise unforgettable nights.
Start planning your evenings, book experiences through Klook, and dive into the nightlife that makes Los Angeles shine after dark. Cheers to your next great LA night out 🍹✨
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