The best bars in Los Angeles

What is it? An award-winning casual cocktail bar in Historic Filipinotown known for its tech-forward, zero-waste approach to mixology.

Why we love it: Thunderbolt is the only bar-bar in Los Angeles that consistently makes the 50 Best Bars in North America. (The only other spot in L.A. to place on the list is Mírate in Los Feliz, which is technically a restaurant.) The Southern-inspired bar bites are great—after all, the food menu’s brought to us by the team at the Park’s Finest next door—but the drinks are the star of the show. Signature creations include the P-Town Boxing Club, made with pandan and coconut-washed rye, and entire menu sections dedicated to savory (“culinary adjacent”) drinks and texture-forward drinks like the Koji Killer: “a frozen painkiller with an umami punch.” Throw in a lively front patio, comfy leather sofas and top-notch playlists, and it’s no surprise we tend to stay all night.

Time Out tip: If you’re no stranger to Thunderbolt, check out owner Mike Capoferri’s newest project, Night on Earth. Located in the Cahuenga Pass, the futuristic Valley strip mall joint serves an entirely different menu of first-rate drinks built at 16 degrees Fahrenheit—three degrees cooler than the ones offered at Thunderbolt, which translates into a slightly colder mouthfeel and less reliance on ice.

What is it? The ritzy 90210 rooftop outpost of an award-winning New York City cocktail bar with amazing drinks and sweeping views of the hills.

Why we love it: While the coastal Italian cuisine is hit-or-miss, Dante Beverly Hills serves some of the best all-around drinks in town. There are 10 different iterations of the martini (all equally great), plus Dante’s signature “fluffy” orange juice Garibaldi and a few agave-based creations unique to Los Angeles. Given the area code, drink prices are higher than average; most run in the $19 to $30 range, but the overall quality and consistency makes them well worth the price. Since opening in 2023, the hype has finally subsided to the point that it’s possible to drop in more casually for a drink, though I’d still recommend making a reservation on the weekends or to catch the sunset. Plus, the luxurious ambience and a ninth-floor vantage point make for a wonderful backdrop whenever you’re enjoying a drink. One more unique aspect of Dante for the caffeine-sensitive: It’s one of the few places in town where you can find a decaf espresso martini.

Time Out tip: Not in the mood for a whole drink? Many of Dante’s signature cocktails can be made in half-portions, including a mini version of a Bloody Maria.

What is it? An apothecary-themed bar at the edge of Chinatown and the West Coast spinoff of New York City’s Apothéke.

Why we love it: The East Coast original first racked up acclaim through detail-driven, botanical-toned drinks in a dimly lit setting. Here in L.A., the vibe, atmosphere and menu are all similar, with a few unique drinks for good measure. True to the apothecary theme, cocktails are paired off into cures for what ails ya: stress relievers, stimulants, pain killers, euphorics and more, and they might include produce, tinctures or bitters such as cantaloupe, bee pollen, bell pepper, sage, coconut charcoal, or a honeyed chamomile cordial. Don’t miss out on the side patio—one of the cutest in the city—nor the live programming, which includes DJ sets on the weekends. While there are no listed non-alcoholic options on the menu, the bartender is happy to create something to your liking, and a few of the house signatures can usually be made booze-free.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to close out your tab before you leave; Apothéke will automatically add 20% gratuity to any credit card tab left at the end of the night.

What is it? A converted Craftsman bungalow in Los Feliz that’s home to one of the most creative cocktail programs in the city.

Why we love it: The boozier counterpart of Alcove, a charming neighborhood café and bakery that operates next door, Big Bar is the IRL equivalent of Cheers. The bar team whips up housemade syrups, oft-rotating concoctions and one of the most cheeky, fun-loving menus in L.A. Puns, drink accessories and non-alcoholic cocktails abound, but don’t think they can’t do classics; the martinis, margs and spritzes here are some of the best in town—and all the better on that wonderful, well-heated patio. Follow Big Bar on Instagram for the bar’s latest creation; most recently, the bar team whipped up a new menu inspired by road trip destinations across California. Think an apple-infused rye cocktail (Julian), a gin-based creation flavored with tangelo shrub (Orange County) and a CBD-spiked brandy drink (Humboldt). A five-hour-long weekday happy hour (2–7pm), dubbed “Eastern Standard”, also features $10 cocktails, $8 wines by the glass and small plates under $12.

Time Out tip: If you love Bloody Marys, Big Bar is your spot—they serve a top-flight rendition of the tomato-based vodka cocktail all day, not just during brunch hours.

What is it? The quintessential Koreatown drinking spot, known for its dim lighting, wood panel interiors and delicious anju, or Korean drinking snacks.

Why we love it: The food’s delicious, affordable and available until 2am, but the real reason why so many Angelenos head to Dan Sung Sa are the impeccable vibes and cheap drinks. Stepping through its doors can make you feel like you’ve been transported back to a late-20th-century Seoul pojangmacha—according to Eater, owner Caroline Cho constructed the bar based on her own memories of South Korea’s tented street pubs when she first opened it in 1997. Laminated menus present an array of over 90 food items, all of which are meant to be eaten alongside bottles of sake, fruit and yogurt-flavored soju, baekseju (an herb-infused rice wine) and makgeolli, a lightly sparkling, off-white rice wine that manages to read on the palate as sweet, tangy and bitter all at once. Pro tip: Order the corn cheese.

Time Out tip: Come here early if you know what’s good for you; wait times on weekends and most evenings can stretch to an hour or more. For a similar experience with little to no wait, I recommend Hanshin Pocha down the street, though the ambience there isn’t quite as fun.

What is it? A first-rate West Hollywood cocktail bar run by hospitality and nightlife veterans Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson.

Why we love it: You see it on the coasters, you see it atop the foam on your drink: “YES.” It’s the unofficial ethos of Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson’s high-minded cocktail bar, where it’s best to just go with the flow because everything off that order-by-the-spirit menu is going to be good. But first, you have to find it: Look for the neon “PSYCHIC” sign on La Cienega, then enter through a curtain to find a handful of seasonal cocktails in addition to classics-leaning drinks split into categories of sparkling, rum, tequila, whiskey, gin, vodka and even absinthe. The place fills up fast, particularly on nights when there are larger comedy acts at the Largo next door, so stop by early or late. The lights are low and the drinks are spot-on, making it a perfect place to bring a date—or go solo and bring yourself on one.

Time Out tip: Can’t decide what to order? This is one of the few spots in town where you’ll never regret ordering the bartender’s choice.

What is it? A relaxed indoor-outdoor cocktail bar in the Arts District serving some of the city’s tastiest, most reasonably priced cocktails.

Why we love it: You enter beneath the neon sign hanging over the door—it just reads “BAR,” you can’t miss it—and the second you’re in, you’ll probably agree with the second neon you see: “My, that’s better.” Stepping into Everson Royce Bar is like heaving a sigh of relief, a boozy boon to the Arts District that feels part elegant cocktail den, part raucous patio party. No matter which experience you choose (based on where you choose to sit), you’ll be ordering some of L.A.’s best cocktails. They come inspired by Los Angeles and seasonal produce—we recommend the long-time favorite Yo LA Tengo, which comes packed with mezcal, grapefruit, Aperol, ginger and lime, or the Ginger’s Last Kiss, which involves, you guessed it, ginger. Head here during happy hour for $11 cocktails, $8 nachos and more.

Time Out tip: Order the single cheeseburger—it’s on our list of the best burgers in Los Angeles.

What is it? A Prohibition-themed cocktail bar on Melrose Avenue known for affordable, well-balanced drinks and excellent atmosphere.

Why we love it: The antique decor might seem passé by today’s standards, but the great cocktails, fairly affordable prices and date night-friendly ambience have helped make Melrose Umbrella Co. a reliable mainstay within L.A.’s generally fickle bar and nightlife scene. Since 2013, this dimly lit Melrose Avenue watering hole has kept the good times coming with a fleet of reasonably priced cocktails broken into five sections: “bright & refreshing,” “greatest hits,” “from the tropics” (tiki-inspired) and “spirit-forward,” plus four distinctive house takes on the Old Fashioned. For a big night out with friends, there’s a surprisingly drinkable scorpion bowl—the best we’ve ever tasted. An extensive food menu caters to those feeling peckish, while the string-lit heated patio at the back offers a cozy fireplace and couches to linger on.

Time Out tip: If you’re in search of a more westward hangout, owners Austin Melrose and Zach Patterson also run the Corner Door in Culver City, which offers the same delicious cocktails in a more casual Westside atmosphere.

What is it? An L-shaped bar inside Mar Vista’s Little Fatty serving the Westside’s best cocktails.

Why we love it: Beverage director Ramsey Musk’s ever-changing cocktail menu somehow makes even the most de rigueur drinks feel exciting. During daily happy hour (5–6pm, 10–11pm), you’ll find $11 versions of “club classics done right,” like an apple martini made with Thai basil and Granny Smith apple cordial. But Musk impresses us most with his regular cocktail menu, which dares to be different with savory ingredients like scallion-black pepper oil and truffle honey. The current theme is “Human Archetypes,” which features inventive, well-balanced creations like the Self (an agave-based drink involving raspberry, red bell pepper and grapefruit soda). These days, you can also order some of Accomplice’s most popular drinks from over the years, like the IYKYK Milk Punch, rimmed with strawberry daiquiri powder.

Time Out tip: Right now, there aren’t any non-alcoholic signatures on the menu, but Accomplice has long been one of my favorite places to grab a mocktail. Even so, I would still recommend heading here for booze-free versions of a handful of house signatures or a zero-ABV bartender’s choice.

What is it? An ultra-trendy, picturesque aperitivo bar in Eagle Rock with an extensive amaro selection and a killer Negroni.

Why we love it: The retro Italian American charm might be slightly contrived, but the atmosphere of la dolce vita is wholly genuine at Capri Club. Unlike most L.A. watering holes, this intimate bar sits at the nexus of casual, stylish and cool. Always packed nightly with well-dressed patrons sipping away on aperol spritzes, frozen drinks and all the manner of wine and cocktails, the indoor-outdoor watering hole is currently one of the most fun places to go out in Los Angeles—if your idea of fun happens to be spending a laid-back afternoon or evening with a date or a few friends sipping on drinks, snacking on tasty, reasonably priced Italian bar bites and enjoying life to the fullest. The frozen Negroni is also the best adults-only slushie in town.

Time Out tip: Be prepared to jostle for a table or even just a seat on weekend evenings, when the see-and-be-seen crowd spills out onto the sidewalk.

What is it? A new-school watering hole in Eagle Rock known for its affordable, craft-inclined selection of craft beer, wine and cider.
Why we love it: What happens when a dive meets pinball meets meticulous throwback touches and hot dogs to match? You get Walt’s, which serves locally made beer and cider, plus natural wine and eternal classics like cans of ice-cold Hamm’s. The mood is casual and the vibe is immaculate, and there’s almost nowhere in Northeast Los Angeles I’d rather haunt for a glass of beer and a giant pretzel. Hot dogs, vegan dogs and chips are all on offer, too. The casual atmosphere translates into a locals-heavy crowd and plenty of folks with dogs—so if you want a chill place to drink and bring Fido that isn’t a rowdy, ultra-crowded brewery, Walt’s is one of the best bets in town.
Time Out tip: Stop by at 8pm on Wednesdays for $5 tournament nights—and don’t forget to bring some cash; while there’s a change machine, it only takes $1s and $5s.

What is it? A refined cocktail bar inside the Hollywood Roosevelt with an indoor bowling alley and glamorous Old Hollywood vibes.

Why we love it: It’s easy to get caught up in the mayhem of Hollywood Boulevard. But if you dodge the multiple Spider-Men posing for pics outside of the Chinese Theatre and instead head upstairs to the Spare Room, you’ll be rewarded with spirits so startlingly refined, it’s as though you’ve traveled back in time. That’s not to say that the Spare Room isn’t modern: The cocktail bar’s signature drinks scream “fun” with modern flair. Take the Drag Queen’s Gambit, which uses sake, sesame and chili oil to add intrigue to your standard herbaceous gin-based cocktail. The bar team works magic into flamboyant concoctions and understated classics alike; unwavering since its 2011 launch, the Spare Room is undeniably one of the top bars in the city—or anywhere, really.

Time Out tip: Check the bar’s events calendar before heading out the door; the Spare Room is often closed or may open late due to private events, sometimes with minimal notice.

What is it? A groovy Arts District cocktail lounge from the team behind De La Nonna next door.

Why we love it: The nostalgia cycle has come for the ’70s—and the Let’s Go is right on the money with tasty, deftly made house drinks and DJs spinning a groove-worthy mix that might bounce from lo-fi hip-hop to Italo disco hits as the night goes on. On the weekends, revelers fill up the tiny dancefloor, but even more relaxed weekend evenings feel a little festive soak under all those glittering disco balls. A nightclub, this isn’t—the space is just a tad too small for that—but dangerously delicious cocktails like the Limoncello Last Word and a hi-fi sound system make for a glamorous night out that just might make you want to get up and dance.

Time Out tip: For a more relaxed vibe, arrive early on a weekday—the Let’s Go opens up at 5pm, and offers $12 happy hour cocktails until 8pm.

What is it? An ornate cocktail bar in Downtown’s Historic Core serving unusually delicious cocktails and one of the city’s best burgers.

Why we love it: Stepping into the Wolves is like a trip to the early 20th century. Antique lamps, sconces and art dot the space, while an old train station’s stained glass arches make up the awe-inspiring ceiling. In its post-lockdown era, the Wolves now features a serious specialty cocktail program by bar lead Nathan McCullough, who takes a culinary approach to mixology, plus a standout bistro-style burger crafted by consulting chef Laurent Quenioux. Here, you’ll find oddly delicious drinks made with unusual ingredients: asparagus (Answered Preyers), shiitake mushrooms (Let Them Talk) and salmon skin (Skin Deep). For the novelty-inclined, there’s a weekly farm-to-glass cocktail special, where McCullough uses a different ingredient from the farmers’ market to create an entirely different cocktail.

Time Out tip: There’s a small outdoor bar upstairs for taking in a bit of fresh air, but the best seats in the house are at the main bar.

What is it? Dollar for dollar, the best tiki bar in L.A. County—and one of the most destination-worthy bars in Long Beach.

Why we love it: The city of L.A. has its fair share of tiki bars, but it doesn’t have anything as downright chill as this prime tiki joint down in Long Beach. Home to killer tropical cocktails and vinyl nights, the Bamboo Club serves up some of the most affordable tiki concoctions in greater Los Angeles; most drinks run about $14 to $16, and man, are they strong. There are tiki classics, rum-free creations and a section of the menu devoted to coconut, which includes our favorite Bamboo Club drink: the Bye Bye Birdie, where a classic piña colada gets a nutty twist with vodka and macadamia liqueur. What really seals the deal is the bar’s tasty island-inspired food menu, which includes Spam musubi, adobo pork belly over rice and fried chicken topped with teriyaki sauce. Compared to Silver Lake’s ultra-crowded Tiki-Ti and the booked-out nature of the newer Lucky Tiki in West Hollywood, we’ll take a longer trip down the 405 any day.

Time Out tip: If it’s your first time here, order the Thai tea brined fried chicken sandwich, one of the Bamboo Club’s most popular items.

What is it? An expansive, all-purpose informal Mid-Wilshire bar that’s great for large groups and pet owners.

Why we love it: Housed in the historic Firestone tire station on La Brea, All Season Brewing hits the mark in terms of ambience, convenience and quality drink offerings. Beer lovers flock here for All Season’s extensive list of brews, which runs heavy on IPAs and lagers, but those who’d rather sip on something fruity will be more than sated by their tropical-leaning cocktails on tap, including a delicious mezcal paloma. A menu of draft wines and classic cocktails, delicious snacks from Chicas Tacos, arcade games and Skee-Ball round out a night at the expansive open-air brewery, which also has an excellent weekday happy hour menu (3–7pm) that includes $6 shots, $10 margaritas and $2 off select beers. It’s the perfect centrally located spot to catch the game or meet up for a casual hang with friends.

Time Out tip: If you’re frustrated by the lack of parking (the surrounding neighborhoods are strictly permitted after 6pm), All Season Brewing offers valet after 5pm every day but Sunday.

What is it? An underground bar in the Arts District and the L.A. outpost of a famous NYC cocktail bar known for its use of rare spirits and high-quality ingredients.

Why we love it: The chances of you, a mere mortal, walking into Death & Co. without a reservation on a weekend are slim to none, but the bar still has some of the best (and most expensive!) drinks in the city. Flavor profiles and vibes divide the menu under labels like “light and playful” and “boozy and honest.” The majority of drinks run in the $24 to $26 range—just the kind of the sky-high prices you’ll have to pay for time-tested techniques and a vast array of unique, hard-to-find spirits. If you’re in search of cheaper drinks, Death & Co. offers a happy hour (Mon–Wed, Sun 6–8pm) that includes $13 cocktails and half off bar snacks like popcorn and chip-and-dip. Beginning on February 10, the bar will also run a special menu in honor of Black History Month that features Black-owned spirit brands and drinks by Black bartenders, including Death & Co’s very own Joshua White (NYC) and Javelle Taft (DC).

Time Out tip: In both spaces, a slightly damp, “old building” smell hangs in the air, and anyone who’s closed their tab at Death & Co. proper will definitely feel pressured by staff to leave.