LA lounges and bars: Thirsty Crow
Photograph: Jakob N. LaymanLA lounges and bars: Thirsty Crow
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

LA lounges and bars: Where to drink in Los Angeles

From Irish bars and cocktail lounges to rooftop bars and beachside dives, your where-to-drink guide to LA lounges and bars.

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From craft brews in Los Feliz to hand-crafted whiskey cocktails in Silver Lake, LA's lounges and bars are as varied as its neighborhoods. Navigate the city's bar scene with your cheat sheet of where to drink now. Bottoms up!

LA bar reviews

  • Southwestern American
  • Santa Monica
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Inspired by New Mexico, this neighborhood watering hole serves tasty nachos, margaritas and plenty of the state’s famous hatch chilies.  

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  • Hollywood
  • price 2 of 4

The retro-fabulous design—and not the drinks—takes center stage at this new Hollywood watering hole that’s less of a cocktail bar and more of a vibe. Walk through 800 Degrees to the back of the pizzeria and up a staircase near the bathrooms to reach this hidden bar that looks like a vinyl shop bred with the basement in That ’70s Show. The handful of cocktails on offer could use more balance and finesse, but it’s hard to argue with a setting this fun and an all-vinyl soundtrack; the later the night gets, the louder the Michael Jackson plays.

  • Wine bars
  • Chinatown
  • price 3 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Look for the pink neon beneath Metro’s Chinatown stop and you’ll find one of the city’s chicest wine bars. The latest from Bar Covell and Augustine owner Dustin Lancaster, Oriel not only brings French wines and a modern, hanging-plant haven to the neighborhood—it also offers some of the best French bistro fare on the Eastside. Staff could use a bit more training (any server at a wine bar should be aware of natural wine and whether it’s offered), but the neon’s rose-hued glow, coupled with the romance of that well-rounded wine selection—especially those available by the bottle—makes it easy to fall in love with Oriel.
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