Best Bars in LA: A Journey Through the City's Most Exceptional Watering Holes

Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis known for its glittering entertainment industry, palm-lined streets, and picture-perfect beaches, harbors another treasure that deserves equal recognition—its extraordinary bar scene. From hidden speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors to rooftop lounges offering panoramic views of the cityscape, LA's nightlife pulsates with an energy that's both infectious and distinctly Californian.

What makes the City of Angels' bar landscape so captivating is its remarkable diversity. Here, you'll find establishments that cater to every preference, mood, and occasion. Whether you're in the market for meticulously crafted cocktails that push the boundaries of mixology, seeking a laid-back spot to enjoy locally brewed beers, or hoping to sip wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific, LA delivers with characteristic flair.

The city's bar scene reflects its multicultural identity, drawing inspiration from the countless communities that call Los Angeles home. This cultural tapestry translates into drinking establishments that range from sophisticated hotel bars serving classic cocktails to eclectic neighborhood joints with personalities as vibrant as their clientele. For travelers exploring the West Coast, these venues offer windows into the soul of the city—places where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate life's moments against the backdrop of one of America's most dynamic urban centers.

As we embark on this journey through LA's finest drinking establishments, we'll explore venues that represent the pinnacle of the city's nightlife. These aren't merely places to grab a drink; they're destinations that promise memorable experiences through their distinctive atmospheres, innovative beverage programs, and the ineffable magic that transforms a good bar into a great one. For those who track their travels and collect experiences rather than just destinations, these bars deserve a special place in your LA itinerary.

The Varnish: Downtown LA's Hidden Gem

Nestled in the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles, The Varnish exemplifies the speakeasy revival that has swept through America's urban centers. To find this cocktail sanctuary, visitors must first locate Cole's, one of LA's oldest restaurants, famous for its French dip sandwiches. At the back of the establishment, an unmarked door leads to a dimly lit space that feels transported from the Prohibition era.

The Varnish doesn't rely on gimmicks or flashy décor to make its mark. Instead, the bar's reputation rests firmly on the shoulders of its exceptional cocktail program. Since opening in 2009, it has consistently ranked among the nation's top cocktail destinations, even earning a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. The bartenders approach their craft with a reverence that borders on scientific precision, yet the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious.

The menu features a rotating selection of meticulously crafted drinks that honor the classics while introducing subtle innovations. The Old Fashioned here achieves a perfect balance of whiskey, bitters, and sweetness, while their Manhattan might just ruin all future versions of this cocktail for you. For those feeling adventurous, simply tell the bartender your preferred spirits and flavor profiles, and prepare to be amazed by a bespoke creation.

What sets The Varnish apart from other speakeasy-style establishments is its genuine commitment to quality over showmanship. The space is intimate, accommodating only about 50 patrons at a time, which creates an environment where conversation flows as smoothly as the spirits. Live jazz piano on select evenings adds to the ambiance without overwhelming it, completing the time-travel experience.

For travelers collecting memorable nightlife experiences across the country, The Varnish represents a quintessential Los Angeles moment—a place where the city's historic past and innovative present converge in perfect harmony. The bar's dedication to craft mirrors the passion that drives many to document their journeys, seeking authentic experiences rather than tourist traps.

Elephante: Santa Monica's Mediterranean Escape

Perched above Santa Monica's bustling streets, Elephante offers something increasingly precious in Los Angeles—breathtaking ocean views combined with sophisticated drinking and dining. This rooftop bar and restaurant transports visitors to the sun-drenched shores of Southern Italy or Greece without leaving California, creating an atmosphere that feels both exotic and intimately connected to its Santa Monica setting.

The design of Elephante deserves special mention, as it masterfully creates distinct spaces within the overall venue. Natural woods, textured fabrics, and lush greenery combine to evoke a Mediterranean beach club aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the coastal views, while the outdoor terrace provides the perfect vantage point for watching the sun sink into the Pacific—a quintessential California experience that never grows old.

The cocktail program at Elephante draws inspiration from Mediterranean coastal regions, incorporating fresh herbs, citrus, and regional spirits. The Amalfi Coast-inspired limoncello spritz offers a refreshing option for daytime sipping, while the Elephante Negroni provides a complex, spirit-forward choice for evening indulgence. The wine list skews heavily toward Italian and Spanish selections, with several interesting options available by the glass.

Beyond drinks, Elephante distinguishes itself with a food menu that goes well beyond typical bar fare. Wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables prepared with Mediterranean simplicity complement the beverage offerings perfectly. The shared plates encourage a communal dining experience that enhances the social atmosphere.

Elephante attracts a stylish crowd, particularly during sunset hours and on weekends, when securing a spot requires advance planning or patience. The clientele typically includes a mix of entertainment industry professionals, fashion-forward locals, and visitors seeking that perfect Instagram moment with the ocean as backdrop. Despite its undeniable scene factor, the staff maintains a warm, welcoming approach that prevents the space from feeling exclusionary.

For travelers who appreciate tracking the aesthetic highlights of their journeys, Elephante represents the photogenic, aspirational side of Los Angeles—a place where natural beauty, design, and lifestyle converge in a setting that feels simultaneously accessible and extraordinary. The bar embodies California's indoor-outdoor living ideal while adding a touch of European sophistication.

The Roger Room: West Hollywood's Intimate Treasure

In a city often characterized by its sprawling geography and penchant for grandeur, The Roger Room offers a refreshing counterpoint—an intimate, almost secretive cocktail bar tucked away on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. From the outside, you might miss it entirely if not for the neon "Psychic" sign that serves as a playful misdirect, hinting at the slightly mysterious experience that awaits inside.

Crossing the threshold into The Roger Room reveals a space that feels like stepping into the private car of a vintage circus train. The décor strikes a delicate balance between whimsy and sophistication, featuring circus-themed artwork, antique mirrors, and rich, dark wood throughout. Despite its relatively small footprint, the bar never feels cramped, instead fostering a sense of cozy exclusivity that encourages lingering conversations.

The cocktail program at The Roger Room exemplifies the craft cocktail movement at its best—technically precise without veering into pretentiousness. Bartenders demonstrate clear expertise while maintaining approachability, happy to guide patrons through the menu or create something tailored to individual preferences. The menu itself changes seasonally but always includes both inventive house creations and impeccably executed classics.

Signature drinks might include the Thug—a complex blend of jalapeño-infused tequila, fresh lime, and ginger syrup—or the Japanese Maple, which combines Japanese whisky with maple syrup and bitters for a sophisticated take on sweetness. Each cocktail arrives beautifully garnished, demonstrating attention to detail without unnecessary flourishes.

What particularly distinguishes The Roger Room is its atmosphere, which manages to feel simultaneously exclusive and welcoming. The bar attracts an eclectic clientele ranging from industry insiders to cocktail enthusiasts, creating a dynamic social environment that remains remarkably civilized even during peak hours. The absence of TVs and relatively subdued music levels encourage actual conversation, a seemingly radical concept in some modern bars.

For travelers collecting experiences rather than just checking off destinations, The Roger Room represents the sophisticated side of LA's drinking culture—a place where quality and craftsmanship take precedence over scene or status. It's the type of establishment that rewards those willing to venture beyond obvious tourist destinations to discover where discerning locals actually drink.

Broken Shaker: A Global Oasis Above Downtown

When the Broken Shaker opened its Los Angeles outpost on the rooftop of the Freehand Hotel in Downtown LA, it brought with it a reputation already established through acclaimed locations in Miami, Chicago, and New York. Yet the LA iteration quickly developed its own distinctive identity, becoming one of the city's most celebrated rooftop drinking destinations by combining spectacular urban views with a cocktail program that defies easy categorization.

The physical space itself merits special attention. Occupying the Freehand's rooftop, Broken Shaker surrounds a small but inviting pool with various seating areas ranging from lounge chairs to communal tables. Lush plantings create semi-private nooks throughout the space, while string lights and fire features ensure the ambiance transitions seamlessly from day to night. The design somehow manages to feel simultaneously tropical, urban, and distinctly Californian—a perfect physical manifestation of the bar's border-crossing ethos.

What truly distinguishes Broken Shaker, however, is its wildly creative cocktail program that draws inspiration from global drinking traditions while incorporating distinctly local ingredients. The menu changes frequently, reflecting seasonal availability and the team's current inspirations, but always maintains a sense of playful experimentation grounded in solid technique.

You might encounter drinks featuring unexpected ingredients like ube (purple yam), curry spices, or house-made kimchi, often alongside more familiar components. A cocktail might combine mezcal with passion fruit and tajin spice for a Mexican-inspired concoction, or blend Japanese whisky with coconut and pandan for a Southeast Asian inflection. These cross-cultural creations never feel forced or gimmicky, instead offering genuine flavor explorations that reflect LA's multicultural identity.

The food menu complements this approach with globally-inspired small plates designed for sharing. From fish tacos to falafel to Korean fried chicken, the offerings provide perfect accompaniments to the inventive drink selection while reinforcing the international theme.

Broken Shaker attracts a diverse crowd that mirrors the hotel's blend of tourists and locals. The atmosphere strikes a balance between energetic and relaxed—music plays at a volume that allows conversation, and while the space certainly fills up during peak hours, it rarely feels uncomfortably packed. The staff navigates this environment with remarkable efficiency and genuine warmth, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

For travelers who appreciate documenting the evolution of global cocktail culture, Broken Shaker represents a fascinating case study in how international influences can be thoughtfully integrated into a distinctly local context. The bar embodies the borderless nature of contemporary mixology while remaining firmly rooted in its Downtown LA setting.

Good Times at Davey Wayne's: Hollywood's Nostalgic Playground

In a city built on cinematic fantasy, Good Times at Davey Wayne's stands out for its commitment to immersive storytelling through its detailed 1970s theme. Created by the Houston brothers, LA's renowned nightlife impresarios, this Hollywood bar doesn't just nod to the disco decade—it transports visitors there through a fully realized time-travel experience that begins with its unconventional entrance.

Accessing Good Times requires walking through what appears to be a vintage refrigerator door in an old garage sale setup. This theatrical entrance immediately signals that you're leaving the present behind, setting the stage for the retro wonderland that awaits. Once inside, every detail reinforces the period aesthetic—wood-paneled walls adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, macramé hangings, vinyl record covers, and furniture that looks straight out of The Brady Bunch.

The outdoor area extends this theme with AstroTurf, a vintage Airstream trailer that serves as a bar, and a roof that occasionally opens for snow cone service. On weekend afternoons, roller skaters in period-appropriate attire perform choreographed routines on a small platform, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere without veering into theme park territory.

The drink menu embraces the kitsch factor with cocktails named after 70s references while delivering solid flavor profiles that satisfy contemporary palates. The "Fuzzy Britches" might blend peach with bourbon and bitters, while the "Cisco Kid" could feature tequila with housemade horchata. These drinks come served in period-appropriate glassware, often garnished with retro flourishes like paper umbrellas or plastic animals.

Beer selection includes both craft options and deliberately downmarket choices that would have been popular during the era. For those embracing the full experience, boozy snow cones offer a playful alternative that fits perfectly with the bar's nostalgic vibe.

The soundtrack deserves special mention, featuring a carefully curated selection of 70s hits that avoids the most obvious choices in favor of deeper cuts that enhance the authenticity. Live bands occasionally perform, covering everything from Fleetwood Mac to Parliament Funkadelic with genuine appreciation rather than ironic distance.

What makes Good Times at Davey Wayne's particularly special is how it balances its high-concept premise with genuine hospitality. Despite the elaborate theme, the bar never feels gimmicky or forced. Instead, it creates an environment where the theatrical elements serve to break down social barriers, encouraging interactions among strangers united by the shared experience of this time-warp adventure.

For travelers who collect memorable nightlife experiences, Good Times offers something increasingly rare—a truly unique concept executed with both attention to detail and authentic warmth. It represents Hollywood at its best, where fantasy and reality blend to create something more enjoyable than either could be alone.

The Tapestry of LA's Bar Culture

Los Angeles reveals itself through its bars as much as through its beaches, museums, or studio tours. The establishments we've explored represent different facets of the city's personality—from the sophisticated craftsmanship of The Varnish to the Mediterranean-inspired elegance of Elephante, from the intimate charm of The Roger Room to the global influences at Broken Shaker, and the immersive nostalgia of Good Times at Davey Wayne's.

What unites these diverse venues is their commitment to creating experiences that transcend the simple act of serving drinks. Each offers a distinct atmosphere, point of view, and relationship to its surrounding neighborhood. Together, they form a tapestry that reflects LA's multifaceted character—simultaneously glamorous and down-to-earth, tradition-minded and innovative, globally influenced yet distinctly Californian.

For travelers who approach their journeys as collections of meaningful experiences rather than just destinations checked off a list, these bars provide entry points into understanding Los Angeles on a deeper level. Each visit becomes a story worth remembering, a moment that contributes to the narrative of your relationship with the city.

Those who use tools like Borderly AI to visualize their travel histories will find these LA bar experiences adding colorful data points to their personal maps. Beyond simply tracking flights and accommodations, truly memorable travel involves these intimate encounters with local culture—moments when you connect with a city through its gathering places and social rituals.

The beauty of exploring LA's bar scene lies in its accessibility. Unlike exclusive clubs with impossible door policies, these establishments welcome visitors who approach them with genuine curiosity and appreciation. Each offers a different window into understanding what makes this sprawling, complex city so endlessly fascinating.

As you plan your Los Angeles itinerary, consider allocating evenings to explore these distinctive drinking establishments. Whether you're seeking craft cocktails, architectural beauty, people-watching opportunities, or simply a comfortable place to unwind after a day of sightseeing, the city's best bars deliver experiences that will remain in your travel memories long after you've returned home.

Los Angeles invites you to discover its character one drink at a time, through establishments that reflect its diversity, creativity, and warmth. From downtown speakeasies to beachside rooftops, from intimate lounges to immersive theme bars, the city offers drinking experiences as varied and vibrant as LA itself. Each visit becomes not just a mark on your travel map but a story worth telling—a unique moment in your ongoing relationship with one of America's most captivating cities.