With its year-round sunny weather, Los Angeles is second to none when it comes to rooftop bars. From poolside lounges and hidden gems to restaurants by some of the city’s most famous chefs, read on for the best bars in LA to enjoy an elevated drink experience.

AC HOTEL BEVERLY HILLS

Located a half-mile from the new Academy Museum, LACMA and the Petersen, the AC Hotel Beverly Hills features an 11th floor Rooftop Lounge that serves signature cocktails and tapas to share. Sit at the indoor bar, or step outside to enjoy the expansive views of the Miracle Mile and beyond.

BAR BOHÉMIEN – CITIZEN PUBLIC MARKET

Opened in November 2020, Culver City’s Citizen Public Market is housed in the landmark 1929 Citizen Publishing Company Building. The food hall’s offerings include Bang Bang Noodles, Go Go Bird, goodboybob, Ilé Bistro, Jolly Oyster, Uoichiba and WEHO Sausage Co.

Citizen’s rooftop bar, Bar Bohémien is inspired by the building’s history, cocktail bars in Paris and New York, and the tapas culture of Spain. The 2,400 square-foot space is the brainchild of Andrew Corbett, Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi – the team behind Cafe Birdie, Horse Thief BBQ, Ichijiku Sushi, and the now-closed Ma’am Sir. Cocktails include the Moonchild, a Penicillin riff with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Lemon, Banana-Ginger, Orange Honey, Walnut Bitters; and the frozen Parisian Cafe (Rye, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Oat Milk, Cold Brew, Licor 43, Whipped Cream).

BAR LIS – THOMPSON HOLLYWOOD

Take a trip to the French Riviera at Bar Lis, which evokes the South of France with a chic design that includes a central water fountain, plush banquettes and dozens of cypress trees. Sip the spirit of the Cote D’Azur with a glass of champagne or cocktails like the French Riviera (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Pineapple Gomme, Lime) and the Strawberry Fields (Belvedere Vodka, St. Germain, Strawberry, Mint, Lemon, Rhubarb, Bubbles).

The kitchen is helmed by former Bar Temps chef Lincoln Carson, who serves up canapés like Blistered Shishitos, Kusshi Oysters, Hamachi Crudo and Regiis Ova Caviar. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Peach Melba, Bananas Foster, and “Sundae” Glacée.

BROKEN SHAKER – FREEHAND LOS ANGELES

A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up an eclectic menu of craft cocktails and small bites. The playful drinks include the PB&J Old Fashioned, L.A. Breeze (Botanist Gin, Giffard Framboise, Dimmi, Elderflower Tonic, Opal Basil) and Seaweed Papi (Roku Gin, Iichiko Shochu, kombu-infused Martini Bianco, Yuzu Bitters). Keep the party going with cocktails to-go, which serve eight.

CARA CARA – DOWNTOWN LA PROPER HOTEL

James Beard Award winning restaurateurs, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne are opening three dining destinations at the Downtown LA Proper, the highly anticipated hotel in the historic Broadway Corridor.

Located on the 5,000 square-foot rooftop, Cara Cara is a poolside restaurant and lounge with market-driven cocktails and globally inspired dishes like local seafood aquachile, seasonal focaccias from the wood-fired oven, and tacos.