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Best Rooftop Bars in L.A.

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Without a doubt, rooftops are one of the best places to enjoy a drink in Los Angeles, and the reverse is true as well. The skies are clear 284 days out of the year here in LA. Pair that with mild temperatures all year long and you get unbeatable conditions for being outside.

Picture this – you’re tens of stories up on a rooftop bar in Downtown LA, it’s 7:45 PM on a summer evening, and you’ve already had a few delectable cocktails poured down the hatch. As you sip on your latest concoction, the sun begins to set. The sky fills with hues of yellow and orange, then pink, purple and red, and the glass faces of buildings light up with a golden hue. You feel a tear running down your face as the pure beauty of the scene sets in. You think to yourself, “There is nowhere I’d rather be than here in this moment.” Of course, you said that to your date last night, and to the date before that… But this time it’s different. This time you’ve fallen hard for the city itself – welcome to LA.

Rooftop bars are quintessentially LA, and we’ve compiled a list of the best ones for you to live the California dream. Check out all venues and upcoming events on the Discotech App.

Highlight Room – Hollywood

Perched upon the top of the Dream Hollywood hotel is one of Tao Group’s latest concepts – Highlight Room. The rooftop space contains a pool, lounge, and grill to cater toward any rooftop experience you may seek. Highlight room not only offers one of Hollywood’s best viewpoints, but it also offers a state-of-the-art sound systems and world-class DJs. The day club is open to the public only on weekends, while many nights a week are open to all who are looking to party.

Explore upcoming events and book tables for Highlight Room on the Discotech App.

The Rooftop at The Standard – Downtown

The Standard rooftop has got it all. Up top you will find the bar, a heated pool, a red Astroturf deck, a dance floor, nightly DJs, fireplaces, and even waterbeds. Don’t be worried if you’re feeling hungry up there, the food at The Standard rooftop is super solid.

Browse upcoming events and book bottle service for the Standard Rooftop on the Discotech App.

Skybar at Mondrian – West Hollywood

Skybar at Mondrian is the place to be for rooftop parties. There are regular pool parties all summer long at Skybar, both day and night, with world-class DJs setting the vibe. With its spectacular views and chic aesthetic, Skybar is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Check out upcoming events and book tables for Skybar on the Discotech App.

The Fonda Theatre – Hollywood

The Fonda Theatre, one of LA’s most intimate concert venues, is home to a lesser known rooftop where you can enjoy a fantastic drink, while watching a live feed of the show inside.

Browse upcoming shows and purchase tickets for the Fonda Theatre on the Discotech App.

Broken Shaker – Downtown

Broken Shaker is one of the trendiest rooftop bars that LA has to offer. It’s a colorful palm-filled haven for those seeking eclectic cocktails, amazing views, and street-food style dishes. This beachy venue is as lively as it looks, drawing the hippest crowds nightly. The bar is also open during the day so you can satisfy your needs for a cold tropical cocktail.

Élephante – West LA (Santa Monica)

The view from Élephante is perhaps the best in all of Santa Monica – a bold claim for such a beautiful, iconic scene. Not only will you get incredible views of the California coastline at Élephante, but you will also get to see some of the most absurdly good looking people in California. The all-day restaurant-bar has deliciously bright seasonal foods and refreshing cocktails to match. The decor will make you jealous, and you’re sure to be headed home with ideas for how to remodel your sunny, posh California living room. Élephante is incredibly popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Spire 73 – Downtown

Spire 73 lays on top of the tallest building west of the Mississippi, which makes Spire 73 the highest point in LA to grab a drink, and the highest open air bar in the Western hemisphere! From here, you can truly see all of LA. Classic cocktails are served here to guests lounging fireside on luxurious lounge chairs. If you’re not a guest of the hotel below, there is a $20 cover, but $10 of that goes toward drinks Sunday through Thursday.

Mama Shelter – Hollywood

Dance all day and night on the roof of this Hollywood hotel. The roof of Mama Shelter carries that Mediterranean vibe, with bright colors and a real liveliness to rejuvenate your senses. Sip on a cocktail or a glass of sangria as you look upon the golden city from up high, with a delicious plate of food right in your lap.

Upstairs – Downtown

On its fifth year running, the Ace Hotel’s rooftop gem has become an absolute classic in the rooftop scene. Pool, check. Bar, check. Fire, check. Awesome design where modern meets historical LA, big check. The venue is a fantastic stop for any and all who are looking for a place to vibe. Upstairs draws an incredibly eclectic crowd, so all you people watchers will sure get a kick. To top it off, the middle eastern cuisine is superb.

Perch – Downtown

With a French Bistro-like look, lush plants, and elegant furniture, Perch is the perfect place for a classy, pleasant, and relaxed night (or day) out. The 15th floor is a restaurant, bar and lounge, while the 16th is an open-air rooftop bar for drinks only. While there is often a DJ to set the mood, sometimes you might stumble upon some live jazz to really spice up the evening. Incredible views of downtown LA top off this class venue.

Rooftops are one of the best ways to truly experience LA. Be sure to check out the Discotech App for all of your rooftop needs!

Broken Shaker – NYC’s Hottest New Rooftop Bar

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New Yorkers are lining up around the block to get into Broken Shaker, a new cocktail bar that sits atop the Freehand Hotel in Gramercy Park. But there, on the 18th floor, you won’t find the pricey bottle service and snobby clientele common to many hot spots.

Rather, the bar, which has outposts in Miami, Chicago and LA, has a chill, egalitarian vibe that draws an eclectic and hip crowd for its exotic cocktails.

“Everybody’s welcome and treated the same,” says co-owner Gabe Orta, 39, who runs the group of subtly tropical watering holes with buddy Elad Zvi. “We’re not changing the foundation of what Shaker is about: We want everyone to feel like they’re at home.”

With its straw-shaded light fixtures and brightly patterned wallpaper, the wood-paneled space feels like an Afro-Caribbean rec room. Funk, reggae and soul emanate from an old-school, reel-to-reel audio tape and DJs will spin on occasion. A huge outdoor space wraps around the indoor bar, offering 360-degree views of Midtown, along with plenty of out-of-the-way nooks perfect for discreet canoodling.

On a recent night, the clientele was a mix of creative types, tech guys and Instagram babes — quite a different crowd than the one that previously occupied the space.

“Apparently Joey Ramone once lived in the hotel [back when it was a fleabag called the George Washington] and Keith Haring hung out here,” says Zvi. “ The outdoor part of the bar used to be a sun deck. The indoor part was a game room.”

The first Broken Shaker launched in 2012, originally as a pop-up at the Freehand in Miami. It quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its fresh juice-infused cocktails and mellow atmosphere. It has since expanded to other Freehand outposts — each with its own distinct feel.

For New York, head bartender Evan Hawkins, formerly of the acclaimed Mother’s Ruin, has created a number of drinks (all $16) inspired by the Big Apple. They include the tequila-based Curry in a Hurry, named for a nearby Indian spot of the same name, and the Smillie, a beet-based cordial that honors Orta and Zvi’s friend, Upland chef Justin Smillie. There’s even a bagel-based drink.

The Poppyseed Bagel Fizz is made by soaking poppy seed bagels from downtown’s Black Seed in water, sugar and yeast overnight and then mixing the resulting liquid with liquor.

“We create a kind of bagel beer and use it to make a gin fizz,” says Zvi. Expect more New York-specific drinks in the future, along with bar games such as Jenga, chess and backgammon.

“We used to visit [NYC] every month to be inspired,” says Orta. “Now, being here and actually living here, we’re finding new ways to be inspired all the time. It all ties together.”

A concise, international menu features elevated bar food from South American arepas to Middle Eastern dips.

Locals who loved the Florida original are thrilled to have a Broken Shaker of their own.

“I felt like I was traveling to Florida without having to buy an airline ticket,” says Gary Toriello, 52, a web designer from Jersey City, who praised the balanced cocktails and nice glassware. “I’ll definitely be back.”

The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles

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So what’s the perfect venue to enjoy Los Angeles weather, take in chill vibes and imbibe potent potables all in one locale?

A rooftop bar, of course!

To that end we made it my mission to scout 10 of the coolest rooftop bars in Los Angeles just for you and yes they all come with incredible views, lush scenery, and delicious cocktails.

But whether or not you choose to enjoy them? Well, that’s totally optional.

List starts after the jump (in no particular order).

1. The Andaz Sundeck

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Having the highest rooftop swimming pool in Los Angeles is a nice title to have in this town. The Andaz in West Hollywood offers panoramic views of Hollywood and the Sunset Strip on the Sun deck year round. Lay out on a day bed or cozy up and watch the sunset across Los Angeles while enjoying hand crafted cocktails and snacks from the pool menu.

2. High Rooftop Lounge

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In Venice beach the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop bar appropriately named High is the prime spot to catch a beach sunset. This place has a laid back atmosphere, awesome munchies and nightly drink specials year round. On chilly nights they even pass out blankets and turn on the heat lamps, how thoughtful right?

3. Perch Los Angeles

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Unobstructed views of downtown and very clear view of the neighboring Central Library Perch has been claimed one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in Los Angeles. A talented team of mixologists, tasty food and a beautiful french inspired ambiance has caused this place to form lines every weekend. The vibe is upscale which also means it can get pricey. To avoid the line make a reservation. Looking to try Perch on a budget? They have a happy hour!

4. Upstairs At The Ace Hotel

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Upstairs at the Ace is a buzzing hot spot perfect for kicking back and watching all the cool kids socialize. The moroccan themed roof deck host events nightly with special DJ guests paired with a nicely curated drink menu and YES there is a pool. Do yourself a favor and check out their events calendar it’s filled with fun and free events seven days a week.

5. The Fonda

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Catching a show at the Fonda is fun but the added bonus is pretty cool as well… walk up to the second floor and take the mini stairs up into the rooftop. Astroturf, delicate strung up lights, tables, couches and even a open air hall sits right above the building. Guest take their smoke breaks, order drinks and take in the views. Don’t worry about missing the show, they have it projected on a screen with the sound on. Nice touch Fonda I approve!

6. The Standard Rooftop Bar

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A view like none other The Standard offers a 360 degree view right in the heart of DTLA. Engulfed by surrounding skyscrapers the hotel opens its rooftop to the public with free admission during the week and a nominal entrance fee (usually $20) during the weekends. Owned by the same hotelier as the Chateau Marmont this mod themed bar has water bed pods, a pool and a projector screening classic flicks. The addition of the Biergarten on the west end of the open air deck is a nice touch for those who want to kick back away from the crowd and dance floor.

7. The Redbury

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The SBE group is synonymous with Hollywoods most popular hotspots so it is no surprise when The Redbury opened it became a favorite for people looking for low key nights. The bar is set like a private library with two awesome and free pool tables! Sit outside and lounge on the comfy sofas, the streams of lights and candles create an intimate vibe tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood Boulevard.

8. Suite 700

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Perched atop the iconic Hotel Shangri-La is Santa Monica’s famous indoor/outdoor rooftop bar & lounge Suite 700. Once a penthouse suite in the landmark hotel, Suite 700 and it’s deco inspired digs captures an elusive sense of Hollywood glamour at the ocean. The rooftop bar provides beautiful views of the ocean and the Santa Monica Promenade making it a perfect place to catch the sunset.

9. The London Rooftop

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Perched on the 10th floor of the hotel, the rooftop offers guests a beautiful panoramic view of West Hollywood. Inspired by a traditional English garden this place has an intimate feel to it but things can get crazy over the summer here. Just an FYI the roof top is open to guests for those who want to visit a reservation must be made.

10. SkyBar At The Mondrian

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A Hollywood favorite from the time it opened, Sky Bar is situated in the heart of Sunset Boulevard. Pretty young things like to lounge by the pool with a drink and listen to guest DJs spin the latest top tunes. A bit pricey but like any prime hot spot they tend to factor the view in with the bill. Remember to get on the guest list for the weekends for no hassle entry.

Originally reported on We Like LA.