7 Best Rooftop Bars in Downtown LA

Drinks just taste better when your head is in the clouds and they are accompanied by stunning skyline views. Don’t you think? Luckily, when it comes to sky-high spaces in the City of Angels, there are plenty from which to choose! Whether you are looking for a few beers in a casual bar or an elegant elevated affair, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy alcohol at altitude in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Downtown LA, that rise above the rest.

7 Best Rooftop Bars in Downtown LA, How do these rankings work?

1. Broken Shaker

Broken Shaker in the heart of Downtown LA is an Instagrammable, kitsch, palm-laden rooftop bar on top of the Freehand Hotel. Cocktails are as colourful and eclectic as the decor and cool mixologists make them with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients – try the L.A Bae with Grey Goose vodka, Suze and fresh lemon juice. With a buzzing atmosphere and incredible views, it’s the perfect summer daytime drinking spot. Being 14 storeys high, you get some great views of the LA Skyline. There is a rooftop pool here too, but that is only for guests of the hotel to use.

2. The Standard Hotel

If you are looking for a rooftop bar in Downtown LA where you can wet your whistle and the rest, then head to the rooftop at the Standard Hotel. Here you’ll not only find a bar, but also a heated rooftop pool with stunning panoramic views of LA. The space also houses a red AstroTurf deck, dance floor, large film projector, DJ booth, outdoor fireplace, waterbed pods, and sculptured topiary.

3. Perch LA

For majestic views of the skyscrapers of Los Angeles, head to Perch on South Hill Street in DTLA. This open-air rooftop terrace is up on the 15th floor. It is warm and inviting with lots of comfy seats and cosy fireplaces. The rooftop is strictly drinks-only, but there is a terrific selection of creative cocktails and wine, including bubbly, by the glass. Enjoy these drinks whilst listening and dancing to live DJs or jazz bands as you soak up the views and friendly atmosphere. The weekday happy hour is not to be missed.

4. Spire 73

Soaring 73 floors above Downtown LA, Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. You’ll find this sky-high bar in the InterContinental Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard. Relax in the lux lounge with its firepits, classic cocktails and comfortable seats and take in the sweeping and simply stunning views of the LA skyline. This is an impressive spot and makes for a great first-date location.

5. Upstairs

Upstairs is a Moroccan oasis perched on top of the trendy Ace Hotel in DTLA. This open-air roof deck is a buzzing spot laden with foliage and greenery that make you feel like you are in an urban oasis far from the chaos of the city below. The drink menu features creative cocktails, for instance, the Kentucky Mai Tai and the food is a wonderful offering of flavourful Middle Eastern fayre.

6. The Roof on Wilshire

With a handy location on Miracle Mile next to LACMA, Pedersen Museum and Academy Museum, the Hotel Wilshire rooftop is a great place to pop up for a drink after a day of soaking up the culture in LA. From here, you can soak up the views of the city as well as soak in the pool (on pre-arrangement). The Roof on Wilshire rooftop bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the menu features twists on American classics. As for drinks? You’ll find delicious carafes of mimosas and bloody marys, as well as signature cocktails, selected wines and beer on tap.

7. The Rooftop at the NoMad

The NoMad Los Angeles Hotel has a wonderful rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. This rooftop bar also has an outdoor café and a lushly landscaped pool area, though the pool is reserved for hotel guests from sunrise to sunset. The café and bar, however, are open to the public all day. Make yourself comfy and order some NoMad classic cocktails and enjoy dishes from the seasonal menu.