In Los Angeles, a city that has been captured by countless classic movie shots, the daytime sunshine and swaying palm trees are the most common scenery, warm and bright. However, when night falls, the other side of the city begins to show: the lights of high-rise buildings light up the skyline, and neon lights and traffic interweave into a flowing picture. Los Angeles at night is like a gorgeous visual feast, intoxicating.
The best way to take in this beautiful scenery is to climb the city’s unique high-altitude bars. There, holding a glass of exquisitely mixed cocktails, looking through the glass railings, overlooking the flashing lights and flowing street scenes. The tipsy wind gently brushes across your face, as if quietly injecting the rhythm of the city into your heartbeat. Such an experience is both romantic and shocking, and becomes the most precious memory of every night.
1. Perch: Skyline romance in French style
Location and atmosphere
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Perch seems to be a reproduction of French Parisian style under the California sky. It is located on the 15th floor of a historic building, with the skyscrapers of the financial district in the sunset on one side and the retro open-air seats like Parisian cafes on the other. The light yellow lights sprinkled on the iron seats and the retro tiled floors add a touch of tenderness to this night. There are jazz performances on site from time to time, which is the perfect background music for dates or drinking alone.
Drinks and food recommendations
Perch’s cocktail menu is inspired by French classics. It is recommended to try the “French Maid”, which is made of gin, cucumber, mint and ginger ale. It is fresh and spicy, just like the rhythm of this city. With a “Steak Frites” or “Charcuterie Board”, you can sit for hours between dusk and night.
Reservation method and cost
Perch is popular, and it is strongly recommended to make reservations in advance through third-party platforms such as OpenTable or Resy. The price of the main course is about 25 to 45 US dollars, and the price of cocktails is generally between 16 and 22 US dollars. The dress code is smart casual, and it is recommended to avoid wearing slippers or sportswear.
Recommended crowd
Dating couples, friends gathering, tourists visiting Los Angeles for the first time; suitable for those who want to experience art and retro romance at night.
2. Spire 73: The highest open-air bar in the United States
Location and atmosphere
Spire 73 is well-known. It is the highest open rooftop bar in the United States, located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles. Not only is the height amazing, but the overall design is also very modern. The floor-to-ceiling fire pot and lounge chairs surround the center of the bar, like an air living room floating above the starry sky. 360-degree city night view without dead ends, the lights of Los Angeles Airport and the glimmer of the Pacific Ocean in the distance are all in sight.
Drinks and food recommendations
The special cocktail recommendation “Skyline Vesper” is based on vodka and dry martini, mixed with lavender syrup and orange blossom water, and has an elegant flavor. The snacks here tend to be delicate and light, such as lobster rolls, truffle fries and pan-fried scallops, which are just right for light drinks.
Reservation method and cost
Reservations must be made through the hotel’s official website or through third-party booking platforms such as Tock, especially during weekends and holidays. The minimum consumption per person is usually US$50 to US$75, and special boxes or viewing seats require additional consumption. The dress code is strict, so it is recommended to check the official instructions in advance.
Recommended crowd
Business negotiations, couples celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, and those who like to check in and take pictures of the city landscape.
3. EP & LP: A combination of fashion and tropical atmosphere
Location and atmosphere
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, EP & LP is a dual space that combines Asian restaurants and high-altitude bars. The bar is located in the rooftop LP area, surrounded by tropical plants and arched curtains to create a relaxing feeling of Bali vacation. DJ resident, young and fashionable guests and spacious open-air sofa area constitute this late-night social scene.
Drinks and food recommendations
Recommended “Bangkok Dangerous”, with tequila as the base, mixed with grapefruit juice and Thai chili, strong and with Southeast Asian flavor. If you want to dine, you can move to the EP restaurant on the lower floor to enjoy modern Asian cuisine, such as Vietnamese beef bowls and lemongrass chicken wings, which have rich flavors.
Reservation method and cost
Reservations can be made through platforms such as SevenRooms or Yelp Reservation. LP Rooftop does not require mandatory dining, but reservations are recommended to avoid waiting in line. The average price of drinks is about US$18, and the average per capita consumption of food is between US$40-60.
Recommended crowd
Young couples, Internet celebrities, bloggers, and party groups who like music and tropical atmosphere.
4. The Roof on Wilshire: Secret Garden at Sunset
Location and Atmosphere
This rooftop bar on the top floor of The Wilshire Hotel is located in the Miracle Mile area. Unlike the hustle and bustle of downtown bars, it is more like a quiet city garden. The open-air swimming pool, vine-climbing railings and exquisite lighting create a light luxury but not exaggerated atmosphere, which is best for watching the sunset and having a drink at dusk.
Drinks and food recommendations
Recommend the “Pacific Sunset”, a cocktail made with passion fruit liqueur, lime juice and vanilla syrup, which is refreshing and pleasant. Paired with their “Baja Fish Tacos” or “Crawfish Cheese Potato Balls”, both the taste buds and the eyes will be satisfied.
Reservation method and cost
Reservations can be made through OpenTable or the hotel front desk. The time before sunset is especially popular. The price is affordable, with main dishes ranging from about $18 to $28 and cocktails ranging from $14 to $18. There is no mandatory consumption, but the space is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Recommended crowd
Couples who want to relax at night, backpackers who take a break during the journey, and urban people who pursue a balance between cost-effectiveness and scenery.
5. Harriet’s Rooftop: Retro and elegant starlight party
Location and atmosphere
Located on the top floor of the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood, Harriet’s is a rooftop bar between the romance of old movies and modern fashion. The crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas and copper railings make this place look like a scene from “The Great Gatsby”. At night, the city lights are reflected in the black and gold space, which is extremely charming.
Drinks and Food Recommendations
The recommended cocktail is “Gatsby Affair”, which is a mixture of black cherry bourbon and cinnamon bitters with a subtle vanilla aftertaste. The food is more refined party dishes, such as smoked salmon tartare, crab meat fried balls and cheese platter, which are just right with the wine.
Reservation method and cost
Book through Resy. Seats vary slightly depending on the view, and prices start from a minimum of $40 per person. Some sofa seats require additional prepayment.
Recommended crowd
Night party lovers, social masters who value the photo atmosphere, and mid-to-high-end customers who pursue retro tones.
6. Broken Shaker at Freehand LA: Colorful Bohemian style
Location and atmosphere
This high-altitude bar hidden on the top floor of the Freehand Hotel is full of hippie and bohemian style. Colorful rattan chairs, tropical plants and hand-painted murals form a very Instagram-like picture. The small bar tables by the pool and the relaxed music atmosphere make people feel like they are in Miami or a street party in Latin America.
Drinks and Food Recommendations
The signature cocktail “Rum Punch Shaker” is recommended, which is made with fresh tropical fruits and spirits. It is full of portions and has a tropical flavor. The Latin snacks such as fried corn balls and Mexican spicy chicken wings are rich in flavor and reasonably priced.
Reservation method and cost
You can make an appointment through Yelp Reservation or go directly to the hotel front desk. The overall price is affordable, with an average consumption of US$30 to US$50 per person, which is suitable for a casual drink. There is no minimum consumption limit and no dress code. It is the most relaxed and free choice.
Recommended group
Backpackers, independent travelers, nightlife lovers who love bohemian style and relaxed social occasions.
Rooftop Bar in Los Angeles is not just a place to drink, but also a part of the city’s culture and lifestyle. You can choose to raise champagne between skyscrapers in the financial district, or sway colorful cups under tropical lights. Different bars are suitable for different people – romantic couples, fashionable check-in crowds, photographers pursuing scenery or travelers who simply want to relax for a day.
When night falls, please remember to raise a glass on the rooftop for the city and yourself. Because in Los Angeles, even the night is worth celebrating.
