From Alcohol-Free Bars to Trendy Bottle Shops, Check Out These LA Hot Spots (Without Waking Up With a Hangover the Next Day)
Mocktails have definitely been having their moment in 2023! Whether you’re sober-curious or simply want to cut back on the booze, mocktails make for a great alternative to your typical adult beverage. They’re tasty, refreshing and still make for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. Basically, they have all of the same benefits of a cocktail minus the alcohol (which means, minus the hangover the next morning). If you’re looking to socialize and sip but remain sober, we’ve got you covered with a solid list of where to go out in LA when you’re in the mood for mocktails.
Bar Nuda
Bar Nuda is the latest and greatest bar to hit Abbot Kinney. However, don’t expect to take shots or get a buzz—Bar Nuda is 100% alcohol-free. Explore a variety of mocktails and booze-free libations made with real ingredients provided by the planet as you mix and mingle at the bar. One of the coolest things to sip on at Bar Nuda is the housemade vermouth. This zero-proof vermouth contains cinnamon, cinnamon leaf, juniper, star anise, damiana de California, orange blossom, angelica root and an alcohol-free gin from Ritual Zero Proof.
Location: Venice
APB
Located in the heart of Melrose Ave, APB is a cozy vegan bar that specializes in all things plant-based. APB literally stands for “A Plant Bar,” so expect refreshing drinks and vegan sushi from Niku Nashi. In addition to the regular cocktails, APB also has an entire list of “dry libations” that cater to every kind of palate. Order the What’s My Sage Again? to enjoy notes of hops, citrus and sage for something earthy and fresh. The Ramos Fizz is a bit more complex and is made with Amass Riverine, vegan egg whites, rosewater and fresh rose petals.
Location: West Hollywood
The New Bar
Another Venice staple (would you expect anything else?), New Bar has made a name for itself as being the premier booze-free bottle shop on the Westside. New Bar even made an appearance at Coachella 2023, proving that the mocktail life is spreading to all kinds of events and gatherings. From non-alcoholic wines and beers to zero-proof whiskeys, tequilas and rums, New Bar has it all. You can even partake in a tasting before making a purchase. Since the tasting menu rotates regularly, you’ll be able to try something new each time you visit.
Location: Venice
Brooklyn Ave Pizza Co.
In need of some drinks and bites in Boyle Heights? Stop by Brooklyn Ave Pizza Co. for a slice, some wings and a refreshing cup of agua fresca. Though patrons do have the option to make the drink boozy with their choice of liquor, a housemade agua fresca is the ideal drink for those seeking something fruity and alcohol-free. The guava-Jamaica habanero is a local favorite that has a spicy kick. If you’re in need of something to cool you down, the pineapple cucumber mint agua fresca is the ideal refresher on hot LA day.
Location: Boyle Heights
Asterid by Ray Garcia
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Asterid by Ray Garcia is the ideal spot for a date night out on the town. Thanks to top-notch beverage director Chris Chernock, diners can choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. While the menu features tasty mocktails like the spice-forward Coconut Milk Punch, the restaurant also serves alcohol-free wines and beers. Alcohol-free wine can be hard to come by in restaurants, making Asterid the ideal place to bring your lover who loves vino but not the hangover. The 0.0% French Bloom Le Blanc can be ordered by the bottle or glass.
Location: DTLA
Belles Beach House
Belles Beach House is a tropical oasis located in the heart of Venice Beach. The Hawaiian-inspired decor and menu make you want to sip on something fruity and refreshing, and thankfully, there are a few mocktails on the menu that do just the trick. In fact, there are nine different non-alcoholic spritzers to choose from. If you want something sweet yet herbal, go for the Blueberry Shiso Coconut Spritz. The Redwing Spritz is also ideal for those who need more of an energy boost thanks to the Red Bull Watermelon in it.
Location: Venice
Boisson
Boisson is bringing booze-free living to LA. This sophisticated and modern bottle shop features shelves upon shelves of zero-proof spirits, beers and wines. Whether you’re hosting a dry dinner party or are attending a sober birthday picnic, Boission has plenty of alternatives to alcohol. In addition to smaller brands, Boisson also sells alcohol-free draught from brands like Guinness and Heineken. Those looking to get a non-booze-induced buzz will appreciate the hemp and adaptogen-infused drinks, and you can even pick up some new glassware for your bar while shopping.
Location: Brentwood and Studio City
Cassia
Whether you want to grab a table and have a full dinner or simply post up at the bar, Cassia never fails to impress. The Southeast Asian fare is met with French influences, resulting in a dynamic menu that is full of flavor and creativity. In addition to the amazing cocktails that range from light and citrusy to spirit-forward, Cassia also offers a few non-alcoholic options. Pair your meal with a nonalcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing Co. or sip on the Chamomile Sour that is made with Spiritless Kentucky 74.
Location: Santa Monica
Soft Spirits
Enjoy your mocktails at home by visiting Soft Spirits and picking up some of your non-alcoholic favorites. Soft Spirits was actually the first non-alcoholic bottle shop to hit the city, and there’s no denying that they started a major mocktail trend. In addition to alternatives to classic spirits and liquors, there are also tons of booze-free wines and beers. From Katy Perry’s De Soi to other adaptogen-infused beverages like Hiyo and Ghia, the “sip while sober” options are endless. Impress your guests with stunning drinks that taste great and leave you feeling even better.
Location: Silver Lake
Wolfsglen
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Formerly known as Fellow, Wolfsglen is a chic Westwood hotspot that serves up handmade pastas and seasonal entrees in a fine-dining atmosphere. With two elevated mocktail options on the drink list, Wolfsglen ensures that sober diners are able to pair their meal with an elegant libation. The Falooda is a fruity and refreshing blend of watermelon basil seed, rose and mint. If you’re looking for a booze-free buzz, the Buzz Lively is made with adaptogens and caffeine plus some zesty ginger and lime.
Location: Westwood
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
