Credit: Michael Mundy
Credit: Michael Mundy

20 of the Best Rooftops in Los Angeles Ideal for a Summer Afternoon

Because Your Cocktails Deserve a Better View

Sipping spicy mezcal under city lights is an LA rite of passage. This is a city built for rooftop living. Beach breezes, skyscraper skylines, and well-placed string lights turn your drink into a moment. But with so many options, how do you know which ones are actually worth climbing for? Bestie, we’ve got you. We’ve rounded up the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles! Those that pair unforgettable views with inventive menus, scene-worthy energy, and cocktails that go heavy on both style and spirit. So grab your sunnies, your crew, and maybe a reservation—you’re going up.

 

Bar Funke

Credit: Eric Wolfinger

Created by renowned LA chef Evan Funke, Bar Funke is a small but stylish rooftop located in the heart of Beverly Hills. The pink quartz marble bar top invites guests to enjoy a post-work drink at golden hour, while the spacious couches and small bistro tables are perfect for those seeking a full sit-down meal. Take in the sweeping city and mountain views while sipping on a timeless Aperol Spritz, or explore one of the signature cocktails like the Sicilia, a Sicilian take on the margarita, while experiencing the best of al fresco dining. As is the case at any Evan Funke restaurant, the handmade pasta is a must, but the crispy squash blossoms are a delightful appetizer that shouldn’t be missed.Ā 

Location: Beverly Hills

 

La Lo La RooftopĀ 

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: Michael Mundy

Situated 34 floors above the city, La Lo La Rooftop spans 4,000 square feet across the top of the AC Hotel Downtown LA. The buzzy atmosphere is brought to life with desert plants, overhead string lights and live musical performances. Though you’ll find plenty of people standing and dancing on the weekends, there are also plenty of couches and barstools where guests can take a load off while sipping a frozen margarita or La Lo La’s signature sangria. The food menu revolves around traditional Spanish tapas, with standout dishes such as the pan con tomate, bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and grilled steak skewers. Though it may be tempting to fill up on garlic shrimp and manchego, try to save room for the churros.

Location: DTLA

 

La Ola

Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills just got breezier. La Ola, perched atop the Four Seasons, is your new go-to for rooftop cocktails in LA with Mexican flavor. Specialty margaritas, guacamole, and charred corn esquites pair beautifully with city views and swaying palms. It’s light, luxe, and designed for lingering. If you’re looking for rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles with sophistication and sun, this is your spot.

Location: Beverly Hills

 

Lemon GroveĀ 

Credit: Lemon Grove @ Aster Hotel

Picture this: creamy pasta, sparkling city views and a killer sunset. Enjoy all of that and more when you book a reservation at Los Angeles rooftop restaurant Lemon Grove! Located on the agrarian-style rooftop of The Aster, this restaurant led by Chef Daniel Pfeifer-Kotz showcases the very best of fresh California cuisine. Here there’s no shortage of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Though the menu feels health-focused due to its farm-to-table ethos and seasonal sourcing, you’ll still find indulgent dishes such as the lemon pasta. Other menu highlights include crispy marble potatoes with aji amarillo aioli, hamachi crudo, and a chilled white bean salad. When it comes to cocktails, the Cactus Flower is a refreshing libation with mezcal, chartreuse, prickly pear, and basil, that is ideal for summer afternoons.

Location: Hollywood

 

Center Court at Kimpton La Peer

What better way to enjoy the summer season than with pickleball on an LA rooftop, followed by margaritas? Center Court at the Kimpton La Peer in West Hollywood is a playful oasis that boasts epic city views, creating the ultimate backdrop for a little friendly competition. Sip handcrafted cocktails in between matches while watching the sun dip behind the city skyline. And don’t forget to head to the other side of the rooftop for Jenga and life-sized Connect Four. On the weekends, Center Court becomes the Disco Court, allowing you to get down with a DJ while indulging in a picnic-style menu and creative beverages. Disco Court takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and requires no reservations.

Location: West Hollywood

 

Dante at The Maybourne

Credit: Giada Paoloni

Dante Beverly Hills is a New York transplant that is known for its iconic martini hour. The rooftop restaurant features a charming outdoor terrace along with a luxe dining room where guests can spread out across spacious and cozy blue booths. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes everything from wood-fired pizzas to rich pasta dishes, though you can also opt for premium cuts like filet mignon and Australian lamb chops. The Dante Martini is a tried-and-true classic made with vodka, gin and three massive olives that are just as beautiful as they are tasty. Prefer something sweeter? The passion fruit Pornstar 2.0 is a smooth sipper that is perfect for summer.Ā 

Location: Beverly Hills10/6

 

Pendry West Hollywood

Situated perfectly on Sunset Blvd right in the heart of WeHo, the rooftop pool at the Pendry West Hollywood is minimalistic yet an ode to elevated California living. The airy setting is complete with cushioned lounge chairs, umbrellas and potted plants, inviting you to sit back and sip on something refreshing while you take in the city sights. Indulge in a poolside lunch of casual bites, such as hand-crushed guacamole, spicy bluefin tuna tartar nachos and more.

Location: West HollywoodĀ 

 

Ɖlephante

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: Bella Marie Adams

Ɖlephante is the ultimate Instagram-worthy rooftop in Los Angeles. From frequent celebrity sightings to stunning ocean views, this scenic and contemporary restaurant is one of the most popular in Santa Monica. Thanks to its seasoned designer Nicholas Mathers, the dreamy Mediterranean atmosphere at Ɖlephante will inspire you to live your best life of luxury and leisure. Soak in your surroundings and take note of the custom furniture and design pieces from Southern Italy and Northern Africa while perusing the restaurant’s extensive wine list. And be sure to order the whipped eggplant, grilled octopus and burrata pizza to share with your cocktailing crew.

Location: Santa MonicaĀ 

 

Margot

Photography Provided By: Margot

Margot’s rooftop patio in Culver City presents guests with the opportunity to dine in bliss as they enjoy fresh, market-driven ingredients and views that spill out over LA’s west side. Flooded with natural light, the indoor-outdoor atmosphere is both modern and inviting. It provides a gorgeous setting for guests to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired tapas and drinks. The decor is a mix of boho and California-chic, with unique details like suspended lanterns, beautiful landscaping and a sweeping floral mural. In terms of indulgence, the salmon belly tartare is a great way to start and is best followed up with orders of the jamon iberico, squid ink tagliarini and patatas bravas.

Location: Culver City0/14

 

E.P. & L.P.

Credit: David Higgs, E.P. & L.P.

Located on the corner of La Cienega Boulevard in one of the most exclusive areas of West Hollywood, E.P. & L.P. is the place to see and be seen. Here, views of the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip demand attention, but the space is equally as stunning. Wood accents, hanging vines and string lights set the scene for a rooftop rendezvous like no other. Gather your group and order a round of frozƩs accompanied by small plates like seasoned waffle fries and salt and pepper calamari. E.P. & L.P. truly provides the quintessential LA rooftop experience and is one of the largest in the city!

Local Insight: E.P. & L.P. is now home to a rooftop roller skating rink! Grab your skate date and enjoy a totally retro evening under the stars. VIP tickets include entry into the event, skate rentals, your choice of a hot dog or vegan hot dog, one cocktail and a churro for dessert.

Location: West Hollywood

 

Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Photography By: Wonho Frank Lee

With a crystal-clear pool situated right near the bar (convenient, ay?), Broken Shaker transports you from the heart of downtown LA to a tropical tiki bar within a matter of minutes. The setting is a vibe in every sense of the word, with colorful accents, whimsical decor and music always bumpin’. Don’t miss out on their vibrant craft cocktails infused with homemade elixirs. The decadent Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned combines Cocoa Puff-infused bourbon with demerara, orange and cocoa bitters. When you’re ready for a snack, we recommend the twice-fried chicken wings with spicy garlic gochujang sauce and yuzu ranch.Ā 

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

 

Terra at Eataly

Breakfast in Los Angeles
Photography Provided By: Eataly

With a classic wood-burning grill and expansive views of Los Angeles, Terra sits on the third floor of Eataly in Century City and serves up some of the most authentic Italian food in all of LA. Watch your meal come together in the open kitchen, and grab a seat by the outdoor fireplace for cozy vibes. Make sure to also shop around Eataly after your meal for some scrumptious Italian treats, like cheeses, meats and wines.

Location: Century City

 

Lost DTLA

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: Shelby Moore

Stepping into Lost feels like entering a dream, or at least a downtown fantasy built for grown-ups. Tucked away near Broadway, this rooftop lounge feels intimate, atmospheric, and unapologetically cool. Expect dark tones, dim lights and views that stretch well past curfew. Their cocktail game is sharp (hello, sweet life daiquiri), making this a must on any bucket list for rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles.

Location: DTLA

 

Butterfly Tacos

Credit: Katrina Frederick

This isn’t just a rooftop; it’s a taco-fueled joyride above Hollywood Boulevard. Butterfly Tacos brings carnitas tacos, coconut ceviche and Oaxacan negronis to the rooftop scene. You won’t find white tablecloths here, but you *will* find one of the most laid-back and lively LA rooftop bars. Bonus: their rooftop patio catches the perfect breeze around golden hour.

Location: Culver City

 

Bar Lis

Credit: Michael Mundy / Bar Lis

Channeling the glamour of the CĆ“te d’Azur, Bar Lis feels like a vacation. Perched atop the Thompson Hotel, this French Riviera–inspired rooftop bar serves petit palomas and summer spritzes to a crowd that’s as chic as the dĆ©cor. Among Hollywood rooftop lounges, this one stands out with striped loungers and bougainvillea accents. Stop by for a vibe that’s more ā€œendless summerā€ than ā€œbottle service.ā€

Location: Hollywood

 

Cara Cara

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: Downtown LA Proper

With skyline views and California-cool everything, Cara Cara lives at the intersection of downtown design and fresh flavor. Located above the Proper Hotel, this rooftop restaurant in Los Angeles serves up Baja-inspired bites. You’ll indulge in fried brussels sprouts and shrimp tacos, plus tequila cocktails that somehow always taste better in the sun. It’s an elevated hang without the attitude, just how we like it.

Location: DTLA

 

Cabra at The Hoxton

Credit: The Hoxton, Downtown LA

Bold, breezy, and bursting with flavor, Cabra puts a Peruvian twist on rooftop dining in Los Angeles. This colorful, patterned oasis is home to Chef Stephanie Izard’s shareable yuca fries, chorizo skewers, and dangerously good pisco sours. DTLA views stretch far and wide, giving you more reason to order another round. For those chasing rooftop restaurants Los Angeles locals actually love, Cabra always makes the list.

Location: DTLA

 

Perch LA

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: DTLA Alliance

A classic among the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles, Perch is where Parisian charm meets SoCal sunsets. There’s warm string lights, plush seating, and vintage-inspired cocktails like midnight in Paris and penthouse passion that ooze romance. Add in live jazz, French fare, and views that resemble a movie set, and you’ve got yourself one dreamy DTLA escape.

Location: DTLA

 

Grandmaster Rooftop

For a rooftop with rhythm, head to Grandmaster above the legendary Grandmaster Recorders. This is one of those LA rooftop bars where palm trees, playlists, and peach cocktails create an instant party. The vibe leans bold and buzzy, with skyline backdrops that keep your camera working overtime. Whether you’re here to celebrate or sip something extra, it’s a rooftop that makes noise in all the right ways.

Location: Hollywood

 

Spire 73

Best Rooftops Los Angeles
Credit: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

If rooftop views in Los Angeles had a crown jewel, Spire 73 would wear it. Towering above the InterContinental, this is the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Chic lounge seating meets fire pits and flawless cocktails, like the golden glow, all wrapped in sky-high glamour. The price point is steep, but the experience? Unmatched. For something bucket-list worthy, you’ve officially found it.

Location: DTLA

 

Bar Bohemien

Above Citizen Public Market, Bar Bohemien offers velvet banquettes, seasonal cocktails, and a rooftop that whispers cool. It’s the kind of place that rewards the curious—those who climb the stairs and stay for just one more drink. You’ll be amazed by the romantic, relaxed, and wildly photogenic ambience. It ranks high among the best rooftops in Los Angeles that fly under the radar but land every time.

Location: Culver City

 

FlorentĆ­n Rooftop Bar

In the heart of DTLA, FlorentĆ­n offers one of the most vibrant rooftop patios in Los Angeles. Inspired by Tel Aviv’s artsy Florentin district, the space pops with flavor, color, and personality. Pizza, charcuterie, and hibiscus margaritas are served under string lights and soft disco beats. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles for date nights, group hangs or solo sips with a skyline view.

Location: DTLA

 

Videre

Credit: Roberto Amado-Cattaneo III

Videre is a chic rooftop bar and restaurant at the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire. The surrounding city views create a sleek setting, with the Hollywood Hills serving as the ultimate backdrop. Tropical accents blend harmoniously with modern decor, making Videre the ideal summertime destination. A sunken level with plush couches offers privacy, while the cabana-style tables by the pool sit in the center of all the action. For something light and refreshing, opt for the guava and jasmine mimosa, or cool off with a California spritz. You can also enjoy light bites like the seared prawns with almond hummus or the zesty roasted corn salad with a side of crispy potatoes.Ā 

Location: Mid-Wilshire

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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.

This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!

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