Group Text Your Girls and Make a Resy at One of These WeHo Hotspots
Grab your gals and get ready for a wild night in West Hollywood! Whether you’re looking to dine, drink or both, WeHo is one of LA’s premier neighborhoods for amazing restaurants, cool cocktail bars and hip lounges. This centrally located neighborhood is the perfect meeting spot for friends who are scattered across the city, from Santa Monica to DTLA and everywhere in between. That said, throw on your hottest fit and your cutest (but comfiest) pair of heels, and get ready to paint the town! We’ve rounded up the best West Hollywood restaurants and bars for the ultimate girls’ night out.
E.P. & L.P.
E.P & L.P. is a happening oasis for West Hollywood locals and visitors alike. The L.P. Rooftop is without a doubt one of the most popular rooftop bars in LA, making it a top contender for a girls’ night out. Though you can grab a bite at Bombo on the restaurant level before heading upstairs, there are also some tasty bites served on the rooftop. Snag a corner booth and take in the picturesque views while sipping on the prickly pear- and rose-forward Sex on Fire cocktail. From tacos and burgers to calamari, there are plenty of shareable plates to enjoy if you need a snack.
Casa Madera
Looking to spend an evening on the Sunset Strip? Casa Madera brings a modern yet bohemian atmosphere to the Mondrian Hotel along with a blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. Request a table toward the back of the restaurant by the windows so you can enjoy the sweeping city views as the sun goes down. Before diving into the dinner menu, explore the one-of-a-kind cocktails—all of which are presented with class and innovation in mind. The passion fruit-forward POG has a spicy kick thanks to the use of fire water, while the refreshing Playa Paraiso tastes like summer in every sip. For food, share some hamachi crudo, Wagyu top cap and yucca fries with the table.
MELROSEPLACE LA
Though the elegant interior provides a stylish backdrop to your gals night out, the rooftop at MELROSEPLACE LA has unbeatable views and vibes. From cozy couches to corner booths, the spacious rooftop is great for pre-dinner drinks or a full, sit-down meal. Make a reservation during sunset so you can watch the sky showoff as the sun sets behind the Pacific Design Center. Savor an espresso martini or glass of chilled red wine while mixing and mingling with your girl group. Though there are some solid entrees, some of the menu’s best dishes are intended for sharing. Some highlights include the cucumber mignonette-topped oysters and mini lobster rolls.
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Saltie Girl
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Got a group of ladies that loves seafood? Head to Saltie Girl. This Boston original sits right in the heart of Sunset Blvd, and best of all, there’s free parking behind the restaurant. That said, you might want to Uber in case your GNO turns up a little too much. The tinned fish menu is out of this world, featuring everything from octopus and scallops to classic sardines. Enjoy your tinned fish alongside some grilled bread, flavorful peppers, creamy butter and flavored salts. If tinned fish isn’t your thing, have no fear—Saltie Girl’s plethora of seafood is here. The lobster frites are pretty sizable and great for sharing, but the seafood towers are the ultimate display of elegance.
Drake’s
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Drake’s is one of the newer restaurants to hit the West Hollywood dining scene. A red leather booth surrounds the sleek bartop, which sits at the center of the dining room, and there’s a sense of vintage glamor in every corner. The mural of Hollywood’s most elite and iconic players catches the eye while the dirty martinis make your mouth water. Speaking of martinis, Drake’s makes the “coldest martini in the world,” which is essentially a frozen take on the classic cocktail. When it comes to food, you won’t want to miss out on the lobster escargot, snow crab scampi and rich white fish piccata. However, if you want to up the ante, order the caviar, lobster and crab-topped deluxe mac and cheese. Deluxe is an understatement!
ADKT LA
Say bonjour to the newest French restaurant to land in West Hollywood. ADKT LA combines French cuisine with Japanese influences, resulting in a dynamic menu that is met with an immersive and chic design. Sit at a traditional white-cloth table under a ceiling of paper umbrellas as you indulge in a rich glass of red wine. If your favorite group of gals prefers catching up over a hearty meal and vino to match, this is the place to book. The ADKT seaboard provides a little taste of all things seafood, ranging from sashimi-grade scallops to raw oysters. The $250 tomahawk is the ultimate entree, but don’t forget to order a side of truffle fries and mixed mushrooms.
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Olivetta
Upon seeing the teal walls, draped ceilings and elegant chandeliers, you’ll immediately understand why Olivetta is the ultimate dinner spot for your girl group. You’ll definitely want to snap some group photos both inside and outside of the restaurant, so be sure to wear your chicest getup. Though walk-ins are welcome, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Once you sit down, start with the ricotta-stuffed crispy squash blossoms, bigeye tuna tartare and of course, bread and butter. If the group gets food FOMO, there are plenty of mains that are perfect for sharing, including the Dover sole and porterhouse steak with roasted garlic and Bearnaise.
Employees Only
When it comes to craft cocktails, Employees Only is one of the coolest bars in WeHo. Golden Hour runs Tuesday through Sunday from 6-8 p.m., ensuring that you can enjoy discounted bites and drinks at the start of your GNO. Whether you want crispy fried pickles or a light and vibrant fish crudo, Employees Only has it all. However, the craft cocktails always steal the show. The When In Oaxaca is a mezcal cocktail that is smoky yet delicate thanks to the floral infusion of hibiscus, and the signature Manhattan is a unique yet unforgettable take on the classic cocktail. Also, be sure to check out the seasonal list of libations that change regularly.
The Classic Cat
The pink velvet booths and vintage appeal make The Classic Cat a no-brainer when planning your next girls’ night out in LA. Formerly one of the most popular “topless clubs” in the city, The Classic Cat has played host to the likes of Jim Morrison, James Arnez, Chevy Chase and many more. Nowadays, this iconic supper club serves elevated American cuisine in a glamorous setting that’ll make you feel like Hollywood royalty. Nibble on crispy Brussels sprouts and truffle caviar-topped oysters before digging into the beloved tuna and crispy rice. Of course, no Golden Age-inspired dinner is complete without a classic shrimp cocktail and some lobster mac and cheese.
Great White
Great White is a Venice Beach original that has since set up shop in West Hollywood. Located on Melrose Ave, the Mediterranean-inspired setting is adorned with rattan light fixtures and candlelit tables. Though Great White is equally as popular for breakfast and all-day dining, it turns into a moody and modern dinner spot in the evenings. Those hoping to do some bar or restaurant hopping on Melrose will find that Great White is a great starting point. Enjoy a boost of energy when you sip on their espresso shakerato or cool off with a glass of orange wine. Some can’t-miss shared plates include the mushroom fries with chili aioli, salt and pepper squid and avocado dip. Of course, there’s no shareable dish that’s greater than a pizza, and truffle fungi with lemon crema is a treat that all of the girls will love.
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.
