Best Bars in LA

Los Angeles has one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop cocktail with skyline views, a historic Hollywood bar, a local craft brewery, or a cozy neighborhood pub, you’ll find plenty of great places to spend an evening. From Downtown Los Angeles to the beaches of Malibu, every neighborhood offers a different atmosphere.

If you’re searching for the best of LA nightlife or looking to experience the city’s famous Los Angeles entertainment scene, these bars deserve a place on your itinerary.

1. Boardner’s

Opened in the 1940s, Boardner’s is one of Hollywood’s oldest and most recognizable bars. Its vintage interior, classic cocktails, and Old Hollywood atmosphere have made it a favorite gathering place for decades.

The bar is also well known for hosting its famous turtle races on the first and third Thursday of each month, giving visitors a fun and unusual nightlife experience.

Whether you’re stopping by for a drink or enjoying one of its themed events, Boardner’s delivers a unique mix of history and entertainment.

Why Visit

• Historic Hollywood landmark
• Classic cocktails
• Vintage atmosphere
• Famous turtle race nights
• Great for groups and couples

2. Perch Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for incredible city views, Perch Rooftop Bar should be at the top of your list.

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this rooftop venue offers panoramic skyline views, comfortable outdoor seating, handcrafted cocktails, and French-inspired cuisine. Live music on select evenings adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Watching the sunset from Perch is one of the best nightlife experiences in Los Angeles.

Highlights

• Rooftop skyline views
• Sunset dining
• Craft cocktails
• Live music
• Romantic atmosphere

Best Time to Visit: Arrive before sunset to enjoy daylight views before the city lights come alive.

3. Golden Road Brewery

Beer lovers should make time for Golden Road Brewery, one of Los Angeles’ most popular craft breweries.

Known for its locally brewed beers, spacious outdoor patio, and friendly atmosphere, it’s an excellent place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The brewery also serves burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers.

Whether you’re traveling with friends or looking for a casual evening out, Golden Road offers a welcoming environment.

Why People Love It

• Fresh craft beer
• Large outdoor patio
• Casual dining
• Family-friendly during the day
• Relaxed atmosphere

4. Malibu Wine and Beer Gardens

If you prefer a quieter evening away from the city, Malibu’s wine and beer gardens offer a completely different experience.

Many venues feature outdoor seating surrounded by scenic hills or ocean views, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine or a locally brewed beer. The peaceful atmosphere makes these locations especially popular with couples.

Highlights

• Beautiful outdoor settings
• Local wines
• Craft beer
• Coastal scenery
• Relaxing atmosphere

Perfect For: Date nights, sunset drinks, and weekend escapes.

5. Explore LA’s Themed Bars

Los Angeles is famous for its creative themed bars. Instead of a traditional pub, you can enjoy drinks in places inspired by movie sets, tropical islands, vintage speakeasies, retro arcades, or classic Hollywood.

Many themed bars focus on immersive décor, creative cocktails, and unique entertainment, making every visit feel like a new experience.

Popular Themes

• Speakeasy bars
• Tiki bars
• Retro arcade bars
• Movie-inspired venues
• Classic Hollywood lounges

Trying a themed bar is one of the most unique ways to experience LA’s nightlife.

6. Downtown LA Pub Crawl

Downtown Los Angeles is home to several excellent bars within walking distance of one another. If you’re looking to experience different venues in one evening, these are great places to include on your route.

Beelman’s Pub

Beelman’s Pub is known for its relaxed atmosphere, craft beer selection, and comfort food. It’s a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.

Best For

• Local craft beer
• Casual dining
• Friendly atmosphere

The Library Bar

The Library Bar offers a more intimate setting with vintage décor, comfortable seating, and expertly made cocktails.

Its quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for couples or anyone looking for a relaxed evening away from crowded nightlife spots.

Highlights

• Signature cocktails
• Cozy environment
• Stylish interior
• Great date-night location

Casey’s Irish Pub

Casey’s Irish Pub brings traditional Irish hospitality to Downtown Los Angeles.

Visitors can enjoy classic pub food, cold drinks, live sports, and a welcoming atmosphere inside one of the city’s best-known Irish pubs.

Why Visit

• Traditional Irish pub
• Wide beer selection
• Comfort food
• Live sports
• Friendly service

Tips for Enjoying LA’s Bar Scene

Visit Early for Rooftop Bars

Popular rooftop venues fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving before sunset helps you secure a good table while enjoying the changing skyline.

Plan Your Transportation

Los Angeles is a large city, and many nightlife districts are spread out. Using rideshare services is often the easiest and safest way to travel between venues.

Try Local Drinks

Many bars serve locally brewed craft beer and California wines. Sampling regional drinks is a great way to experience the local food and beverage culture.

Explore Different Neighborhoods

Hollywood, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Malibu each offer a completely different nightlife atmosphere. Exploring more than one area gives you a better feel for the city’s diverse entertainment scene.

Discover the Best Bars in Los Angeles

From historic Hollywood landmarks and stylish rooftop lounges to local breweries and neighborhood pubs, Los Angeles has something for every type of nightlife lover. Whether you’re enjoying a handcrafted cocktail with skyline views, relaxing with friends over locally brewed beer, or discovering a hidden themed bar, these venues represent some of the best of LA after dark.

No matter your style, exploring LA’s bar scene is a great way to experience the city’s famous Los Angeles entertainment culture.

FAQs

What are the best bars in Los Angeles?

Some of the most popular bars include Boardner’s, Perch Rooftop Bar, Golden Road Brewery, Beelman’s Pub, The Library Bar, and Casey’s Irish Pub.

Which rooftop bar has the best views in LA?

Perch Rooftop Bar is one of the city’s most popular rooftop venues, offering panoramic views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.

Where can I enjoy craft beer in Los Angeles?

Golden Road Brewery is one of the best places to enjoy locally brewed craft beer in a relaxed setting.

Are there historic bars in Los Angeles?

Yes. Boardner’s is one of Hollywood’s oldest bars and is known for its Old Hollywood charm, classic cocktails, and unique events.

What neighborhood is best for bar hopping in LA?

Downtown Los Angeles is one of the best areas for bar hopping because several popular bars, including Beelman’s Pub, The Library Bar, and Casey’s Irish Pub, are located close to one another.