The best cocktail bars Los Angeles has to offer will cater to even the most discerning cocktail sleuths—whether you’re looking for the perfectly Instagrammable modern cocktail or something a little more old-fashioned. LA is a mecca for mixers and shakers looking for the perfect first sip on a Friday night (or any night of the week!).
Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in LA
There are many good cocktail bars in Los Angeles. But what makes the bars in this guide among the best? Though offering the best range and quality of drinks is important, we should also count the ambiance, decor, and the feeling the bar gives you as you walk through the door.
According to a study carried out at Wageningen University, we need several factors to work in tandem to fully enjoy a drink: the people around the drinker, the place itself, the drinker’s mood, and the whole experience that surrounds the drink.
With that in mind, try the following bars in Los Angeles to see for yourself if they make the cut.
1. Capri Club
Opened in 1963, Capri Club is still going strong with its reputation as one of the trendiest bars in Eagle Rock. With an extensive cocktail menu including classic cocktails like the Negroni, made with mezcal or gin to your taste, or the White Negroni which mixes the two.
While their Frozen Negroni or spritz could be the ideal option for the hottest of LA days, our choice would have to be the mezcal Espresso Martini. Perfect for washing away any Friday night weariness, this cocktail will get you ready for a night out on the town. Delicious and practical!
4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, 90041
Map: Capri Club
Opening Hours: Every day from 4 pm – 12 am
2. Everson Royce Bar
An Arts District staple, the Everson Royce Bar is a dreamy neighborhood cocktail bar that is perfect for a casual date, to catch up with friends, or even just to catch a breath as you take in the atmosphere of this beautiful bar.
The long interior of the bar has plenty of banquette seating for those who want to stay inside, but the piece de la resistance of the Everson Royce is the huge outdoor patio, beautifully lit with strings of Edison lights. There’s even a bocce court!
But what about the drinks? The specialty of the house is the extensive list of spirits to try out with everything from rare Japanese whiskies to a long list of tequilas. The cocktail menu is fun, dynamic, and original—just like the bar.
People wanting to pick up a bite are also in luck, with excellent bar classics like burgers and nachos to more classy options like charcuterie boards and bistro salads.
1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, 90021
Map: Everson Royce Bar
Opening Hours: Thursday – Saturday: 4 pm – 2 am, Sunday/Tuesday/Wednesday: 4 pm – 11 pm, Mondays: Closed
3. Bar Flores
Flores by name, flores by nature. That’s right—Bar Flores is covered in flowers, creating a stunning atmosphere that will fulfill any Instagrammer’s wildest dreams. Bar Flores even smells good!
This bar has a Latin feel with a beautiful patio in the back just perfect for their range of Latin-style cocktails. Don’t miss their pitcher of Margarita or a Michelada on a sunny day on the patio, or any other of their many tequila or mezcal-based cocktails. Don’t like Mexican spirits? Don’t panic, as there are other classic cocktails to choose from.
As for food, Bar Flores also has you covered with a mini taquería for tacos that you can take back to your table. Why not head here before going to one of the famous dance bars in Los Angeles to boogie the night away.
1542 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
Map: Bar Flores
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 2 am, Saturday/Sunday: 12 am – 2 am
4. Normandie Club
Nestled in the streets of Korea Town, the Normandie Club is a hotel bar attached to the classy Hotel Normandie. Normandie Club could be a perfect choice for a first (or maybe third) date, with its mood lighting, leather booths, and extensive selection of cocktails.
For the Martini-obsessed, this one’s for you with an entire section dedicated only to the art of the 007’s favorite drink. For the rest, their craft cocktails won’t disappoint with a wide selection of classic and more creative cocktails; there really is something for everyone.
Those looking for something to nibble while enjoying their cocktails will be disappointed as no food is served in this bar. However, what better excuse to try the divine burgers at Cassell’s, located just next door? Alternatively, Bacaro LA is just a short cab ride away, offering excellent tapas and wine for those who are searching for a lighter bite.
3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, 90020
Map: Normandie Club
Opening Hours: Every day from 6 pm to 2 am
5. Death & Co.
Making a reservation in this extremely trendy bar in the Arts District is recommended as many people flock here to enjoy its exquisite cocktails and speakeasy atmosphere. The menu features more than 25 cocktails, along with illustrations of the glass it comes in, and is tailored at the moment to match the customer’s mood. Choose from “light and playful,” “boozy and honest,” or “bright and confident” for a cocktail that joins you on your night out. The range of mocktails is also impressive for the teetotalling kings and queens.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Death & Co. is the incredible decor. Its gothic, moody, and almost funereal ambiance is dark but beautiful and gives a very special feeling to the bar. For people who need to line their stomachs for the night ahead, customers can also find a great food menu. A great spot!
818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, 90013
Map: Death & Co.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Saturday: 6 pm – 2 am, Sunday – Wednesday: 6 pm – 1 am
6. Pinky’s Los Feliz
Pinky’s mixes an epic combination of delicious cocktails and tacos for a food-drink marriage made in heaven. Pinky’s offers one meat and one vegan taco of the day which you can pair with a classic, frozen, or more original cocktail.
Pinky’s could be the first spot to hit on a night out in Los Feliz. With music, a small dance floor, and a cozy atmosphere, Pinky’s is an intimate bar that will set your night off on the right foot.
1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles
Map: Pinky’s Los Feliz
Opening Hours: Every day from 7 pm to 2 am
7. Seven Grand
For all the whiskey aficionados out there, Seven Grand is the place to be. With an unparalleled range of whiskies from all over the globe, there’s something to impress even the most discerning of whiskey connoisseurs.
For those who don’t take their whiskey straight, there’s a seasonal cocktail menu with both vintage and contemporary options. These are expertly mixed with freshly squeezed juice and homemade syrups—a very classy affair indeed.
There’s also a range of non-whiskey-based options, beers, and wines for those who wish to soak up the atmosphere but not the spirits. LA whiskey fans will also love the chance to join the comparative tasting sessions held twice a month and the chance to meet master distillers from all around the world.
515 W 7th St 2nd floor, Los Angeles, 90014
Map: Seven Grand
Opening Hours: Every day from 3 pm to 2 am
8. The Spare Room
Take a step back in time as you wonder at the spectacular interior of The Spare Room cocktail bar and gaming parlor. The concept of this incredible bar is to fuse a passion for cocktails, music, and traditional gaming (no Fortnite here!) within an interior that takes you on a journey through time.
Boasting two vintage bowling lanes dating back to the 1800s, The Spare Room oozes Art Deco elegance with velvet armchairs, cast-iron arched windows, and a classic, old-world bar. Old-fashioned game enthusiasts will love playing classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Jenga as they enjoy their drinks.
Here, you’ll find a wide range of innovative cocktails as well as a wide selection of spirits, beers, and wines. The bar also holds a monthly tiki night from May to September, bringing guest bartenders from around the country to bring something extra special to this already incredibly original spot.
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028
Map: The Spare Room
Opening Hours: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Monday: 8 pm to 2 am, Sunday/Tuesday: Closed
Enjoy the Best Cocktails Los Angeles Has to Offer
Los Angeles has the perfect cocktail for you, whether you’re a tourist or an LA native looking for the perfect drink to reflect the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. If you’re searching for a perfectly crafted classic, a wildly innovative sip, or maybe a taste of home, LA truly has a little bit of everything.
LA is the perfect city to explore with a new adventure on every corner. With so many beautiful, classy, and glamorous options for your Friday night cocktail, there’s no excuse to stay at home!
