London summer – so glorious while it lasts but all of a sudden it seems to have evaporated in a fall of autumn leaves, gusty winds and ill-timed conkers falling ‘clunk’ on your head – and you’re left thinking, hang on, what about all of those sunset-soaked evenings at Frank’s – and Radio Rooftop – and SushiSamba – that I had planned?!! And what about all of those breezy, strappy outfits I was going to wear?
You may have to to hang up those London-based hopes and dreams for another 10 or 11 months, unfortunately – but there’s somewhere in the world where balmy evenings and a laid-back luxe vibe (deserving of your carefully thought out summer wardrobe) are still available to you for another few months, at least …. don’t pack away the jumpsuit, throw it in a suitcase … start California dreaming and head for the bright lights of Los Angeles …
High Rooftop Lounge at Erwin Hotel
High Rooftop Lounge at Erwin Hotel
This is the only rooftop kick-back bar in Venice but even if it had competition in the area, its fabulous people watching, Instagram-envy inducing sunsets and panoramic views, plus live local DJs would undoubtedly make it the most popular. Sink into their cosy couches and enjoy a signature cocktail or bottle of wine. Chilly? Blankets are available on request; on the other hand, sunscreen and sunglasses are also available if those rays are intense.
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Rooftop at The Standard
Head to this mid-century L.A. landmark for its alfresco bar with endless views of Downtown and the mountains beyond. Let it all hang out against the twinkling backdrop of the city, whether you prefer to strut your stuff on the dancefloor, luxuriate in the heated pool or gather around the firepit. Nightly DJ sets, waterbed pods and a German Biergarten are also on offer to patrons of this iconic venue.
550 South Flower at Sixth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Perch
Antique furniture, plush upholstery and elaborate woodwork set a romantic, bohemian, old-world scene, which is enhanced by French-inspired menu options utilising the freshest seasonal produce. Cosy up by the outdoor fireplaces and firepits, or relax at the lounge and table seating: either way, you can soak up 360 views of the LA skyline or tilt your head back to drink in the stars. Live jazz inspired music and and some of the city’s best DJs provide the soundtrack to your evening, with pared-down, Parisian inspired cocktails to wash the evening down with, as well as an extensive wine list and craft beers.
448 South Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Upstairs at Ace Hotel
Drawing on the inspiration of Hollywood’s iconic Les Deux Café, this elevated urban oasis features a whole host of ways to amuse yourself while you enjoy your cocktail – it’s not just live bands and DJs you’ll sway to here; there are also creative collabs, pop-ups and launches – oh, and did we mention the pool? Add city lights in every direction, plus Banksy street art and the legendary “Jesus Saves” sign and you have the perfect backdrop to your evening.
929 S.Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Mama Shelter
Bookings aren’t taken, so bear in mind that Mama Shelter is still very much the boutique hotel of the moment and arrive in time to secure your spot with a view. And what a view it is: spanning all the way from the legendary Hollywood sign to Downtown, and from South Bay to Westside. Located just a stroll away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this bar offers bright, modern decor and innovative cuisine. Sunset cocktails are a must but make sure you also head here on a weekend for Mama’s legendary brunch, with both clean and dirty indulgences catered for,quite literally, on a plate.
6500 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Spire 73
This isn’t just another rooftop bar: this is the tallest open air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Perched up high on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Spire 73 boasts, unsurprisingly, epic urban views. Firepits and craft cocktails? Natch. Sleek seating and heavy-duty glass breaks that block the flip-side of the elevation – gusting winds – whilst leaving your view unimpeded? But of course. Small plates and shared sweet treats feature for the peckish – and for those whose appetite hasn’t been robbed by vertigo.
900 Wilshire Blvd. 73rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Filifera
Located on the legendary Sunset Boulevard, this new addition to LA’s rooftop scene is on the 22nd floor of the Hollywood Proper Residences. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, it features a sleek design with airy, neutral decor – all perfectly chosen to enhance the sense of light and space that it gets from its elevation and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills. Bar food is offered alongside a small but perfectly formed drinks menu, with choices ranging from classic and signature cocktail to fizz and wine.
1550 N. El Centro Ave, Rooftop, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Roof on Wilshire
With 360-degree views spanning the L.A. skyline and Hollywood Hills, this rooftop bar and restaurant serves up American fare with an atmosphere that lends itself equally as well to a fun gathering as to a romantic encounter. Cabanas and tables surround the dreamily lit pool; if you’re not diving in, you can head to the nearby fire pit to put a warmth in your fingers that matches the one spreading through your body from ‘just one more’ of those cocktails featuring the house made ginger beer …
6317 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
