Bars and clubs may come and go, but no matter the season, Los Angeles has an eclectic nightlife scene with plenty of places to imbibe. Whether you're looking for a tried-and-true watering hole or a trendy new hot spot, L.A.'s selection of bars, lounges, speakeasies, and nightclubs offers boozy brunches and weekday happy hours, specialties like avocado beer, the newest in natural wine, and the coolest of CBD-infused craft cocktails. Here are 10 of the hottest bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles.
Real Charmer
Virgil Village
Come for the moody red lights and delicious drinks, stay for the self-serve popcorn
The red lights, indoor fountain, and black and white checkerboard floor of Real Charmer have cultivated one of the most popular cocktail bars in L.A. The wild but welcoming ambiance is complimented by the collection of classic cocktails like the daiquiri made with house made coco syrup, green chartreuse, and Havana club anejo.
Bar Flores
Echo Park
Vibe out on a patio with an agave cocktail in one hand and a crispy fish taco in the other
A trip to the Eastside means a night at Bar Flores. Tucked just above Sunset Boulevard, this colorful Echo Park hang offers a lush, plant-filled patio and Latin-inspired drink menu. Originally born as the Sip pop-up, the bar has evolved into a neighborhood favorite churning out creative, agave-forward cocktails and curated tunes. Pair your spicy tequila sour with an asada or fried fish taco—Bar Flores is also home to a lovely taco patio.
Tiki-Ti
Los Feliz
This old school tiki joint wins with fruity cocktails timeless charm
An L.A. institution, Tiki-Ti has been serving expertly crafted tropical cocktails in a Polynesian-inspired space since 1961. This tiny, family-run bar embraces old-school tiki culture with colorful décor, house-made recipes, and an unmistakably nostalgic charm. Known for its lively atmosphere and signature drinks like Ray’s Mistake (named after late owner Ray Buhen) and the Fog Cutter, every visit feels like stepping into a piece of old Los Angeles.
More: Secret California Bars
Gold Line
Highland Park
Vinyl in a whiskey and mezcal mecca
DJs and bartenders set the vibe at this vinyl bar in the Stones Throw Records building. Every song is carefully selected from Stones Throw artist and owner Peanut Butter Wolf's collection of 8,000 records shelved on the wood walls above the bar. Here you’ll find a lengthy list of natural wine and craft cocktails (check the extensive whiskey list), with a dim-lit lounge featuring promo shots of artists like Siouxsie (from Siouxsie and the Banshees) and Queen Latifah. The Gold Linę is perfect for a pregame hang or a fun first date.
Thunderbolt Bar
Echo Park
Retro cocktails and neighborhood-bar vibes
Thunderbolt Bar, located in the heart of Echo Park, is a beloved neighborhood cocktail spot with a collection of national accolades including landing a spot as one of the world's 50 best bars in the world. Known for its affordable drinks and dimly lit ambience, it attracts a diverse crowd of locals, artists, and musicians. The walls are adorned with eclectic art, while the jukebox is geared toward classic rock and punk. With a pool table and friendly bartenders, Thunderbolt is a neighborhood staple for anyone seeking a relaxed spot to enjoy good company, sophisticated cocktails like the Liquid Picnic, which is made with clarified tomato, and creative bar eats (try the fried green tomatoes and pimiento poppers).
Also on the list: Death & Co (34), & Genever (50).
Daisy Margarita Bar
Sherman Oaks
A seriously gorgeous margarita bar with a collection of award-winning cocktails
This gorgeous emerald and fringe restaurant in the valley is another member of the top 50 best bars in the world list. And for good reason, beverage director Max Reis is a genius when it comes to dreaming up new spins on classic cocktails like the creamsicle margarita which imbues tangerine, mole, coconut, don fulano reposado, and derrumbes salmiana. The vision for quality cocktails goes beyond the margarita as well, in fact, the crew is known for canning their own creations like the Batanda which is made of house made-cola, tequila, and lime. Insider Tip: A full menu of from chef Alan Sanz is also available and the queso fundido pairs well with everything.
MORE: Los Angeles County Craft Breweries
Roosterfish
Venice
Upgraded West Side staple
Abbot Kinney's Roosterfish was a beloved gay dive bar for several years, so when it went through a recent renovation, frequenters were worried it would lose its charm. Luckily, the updated space retained its welcoming spirit (check out the infamous bathroom wallpaper) and added specialty cocktails using juices, infusions, and shrubs all made in-house. There's a pool table and plenty of seating inside or on the patio, ensuring Roosterfish will stay a Venice neighborhood favorite.
Courtesy Tramp Stamp Granny's
Tramp Stamp Granny's
Hollywood
Star-studded celebrity piano bar
Actor-singer-dancer Darren Criss and wife Mia Von Criss brought New York City's piano bar to L.A. with Tramp Stamp Granny's. Promising "drinks, dancing, and upscale debauchery," this glammy art deco spot offers singalongs to jazz standards, Broadway soundtracks, and pop covers, as well as burlesque shows and theme nights (think Rocky Horror Picture Show and Steven Sondheim). In the heart of Hollywood, TSG's never fails to provide a good show, with pop-up performances from Criss himself as well as his former Glee costars and famous friends.
Courtesy Let's Go Disco and Cocktail Club
Let's Go Disco and Cocktail Club
Arts District
1970s disco and gin cocktails
Connected to the Italian square-style pizza spot De La Nonna, Let's Go Disco and Cocktail Club is perfect for a fun drink before dinner or a post-meal aperitif. Kitsch is chic at this spot with circular booths, pink neon lighting, and spinning disco balls. The ambience is 1970s Italian inspired, as are the gin-centric cocktails and the music. Try the Negroni Garbaggio or the Donna Summer Dress… and prepare to dance.
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The Baked Potato Jazz Club
Studio City
L.A.'s best live jazz
Namedropped in La La Land, Los Angeles's longest-running jazz club is recognized as an institution worldwide. Old-school stars and new acts alike play nightly at the Baked Potato, where the stage is as hot as the 20-plus loaded potato offerings on the menu. And just like the various options for toppings, there are no bad seats inside this intimate Studio City venue just down the street from Universal Studios Hollywood.
Apothéke
Chinatown
Wellness goes out to drink
If you prefer a mixologist to a bartender, you'll love perusing the "prescription list" of botanical-themed infused cocktails at Apothéke. Need some stress relief? There's a drink for that—with flaming absinthe, eucalyptus-infused tequila, gin, and vodka. Inside, the lounge is romantic with speakeasy sensuality while outside, a patio splayed with Turkish rugs and snug couches overlook the L.A. River and Metro train tracks. Special events and live music are regular part of the mix Thursday through Sunday.
Courtesy Catch One
Catch One
Arlington Heights
Legendary Central L.A. night club
Once known as the West Coast's answer to Studio 54, Catch One is a historic nightclub with two floors and several rooms for drinking and dancing. DJs from all over the world come to L.A. for gigs at the Catch, where the dancefloors have hosted the likes of Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Donna Summer, Whoopi Goldberg, Rick James, and Madonna. Whether you like house music or techno cumbia, moving is on the menu.
