Los Angeles’ cocktail scene is a treasure trove for adventurous drinkers and classic cocktail lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for the intimacy of a speakeasy or the breezy vibe of a rooftop bar, LA’s bars have it all. Here’s a list of must-visit cocktail spots, with a mix of both classic names and fresh faces:

Dante Beverly Hills

Located in the luxurious Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel, Dante Beverly Hills brings New York’s famed aperitivo culture to the West Coast. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails and elegant setting, Dante’s rooftop offers a mix of classic Italian drinks and modern creations. Don’t miss their famed Negroni or one of the many $10 martinis during happy hour, available daily from 3 to 5 PM.

Location: 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Image Credit: Eater LA

The Normandie Club 

Tucked away inside the historic Hotel Normandie, this Koreatown hideaway offers a dimly lit, intimate space perfect for sipping on reimagined cocktail classics. The Normandie Club is known for elevating traditional drinks with unique twists, like their coconut-almond Old Fashioned or a Yakult-infused Collins. With $12 cocktails during happy hour (6–8 PM), it’s a great spot to start your evening or linger late into the night when the DJ spins.

Location: 3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Image Credit: CN Traveler

Employees Only 

This West Hollywood gem, the LA offshoot of the famed NYC speakeasy, has become a local favorite. With its Art Deco interior and speakeasy vibe, Employees Only serves up well-balanced cocktails in a cozy, upscale setting. Their Golden Hour (6–8 PM) offers discounted drinks, making it the perfect spot for early-evening drinks before it transitions into a bustling nightspot.

Location: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Image Credit: Midnight Hospitality 

Thunderbolt 

Located on the border of Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown, Thunderbolt brings Southern charm and inventive cocktails together. Known for its creative concoctions, Thunderbolt’s menu rotates frequently with drinks like the Tropipop—a clarified piña colada—and carbonated cocktails that are as playful as they are delicious. The bar’s homage to its neighborhood with drinks like the P-Town Boxing Club (featuring pandan and coconut-washed rye) adds a local flair to the experience.

Location: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Image Credit: Thunderbolt

Apothéke 

This sleek apothecary-themed bar in the heart of Chinatown offers an eclectic array of botanical-driven cocktails. With concoctions divided into categories like Stress Relievers and Pain Killers, Apothéke mixes tinctures, bitters, and fresh produce into its inventive drinks. The space, a sibling of NYC’s famed Apothéke, boasts an industrial-chic vibe that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Location: 1746 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Image Credit: TimeOut

Mama’s Boy 

Nestled in Venice, Mama’s Boy is an Italian dinner club that combines homestyle cooking with high-quality cocktails. The Old Fashioned-inspired Satisfaction and the Paloma riff Rich Girl are just a few of the signature drinks on offer. Pair your cocktail with one of their smoked brisket agnolotti or their beloved “dad pie” for a complete culinary experience.

Location: 23 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Image Credit: Open Table

Andy’s 

For music lovers and cocktail aficionados alike, Andy’s in West Hollywood offers a unique experience, pairing cocktails with smooth R&B vibes. Co-owned by Anderson .Paak, the bar offers group drinks like Ape Shit, a rum punch made for sharing, or solo sips like the clementine-sparked Places to Be. It’s an energetic spot where great music meets even better cocktails.

Location: 9077 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Image Credit: Eater LA

Leopardo 

Pizza and cocktails make for the perfect pairing at Leopardo in Hancock Park. Chef Joshua Skenes delivers a delightful menu complemented by the Califobrian, a rum, coconut, and stracciatella concoction that transports you to a beachside retreat. For something cooler, try the Kyoho Frose, a frozen pisco drink with asti spumante.

Location: 460 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Image Credit: Eater LA

Laya

In the heart of Hollywood, Laya offers a chic, open-air cocktail experience with cozy fire pits to boot. The star of the drink menu is the Jinn Venom, an exotic mix of Arak anise, pomegranate, and ginger. The Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, paired with the signature drinks, makes this rooftop bar a must-visit.

Location: 1430 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Image Credit: Laya

Rokusho

For a unique fusion of Japanese minimalism and bold cocktail choices, Rokusho in Hollywood is a destination for refined sipping. The Midorita, a margarita with a Midori twist, and the Umeroni, a plum-flavored Negroni, are standout drinks that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s high-end Japanese cuisine. Sip on one of these signature cocktails as you take in the striking brutalist design of the space.

Location: 6630 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Image Credit: Eater LA

In a city known for its creativity and innovation, the cocktail scene in Los Angeles is no exception. Each bar on this list offers not just exceptional drinks, but an experience that captures the spirit of the city. From the intimate ambiance of speakeasies to the lively energy of rooftop lounges, there's a place for every occasion. Dive into the diverse flavors and exceptional craftsmanship that these establishments have to offer, and let LA's cocktail culture elevate your nights out.