Where to Drink
Sunlit Sips & LA Breezes
LA’s Outdoor Bars That Get It Right
Out here, the lines between weekday and weekend blur, and any hour can be a happy one. These outdoor bars prove that in LA, drinking under the sun—or stars—isn’t just common, it’s kind of essential.
Broken Shaker – Freehand Hotel (Downtown)
Perched on a rooftop pool deck 18 stories up, this James Beard–nominated bar turns every night into an island escape. Known for inventive handcrafted cocktails like passionfruit daiquiris and small bites, its retractable roof and tropical décor—succulents, rattan chairs, and string-light canopies—invite you to sip in style with downtown skyline views.
Image Source: Freehand Hotels
Everson Royce Bar – Arts District
Hailed as LA’s top patio by The Infatuation, this sprawling 2,600 sq ft space combines polished hospitality with casual charm. Under patio lights and heating sails, you can enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails, boutique wines, local beers, and celebrated bites—chef Matt Molina’s burger is “one of the best in town”. Great for happy hours and group gatherings, with a verdant bocce court adding to the garden-party atmosphere.
Image Source: Bon Appetit
Le Great Outdoor – Santa Monica
Hidden above a parking lot, this BBQ-focused patio is a communal celebration: long picnic tables, open-flame Santa Maria grills, and plates of grilled meats and veggies. It’s casual, festive, and fueled by a natural-wine-by-the-glass list—perfect for lingering with a bottle in hand under easy Santa Monica skies.
Image Source: The Infatuation
The Ruby Fruit – Silver Lake
This intimate queer wine bar overflows onto the Sunset Blvd. sidewalk after dark. Locals sip natural wines or craft beers, chat over hot dogs, and gather in tight circles under neon. It’s one of Silver Lake’s most authentic communal scenes—vibrant, inclusive, and packed with personality.
Image Source: A Girl's Guide to Drinking Alone
The Rooftop Bar at Funke – Beverly Hills
High-end aperitivo and snack spot with a surprisingly laid-back walk-in rooftop patio. Classic cocktails (negronis, G&Ts, espresso martinis) pair effortlessly with focaccia and amberjack sashimi. Sunset views over the Hollywood Hills? Guaranteed.
Image Source: Funke
Capri Club – Eagle Rock
This charming aperitivo bar blends leather-curtain interiors with a buzzing sidewalk terrace. Expect spritzes, amaros, negronis, and snacks like fried fava beans and tuna-stuffed peppers. It’s relaxed European vibes against LA’s retro backdrops.
Image Source: CLUB
Big Bar – Los Feliz
Hidden behind Alcove’s courtyard, Big Bar becomes a peaceful oasis at nightfall. Its patio transforms into an elegant garden lounge—plush, leafy, and quiet—ideal for adults preferring a low-key end to the day.
Image Source: The Vendry
De La Nonna – Arts District
A soundtrack of house music and sizzling Detroit-style pizza fills this string-lit patio. Large tables feel inviting, not overwhelming, and the DJ sets the tone. Grab a spritz, a crispy pie, and groove—no airs, just energy.
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Bar Flores – Echo Park
A floral-lined deck that rises behind Lowboy, glowing with crafted mezcal cocktails and award-worthy sangria. Perfect for dates or sunsets, it blends scents of blossoms with sophisticated, light-filled drinks.
Image Source: Bar Flores
All Season Brewing – Mid‑Wilshire
In a former auto-shop-turned-brewery, this cavernous space includes a vibrant patio, skeeball, a taco walk-up window, and a rotating tap list (don’t miss the tropical Figure 8 Hazy DIPA). Day drinkers and casual groups meet here for $5 well shots and great conversation.
Image Source: All Season Brewing
Sun overhead, drink in hand, and nothing urgent to be done—LA’s best outdoor bars give us space to exhale. These aren’t just places to drink. They’re where the city breathes, laughs, and glows a little longer.