Sunshine lingers above Los Angeles, shaping how people gather. Golden light slips behind distant shores while buildings stretch into the haze below. One way to see it all begins atop high floors where open-air spaces draw visitors. Drinks arrive with care, prepared by those who study flavor like scholars. Small plates appear beside them, thoughtful portions meant to linger alongside conversation. Some spots feel soft and breezy, recalling islands far away. Others rise from polished hotels, offering stillness amid height and glass. Each evening brings different shadows across concrete and steel. What remains constant is the pull upward, to space that opens eyes without shouting. Night folds gently here, marked more by mood than noise. Views do not need explanation when they speak through color alone.
1. Perch — DTLA Rooftop Bar & Bistro
4.1★ Elevated rooftop lounge with downtown skyline views and French-inspired cocktails & bites.
Above downtown Los Angeles, Perch stands distinct among rooftop venues through layered terraces and a design rooted in French bistro style. From elevated platforms, sightlines stretch across the cityscape, forming part of an atmosphere shaped by subtle lighting and open-air flow. Cocktails here follow tradition while allowing room for surprise, seen clearly in offerings such as La Finale or Bleu Violette; each measured, never excessive. Culinary selections draw from French influences without strict adherence, presenting items like wild mushroom arancini or ahi tuna tartare with precision. For diners seeking more substance, choices include the Perch Burger, built for longer stays rather than quick bites. Evenings often carry sound from curated live performances that emerge midweek, shaping mood without dominating space. Value appears during weekday hours when drink pricing shifts downward, positioning it favorably against similar venues. This place fits moments after office hours, intimate gatherings under shared conversation, or visits from travelers drawn to emblematic city highlights.
📞 Phone: (213) 892-0077
🌐 Website: Perch LA
⏰ Hours:
- Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
- Dinner/Bar: Mon–Sun afternoon–late (varies; often until ~12 am)
🍹 Favorite Cocktails & Drinks (happy hour / regular):
- La Finale – vodka, espresso, chocolate, banana foam — ~$18
- Bleu Violette – gin, Luxardo, butterfly pea — ~$17
- Upper Eastside – vodka, cucumber, mint — ~$17
- Penicillin – scotch, lemon, ginger — ~$17
🍽 Best Food Items:
- Ahi Tuna Tartare Crisp – with ponzu & chili oil — ~$14
- Wild Mushroom Arancini – ~$6
- Perch Burger – brioche, gruyere — ~$21
- Garlic Shrimp Linguine – ~$29
Notes: Classic happy hour cocktails are priced lower than dinner pours; the bar has two levels/views and often live music at night.
2. Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles — Chill Tropical Rooftop Cocktails
3.7 ★ Casual, beach-inspired rooftop bar atop the Freehand Hotel with handcrafted cocktails.
Above city noise, Broken Shaper rests quietly on the Freehand Hotel roof. Tropical tones shape the mood without shouting. Cocktails take center stage, built around fresh components pulled from Caribbean and Latin traditions. A spicy margarita might appear beside a rotating rum drink shaped by what’s ripe at market. For gatherings, shared punch bowls serve several hands at once. Food stays simple: jerk-seasoned poultry, charred meat sticks, salty nibbles meant to sit alongside drinks. Seating wraps around water edges where people linger past daylight. Prices stay within reach when measured against polished downtown alternatives. Evenings unfold slowly here under open sky. This place suits those who want flavor without formality.
📞 Phone: (213) 612-0021
🌐 Website: Broken Shaker
⏰ Hours:
- Daily: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Happy Hour: Mon–Sun ~4:00 pm–7:00 pm
🍹 Favorite Drinks:
- Oscar De La Hoya (Spicy Margarita) – ~$14 during happy hour
- Punch Bowl – 10–12 servings ~$300 (great for groups)
(Prices may vary by season and mix-ins.)
🍽 Best Food Items:
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Skewers
- Chips & Guac
(Classic bar bites that pair with cocktails.)
Notes: Award-winning bar vibe perfect for sunset drinks and social groups.
3. The Rooftop Beverly Hills — Luxe Beverly Hills Bar & Views
3.9 ★ Upscale garden rooftop lounge with panoramic Hollywood & Beverly Hills views atop the Waldorf Astoria.
Perched above the city at the Waldorf Astoria, The Rooftop Beverly Hills presents expansive sightlines stretching across Hollywood into distant horizons. From this elevated vantage point, guests encounter a carefully composed selection of drinks, espresso martinis appear alongside bold signature pours, each prepared with precision. An atmosphere of quiet sophistication defines the space, where garden-inspired design elements shape the surroundings without overwhelming the senses. Dining here follows a similar standard: lobster burgers arrive with subtle richness, while caviar-topped fries and delicate seafood plates reflect deliberate craftsmanship. Though pricing leans toward the upper range and structured drink specials do not exist, attention to detail remains consistently present. Service unfolds at a measured pace, matching the calm tone set by soft lighting and unobstructed skyward views. Occasions marked by celebration, professional discussions held under open air, or solitary evenings seeking refinement find alignment within this setting. Elevation does more than describe its physical location; it becomes part of the overall impression left behind long after departure.
📞 Phone: (310) 860-6798
🌐 Website: Hilton
⏰ Hours:
- Mon–Fri: Bar & Lounge 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Sat–Sun: Bar & Lounge 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
(All-day dining available lunch/dinner.)
🍹 Favorite Drinks: (typical premium rooftop cocktails, prices often $18–$26+)
- Espresso Martini – ~$20+ (guest favorite)
- Ginger Bramble – ~$20+
🍽 Best Food Items:
- Lobster Burger – ~$40+
- Caviar Fries – specialty shareable
- Ahi Tuna Poke / Tuna Tartare – premium bar appetizers
- Warm Maine Lobster Roll
Notes: This spot doesn’t have a traditional happy hour but sometimes hosts seasonal offers; expect premium pricing to match views and setting.
4. Cara Cara — Proper Hotel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
3.9 ★ Rooftop bar/restaurant with lush greenery, skyline views, and California-fresh menu.
High above Downtown LA, Cara Cara presents bold visuals alongside sweeping urban scenery. From its position on the Proper Hotel, the space delivers a rich atmosphere suited to both afternoon refreshments and nighttime gatherings. Seasonal elements shape the drink offerings, which include updated versions of traditional favorites. Instead of relying on typical bar snacks, the kitchen emphasizes reimagined familiar foods, lobster rolls, crispy poultry, thoughtfully built greens, that balance flavor with lightness. There is no scheduled discount period, yet access throughout daylight hours enhances its appeal. Unlike venues focused only on beverages, this spot maintains reliable culinary standards across all times. Those seeking well-made drinks along with solid meals may find satisfaction here, within surroundings that stay energetic but never rushed.
📞 Phone: (213) 806-1027
🌐 Website: Proper Hotel
⏰ Hours:
- Mon–Thu, Sun: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Fri–Sat: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
(No formal Happy Hour, but sunset specials/seasonal events may occur.)
🍹 Favorite Drinks: (typical rooftop prices)
- Espresso Martini – ~$18–$20 (common rooftop classic)
- Seasonal Margaritas / Craft cocktails – ~$15–$22 (varies by season)
🍽 Best Food Items:
- Lobster Roll – standout item
- Piri Piri Fried Chicken
- Cara Cara Cobb Salad
- Herbed French Fries / Mac & Cheese (great sides/appetizers)
Notes: Seasonal menus change often; great choice for both lunch & evening cocktails with skyline views.
Summary:
Above the streets, each rooftop tells a separate story of Los Angeles. Perch brings old-world charm into sharp relief against concrete canyons. Over at Broken Shaker, warmth flows through every palm-frond shadow and slow-moving breeze. The Rooftop Beverly Hills holds itself with quiet precision, where detail matters more than display. Cara Cara stands apart by letting bold flavors lead instead of spectacle. Some offer savings without sacrifice; others trade on sweeping panoramas or inventive drinks. What they share is an ability to frame the city differently when evening light softens the horizon. Arrive as daylight fades, let rhythm guide choice, then simply stand still amid glass and steel stretching beyond reach.
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