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Top 10 Best Bars in Los Angeles
One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is the diversity of restaurants and bars they offer. There's something for everyone. The classy, the artsy, you name it. Personally, I'm a big fan of Christmas lights, roofdecks, fire pits, couches and fruity champagne drinks. But that's just me.
For anyone traveling to L.A. or just looking for some trendy new places to hang out, then this list is for you.
1. Warszawa
Warszawa is, by far, the biggest hidden gem in west L.A. Located on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica, you'd never know that this Polish restaurant housed a back patio with wooden walls, leather couches, heat lamps, an outdoor bar with happy hour all night ($4 well drinks!) and a giant movie projector! It's like having your own backyard party.
2. Perch
If you're an art-lover, then Perch is the place for you. And Tuesday is the night to go. Located in downtown Los Angeles, Perch is a French restaurant/bar that has a very historical, European vibe to it. It occupies two floors, the roofdeck which overlooks all of downtown Los Angeles, and just one floor down is an indoor bar with arched doorways, couches and a fireplace.
The roofdeck has an outdoor bar and fire pits, and on Tuesday nights, they have live acoustic music and jewelry/art sales. It's an absolutely glorious vibe.
3. Station Hollywood & The Living Room
Station Hollywood (AKA The Living Room) is located in the W Hotel on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. It is a classy, elegant bar with an indoor bar and leather couches, as well as an outdoor patio and bar. Sunday night is Jazz night, which is my favorite night to go. It features music from Brenna Whittaker and her Little Big Band (she is an incredible vocalist) and they often have surprise music guests performing. They also feature Brooke Lynn's Burlesque dancers, who show off their moves while the band performs. It's not to miss.
(Also, atop the roof of the W hotel is Drai's, a very cool, very hip nightclub.)
4. The Penthouse
Located in the Penthouse of the Huntley Hotel on 2nd St in Santa Monica, the Penthouse bar and restaurant overlooks the ocean and the entire city of Santa Monica. Their drinks are sensational (my favorite is the Watermelon Mojito), their entire bar is lined with candles, the booths have white sheer canopies and in the corner is a fireplace surrounded by oversized leather chairs. Very classy, very fun.
www.thehuntleyhotel.com/penthouse-restuarant.php
5. Skybar
Another classy, trendy Hollywood spot. Located in the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset, Skybar has white beds surrounding their heated pool, a gorgeous view of the city, and an outdoor clubhouse bar with sofas. And their drink menu is to die for. My favorite is the Royale, which is a champagne and chamboard combo. Yum.
6. The Standard
Here is yet another downtown L.A. roofdeck spot (are you seeing a trend here?) The Standard Hotel downtown has an outdoor bar, a heated pool, and red waterbeds. They have pool parties on Sundays during the summer, where they have DJ's, photographers, and feature champagne specials for $35 a bottle. A very fun spot.
7. Cat & the Fiddle
Cat and the Fiddle is located on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, a little tucked-away hidden gem with a giant gated entrance, fountains, heat lamps, and white Christmas lights. My favorite drink is the Mary Poppins, which is champagne and lavender essence. Very cozy.
8. The Bungalow
The Bungalow is located in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, right off Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. It has a beautiful view of the ocean, an outdoor bar with umbrellas and flowers that has a very Cape Cod feel to it, and an indoor area that feels like a living room, with pianos, leathers couches and pool tables.
9. Bar Marmont
The last Hollywood recommendation is Bar Marmont, located at the legendary Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard. Bar Marmont has a quaint, 1920's feel to it, with dim lighting, historical lamps and windows, and butterflies on the ceiling.
10. The Victorian
Last but not least, we have the Victorian, located on Main Street in Santa Monica. From the outside the Victorian looks as though it's just that - a Victorian House. Inside, it has something for everyone. Upstairs, we have the classy bar in the "living room" leather couch area. But downstairs is the basement tavern, where they have live music and more of a pub type feel. They also have weekend brunch outside, and host weddings, too. Something for everyone!
