I’m a New Girl fan, so when I watched Nick and friends embark on a “Bar Crawl,” on the Valentine's special, I was inspired to do one of my own city (although the only love interest involved in my experience was sharing the evening with my BFF Matthew).
The downtown area comprises of four rooftop bar & lounges that are distinctive to that section of downtown. Each has something unique to offer, depending on how you plan to spend your Saturday night. Do NOT forego what is at your disposal: sunsets against the downtown skyline with a Dj that probably will not play top 40.
If scenic rooftops don’t entice you, the listed locations also coincide with a restaurant, so stay for the food (but mostly for the drinks and hopefully for the crowd)!
Here's a comprehensive note that will help you decide which rooftop bar to make your usual spot. Thanks to Matthew and I, the research has been done for you, so the only thing left to decide is which bar to go to first!
For reference, we visited on a Sunday and not just any Sunday, SuperBowl Sunday which meant access was an absolute breeze; no lines, small crowds, available seating and tables.
Camera used: fixed fish eye lens on a Canon SL1 photos edited using VSCO
1. Upstairs Bar, Ace Hotel
The smallest of the group, but the most dynamic in terms of what this space offers. You enter through LA Chapter on the main level, a bouncer cards you and you enter the elevator (no cover). Once up, you are presented with scattered seating in the first half, a main bar in the center of it all, and once passed that, a small pool with lounge seating. Do not be fooled, photos enlarge space. This is something to note if you and your group of 12+ want to lounge in the pool, space is limited! Instead, come in the evening to experience their live Dj sets/live music (mixed genre) usually free with RSVP.
VIBE: casual, ideal for: brunching, relaxing during happy hour on weekends, catching up with friends
CROWD: youthful hipsters
GO FOR: musical guests, launch parties (editorial fashion/music)
929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 623-3233
MON–SUN 11AM–2AM
Ace Hotel Events Calendar
2. Perch
Unsure of where to take your date? The chances of romance igniting at Perch will be in your favor in part to the live acoustic music, mood lighting, and an encompassing view of downtown. From the lobby, two flights of elevators will take you to the rooftop (no cover). It will lead you to first level of the rooftop which includes a full bar and restaurant serving French inspired dishes partially enclosed with 30 ft. ceilings. A set of stairs will take you to a second level rooftop where there is copious amounts of seating with a central bar and unobstructed views of downtown. Admire the city while you admire your date.
VIBE: classy, romantic, ideal for: date night, birthday dinner, sunset-watching
CROWD: mostly young professionals
GO FOR: 2 level-rooftop experience with a talented band playing live acoustic music, covering today's favorites.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 802-1770
MON–WED 4PM–1AM
THUR–FRI 4PM–2AM
SAT–SUN 11AM–1AM
Perch Menu
3. The Standard
This was a group favorite. Mostly due to the music selection from the Dj and waterbed pods near the pool area. Upon entrance of the lobby, take the escalators where you're carded and take the elevator to go up (no cover on Thursday and Sunday). The space is accented with fluorescent orange lighting to balance out the earth tones utilized throughout the rest of the space. Super comfy seating can turn a wild night into an intimate one on one.
**strict on camera policy, only photos allowed are to be taken on a phone. We had two cameras with us which had to be checked in at the front desk in the lobby
VIBE: trendy, classy but urban
CROWD: young and old urban professionals
GO FOR: live DJ sets and the waterbed pods
550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 892-8080
MON–SUN 12PM–1:30AM
4. Takami Sushi & Robata
A full service Japanese restaurant connected to a lounge on that sits on the 21st level of the building. Not exactly, a "rooftop," but if you're looking for fine dining at high elevation, this is it! Submerged in modern design, you'll begin to understand why the connecting lounge is called Elevate.
VIBE: upscale, classy, ideal for: a date, to satisfy sushi craving
CROWD: professionals
GO FOR: cityscape aura and premium sushi
811 Wilshire Blvd #2100, Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 236-9600
MON–FRI 11:30AM–2PM, 5–11PM
SAT 5–11PM
