Enjoy Sips and Sights at These Scenic Rooftops Around LA

Two staple characteristics of Los Angeles is its beautiful weather and terrain. What better way to enjoy both than outdoors, high up in the sky?!

Here are five of my favorite outdoor rooftop bars in Los Angeles, each with a different view, as they sit in various areas aroundLA.

Hollywood

photo : Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter

6500 Selma Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Mama Shelter’s rooftop prides itself on its homemade food, signature cocktails, and music sessions. They invite you to have a power lunch, or simply chill at the end of a busy evening.

You won’t have to worry yourself with trying to get a reservation. It’s always first-come, first-serve.

It’s casual. People go here for “relaxed gatherings, lively get-togethers and informal celebrations.”

Located only a stone’s throw away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this hotel sits in the heart of Hollywood. Its fabulous roof deck features 360-degree views. This means you’ll be able to see the infamous Hollywood sign, as well as glance over to Downtown LA in the distance.

West Hollywood

photo : LA Times

Roof at Edition

9040 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Studio 54 co-founder launched this Sunset hot spot, West Hollywood Edition Hotel. It doesn’t jump out from the street, but it does when you step inside, especially when you exit the elevator to The Roof.

According to Vogue, “Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton, and More Christened the West Hollywood Edition With a Splashy Opening Night Party.”

The place is definitely equipped for stars, from the clean interior design to the fresh floral arrangements.

photo : @aroundLAwithTK

My favorite aspect is the delightful service. From the person that greeted me when I approached the host stand, to the person that walked me over to a table and took care of table upkeep, everyone was pleasant. This is important to note because sometimes at ritzy establishments, they act like they’re doing you a favor by letting you be there; not at this one. The staff at Edition were welcoming, like they’re truly happy to have you.

Beverly Hills

photo : Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

JG Rooftop

9850 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s all-day eatery with New American fare on the Waldorf Astoria rooftop is not quite your casual, everyday lunch spot. If you can’t tell from the French name, or the famous Beverly Hills zip code, this place is fancy, honey.

Put on your good clothes when you go here, because even catching the elevator up, you never know which Billboard-topping artist you’ll bump into.

It’s walking distance from the Neiman Marcus on Wilshire, then a few more steps down are the high end shops on Rodeo, both of which are where the rich and famous love to frequent.

Twelve stories high, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Beverly Hills, stretching all the way over to Hollywood. It’s space is massive, in comparison to its similar neighbors, and the upscale garden design is exquisite.

Get your coins together, friend, at least once, because “this one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed.”

Miracle Mile

photo : Kimpton Hotel Wilshire

Pop-Up at Kimpton Hotel

6317 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Sitting poolside, this spot to grab decadent burger or classic cocktail is rather casual. Majority of the patrons, at least the many times I’ve been, seem to be hotel guests that have come up for a dip in the pool or to sun bathe a bit. (So much so, that the last time I was there, I had to find someone and tell him I was there to eat; he had passed us a couple of times, but thought we were hotel guests that only came to hangout.)

On the roof of a boutique hotel, it’s calm, and low-key. It’s not really marketed, nor advertised, nor a place where you’ll see all sorts of people. Good place for a sneaky-link?

photo : @tee.krys

Though quiet, the view across the Hollywood hills speaks volumes. The space is “warmed by the glow of the city and [their] cozy firepit.”

No reservations are required, so feel free to pop-up at The Pop Up at Kimpton Hotel Wilshire.

DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles)

photo : @perchlosangeles

Perch

448 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Instead of looking at the DTLA skyline from afar, get up close and personal at this “glamorous rooftop setting with French small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city.”

This spot has layers. There’s a completely indoor bar/lounge area, then there’s a deck seating area with a covering, then there’s a completely outdoor-outdoor area (no covering) on the edge of the building.

Located atop the 15th floor of the Pershing Square Building, Perch is smack-dab in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. During the day, you may hear and see the hustle and bustle of working people and pedestrians down below. And at night, you’ll be illuminated by the city lights, when you go “float along the Los Angeles skyline.”

You Can’t Go Wrong With a Rooftop in LA

All of these lovely spaces provide sweeping views of Los Angeles. Which one seems most your vibe? Tweet me your thoughts! Have you been? Tag @aroundLAwithTK on Instagram the next time you share stellar views of Los Angeles; I want to see!

Checkout the entire food page here on the blog, to find other places to EAT while in Los Angeles.