LA’s Best Bars: A Drunk’s Guide to the City’s Top Booze‑Holes

Welcome to the Unfiltered LA Bar Bible

Grab a cold one, settle into your favorite couch‑cushion, and let’s spill the tea (or the IPA) about the best bars Los Angeles has to offer. This isn’t your grandma’s travel guide; it’s a meme‑infused, sarcasm‑laden manifesto for anyone who thinks a night out should feel like a Netflix binge meets a Saturday Night Live sketch. If you’ve ever wondered why your Instagram stories look better after a few drinks, you’re in the right place.

Why LA’s Bar Scene Deserves a Standing Ovation (and a Hangover)

Los Angeles isn’t just Hollywood glamour and avocado toast. It’s a sprawling playground of neon‑lit dive bars, rooftop sanctuaries, and speakeasies that would make Gatsby blush. The city’s geography is basically a giant cocktail shaker, and every neighborhood throws its own flavor into the mix. From the sun‑kissed patios of West Hollywood to the gritty, graffiti‑covered backrooms of Echo Park, there’s a bar for every personality—whether you’re a pretentious craft‑beer snob or a straight‑up tequila‑chugging party animal.

How We Ranked These Bad Boys

Before you start judging, here’s the lowdown on our methodology (because we’re SEO‑savvy, remember?). We crunched data from Google reviews, Yelp, and the occasional bartender gossip thread on Reddit. We also considered:

Atmosphere: Does the vibe match your Instagram aesthetic?
Drink Quality: Are the cocktails actually good, or just Instagram‑friendly?
Price Point: Can you afford a second round without selling a kidney?
Location: Proximity to parking, public transit, and that inevitable Uber surge.
Memorability: Will you still be talking about this place in 2030?

We also threw in a little personal bias—if the bartender knew a decent meme, that bar got extra points.

Top 10 Bars in Los Angeles (No, Not in Order of How Much You’ll Regret It)

The Varnish – A speakeasy hidden behind a French‑dip sandwich shop in Downtown. Think Prohibition vibes, dim lighting, and a bartender who whispers “shhh” like it’s a secret society.
Barrel & Crow – Echo Park’s craft‑beer haven. Over 200 taps, a rotating pizza menu, and a jukebox that only plays 90s alt‑rock. Perfect for the “I’m too cool for mainstream beer” crowd.
Elephante – West Hollywood rooftop that looks like a postcard. Sunset views, tropical cocktails, and a DJ that pretends to be “underground.”
Good Times at Davey’s – A dive that feels like a hug from your drunk uncle. Cheap drinks, a pool table that’s seen better days, and a jukebox that only plays one song on repeat.
Seven Grand – Whiskey lovers, this is your cathedral. Over 300 whiskies, a knowledgeable staff, and a vibe that says “I’m sophisticated, but I still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings.”
La Descarga – A Cuban‑themed bar in Hollywood that serves mojitos with a side of salsa dancing. The décor screams “retro Miami,” but the drinks are pure LA sunshine.
Clifton’s Republic – A forest‑themed bar in downtown that feels like you’ve stumbled into a National Geographic spread. Log cabins, a massive indoor waterfall, and a secret speakeasy behind a bookshelf.
Alibi Room – Echo Park’s hidden gem for craft‑cocktail enthusiasts. The bartenders treat every drink like a chemistry experiment—expect smoke, fire, and a garnish that looks like a tiny sculpture.
Bar Marmont – The Beverly Hills hotspot where celebrities pretend they’re normal people. Velvet booths, overpriced martinis, and a bouncer who looks like he could be a Marvel super‑villain.
Golden Gopher – A West LA dive with a neon sign that says “Open 24/7” and a beer selection that would make a microbrewery weep. Perfect for those “I’m too tired to go home” nights.

Hidden Gems That Won’t Make the Mainstream List (But Definitely Deserve a Shout‑Out)

If you’ve already checked off the top ten, it’s time to go off the beaten path. These spots are the kind of places you’ll brag about at brunch the next day:

Badlands – A desert‑themed bar in Arts District with a sand‑filled floor and a bartender who serves “cactus margaritas.”
Rooftop at The Standard – A pool‑side bar with a view that makes you forget you’re in a city of traffic jams.
La Cita – A tiny Mexican cantina in Silver Lake that serves mezcal flights that will make you question reality.
Smuggler’s Cove – A pirate‑themed tiki bar that’s basically a vacation in a glass. Rum, rum, and more rum.

How to Choose the Perfect LA Bar for Your Mood

Not every night is a “let’s hit the rooftop and pretend we’re in a music video.” Sometimes you just need a place to decompress after a brutal Zoom call. Here’s a quick decision‑tree:

Feeling Fancy? – Head to Custom Beer or Make Your Own Beer for a curated tasting menu.
Budget‑Conscious? – Dive bars like Good Times at Davey’s or Golden Gopher will keep your wallet intact.
Need a Photo‑Op? – Elephante’s rooftop or Clifton’s Republic’s indoor waterfall are Instagram gold.
Craving a Story? – The Varnish’s hidden entrance or Smuggler’s Cove’s pirate vibe will give you anecdotes for years.

Food Pairings That Won’t Make You Regret Your Choices (Too Much)

Let’s be honest: you’re not just drinking for the sake of drinking. You want food that complements the booze and doesn’t leave you feeling like a bloated balloon. Here are some pairings that actually work:

IPA + Spicy Tacos – The bitterness cuts through the heat like a ninja.
Old‑Fashioned + Bacon‑Wrapped Dates – Sweet, salty, and sophisticated—just like you on a Sunday brunch.
Margarita + Ceviche – The citrus in both makes a harmonious duet.
Stout + Chocolate Brownie – Dark, rich, and perfect for those “I’m an adult now” moments.

Pro Tips for Bar‑Hopping Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Phone)

Bar hopping can be an art form. Follow these rules and you’ll avoid the classic “I woke up on a stranger’s couch” scenario:

Map Your Route – Use Google Maps or a good old‑fashioned paper map. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not stuck in traffic between Echo Park and West Hollywood.
Stay Hydrated – One water between drinks keeps you from turning into a human cactus.
Set a Budget – Decide on a maximum spend before you start. No one looks good on a credit‑card statement.
Know Your Exit – Always have a backup Uber or a friend with a designated driver. The last thing you need is a “Where’s my car?” panic attack.
Engage the Staff – Bartenders love a good story. A witty comment can earn you a secret menu or a free garnish.

SEO Secrets for Bar Owners (Because Why Not?)

If you’re a bar owner reading this, congratulations—you’ve just stumbled upon a free marketing lecture. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you ranking for “best bars Los Angeles” without hiring a whole agency:

Optimize Your Google My Business – Keep hours, photos, and menus up‑to‑date.
Leverage Local Keywords – Sprinkle phrases like “LA rooftop bar,” “Echo Park craft beer,” and “Hollywood cocktail lounge” throughout your site.
Earn Backlinks – Partner with local influencers, food blogs, and even Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer to get authoritative links.
Encourage Reviews – Ask happy patrons to leave five‑star reviews on Yelp and Google.
Use Schema Markup – Structured data helps search engines understand your opening hours, menu, and reservation options.

Need more help? Check out our Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer page for a deep dive into digital marketing for the booze industry.

What to Do When the Night Gets Too Wild

We all know the moment when the music is too loud, the crowd is too sweaty, and you’re questioning every life choice that led you to this point. Here’s a survival guide:

Find the Quiet Corner – Most bars have a back‑room or a balcony. Use it to reset.
Order Water – It’s the ultimate “I’m still in control” move.
Call a Friend – Even a quick “Hey, I’m at The Varnish” text can be a sanity check.
Know When to Call It – The best night ends with a story, not a regret.

Final Thoughts: The City of Angels, the City of Booze

Los Angeles is a sprawling, chaotic, glorious mess—and its bar scene reflects that perfectly. Whether you’re chasing a rooftop sunset cocktail, a gritty dive with cheap drafts, or a speakeasy that feels like a secret society, the city has something for every drunk‑ish desire. So next time you’re scrolling through Instagram, wondering where to go, remember this guide. And if you’re a bar owner, remember that a good SEO strategy is just another cocktail—mix it right, and you’ll see the buzz.

Ready to Conquer LA’s Bar Scene?

If you’ve survived this massive read, you’re officially qualified to be the designated driver for your friends’ next epic night out. Still not sure where to start? Home and Contact us for a personalized bar‑hopping itinerary, or just grab a map and start wandering. And hey—if you ever decide to sell your own brew, remember that Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer is the easiest way to get it into the hands of fellow drink‑enthusiasts. Cheers to you, LA, and may your nights be as unforgettable as your hangovers!