Sometimes you just need a break. Not a trip, not a 3-day getaway. Just one good night, one strong drink, and one perfect spot where the vibe matches your mood. We’re talking about the kind of places where the music hits right, dim lighting is enough to feel cool, drinks taste better, and for a few hours, forget about work and stress, affordable bars in Los Angeles. Where do you find that kind of bar in Los Angeles?
Top 10 Bars In Los Angeles
This city is packed with options. But not every place is worth it that’s why we made this list a mix of rooftops, speakeasies, chill patios, and wild spots so you can find the right place for the right night
1. The Varnish
Varnish is one of those hidden bars you hear about but never actually find unless someone tells you. You can find the varnish behind Cole’s in downtown LA, and once you step in, it feels like a whole different world, low lights, jazz, proper old school vibe. No noisy, no crowded, no show off scene, and budget friendly. If you’re tired of the usual loud spots and want somewhere that actually feels special, then this is one of the best bars in Los Angeles.
2. Harriet’s Rooftop
Harriet’s rooftop is that kind of place where you go when you feel a little fancy without being fake. The Harriet’s Rooftop can be found on top of the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. You can find the views of Pure LA magic skyline, sunset and soft beats in the background from the rooftop. People pull up here for date nights, known for the best drink and good music bar. It’s not too loud or wild, but has pleasant music, where you can come with your loved ones and family.
3. Bar Flores
Bar Flores started around 2019 as a small upstairs bar in Echo Park, and now it’s one of the most loved bars in Los Angeles for real ones who hate fake hype. It built its name through word of mouth, strong spicy margaritas, a Latin-inspired vibe, and that cozy vibe where mood always hits a good music bar, warm lights, and people who look like they’re enjoying life. It is also budget-friendly.
4. Employee Only
Employee Only came to Los Angeles a few years back and quickly became one of the smoothest bars in Los Angeles. It’s in West Hollywood with dim lights, no loud music, no crowd flexing loud scenes, just well-made cocktails and grown-up energy. With helping staff services, although it’s affordable for corporate employees and their loved ones.
5. The Roger Room
Roger Room is one of those low-key bars in Los Angeles that locals whisper about. No signboard, no drama, just a black door, velvet booths, and cocktails that usually taste like efforts. It’s perfect for when you wanna disappear from the city noise and sip something strong in peace. You can come here for the quiet vibe and enjoy the vibe in your personal time.
6. Perch
Wanna see the rooftop bars? Then Perch has been one of those rooftop bars in Los Angeles for years, mostly cause it nails the whole “good music, view, and good mood vibe without overdoing it. You take the elevator up, and boom, city skyline, fairy lights, soft music, and that Parisian cafe feel. It’s not loud or flashy, just calm, clean and kind of magical. People come here for sunset chill, dinners, just to feel like life’s a little prettier for an hour.
7. Thunderbolt
Opened a few years back in historic Filipinotown, Thunderbolt quickly earned its name as one of the most unique bars in Los Angeles. It’s got this chill southern style cocktail menu with unexpected twists like peanut whiskey. No fake vibe, no overcrowding, just good drinks, comfy seats, and a crowd that’s actually cool. You hit this spot when you’re bored of basic and want something low-budget but different.
8. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s isn’t just one of the quirkiest bars is los angeles, its a full on 70’s house party you literally enter through a fridge inside, its disco lights vintage couches and people vibing with loud music and the energy feels like someone’s cool older cousin threw the best party ever. Pull up when you’re done with basic bars and just wanna dance, drink, and no worries
9. Broken Shaker
Sitting on the rooftop of the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker stands out among the usual bars in Los Angeles with a tropical vibe. You have got colorful decor, a pool nearby, and cocktails that feel more than a night out. No dress code pressure, no Hollywood flash, just sunlight, good music, and drinks that make you chill out without trying. Come here when you just wanna vibe in flip flops and sunglasses, not heels and stress.
10. Tiki-Ti Los Feliz
Tiki Ti is one of those legendary, tiny tiki bars in Los Angeles that’s been family run since the 60s, and people keep coming back for their insanely strong, fun, and colorful rum drinks. It’s only super cozy and has this wild vibe where some drinks are presented with fire and yeah, it’s a whole experience, not just a night out. This place isn’t about fancy crowds or dress codes if you want to feel like a real LA classic with killer cocktails, enjoy with your friends here.
Conclusion
Bars in Los Angeles aren’t just about what you think it’s about how the place makes you feel. Some spots hit you with rooftop sunsets the same, it feels like your friend’s backyard and some are just weird in the best way. Every bar in this list has its own thing going on, and that’s what makes going out in Los Angeles kinda special. Next time you’re stuck scrolling through places, just pick one and go the night usually takes care of itself