Top Bars in Los Angeles – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked behind the façade of normalcy at 1356 Palmetto Street in L.A.’s Arts District lies The Obscure—a cocktail experience like no other. Guests enter through a hidden entrance, checked in at a neighboring café before being transported into a dim, candlelit realm of ancient ruins, lava-lined walls, and ethereal waterfalls. Once inside, the bar’s dramatic design unfolds: flickering lanterns, moss-covered stones, crystalline formations, and cascading reeds create an atmosphere where magic feels tangible. Stories come alive as mixologists present six curated libations—three bespoke spirits distilled in-house and three imaginative cocktails—each paired with its own narrative steeped in myth and lore. The experience is intimate and theatrical, blending immersive storytelling with high-caliber mixology in a way that defies the typical bar outing. Guests are encouraged to don all-black attire as they embark on a two-hour tasting ritual filled with sensory pleasure, whimsy, and a sense of travel to another world. Patrons and journalists alike rave: “Harry Potter-style speakeasy,” “mixology meets storytelling,” and “magical realm … candles, stories, spirits.” It’s described as immersive, emotional, and wholly unique.

Thirsty Crow is a beloved whiskey bar tucked on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake / Echo Park fringe. It’s run by the 1933 Group, known for thoughtfully designed nightlife spots around LA. Entering Thirsty Crow, you’re greeted by a dark wood-panel interior, vintage lighting, and a horseshoe-shaped marble bar that immediately sets the tone for a serious drinker’s haven. Behind the bar, a curated selection of over 100 whiskeys, including 60+ small batch bourbons, is proudly displayed—this is their domain. Cocktails are executed with care, leaning on classics like Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac, and seasonal twists when available. Thirsty Crow maintains a balance of old-world saloon energy and modern LA bar sensibility. You’ll often hear vinyl spinning, soft live music, or curated DJ sets—never overpowering, but enough to elevate the mood. The vibe is intimate: dark corners, snug booths, and warm lighting. It feels like a bar that invites you to wander, linger, and explore the back corners. Many locals call it a “neighborhood watering hole for whiskey lovers.” While not primarily a food bar, you’ll often find light snacks or small bites to pair. The real draw is the drinks, the ambience, and the hidden charm. Happy hour deals are also part of its appeal, helping add accessibility to an otherwise refined setting. Overall, Thirsty Crow is ideal for whiskey aficionados, cocktail seekers, couples or small groups seeking character, and anyone who values atmosphere over spectacle.

Nestled at 6377 Hollywood Blvd in the heart of Tinseltown, Scum & Villainy Cantina is a permanent sci‑fi fantasy bar born from a 2016 pop-up concept. Designed as your "friendly neighborhood geek bar," this immersive, windowless space transports you into an intergalactic hive of scum, villains, Jedi, bounty hunters, and cosplayers. Patrons are invited to dress up freely—costumes and props encouraged (but no full masks or projectiles!). Inside, glowing starship-like interiors, Rancor heads, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter easter eggs, and themed decor create a mashup multiverse experience. The cocktail menu is as creative as the setting: sip on Wretched Blue Milk, Green Milk, Mind Trick (tequila-based), and the fizzy Asteroid Field that even pops like cosmic fireworks. Drinks generally run $9–16, and the space is free to enter except for ticketed events like podcasts or screenings . Scum & Villainy keeps things lively: trivia nights, karaoke, themed gatherings, Twitch meetups, and even guest appearances by Kevin Smith and "Star Wars" actors. It’s all-ages until evening (minors welcome before ~8 pm), ADA accessible, and inclusive—a true #ScifiSafeHouse for fans and curious newcomers alike. Whether you're geeking out solo or bringing a full crew of Rebel, Jedi, or Hogwarts cosplayers, Scum & Villainy Cantina is LA’s go-to galaxy‑spanning escape.

Nestled on the Sunset Boulevard edge of Los Feliz and Silver Lake, Tiki‑Ti is a tropical relic—tiny yet mighty, boasting just a dozen barstools and a legacy that feels carved in wood and rum. Founded on April 28, 1961 by Ray Buhen, a former bartender at Don the Beachcomber and other Polynesian venues, Tiki‑Ti inhabits what was once a violin repair shop belonging to his father‑in‑law. Step inside, and you're swallowed by nostalgia: glowing pufferfish lamps, signed placards from loyal regulars covering every angle, fishing floats, tchotchkes, tiki masks, and even a robotic bull that parades along the bar—cheered on by delighted patrons. Run today by Buhen’s descendants—Mike Sr., Mike Jr., and Mark—the bar still pours classic tiki drinks using original secret recipes, with more than 80–90 cocktails on the menu, none of which come with ingredient lists. It's a place of rituals: order a Blood and Sand and the room shouts “Toro, Toro, Toro!” as tequila flows; ask for an Uga Booga, and patrons chant “ooga booga” while it's made. Tiki‑Ti doesn’t serve martinis, cosmopolitans, or beer (except “the last beer,” a tongue‑in‑cheek one‑off relic). Wednesdays hold special charm: “Ray’s Mistake” is discounted, and Mike Sr. leads a toast to his father, Ray Buhen. Despite its size, lines frequently snake outside—both for the strong pours and the atmosphere that feels like stepping into tiki’s golden age. A kitsch‑meets‑ritual institution, Tiki‑Ti feels simultaneously dive‑bar cozy, historically rich, and forever festive.

Nestled in the mezzanine of The LINE Hotel in Koreatown, Break Room 86 is a stylish speakeasy that pays homage to 1980s pop culture. Its unmarked entrance off Ardmore Ave channels the thrill of a secret club. Inside, expect bold retro visuals—walls lined with cassette tapes, lockers straight out of The Breakfast Club, and a vintage TV collage blasting Saturday-morning cartoons and iconic 80s clips. The venue features classic arcade machines, a boombox‑built DJ booth, and a nostalgic Pepsi‑machine‑door leading to private karaoke rooms. Dance breaks with surprise performances—like breakdancers or Michael Jackson impersonators—keep energy levels high. The cocktail menu, crafted by Houston Hospitality beverage director Joe Swifka, revisits childhood flavours in adult‑savvy form. Try the layered “Rock‑It Pop,” tiki‑style Dr. J!, or the refreshing Ecto Cooler—all around $14—or grab a nostalgic “Lunch Box” snack pack with Hot Pockets or Reese’s Pieces. Debuting late night with hours Tuesday–Saturday 9 PM to 2 AM, Break Room 86 attracts a fashionable crowd in their 20s‑30s, ready to sing, dance, and reminisce with vintage vibes and crafted cocktails. Dress casual‑cool and prepare for an entertaining trip back to the 80s.

Stepping into No Vacancy is like stepping back into old Hollywood glam—only spiced up. Located in a restored Victorian house at 1727 N Hudson Ave in Hollywood, the venue combines vintage charm, theatrical performance, and sleek cocktail culture. From plush red velvet seating to dark wood paneling and décor that recalls the Prohibition era, there’s a sense of mystery and elegance in every corner. Live music, burlesque acts, tightrope walkers, and an outdoor garden-courtyard with baroque fireplaces add layers of spectacle. The entrance is discreet, often via gate or a less obvious door, maintaining the speakeasy allure. The vibe is upscale but relaxed—people dress smart (avoid loud colors, shiny sportswear, hats etc.), and the staff at the door ensure the tone is preserved. It’s a place for evenings that blend cocktails & performance, for groups wanting something more theatrical than a regular bar, or for dates when you want to impress. The late hours (8 pm-2 am on peak nights) make it ideal for post-dinner drinks & a show. Reservations are possible for tables.

Perched on the mezzanine of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, The Spare Room is less a bar and more a living stage for old-world glamour. Step inside and you’re transported to a cinematic lounge where velvet banquettes, vintage bowling lanes, and candlelit tables set the tone for an evening that blends playful nostalgia with Hollywood sophistication. The heart of the room is its pair of gleaming 1930s bowling lanes, restored to perfection and available by reservation. Around them, an eclectic mix of antique board games and handcrafted furniture invite guests to slow down and engage in the kind of analog fun that feels rare in Los Angeles nightlife. It’s a place to sip, lounge, laugh, and compete in style. The drinks match the atmosphere: polished, inventive, and meant to be savored. Expect a rotating cocktail list with both punch-bowl presentations for groups and elegant single pours that reinterpret classics with a modern twist. Bartenders here are storytellers—shaping drinks with as much attention to detail as the space itself. Music completes the scene. On some nights, DJs or live performers fill the air with curated sets that keep the vibe elevated without drowning conversation. The crowd is as stylish as the décor: locals in the know, hotel guests chasing a true Hollywood experience, and groups looking to do something memorable beyond the typical night out. The Spare Room isn’t just a bar—it’s an evening crafted to linger in memory. Whether you’re bowling under chandeliers, swapping stories over chess, or sipping something beautiful in an atmosphere dripping with vintage allure, this hidden gem embodies the glamour and eccentricity of Los Angeles nightlife at its best.

Blind Barber in Culver City is much more than your average haircut stop—it's a transformation destination. By day, the front is a bright, sleek barbershop offering cuts, shaves, and trims in a crisp, clean setting. But after hours, that façade becomes your gateway to a Prohibition‑inspired speakeasy tucked behind a nondescript door. Step into a dimly lit hideaway where old‑wood paneling and fading wallpaper create vintage charm, while leather booths and ample seating invite lounging and conversation. Regulars gather around the bar for seasonal cocktails—and with local DJs, dating events, and nightly happy hours from 6 to 7 pm offering discounted drinks, it’s always buzzing with energy. This is the West Coast flagship of a concept that started in NYC. The space pairs retro aesthetics with modern comfort and community—it’s where grooming meets nightlife. Whether you're there for the PERFECT haircut, a clever cocktail, or just the vibe of stepping into a secret lounge behind a barber chair, Blind Barber delivers in style.

In the shadowed streets of East Chinatown, Apothéke Los Angeles offers a dramatic retreat into a world of botanical intrigue and craft cocktail sorcery. Designed with cinematic flair, it evokes the feeling of wandering into a vintage European apothecary crossed with a clandestine speakeasy. The building — once a pigeon coop, later abandoned — has been transformed by designer/owner Christopher Tierney into a sensual, moody space where every detail delights. The glowing marble bar, reclaimed wood accents, gilded beams, encaustic tile inlays, and burnished-plaster walls create layers of visual depth. Stylish banquettes, plush seating nooks, and theatrical lighting guide your gaze across glass vials, herb displays, and framed botanical sketches. The cocktail experience is the star. Apothéke positions itself not merely as a bar, but as a “cocktail apothecary” — a place where drinks are treated as elixirs, carefully composed with herbs, botanicals, seasonal produce, house-infused syrups, tinctures, and custom blends. Their menu often reads like a compendium of potions — think names like Dizzy Intellect, Angelino’s Way, and surprising flavor alliances. Because of its design and prestige, Apothéke also offers a rooftop and penthouse extension (seasonally or by reservation) that expands the experience with elevated views, open-air ambiance, and a continuation of the bar’s signature style. Walk-ins may be accepted, but reservation is strongly recommended. The entrance and dress code reflect the intention: “sophisticated attire encouraged,” and admissions may be at the discretion of the host. Apothéke isn’t just a bar — it aspires to be an immersive experience, treating drinkers as connoisseurs stepping into a crafted world of flavor, ambiance, and botanical storytelling.

EightyTwo (stylized as EightyTwo LA) is a hybrid arcade bar, lounge, and nightlife hub tucked into the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. It’s 21+ only, delivering a polished yet playful vibe where nostalgia meets mixology. The venue houses over 55 vintage pinball and arcade machines, rotated periodically to keep the game selection fresh and intriguing. Alongside that, the bar offers 10 draft beers, seasonal craft cocktails, seltzers, wine, and more—bridging the gap between casual hangout and cocktail destination. Spatially, it’s more than just indoor arcade halls. There’s a 3000-sq ft outdoor green patio where guests can relax, sip, and mingle when they want a break from the machines or the dance floor. Inside, there’s a listening bar and a DJ booth that fuels the nightlife energy. EightyTwo often programs DJ nights, live music sets, and occasional arcade or pinball competitions to engage enthusiasts. The bar also operates on a no-cover, first-come first-served basis (reservations are not accepted) — though on weekend evenings lines may form. The ambiance leans toward polished industrial chic — exposed brick, ambient lighting, hints of retro gaming art, and carefully curated music. It’s not a dive bar by any stretch, but it also doesn’t feel overly pretentious. It strikes a balance: welcoming to casual visitors, but with enough depth for arcade fans and cocktail lovers alike. One of its strong points is how it integrates multiple forms of entertainment: you can start with a few games, drift into cocktails, enjoy the patio, dance briefly if you feel it, and generally stay for the experience rather than just one thing. From reviews, the crowd tends to be hip, social, and open to mingling. Some reviewers do warn that during peak times, popular games’ queues can get long and drink service may slow. In sum: EightyTwo is an adult-oriented, retro arcade bar with serious cocktail credentials and a social, music-infused atmosphere — a go-to spot when you want more than just a drink.

Situated beneath the Stones Throw Records office in Highland Park, Gold Line delivers a captivating blend of music culture and refined cocktail craft. Conceived by Chris "Peanut Butter Wolf" Manak, the space is crafted as a homage to Japanese hi-fi listening bars: intimate, moody, and vinyl‑obsessed. Upon entering, you’re met with an impressive wall of over 7,500 records—curated by Wolf himself—framed behind a rich walnut bar that anchors the stylish, laid‑back ambiance. The bar's aesthetic—dim pendant lighting, exposed brick, and lounge seating—feels both nostalgic and chic. Gold Line specializes in sophisticated simplicity: highballs and three‑ingredient cocktail classics alongside rare whiskeys, mezcal, natural wines, and craft concoctions. On weekday nights, bartenders curate ambient soundscapes via the in‑house vinyl collection. Weekends ramp up the energy with guest DJs spinning exclusively from the bar’s record vault. It's exactly the kind of place where music lovers, record collectors, and cocktail aficionados collide. Drink-wise, expect thoughtful, balanced cocktails that complement—not overshadow—the music-forward experience. Gold Line isn't just another bar—it’s a sensory journey through sound and spirit, rendered with authenticity and heart.

Tucked into the heart of historic Chinatown, General Lee’s is a cocktail lounge that thrives on contrasts: classical and contemporary, refined and playful, intimate lounge and dance-floor energy. The aesthetic leans on East Asian influences, apothecary motifs, and moody lighting, lending the place a cinematic, slightly mysterious atmosphere. The space is multi-level. The ground floor often pulses with DJ sets, energetic rhythms, and a more clublike pulse. Upstairs, the mood relaxes: soft couches, warm lights, and live jazz or lounge music can dominate. Cocktails here lean inventive — expect ingredients like reishi mushrooms, house tinctures, oolong infusions, Sichuan pepper, and nuanced syrups to enrich classics into something unexpected. On select nights, they’ve even done pop-ups: for example, the “Bamboo Room” tiki takeover, where they reimagine the space with tropical cocktails and a more festive tone. The venue also plays with theme nights — live music, DJ sets, and special cocktail events appear periodically. Overall, General Lee’s positions itself as more than just a bar — it’s a nightlife destination that blurs the lines between lounge, club, and cocktail sanctuary. It appeals to those who want both the craft and the energy, the conversation and the beat.

Nestled at the crossroads of Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, and Downtown Los Angeles, Thunderbolt is a neighborhood cocktail bar that seamlessly blends Southern hospitality with cutting-edge mixology. Founded by Atlanta native Mike Capoferri, the bar draws inspiration from the American South, evident in both its warm ambiance and its menu offerings. Thunderbolt's beverage program is renowned for its innovative techniques, utilizing technology to enhance flavor and consistency. Cocktails are often pre-batched and stored at optimal temperatures, allowing for swift service without compromising quality. Signature drinks like the "Liquid Picnic"—a gin-based cocktail with tomato water and rosemary—exemplify the bar's creative approach. The bar also offers a selection of canned cocktails, prepared on-site, providing patrons with unique, portable options . Complementing the drink menu is a range of Southern-inspired dishes, including buttermilk biscuits and pimento cheese poppers.​ Thunderbolt's interior features a terrazzo bar, leather seating, and green accents, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere. The establishment prides itself on inclusivity, aiming to be a welcoming space for all guests.​

Night on Earth, nestled in the Cahuenga Pass between Hollywood and Studio City, is the electrifying offspring of Thunderbolt (LA’s #8 bar in North America). A strip‑mall exterior conceals a bold, neon‑drenched interior reminiscent of Blade Runner—blue and magenta tones, leather banquettes, recycled‑plastic Formica bar, retro vending machine snacks and disposable cameras. Its cocktail menu reinvents classic party drinks with technical precision—think clarified, carbonated “Bad Influencer” Pornstar Martini, Space Crush Midori Sour with real melon, and Reanimator Zombie. Drinks are served cold (~16°F), minimizing ice and dilution. Prices hover around $13–19 per cocktail. The vibe: come‑as‑you‑are, friendly bartenders offering tips or samples, pulsing electronica even mid‑week, and DJs lighting up the weekend crowd. Though it doesn’t serve food, the vintage vending machine or nearby pizza joints have you covered. In short, Night on Earth delivers a “space‑age cocktail party” experience—creative, warm, wildly fun, and unapologetically LA.

La Descarga, tucked into an unassuming East Hollywood building, is the flagship Cuban‑themed speakeasy from Houston Hospitality (Piano Bar, Good Times…). No signage, no neon—just a dim stairwell and a message: climb those stairs, pass the dusty armoire, and emerge into a lavish, clandestine replica of 1940s Havana. Inside, wrought‑iron spiral staircases lead to mezzanine balconies where live Latin jazz bands serenade an enthusiastic crowd, and burlesque dancers steal the show on weekends . The decor is drenched in warm amber tones—chandeliers, leather booths, candlelit tables—creating an intimate, sultry ambiance. The drink menu is a rum lover’s dream. Mojitos, daiquiris, and innovative rum Old Fashioneds—alongside over 60 rum varieties—are served with theatrical flair. The secret cigar lounge in the back offers premium Cuban cigars and recommendations from expert bartenders. Dress to impress—collared shirts for men, cocktail dresses or heels for women—and reservations are essential, especially on Thursday–Saturday nights for salsa, burlesque, and dancing. La Descarga delivers a fully immersive experience: live salsa lessons, vibrant Latin dance energy, and a glamorous prohibition-era vibe, wrapped in secret‑club mystique.

Zero Lounge, nestled at 1710 N Hudson Ave in Hollywood, is a pop‑culture playground designed for millennials chasing that late‑90s/early‑2000s nostalgia fix. From its vaporwave interiors and neon purple glow to decor like posters of The Matrix, vintage iBook laptops, and flip phones, the vibe is immersive and whimsically nostalgic. Founder Kevin De Nicolo envisioned a place where the digital generation could rediscover a sense of connection—an antidote to doom‑scrolling culture. He teamed up with FTB.DESIGN to craft a space that balances retro charm with futuristic design. The cocktail menu, curated by expert mixologist Katie DiMento, features playful drinks like the Spice Girl Sour, Afterschool PB&J, Tamagotchi Tea, Limewire, and Nokia Nectar. Plus, there are vibrant mocktails, ensuring all guests can partake. Expect more than just drinks—Zero Lounge brings trivia nights, karaoke, DJ sets, and themed events (think Shrek or Twilight) into the mix, elevating the bar into an experience hub. With its design celebrating early internet era nostalgia, retro media, and Y2K culture, Zero Lounge offers an escape into a playful, social, and visually striking world—perfect for forging new memories spiked with old‑school vibes.