The bar scene in Los Angeles offers a variety of experiences, from relaxed beachside lounges like The Bungalow to open-air skyscraper spots downtown like the InterContinental’s Spire 73 (located in the tallest building on the West Coast).
This year has seen a boom of new openings. Here’s a look at the most noteworthy newcomers, from a rooftop bar in Santa Monica to a neighborhood hangout co-owned by actor Woody Harrelson (and adjacent to his cannabis dispensary and lounge) in West Hollywood:
The Coco Club
The Coco Club
Courtesy of The Coco Club
Santa Monica has a new rooftop cocktail bar to catch beachy breezes. Located atop Sonder The Beacon — the Art Deco-designed hotel housed in a renovated 1928 building (formerly Shangri-La) — The Coco Club offers a surprising rarity in L.A.: sweeping ocean views from Venice Beach to the Malibu coastline, with tropical cocktails and a DJ. The space honors Cocoanut Grove, the famed nightclub inside the now defunct Ambassador Hotel, and The Coconut Club, formerly at the Beverly Hilton. Sitting on the seventh floor, it has both indoor and outdoor seating, twinkling lights and a fire pit.
“It’s more than just a rooftop bar with great food and drinks, it’s a truly vibrant hub for the Santa Monica community,” said Spencer Kushner, managing partner at Boulevard Hospitality Group.
Signature Cocktail: The Coco Killer Colada ($21), with Ten to One rum, coconut, sriracha agave and citrus.
The Coco Club
Courtesy of The Coco Club
1301 Ocean Avenue #1019, Santa Monica 90401
424-268-7200
Holy Water
Holy Water
Courtesy of Holy Water/WONHO LEE
At the heart of West Hollywood, in the stretch between Barney’s Beanery and Laurel Hardware, is the hilariously named Holy Water. Some familiar faces are behind the space: actor Harrelson, former tennis pro John McEnroe and TV host Bill Maher. (The bar, which touts its organic ingredients, is adjacent to The Woods cannabis dispensary and lounge co-owned by Harrelson and Maher — no smoking at Holy Water though, with California laws prohibiting the consumption of cannabis and alcohol on the same property.) Intimate and cozy, the bar has African-inspired decor by designer Thomas Schoos, who used sustainable materials to bring the vision to life.
“The reclaimed wood and marble chevron patterns on the walls are lit by basket pendants and a beaded chandelier handmade in South Africa,” said Michael Berman, a partner at Holy Water. “African shields on the wall create a playful environment with the burnt sienna, raw umber and black hand-painted murals.”
Signature Cocktail: Glass Half Full ($16), Harmony Gin, Optimist “Bright” Cocchi Americano and elderflower with grapefruit and orange pour-over.
The Glass Half Full cocktail at Holy Water.
WONHO LEE
8275 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 577-5281
The Moon Room
The Moon Room
Courtesy of The Moon Room/Philip Guerette
The Moon Room, located above The Benjamin Hollywood, is here to entertain. The bar-meets-discothèque’s calendar is filled with events, from comedy shows to dance parties with various DJ takeovers. With its disco ball and mirrored walls, and filled with art, the spot has been attracting a trendy crowd and welcoming music artists weekly; Brooke Candy recently hosted a listening party and Stella Santana celebrated her newest album release. Jared Meisler is behind it (with partners that include Stephanie Gotch, Dan Keyes and Denise Love Hewett). Meisler is a name in the L.A. nightlife scene, known for established ventures like Bar Lubitsch, The Little Friend and The Roger Room.
“It’s a bar where you can get dressed up for a night out,” Meisler said of The Moon Room. “Paris 1980s meets 1970s New York City in a beautiful space, but not at all pretentious. In fact it’s relaxed and fun.”
Signature Cocktail: Andromeda ($16), with reposado tequila, mint, cilantro, jalapeno, pineapple, Chartreuse liqueur and habanero.
7174 Melrose Avenue 2nd Floor, Los Angeles
323-935-9070
Library Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt
Library Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt
Courtesy of The Hollywood Roosevelt
There’s no menu at The Library Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt. Instead, drinks are served based on a guest’s preference. It’s a reopening for the hotel, which unveiled the bar’s return on July 1. Tucked in the corner of the lobby, offering farmers’ market driven drinks, the selections are curated by master alchemist Michael Palazzo.
“Library Bar has always been a favorite for both locals and visitors, known for its speakeasy setting and exceptional cocktail craft, so we’ve been waiting for the right moment and concept to bring it back,” said Sumeet Jhingan, executive assistant manager of food and beverage at The Hollywood Roosevelt.
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
323-466-7000
Mother of Pearl at Level 8
Mother of Pearl
Courtesy of Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl is the latest opening at Level 8, the sprawling 30,000-square-floor project in downtown L.A. by Angelenos Mark and Jonnie Houston of Houston Hospitality. Located on an outdoor terrace, it’s a completely al fesco experience offering Champagne, cocktails and a raw bar (with a curated menu created by Michelin-star winning Mírate chef Joshua Gil).
“It’s my favorite place to start the evening with oysters and champagne or a seafood tower or to stay for Josh Gil’s seafood creations,” said Lightstone president and Level 8 developer Mitchell Hochberg.
Signature Cocktail: The Orca ($21), with Amante Aperitivo, Crème de Rose liqueur, lime leaf, sparkling coconut water and cream sherry.
The Orca cocktail at Mother of Pearl.
Courtesy of Mother of Pearl
1254 S Figueroa St 8th Floor, Los Angeles
213-789-7859
