In a city as vibrant and ever-evolving as Los Angeles, the bar scene is constantly raising the bar—quite literally. From rooftop retreats with panoramic views to intimate lounges tucked inside architectural landmarks, the latest crop of new bars offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving inventive cocktails inspired by international flavors or a fresh take on classic libations, these top spots are redefining LA’s nightlife. Here are the most exciting new bars in town that are guaranteed to elevate your next evening out.
Mama’s Boy
Location: 23 Windward Avenue, Venice, California 90291
When it comes to LA bars, Wes Whitsell’s latest creation is a cozy Italian dinner club nestled in Venice. At Mama’s Boy, beverage manager Dave Purcell crafts exceptional takes on classic cocktails. Settle in with the Satisfaction, a clever twist on the Old Fashioned, or the Rich Girl, a paloma made with your choice of tequila or mezcal. Pair these drinks with Whitsell’s “dad pie” topped with sausage, mushrooms, and jalapeño, or the rich smoked brisket agnolotti for a memorable evening.
Edgemar
Location: 2435 Main Street, Santa Monica, California 90405
Edgemar, housed in a striking Frank Gehry-designed building in Santa Monica, offers a cocktail experience as captivating as its architecture. Bartender Eugene Shaw, known for his stints at the Varnish and Scopa, has curated a menu that balances classic cocktails with inventive creations. The Birds of Paradise, with guava, Campari, and rum, is a refreshing delight, while the Saigon Taipei Connection’s mix of cold brew, aged rum, and coffee liqueur offers a more adventurous option.
Andy’s
Location: 9077 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California 90069
West Hollywood’s nightlife gets a soulful upgrade at Andy’s, a 1970s-inspired jazz and R&B club opened by Anderson .Paak and the Houston brothers. Devin Espinosa’s cocktail menu is as vibrant as the LA bars energy, featuring drinks like the bubbly Places to Be, made with clementine cordial and prosecco, and the bold Suede, a mix of amaro, mezcal, and vermouth. For groups, the Ape Shit—a rum, banana liqueur, and Aperol concoction—serves four and promises to elevate any night out.
Leopardo
Location: 460 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90036
At Leopardo, chef Joshua Skenes not only offers one of LA’s hottest new pizza spots but has also crafted a cocktail menu to match. Sip on the tropical Califobrian, a blend of rum, coconut, and stracciatella, or the elegant Kyoho Frosé, a fusion of pisco and asti spumante. Both pair perfectly with the restaurant’s delectable small plates, making Leopardo a must-visit for food and drink lovers alike.
Rokusho
Location: 6630 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028
In the heart of Hollywood, Rokusho’s brutalist design sets the stage for an inventive Japanese dining and cocktail experience. Felix Campos, formerly of Atla and Damian, delivers a cocktail menu that reinvents the classics. Try the Midorita, a vibrant margarita with a Midori twist, or the Umeroni, a refreshing take on the traditional Negroni. Pair these drinks with the restaurant’s wagyu carpaccio or otoro skewers for a sophisticated evening.
Laya Hollywood
Location: 1430 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028
Laya Hollywood’s open-air patio, fire pits, and plush banquettes make it a standout spot for sipping cocktails under the stars. Chef Charbel Hayek’s Middle Eastern-inspired dishes are the perfect complement to the deep red Jinn Venom, a cocktail made with Andray scotch, Arak anise, pomegranate, and ginger. With its chic ambiance and intriguing menu, Laya sets a new standard for Hollywood’s bar scene.
Deme at Hotel Figueroa
Location: 939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90015
Deme at Hotel Figueroa draws inspiration from Greek mythology for its Mediterranean-themed cocktail menu. Bar director Milosz Cieslak has created drinks like the Iris, made with vodka, Strega, and rose, and the spicy Rhea, a blend of tequila, cucumber, and harissa. Whether you’re lounging poolside or enjoying the Grecian vibes, Deme offers a refreshing escape for downtown LA bars.
Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar
Location: 2201 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90018
The team behind Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen has taken their talents skyward with the Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar. Perched atop their Downtown location, this bar serves up stunning views alongside an impressive mezcal, rum, and tequila-heavy cocktail menu. Sip on the Up In The Sky, with Sigiloso mezcal, pineapple juice, and Chareau aloe liqueur. Or enjoy the Loose Ends, a mixture of Hennessy, Italicus apertivo, honey, and lemon, while taking in the cityscape.
Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar
Location: 5022 York Boulevard, Highland Park, California 90042
Highland Park favorite Belle’s Bagels has expanded into Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar. Likewise, Belle’s offers not only deli classics but also a playful, Jewish-inspired cocktail menu. Sip on the Tekiah Negroni, a twist on the classic made with Amaro Angeleno. Consider the Mezcal Tov, featuring mezcal, manzanilla sherry, celery shrub, and lime. Belle’s also boasts a full martini menu, making it a go-to for those craving both tradition and innovation.