My Top 10 Bars in LA
With the best food, general vibe, outdoor seating, etc.
With the best food, general vibe, outdoor seating, etc.
Whether you’re planning a trip to LA or currently live here and are looking for some new bars to visit… I think you’ll really like these for their casual and inviting interiors, amazing drinks and wine selections, small bites and formal dinners. Some have great patios or other outdoor seating, and I’ll make notes on what experiences you can expect at each place. I’m very into an early evening drink before the crowds roll out, so if that’s what you’re into as well, I think all of these places will be hits for you!
VooDoo Vin | Virgil VILLAGE
As far as a cute candlelit dinner paired with delicate pasta dishes and complex salads, plus perfect glasses of natural wine go: you can’t quite beat Voodoo Vin. The plates are small and it’s more of a meal you eat when you’re not starving, but nonetheless, I’d recommend it to anyone for a date night. The "Caesar" Beef Tartare and Tagliatelle with 'nduja Bolognese are some of my favorite dishes in the city. ***As of 2025, Voodoo Vin no longer serves Italian 😢
El Prado | Echo Park
Prado is the absolute best at 2 pm on a Saturday or a Sunday. The staff is so sweet and always lets us try a few things before we commit to a glass or a bottle. Get the hot dog! If you’re looking for general chaos or maybe a meet-cute, head here late on pretty much any night of the week. You can sit on the front patio, in cozy and dimly lit indoor coves in the bar or on a small back patio— we usually find it empty any time we come early.
Gold Line | Highland Park
Gold Line is another perfect midday-on-a-weekend type of spot, or around 5 pm on weekdays before things pick up. The same goes for Prado as far as chaos come nighttime, which I guess is to be expected with bars, isn’t it 🤪
Tilda | Echo Park
Tilda is the sort of place where you can sit peacefully and read a book or come for a solo date at pretty much any point. They’ve got some good olives, chips & dip, and I believe some seasonal spritzes. Also love meeting a friend here and having a glass, putting our names in at Bacetti, then hanging out until we get to sit down.
Lolo | Little Armenia
I feel like lolo would make a great first date spot: they have a cozy side room to the right when you walk in that’s usually got plenty of space to hang out. You can wait until a table opens up for dinner or sit on a couch or at the bar as long as you want. Their dinner is solid, it wouldn’t necessarily make my top 15 in the city, but it’s always enjoyable and reliable if that makes sense.
Capri Club | Eagle Rock
Capri Club is still very new and thus very buzzy and generally packed, but it’s a good kind of packed. Always has a nice crowd, lots of tables on the sidewalk, and feels like a bar you might find in Manhattan. I will say I don’t like their food, and would recommend a walk down the street to Walt’s for a hot dog if that’s something you’re into.
Melody | Virgil Village
I have to say, Melody takes the cake for me: best patio (very tucked away behind shrubs with string lights), long tables fit for groups, a versatile seating selection in general: couches, two-tops, bar seating, indoor/outdoor options, covered patio, et al., excellent staff, unique natural wines and wine-based cocktails, and incredible always-rotating kitchen popups.
Atrium | Los Feliz
Love Atrium for oysters and cocktails. They usually have a bit of availability so it works well as a last-minute rez or walk-in, and you can wait at Pinky’s next door if needed, or head there on your way out if it’s that kind of night.
Death & Co | Arts District
Death & Co makes what I’d consider to be the best cocktails I’ve ever had, and their food is incredible, as well. Reservations are required, they’ve got a photo booth, and it’s a perfect surprise date night or cozy place to go with your closest friends. Cheers 🥂