West Los Angeles boasts a vibrant scene after dark, and we have got the scoop on the perfect spots to unwind with a refreshing drink. From swanky bars and casual watering holes to underrated rooftops, these are a varied bunch. Here are our top five favorite bars in West L.A. Save this guide and gather your friends for the upcoming weekend! 

The Victorian, Santa Monica 

The Victorian is a beautiful Main Street mansion converted into a restaurant and nightlife hotspot in 2010. Sunday Farmers’ Market goers will know it well. Every weekend, post-dinner service, this eatery and bar transforms into a nightclub with three floors of DJs and dancing all night. They also host various events throughout the week, such as Wine Wednesdays, Salsa Thursdays, and Apres Summer Sessions. The Victorian offers a Mediterranean-inspired food menu and delicious handcrafted cocktails. Highlights from their cocktail menu include the Espresso Martini, Harry’s House, Beach Szn, Old Fashioned, Mitch-A-Palooza, and The Wolf of Main Street. I recommend checking out The Victorian if you are in the mood for some dancing! Be warned—there is typically a line to enter The Victorian on the weekends. 

Roosterfish, Venice

One of the oldest establishments on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Roosterfish has a unique history. When it first opened over 40 years ago, it was a gay bar inviting guests unwelcome in other parts of the city. Presently, this casual bar welcomes patrons from all walks of life. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, this unpretentious watering hole is great for a relaxed drink with your friends. Their Spicy Cucumber Mule, Provence Mint, Seasonal Pimm’s Cup, White Lightning, and Red Rooster craft cocktails are crowd favorites. Roosterfish also offers Happy Hour discounted drinks until 6:00 p.m. every day. I tried the Spicy Cucumber Mule ($17), made with mezcal, serrano chili, cucumber, fresh ginger, lime, and ginger beer. The cocktail was perfectly balanced, refreshing, and hit the spot! 

The Tower Bar, Sunset Tower Hotel, West Hollywood 

This celebrity-favorite bar boasts chic Art Deco interiors, walnut-paneled walls, a poolside al fresco dining section, and a majestic bar. Housed in Bugsy Siegel’s former apartment on the ground floor and connected to a newly expanded Terrace Bar, the Tower Bar offers awe-inspiring views of the Los Angeles skyline. Every evening, the Tower Bar hosts live jazz performances that celebrate the rich legacy of Hollywood. This bar’s expert team serves delectable Californian cuisine with Italian influences and an extensive wine and cocktail list. The Southside Fizz, Cucumber Mojito, Tower Smash, Aperol Spritz, and The Ginger Easy cocktails are well-loved. Moreover, there is a good chance that you could spot a movie star at The Tower Bar. However, the bar has a strict no-photographs policy. 

Bar Bohemian, Culver City 

Situated above Citizen Public Market, Bar Bohemian is a low-key bar that occupies the rooftop of a historic 1929 building that used to be the offices of a local newspaper—The Citizen. Housing plants, fairy lights, and rustic wooden furnishings, this trendy bar feels like a good friend’s backyard or patio. Bar Bohemian’s team serves creative, funky, and approachable craft cocktails, wine, and beer. From their cocktail menu, order the From LA With Love, Nomadic Sour, Sunset Stir, Compton Cowboy, or Golden State of Mind, and you will not be disappointed. If you cannot decide which cocktail to have, do not worry. The bartenders will make a customized cocktail for you. Bar Bohemian is perfect for a date or a relaxed evening with friends. I suggest grabbing dinner at Citizen Public Market before going to Bar Bohemian. 

The Polo Lounge, The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Polo Lounge is an iconic eatery and bar inside The Beverly Hills Hotel. Established in 1949, it features an upscale vibe, elegant interiors, and a charming patio. Their signature cocktails include the Basil Collins, El Jardin Gimlet, Pretty in Pink, High Living, and Star on Sunset. The Polo Lounge often hosts musical performances and is the favorite of the biggest Hollywood stars. This lounge is an excellent venue for celebratory occasions such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries. Furthermore, its exquisite ambiance is the perfect backdrop for photographs!

Photo of The Tower Bar courtesy of the Sunset Tower Hotel.