The Best Cocktail Bars in West Hollywood

The creativity of Los Angeles is on full display in West Hollywood, where classic haunts meet sleek rooftops and glamorous lounges. Some of WeHo’s best bars trace their roots back to Hollywood’s Golden Age, while others are some of the hottest new arrivals on the LA bar scene. But what they all have in common is stylish design and exquisite cocktails crafted by some of the city’s most innovative mixologists. Discover your new favorite cocktail — or mocktail! — at these standout spots.

The Tower Bar

This dimly lit hideaway inside the landmark Sunset Tower Hotel drips with glamour: wood-paneled walls, jazz drifting from the piano and martinis chillier than a film noir femme fatale. A celeb hangout since it opened in the 1930s, The Tower Bar still guards its mystique with a strict no-photo policy, and the dress code — which outlaws baseball caps, shorts, sweats, sandals and tank tops — keeps the vibe quietly sophisticated. Order a classic or try original creations like the Leland — bourbon, pimento spice and lime, served in a coupe. There’s also a full food menu, and the build-your-own sundaes are a crowd favorite. 

sunsettowerhotel.com | 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Bar Next Door

Named one of the 100 Best Bars in North America in 2025, Bar Next Door is a newer addition to Sunset Boulevard that pays homage to the Strip’s rock ‘n’ roll roots. Its signature drinks are named after legendary local bars and nightclubs, from the bygone Garden of Allah and Ciro’s to the still-rocking Roxy and Whisky a Go Go. There’s also a deep selection of classic cocktails, wine, beer and spirits to sip while grooving to the always-on-point playlist.

barnextdoor.com | 9159 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Lucky Tiki

Hidden above the retro-fabulous Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand, The Lucky Tiki is a reservation-only cocktail bar where mid-century kitsch meets contemporary mixology. Once you’ve accessed the secret entrance, pass through beaded curtains into a fever dream of bamboo, tchotchkes, glowing swag lights and dangerously good tiki drinks crafted with everything from peanut butter whiskey to brûléed banana. Small plates, provided by Tail o’ the Pup, include egg rolls, coconut shrimp and Hawaiian hot dogs.

luckytikibar.com | 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Bar Lubitsch

In the heart of West Hollywood’s Russian-speaking district — the most concentrated in the U.S. outside of New York — is where you’ll find Bar Lubitsch, named for revered film director Ernst Lubitsch. The menu boasts more than 200 vodkas, served as ice-cold shots or in hand-crafted cocktails, representing more than 20 countries including Croatia, Vietnam and, of course, Russia. Cozy up with your comrades in the ivy-trimmed enclosed patio, or unleash your dance moves to live DJs in the Red Room.

barlubitsch.com | 7702 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Harriet’s Rooftop

Perched atop the 1 Hotel, Harriet’s Rooftop pairs an old-school aesthetic with a decidedly modern and fashionable clientele. Bowtie-clad bartenders shake up refreshing signature cocktails made for easy sipping, like the Jojo — Ketel One vodka, St-Germain Elderberry Liqueur, strawberry, lemon and a kiss of prosecco. With its sweeping city views, Harriet’s is pure Los Angeles perfection during golden hour. Shareable plates like vegetable gyoza and albacore crudo are a compelling reason to stick around after sunset.

harrietsrooftop.com | 8490 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Employees Only

Unmarked except for a neon “psychic” sign, Employee’s Only is a genuine speakeasy where the drinks are both potent and precise. Seasonal cocktails pay tribute to tiki culture, EO Classics let the bartenders’ talents shine, and Night Cap Cocktails feature dessert-inspired flavors like salted cookies and Salvadorian pastries. For great prices on cocktails and bar bites (think fried pickles and burrata margherita pizza), don’t miss Golden Hour, Tuesday through Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.

employeesonlyla.com | 7953 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

E.P. & L.P.

Trendy yet totally unpretentious, E.P. & L.P. is a longtime staple of West Hollywood’s nightlife. Its rooftop is one of the largest in LA, with picture-perfect views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip. Both the global snack menu and inventive craft cocktails feature bold flavors, from al pastor tacos to the Yo No Se Manana, a tongue-tickling mix of Casamigos tequila, jalapeño, spicy agave, avocado, lime and celery bitters.

eplosangeles.com | 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

No Rose

This swanky newcomer leans into the artistic vibe of the surrounding Design District. Tucked just off the lobby of the Kimpton La Peer and opening onto the hotel’s pool, No Rose makes an equally enticing place to start or end your evening, with live DJs, intriguing drinks, California wines and light bites from Ladyhawk, the hotel’s renowned in-house restaurant. 

norosebar.com | 627 N. La Peer Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Formosa

Opened in 1939 across from the former Samuel Goldwyn Studios, The Formosa Cafe was a favorite haunt for Hollywood’s golden-age stars. Restored to its original glory in 2019, the restaurant still exudes vintage allure — from the dangling lanterns and red leather booths to the iconic Pacific Electric boxcar that forms its bar. Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Lana Turner once held court here. Today, you can savor Chinese dishes like Sticky Short Rib Sesame Noodles and sip cocktails with evocative names like the Sichuan Fogcutter and John Wayne’s Hat.

theformosacafe.com | 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Or Bar

With its massive crystal chandelier, loungey sofas, and black-and-gold motif, Or Bar gives 1970s Parisian disco. Sip a French Blonde — made with Hendrick’s Gin, Aperitif Blanc, St-Germain and a healthy squeeze of grapefruit and lemon — and pretend you’ve just stepped off the dance floor at Studio 54. By day, Or Bar is your new favorite communal workspace, serving breakfast bites and energizing drinks made with La Colombe coffee.

theorbar.com | 8228 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Las Perlas

Set on the east end of Santa Monica Boulevard, Las Perlas is a love letter to agave. A glowing wall behind the bar houses one of LA’s most impressive selections of mezcals and tequilas, sourced from Oaxaca, Jalisco and beyond. Whether you’re new to mezcal or a devoted connoisseur, this fun cantina is the perfect spot to discover your next favorite pour — or linger over a flawless margarita or Paloma.

lasperlasweho.com | 7511 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Fleur Room

The latest concept from Tao Group (also behind next-door’s LAVO), Fleur Room brings an air of mystery and late-night glamour to the Sunset Strip. The intimate, reservation-only lounge caters to the stylish and the nocturnal, opening its doors Thursday through Saturday at 11 p.m. and keeping the vibe alive with DJs spinning into the wee hours. The interiors, the views and people are all equally beautiful.

taogroup.com | 9201 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Rooftop Bars in West Hollywood

With its year-round sunshine, West Hollywood has perfected the rooftop hang. Whether it’s the poolside buzz of Skybar, the elevated elegance of Bar at Merois or outstanding sushi, seafood and cocktails under the retractable roof of Catch LA, read about WeHo’s buzzing rooftop bar scene.