.webp)
.webp)
.webp){kind=icon}
10 Best Bars for Summer Cocktails in LA Right Now (2025 Edition)
There’s something about summer in Los Angeles that makes a good cocktail feel like a small victory. Maybe it’s the golden hour that never gets old, or the fact that patio season stretches well into October. Whatever the reason, a crisp, thoughtfully made drink is one of the best ways to mark the end of a long day or the start of a great night. Whether it's a rooftop overlooking downtown, a hidden mezcal bar in Silver Lake, or a West Hollywood lounge that knows its way around a spritz, these spots all offer cocktails that are strong on flavor and big on personality. This guide is for the summer regulars, the happy hour seekers, and anyone in need of a refreshing excuse to text a friend and say, “meet me for a drink."
list
Scum and Villainy Cantina
A Star Wars-inspired bar in Hollywood where the drinks are just as creative as the cosplay. The themed cocktails come with flair, the staff leans into the fun, and the mood stays festive. Perfect for a quirky night out or a post-convention drink. It's part dive bar, part nerd haven, and all-around good time.
Songbird Cafe
This cozy bar brings in live music, cheap drinks, and a crowd that actually wants to dance. The decor is playful, the atmosphere stays light, and the cocktails are well-balanced. Come for the show, stay for the whiskey specials and solid vibes. It’s a weekend go-to that feels like a secret worth sharing.
Melody Bar & Grill
A casual Westchester hangout that mixes wings, karaoke, and cocktails without missing a beat. The bar gets lively on weeknights with strong pours and solid happy hour deals. Wednesday karaoke pulls a loyal crowd that actually listens and cheers. This place knows how to keep it fun without trying too hard.
The Wicked Wolf
A moody, magical-feeling bar with jazz nights, candlelight, and cocktails inspired by fantasy. The ambiance is relaxed without being sleepy, and the drink list leans seasonal and inventive. Live music on Thursdays adds to the charm without stealing the spotlight. It’s a bar that feels like a story waiting to unfold.
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
Broken Shaker nails the laid-back rooftop dream. Colorful cushions, potted plants, poolside energy, and drinks that are made to be photographed and devoured. Their cocktails lean bright and fruity, with tropical ingredients and fresh herbs. Great spot for a summer birthday, date night, or solo vibe-out with a good view.
Las Perlas
This DTLA staple delivers summer energy from the moment the door opens. The mezcal-focused menu is bold, with house cocktails full of smoky, citrusy flavor and a kick that holds up on hot nights. Happy hour here runs long, the service is fast and friendly, and there’s usually music and a crowd that knows how to let loose. It’s easy to stay longer than planned.
Employees Only Restaurant and Bar
Located on Santa Monica Blvd, this NYC export has settled into LA with style. The bartenders make it personal, and off-menu requests are met with enthusiasm. Try the espresso martini remix or a custom-built spritz. It’s a fun crowd, especially later in the night, and the booths are made for lingering.
Cana Rum Bar
Cana feels like a vacation without leaving the city. The rum cocktails are strong, sweet, and ideal for sipping slowly. There’s live music often, a patio that’s big enough to spread out, and a regular crowd that keeps the energy easy and unpretentious. Great for post-work chill sessions that drift into the weekend.
Melrose Umbrella Co.
The mood inside Melrose Umbrella Co. is velvet-meets-gothic-meets-summer-campfire. It’s a little quirky, and that makes it fun. Cocktails are creative but not overdone, and their non-alcoholic options are just as complex. Great spot for date nights, group hangs, or sitting solo with a drink and a book.
.svg)
.webp)
4.4
of 5.0
(663)
R Bar
Speakeasy vibes with solid drinks and a rotating cast of DJs make R Bar a reliable late-night spot. The password might be gone, but the atmosphere stays secretive in the best way. Happy hour deals run deep, and while the cocktail list isn’t wild, it covers the classics and always hits the mark. Perfect for a last drink after bouncing around Koreatown.
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
.webp)