Westwood's Top Cocktail Secrets: Local Insights


THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Mondrian Los Angeles: this rooftop pool can boast of one of the best views in all of LA. Part of SkyBar, set on the 14th floor of Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood, here you get sweeping skyline views as far as the eye can see. Sky Bar is a rooftop oasis, and also a true hotspot for the LA nightlife and bar scene. During daytime the atmosphere is more relaxed and calm, then from late afternoon the tempo and party feeling starts to take over.


THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin 🌟 Beachside rooftop bar with chill vibes and epic sunsets. From the roof terrace at the lovely Hotel Erwin rooftop bar, you get some amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach. Being the only rooftop in Venice, High Rooftop Lounge feels a lot like a continuing of the beach below, with lounge sofas and large umbrellas. The only difference might be that up here you also have infrared (and blankets) keeping the heat up on chilly nights. The rooftop bar offers a good selection of well made specialty cocktails and different Californian beers, along with some really tasty bar bites and a weekend brunch. The menu even includes sun screen, so visits during sunny days is no problem at all. Expect a great lounge vibe on the terrace, perfect for relaxing drinks in the sun. And at night, there are often live DJs picking up the pace a notch.


citygirlvibes
LAVO Los Angeles - a sophisticated Italian eatery located in the heart of the Sunset Strip. Always a consistent great time, with delicious food and a lively vibe. The perfect dinner before a night out! Enjoy a selection of LAVO's greatest brunch and dinner hits with our specially curated prix-fixe menus, available July 12th-26th, during the LA Restaurant Week.


Los Angeles4 everybody
Wanna a danish style cube bread from Kyoto? It’s in Santa Monica now! Mr. Teddy Baker makes the best katsu sandwiches with milk bread too! $10 for the cube to take home and have it as you please. The imported butter that’s mixed into all the fluffiness is so unique, sweet, light, airy and crispy/flaky. It’s great that the katsu sandwich, tenderloin, and they have other options too! You find it at a to-go style place where you walk up and order, get it as delivery or even eat there with the small dining section they have. So good!


Los Angeles Fun Events
Goth Night at Weary Livers Embrace the Shadows at Goth Night! Join us for a relaxed and enchanting evening at Weary Livers Bar with a playlist of all goth music, all night long. Date: Thursday, September 19th Time: 7 PM Enjoy the laid-back, gothic ambiance with subtle decorations and a comfortable atmosphere. Dress in your favorite casual gothic attire and unwind with fellow goth enthusiasts.


Los Angeles4 everybody
Jiro Style Ramen, right here in Los Angie. At Tsujita Annex in West LA, Jiro-style ramen is a specialty that aligns with the authentic features of this style. Tsujita Annex is known for its rich, flavorful ramen and adheres closely to the traditional Jiro-style with its robust broth, substantial portions of toppings, and emphasis on a hearty, satisfying meal. The restaurant’s approach to Jiro-style ramen aims to capture the essence of the original while catering to the local palate. — Jiro-style ramen is a distinct type of ramen that originates from Ramen Jiro, a famous ramen shop in Tokyo, Japan. It’s characterized by its hearty, rich, and indulgent style. The key features of Jiro-style ramen include a thick, flavorful broth, a heavy dose of garlic, a significant amount of bean sprouts, and a generous portion of fatty pork. The noodles are usually thick and chewy, and the dish is often topped with extra slices of pork and sometimes a raw egg.


Secret Los Angeles
Stunning aerial acrobatics at AirOtic Soirée Sip on magical cocktails and join a cast of world-class acrobats as they put on a classic cirque-style show with AirOtic Soirée, a burlesque circus taking over Heart WeHo every Friday and Saturday night!
See also
Top Anonymous Recommendations in Fairfax - Discover Trending Suggestions & Local Reviews Near LA


Los Angeles4 everybody
Chinese in West Hollywood! Modernized Dim Sum fa sho 😋 🥟 Ok, I have one traditional place for dim sum and it is in the SGV, it’s meant to family time and Sunday Breakfast. Soooo, West Hollywood + Dim Sum for dinner never went together in my mind. Buutttttt, BAO DIM SUM HOUSE reinvented that. And I am here for it bc it’s actually good. Shiu Mai (we got chicken) was very hefty, Har Gow was shrimp filled with a light wrap, sauces on the table were on point and other items like Spare Ribs were prepared very traditionally. Now, if you live in LA proper, you don’t always have to go to the valley for your dim sum fix 😋 🥟


The Restaurant Guide
Xuntos: Great tapas bar in Santa Monica with traditional bar bites from Asturias, Catalonia, the Basque region and Galicia. Cordero designed XUNTOS, “together” in Gallego, to be warm, fun, not too serious, with plenty to eat. Occupying two storefronts of a 1926 building at 516 Santa Monica Boulevard, the space includes two kitchens, two mezzanines, a dining room & a bar room. XUNTOS serves pintxos & tapas, unrefined: small plates from the farmer’s market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they’re eaten in Spain. Natural Wines from these regions are the centerpiece of the ambitious beverage program curated by beverage director Scott Baker, with a full bar featuring cocktails by friend Kim Stodel, gin tonics, chupitos (Galician after-dinner drinks), brandies, vermuts & cold cervezas.


Kathy
YUME is a hidden gem that offers Japanese dishes with a modern twist 🍣✨ ✔️ Perfect for a date night spot with its cozy minimalist interiors that makes you feel as if you’re in Japan 🇯🇵 ✔️Had an AMAZING meal here and everything was packed with flavors 🫶 You can tell that they only serve fresh fish for sushi and sashimi, so you won’t be disappointed✨


citygirlvibes
A night TATEL Beverly Hills is great stop in Beverly Hills to pop in for a cocktail and enjoy the live music! 🍸🎺 Spanish fine & fun dining 🇪🇸🌍 “One of the 25 restaurants in the world worth flying for”(USA TODAY) Tatel has live music every Weds-Sun from 8-10:30pm
Discover Local Cocktail Bars in Westwood
Westwood near LA is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, boasting some of the most ingenious and diverse cocktail bars in the area. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or an enthusiastic amateur, the heart of Westwood offers something for everyone’s palate. From artisanal cocktail bars to speakeasies hidden behind unassuming doors, the local cocktail bars in this trendy neighborhood are sure to impress.
Trending Rooftop Bars with Spectacular Views
For those who prefer their cocktails with a view, Westwood's rooftop bars are a must-visit. These elevated oases provide not only expertly-crafted drinks but also panoramic views of LA's skyline. A local favorite, the Sky Lounge, offers an irresistible combination of chic ambiance and masterful mixology. As the sun sets, the ambiance of these rooftop bars shifts, encapsulating the essence of Westwood’s nightlife.
Nightingale Terrace: A Rooftop Gem
Nightingale Terrace is a hidden rooftop bar that's often shared via word-of-mouth among locals. Known for its innovative cocktails and an extensive selection of rare spirits, this trendy spot provides a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Local foody chats on Kikihub often mention their signature "Westwood Sunset," a cocktail bursting with exotic flavors and garnished with edible flowers.
Leisure and Luxury: Westwood Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Westwood turns into a hub of excitement, offering a range of nightlife options from intimate lounges to bustling bars. Among them, The Velvet Room stands out with its plush interiors and a stunning collection of vintage cocktails. If you’re searching for a quieter night out, the neighborhood also hosts several bars where you can enjoy a refined sip in a laidback setting.
Get the Inside Scoop on Westwood's Hidden Gems
Westwood's cocktail scene is full of delightful surprises, but some of the best venues are often tucked away from the main streets. Bars like The Cellar are known for their cozy, enchanting atmospheres and have become local secrets passed around in Kikihub chats. The Cellar’s bartenders are magicians, crafting cocktails that seem to tell stories with each sip.
The Secret Spots
Places like The Eden Room are speakeasies that require a keen eye and sometimes a secret password to enter. Those in the know on Kikihub often share such insider tips, helping to preserve the clandestine charm of these hidden gems. The Eden Room specializes in bespoke cocktails, tailored exactly to your liking, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Diverse Offerings from Westwood’s Sharable Restaurants
Cocktails often pair best with exquisite bites and meals, and Westwood’s restaurants understand this synergy superbly well. Each local restaurant offers a unique angle on cocktail pairings, ensuring that your drink enhances your dining experience. The neighborhood provides plenty of options for everyone, whether you're a fan of tapas, sushi, or contemporary American cuisine.
Gin & Tapas at Juniper Lounge
Within Westwood's expansive culinary scene, Juniper Lounge stood out for its Spanish-inspired tapas and vast gin selection. Locals rave about their “Gin & Tapas” nights during which you can explore a rotating menu of small plates, each meticulously paired with a complementary gin cocktail. The ambiance here is relaxed, making it a perfect spot for casual yet sophisticated nights out.
Experience Sushi with a Cocktail Twist
Another local hotspot, Zensei Sushi, has taken the concept of cocktail pairings to new heights by collaborating with master mixologists. Their fresh, inventive sushi dishes are served with intricate cocktails specifically created to enhance the flavors of each bite. Regulars on Kikihub often share their positive experiences here, citing the “Nigiri Old Fashioned” as a must-try menu item.
Gain Authentic Local Insights
One of the best parts about exploring the cocktail bars and nightlife in Westwood is the community spirit. Engaging with locals through platforms like Kikihub allows you to uncover real opinions and hidden gems that you might otherwise overlook. These anonymous local chats provide you with authentic, reliable recommendations, ensuring that your nights out are nothing short of spectacular.
Connecting with Locals
Wishing to know Westwood’s best-kept secrets? Dive into the anonymous chat rooms on Kikihub where locals share their uncensored opinions and tips. Whether it's a recommendation for a quiet cocktail bar or insight into the next trendy spot, connecting with people who know the area can greatly enhance your experience. The platform is particularly ideal for discovering unique venues and niche happenings in the Westwood area.
Real-World Tips: A Locals’ Perspective
Real-world tips make a big difference when you're out exploring nightlife. Local insights provide more depth and context about places, such as which bartenders make the best craft cocktails or which nights offer live music. Many users on Kikihub have mentioned that the bartenders at The Vesper Lounge are especially skilled at making off-menu creations tailored to your taste, making it a top spot for cocktail enthusiasts.
Westwood: A Nightlife Haven Waiting to Be Explored
As you venture through Westwood, the myriad cocktail bars, vibrant nightlife, and hidden gems unveil a dynamic culinary ecosystem waiting to be explored. From rooftop retreats to intimate speakeasies, each venue offers a unique slice of Westwood's spirited personality. Engage with locals on Kikihub, soak in the local secrets, and let Westwood’s nightlife enrich your evening escapades.