Best Cocktail Bars in Historic South-Central

35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Golden Hour at Level 8 restaurant

1. Golden Hour at Level 8

3.9

Excellent(56)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Golden Hour at Level 8 in Downtown Los Angeles redefines the art of Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service with its vibrant, tropical-inspired cocktails and an atmosphere that’s both luxurious and exhilarating. Nestled eight stories above the city, this venue offers an urban oasis that celebrates Carnival year-round, complete with fire dancers and a rotating carousel bar. Guests rave about the "tropical inspired drinks bursting with flavor," making each sip feel like a "mini vacation to a tropical paradise." The service is consistently highlighted as top-notch, with patrons noting the staff's "sweet and accommodating" nature, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether it’s the stunning views during sunset or the energy from the live DJ, Golden Hour at Level 8 is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional night out in LA.

2. The Queensberry

4.1

Excellent(5)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Guests are welcomed to enjoy seated reservations in our lounge room starting with no table minimum or in our disco room, offering bottle service or a-la-cart options. (see under menus). Admission is free for all guests. Groups larger than 20 guests, please email reservations@circa93.com.Opened in June 2019, The Queensberry offers an upscale ambiance for guests in-the-know. The Queensberry offers a unique bar program that provides guests with an elevated drinking experience with classic & modern craft cocktails to get your night started right. The Lounge Room opens at 9pm.The Queensberry's Disco Room offers a one-of-a-kind, assault the senses party atmosphere enhanced by a wall-to-wall disco balls, an LED-lit dance floor, nightclub lighting effects, full bar & VIP tables. Resident DJs take over at 10pm and take guests through a wild musical journey, from disco, 80/90/00s, old-school classics, house, pop & current hits. The vibe is euphoric!

3. San Laurel

4.8

Exceptional(372)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

San Laurel in Downtown Los Angeles is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a sublime experience that transcends the typical bar scene. Patrons rave about the cocktails, describing them as "perfect" and applauding bartenders like Enrique for their exceptional skills. The ambiance of the bar is frequently highlighted, with one guest noting the "beautiful restaurant and great food" that accompanies their cocktail experience. This place is not just about drinks; it's about an immersive experience where every sip is part of a larger, luxurious dining journey. Whether you're there for a casual evening or a special occasion, San Laurel's cocktail bar promises an unforgettable experience with every glass raised.

A photo of Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8 restaurant

4. Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8

4.0

Excellent(52)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, offers a truly unique dining experience that epitomizes the spirit of Contemporary American cuisine. This lively venue not only provides a theatrical ambiance with its piano bar and jazz lounge but also showcases the culinary prowess of the acclaimed LA chef, Richard Archuleta. Guests rave about the "playful yet composed dishes," celebrating a menu that's as eclectic and adventurous as Mr. Wanderlust himself. Visitors are consistently impressed, describing the food as "fantastic" and the overall experience as "amazing" and "worth the trip." This spot is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary American meal in a setting that promises both surprise and delight.

5. Daedo Sikdang

4.8

Exceptional(203)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Koreatown

Booked 33 times today

Daedo Sikdang, nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles, is not just a Korean steakhouse but a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. The restaurant's Cocktail Bar stands out for its meticulous selection of drinks that perfectly complement their exquisite Korean ribeye steaks. Patrons rave about the bar's ambiance, with Carlos being highlighted as a "phenomenal" bartender, creating a vibrant yet elegant drinking experience. Reviews consistently mention the "delicious drinks" and the lively yet refined atmosphere, making Daedo Sikdang's Cocktail Bar a must-visit for both cocktail aficionados and newcomers alike. This establishment truly marries exceptional food with superior drink craftsmanship, providing an unforgettable dining and drinking experience.

6. The Lonely Oyster

4.7

Exceptional(239)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Silver Lake

Booked 6 times today

At The Lonely Oyster in the bustling neighborhood of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, the cocktail experience is as immersive as it is delightful. Renowned for its "Maritime Cocktails," the bar showcases original concoctions that are expertly paired with daily oyster selections, making each sip a journey through the flavors of the sea. Patrons rave about the "amazing drinks" and highlight the cocktails like the "best Bloody Mary I've EVER had." The in-house mixologists elevate the dining experience by informing guests about the perfect pairings, enhancing both the taste of the oysters and the cocktails. Reviews consistently celebrate the knowledgeable staff and the creative cocktail menu, making The Lonely Oyster a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in search of authentic and exquisite maritime flavors.

7. HATCH

4.7

Exceptional(644)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

HATCH, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese cuisine with a delightful Californian twist. This izakaya bar & grill is renowned for its expertly curated yakitori and an inventive raw bar that keeps diners coming back for more. Patrons rave about the "exceptional service" and the "unforgettable" culinary experiences, highlighting dishes like the wagyu & wasabi and the squid ink karaage as absolute must-tries. The ambiance at HATCH is both modern and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a casual night out. As one reviewer put it, it’s “a hidden gem” where the fusion cuisine "isn’t just food; it’s art." Whether you're in for the innovative cocktails or the lively vibe, HATCH promises an extraordinary dining adventure in the heart of LA.

8. Bar Clara

4.5

Awesome(26)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Rooftop pool bar with sweeping views of DTLA situated above Hotel Per La.

9. All Day Baby

4.6

Exceptional(225)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Silver Lake

All Day Baby in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gem that epitomizes the soul of American cuisine with a modern twist. Known for its "joyful, feel-good" atmosphere, this restaurant offers an outstanding dining experience that includes a range of mouth-watering dishes from breakfast to pastries, complemented by artisanal cocktails. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of their offerings, with one delighted customer exclaiming, "This is the best biscuit I've ever tasted!" Another review highlighted the unique takes on classic dishes, such as the "party in your mouth" loco moco. All Day Baby is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where every meal is an event and every dish tells a story of culinary excellence and American comfort.

A photo of Eat Drink Americano restaurant

10. Eat Drink Americano

4.6

Exceptional(3)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Arts District

Located in the bustling Arts District of Los Angeles, Eat Drink Americano shines as a quintessential Gastro Pub, offering a delightful fusion of European culinary techniques with a local twist on classic dishes. Celebrated for its non-pretentious, fun atmosphere, this neighborhood gem is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking quality and comfort. Patrons rave about the "spot on flavors" and "fresh ingredients," with standout dishes like the Breakfast Egg Sandwich and the best-in-town clam chowder. Reviews consistently highlight the "amazing service" and the vibrant vibe, making it a top choice. Whether it’s for crafted cocktails, hearty meals, or simply great beer, Eat Drink Americano promises a memorable dining experience where every visitor leaves as a friend.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DorisVIP
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was good, but it was overpriced. You really paying for the service and ambiance.
More info
Daedo SikdangPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Koreatown
•
4.8
M
Monique
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Lovely service and lovely food. It’s hard to read the menu and know what your food will be like so make sure to ask the server for descriptions if you’ve got picky eaters in your party.
More info
San LaurelPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Downtown
•
4.8
JS
JacklynS
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 19, 2024
This is my favorite speakeasy type of bar lounge. Yes, it’s a little tricky to find but once inside it’s all worth it.
More info
The QueensberryPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.1
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2024
My experience at the Golden Hour was so beautiful. It had great city views, good music, and good food. I felt like I was in a movie. I would definitely recommend to family, and friends. Great for date night, or just a good night out with friends.
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Golden Hour at Level 8Price: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
3.9
PB
PaulB
Los Angeles •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 28, 2024
The ambiance was nice, clean and comfortable. The waitress was friendly and attentive. We only got the truffle fries, but they were very good. The drinks were good. A little pricey and came with the included 18% gratuity. But it's in LA so it was expected, so no big deal. The only problem was our reservations were for 615 and the entertainment didn't start until 730. The guy comes out on the piano plays 3 songs and stops. Then another show starts at 830. So the lack of entertainment was the only complaint about the evening. But we still had a good time.
More info
Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8Price: Moderate• Lounge• Downtown
•
4

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Historic South-Central

Cocktail Bar

Best Cocktail Bars in Historic South-Central

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Award-winning

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35 restaurants available nearby

1. Golden Hour at Level 8

2. The Queensberry

3. San Laurel

4. Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8

5. Daedo Sikdang

6. The Lonely Oyster

7. HATCH

8. Bar Clara

9. All Day Baby

10. Eat Drink Americano

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