The best new bars in Los Angeles to try right now

What is it? A reservation-preferred, second-floor Melrose Avenue cocktail bar from the same team behind Benjamin, which is located downstairs.

Why we love it: The service is great, the interior design is impeccable and the drinks here are on par with some of the best bars in Los Angeles. While many Angelenos are still catching onto the excellence going on behind the counter at Bar Benjamin—or merely figuring out that cocktail bars without standing room exist, for starters—locals and hospitality industry insiders have already begun flocking to this dimly lit, cocktail-oriented concept from Ben Shenassafar, the co-founder of The Hundreds, nightlife veteran Jared Meisler (Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch) and marketing and brand strategist Kate Burr. Every guest receives a complimentary welcome drink—for now, a clarified carrot-hazelnut-aquavit milk punch—before diving into a cocktail and bar bite menu that includes the tom kha-inspired Tommy Boy, two of the Benjamin’s signature martinis and one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails I’ve ever tried, anywhere (the strawberry- and gochujang-flavored Aura Farm, which uses a tequila alternative). The food menu is pricey and rather simple—think a way-too-mustard-heavy steak tartare, a shrimp roll and mixed nuts. The bites, however, generally complement the cocktails. My favorite drink is the Dead Heat, which comes with four different chili oil options to zhuzh up your drink, depending on your spice tolerance. (You can also do the same with the Mala Margarita.) Non-alcoholic cocktails available. Valet and metered street parking.

Time Out tip: While reservations are preferred at Bar Benjamin, walk-ins can usually be accommodated on weekday evenings or earlier on the weekends.

Address: 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–1am

What is it? An intimate cocktail bar in East Hollywood with one of the best new burgers in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Intended as the more casual, no-reservation counterpart to Brian Baik’s soon-to-open tasting counter Corridor 109, Bar 109 serves a menu of refined, classically inspired cocktails and reasonably priced wine and beer, plus elevated bar bites like a decadent hot dog and a crispy fish sandwich inspired by McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. The Tuesday 10pm Burger is the ultimate culinary Easter egg—true to its name, the juicy, bistro-style creation made with a blend of different Australian Wagyu cuts is only available after 10pm on Tuesdays. Before decamping to Bar 109, head bartender Kayla Garcia helped open Thunderbolt’s Valley sibling, Night on Earth, and previously oversaw the drinks program at Chicago’s Kumiko, which has earned both regional and global recognition from World’s 50 Best Bars. On my visit, I enjoyed the non-alcoholic Chic Hey (inspired by Korean sikhye, a fermented malt and rice beverage) and the Marine Layer, Garcia’s seaweed-infused take on a dirty martini. Boozier options like the Mikan Old Fashioned and the rum-based Sanshito will appeal to those who enjoy darker spirits, though the bartenders here also more than know their way around lighter options if the Ichigo Punch (vodka, mezcal, strawberry, basil, clarified milk) is any indication.  

Time Out tip: Come here before or after grabbing dinner at Kuya Lord or Bar Etoile. 

Address: 641 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6pm–midnight

What is it? A Mexican restaurant and bar in Sherman Oaks from the same team behind Mírate in Los Feliz. 

Why we love it: Max Reis is the mastermind behind one of the best bars in the city. Here, the Gracias Madre alum brings that same level of craft and focus to margaritas, which come in both sweet and savory renditions. Whether traditional or inventive, each cocktail is impeccably thought out. There’s a bright purple margarita inspired by a Baja-style fish taco, a verdant slushie that riffs on guacamole and a mangoneada version topped with fruity popping boba. What surprised me the most, however, were Daisy’s standout culinary offerings, which are a solid cut above most of the other Mexican options in the immediate area. Head chef Alan Sanz, formerly of Maisano in Costa Mesa, brings an upscale, modern twist to classic dishes like aguachile and guacamole. I loved the vegan-friendly aguachile de chayote and impeccably grilled branzino. The botanas (bar snacks) were especially clever, including the chicharrón del parque, which uses a puffed wheat cracker as a base for cured yellowfin and macha verde. Metered street parking and $10 valet.

Time Out tip: Skip the so-so tacos in favor of a starter and one of the surprisingly well-executed entrées (“fuertes”).

Address: 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–1am; Sun 5pm–midnight.

What is it? A hidden rooftop bar above Only the Wild Ones focused on women-owned wine and spirits brands. 

Why we love it: Some of the best things in life are lowkey, and that couldn’t be truer with this intimate speakeasy hidden above a buzzy new natural wine and hi-fi bar. Run by Leena Culhane of Crudo e Nudo, Force of Nature isn’t your average rooftop bar; it’s on the second story of a century-old home, for starters, and the average crowd tends to consist of casually dressed Venice locals rather than starry-eyed tourists and couples on dates. While Force of Nature currently closes up shop at a relatively early 9 or 10pm, it’s still a worthwhile pit stop for those hoping to catch the sunset or a quick pre- or post-dinner drink. 

Time Out tip: For nibbles, you can also order charcuterie plates from Only the Wild Ones downstairs. 

Address: 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? A rooftop bar in Downtown L.A. that looks out on the Gas Company and U.S. Bank towers with a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail and bar menu.

Why we love it: If you’ve ever wanted to party above the Skechers store, this is your chance. The glinting metal of the skyscrapers in the distance offsets the neighboring ornate architecture common in the old Broadway Theater District. The modern Mediterranean design adds to this feeling of being not quite in the past or the future. Florentín is just large enough to feel alive on a half-full night, but the space is small enough that the bartenders can still crank out their meticulously crafted cocktails during a rush. Don’t resist an on-the-nose order; the Florentini is their most popular cocktail for a reason. The balanced sour that evokes spring on the Amalfi Coast is worth the $19 price tag, from taste to presentation. They also hopped on the beer cocktail trend with a Peroni-based Spaghett and the mescal-based House Special, both under $10. Don’t drink? Instead of settling for a few options, you can request that any of the bar’s cocktails be made without alcohol. Street and nearby private lot parking.

Time Out tip: The journey to Florentín requires you to walk through a parking lot into an alleyway that will put the sketch in Skechers, but the conspicuous green neon sign will let you know you’re in the right place.

Address: 617 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5pm–2am, Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? L.A.’s first women’s sports bar and an inclusive, queer-friendly casual hangout spot in Silver Lake. 

Why we love it: The food’s delicious and the drinks are cheap at Untamed Spirits, the city’s first-ever bar dedicated to all things women’s sports. Several flatscreens stream the latest game as guests munch on well-executed renditions of typical sports bar fare like burgers, tacos and chicken wings. All of the drinks are under $15, and the bar also offers a very long happy hour (Wed–Sat, 4–7pm) that includes $10 margaritas and glasses of wine and discounted bar bites. On the weekends, Untamed Spirits ups the ante with $24 bottomless mimosas and a breakfast burrito served with housemade aioli and salsa verde. The spacious outdoor patio and parking lot also includes areas for games like cornhole, and the place is queer- and women-owned. What's not to love? Non-alcoholic cocktails available. Metered street parking.

Time Out tip: The space isn't super large, so I wouldn’t recommend it for groups larger than eight.

Address: 3715 Evans St W, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Tue 4–11pm; Wed, Thu 4–10pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 10am–midnight; Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? A buzzy West Adams cocktail bar owned by celebrity stylist Jason Bolden and his interior designer partner, Adair Curtis. 

Why we love it: The space may be small and the soundtrack is earsplitting,  but the energy’s downright electric at Damn, I Miss Paris—so if you’re looking for a Hollywood scene without the actual commute to Hollywood, this is the place to go. Even before opening to the public in early March, DIMP hosted an Oscars after-party and wildfire relief fund raiser. There’s a small food menu that includes chicken tenders and chocolate chip cookies, plus a straightforward menu of classic cocktails, wine and beer. I tried the paloma and the vesper; both were solid, but not particularly standouts. If you’re coming here, it’s either because you’re already in the area or because you’re seeking out the celebrity-adjacent vibes—no judgment here. Street parking.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, arrive on the earlier side of the evening. 

Address: 5162 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? A dimly lit, reservation-only Hollywood cocktail lounge from Mother Wolf’s Evan Funke that feels like an extension of the popular restaurant, including some greatest hits from its menu. 

Why we love it: Where Mars (the space’s former occupant) couldn’t figure out what it wanted to be, Bar Avoja has a stronger sense of identity in the same velvet-draped space, where service blends concierge-level professionalism with personality. Mother Wolf’s squash blossoms and Roman pizzas join new fare like the sfincione all’aglione: a fluffy, pull-apart, garlic knot-like focaccia that’s already quick to sell out. Guests can enjoy the Italian-ification of popular cocktails or somewhat overpriced non-alcoholic cocktails. The pseudo-speakeasy spot manages an air of exclusivity that similar hideaways struggle to maintain in L.A. Non-alcoholic cocktails available. Valet or street parking.

Time Out Tip: The Morso di Vita, or Bite of Life, is the most unique drink on the menu, balancing savory tomato with sweet passionfruit for the perfect antidote to the city’s hottest days. 

Address: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opening Hours: Thu–Sun 6–11pm