Thunderbolt ranks first on list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. Thunderbolt is a neighborhood cocktail bar and restaurant located at the crossroads of Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, and Downtown Los Angeles. From the smiles that greet you to the countless bottles of Madeira on the backbar, they are inspired by the American South. They are ADA compliant and a welcoming environment for all. they believe in inclusion so much that they have a sign on their door that says, "Mind your manners." they want all of their visitors to feel at ease because they are. Their bartenders are some of the best in town, and their kitchen knows how to make a mean biscuit. their beverage program employs cutting-edge technology and innovation to make cocktails more sustainable, efficient, consistent, and, most importantly, delicious.

Thunderbolt, a neighborhood cocktail bar that's big on hospitality and Southern-leaning bites, combines Southern charm and Park's Finest BBQ—but just because Thunderbolt is into Georgia peaches and BBQ doesn't mean this Historic Filipinotown bar is only about juleps. Cocktails here are inventive, joyful, and well-balanced, and they change frequently. They particularly enjoy Thunderbolt's playful concoctions, such as the clarified take on a pia colada (Tropipop) or the rotating selection of carbonated cocktails, and they're particularly fond of the P-Town Boxing Club, made with pandan and coconut-washed rye.

Location: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, 90026

Contact: 213-372-5099

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Website: thunderboltla.com

Genever ranks 2nd on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. Blink and you'll miss Genever, an intimate, Filipina-run Art Deco den specializing in gin-based drinks, which is only marked by a lit-up coupe-glass sign out front. Inside, the gold-accented decor has delicate, feminine touches, creating a scene that practically glows. Mezcal and rum make brief appearances on the menu, but even the most gin-averse should try one of the infused juniper libations here, which incorporate green tea and tropical fruits for light, herbaceous, and complex notes in your cocktails. Many of Genever's drinks are also non-alcoholic; simply look for the asterisk on the menu.

This women-owned and run cocktail bar is intimate, sleek, and focuses on gin, though other, darker spirits are available. Even if mezcal and rum make an appearance, even the most gin-averse visitors should try a few of the infused libations here, which incorporate green tea and even butterfly pea flower into gin for light, herbacious, and complex notes in your cocktails.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Website: geneverla.com

Pinky's ranks 3rd on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. Despite opening just before the pandemic, this tiny Los Feliz neighborhood bar next to Atrium has found its groove with droolworthy tacos, reasonably priced cocktails, and a glittering mixed tile interior complete with disco ball and a pleasing mishmash of retro design flourishes. Wear layers to Pinky's for a low-key date or get-together with friends—the tiny spot can get crowded on weekends, though the alley outside has a chiller (literally) vibe.

This unassuming bar may be difficult to find from the street, but once you find it, you'll find yourself heading down this narrow brick-lined alley whenever you're craving a cocktail in Los Feliz. Pinky's makes a point of serving classic cocktails with a unique twist, such as fennel in an espresso martini or yuzu in a tequila sour. Plus, if you drink a little too much and need something to help you sober up (or make room for more), the bartenders will gladly serve you some simple tacos until closing time.

Location: 1816 N Vermont AveLos Angeles90027
Contact: 323-763-0351
Opening hours: Daily 7pm-2am
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Website: pinkyslosfeliz.com

Employees Only ranks 4th on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. Employees Only in New York City is now a WeHo cocktail destination, serving a full dinner menu and a late-night menu in addition to the concept's trailblazing drinks. Step inside through the psychic's storefront (if you want a reading, one will be on hand) and you'll find yourself in the Deco-inspired dining room and curved bar—but don't miss Henry's Room, the speakeasy within a speakeasy, accessed through a back wall.

Employees Only, a well-known New York restaurant, expanded west, opening a location in West Hollywood. It started with cocktails in a sleek and stylish speakeasy-like setting, and by 2020, it had evolved into an outdoor hub for some of L.A.'s coolest up-and-coming chefs and pop-ups. You enter through the psychic's storefront and find yourself in this Deco-inspired dining room with curved bar. The cocktail menu sparkles with midday coffee, a unique take on an espresso martini (the city's favorite drink these days), which combines cold brew and orange cream for a frothy sip reminiscent of an elevated Irish coffee.

Location: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, 90046

Contact: 5pm-2am daily

Opening hours: 5pm-2am daily

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Website: employeesonlyla.com

Apothéke ranks 5th on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. This apothecary-themed bar is the younger brother of New York City's, which won praise for its detail-driven, botanical-toned drinks in a dimly lit setting. The vibe, atmosphere, and menu are all similar in Chinatown, with a few unique drinks thrown in for good measure. Don't miss out on the adorable side patio or the live programming, which includes bands, DJ sets, burlesque, and even private cocktail classes.

The vibe, atmosphere, and menu in Chinatown are all similar, with a few unique concoctions based on the region's weather and whatever's in season. Cocktails are divided into cures for what ails you: stress relievers, stimulants, pain killers, euphorics, and more, and they may include produce, tinctures, or bitters such as cantaloupe, bee pollen, bell pepper, sage, coconut charcoal, or a honeyed chamomile cordial.

Location: 1746 North Spring St, Los Angeles, 90012
Contact: 323-844-0717
Opening hours:Tue-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri & Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 3-10pm

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: apothekemixology.com

The Spare Room ranks 6th on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. A bowling alley might not be your first choice for a drink in Hollywood, but this is no ordinary bowling alley. The Spare Room, hidden in the shadowy mezzanine above the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel lobby, was designed to elicit pure revelry. A spectacular set of lanes dating back to the early 1800s runs the length of the handsome parlor, oozing Art Deco elegance and a clear view of Hollywood Boulevard through large cast-iron arched windows.

The ace drink program, originally conceived by Aidan Demarest (Seven Grand, BarToni's) and recently revived by rising star Yael Vengroff, is the real reason to visit this covert gaming lounge bookended by two gleaming bars (Harvard & Stone). While the Spare Room has long been known for its punch bowls (there are four to choose from), Vengroff has upped the ante with 17 whimsical cocktails featuring unusual ingredients such as pickle brine and coconut oil-washed vodka. Based on the half-dozen or so drinks their group sampled, they can confidently state that there isn't a single bad swill on the menu. If handcrafted 'tails aren't your thing, go ahead and bowl.

Location: 7000 Hollywood BlvdLos Angeles90028

Contact: 323-769-7296

Opening hours:Mon, Wed–Sat 8pm-2am

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: spareroomhollywood.com

When you put a classic cocktail lounge in Highland Park, you get good housekeeping. In this ever-changing neighborhood, curious drinkers can find Spirit Animal Group's Nicholas Krok, Ryan Duffy, and Jeremy Simpson's Spirit Animal Group inside a converted garage off an alleyway behind Cafe Birdie. If you have even the slightest inkling that this is a speakeasy, stop right there; instead, the twinkle-lit courtyard and homey interior combo conveys a downright neighborly vibe. Prepare to be greeted with open arms, whether you live within walking distance or are traveling from afar.

There's also plenty of eccentricity, such as an alt-J-inspired playlist, a hip-bordering-on-quirky clientele, and some seriously funky swills. That is, in the best possible way, as in a charcoal-filtered Manhattan or a Boulevardier made with strawberry-infused Campari. Would you expect anything less than three Julian Cox-trained men? The best part: there are no crowds.

Location: 5631 N FigueroaLos Angeles90042

Contact: 323-739-6928

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-Midnight

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: goodhousekeepinghlp.com

One of the most influential bars in the world, New York City's lauded cocktail bar, brings its moody setting and stellar seasonal cocktails to the Arts District. Death & Co. also serves seasonal small plates, larger plates such as fresh pastas, and desserts, making it a true one-stop-shop experience. You have a slim chance of walking into this underground Arts District cocktail bar without a reservation, but the L.A. outpost of this famous New York cocktail bar still has some of the best (and most expensive!) drinks in the city.

The menu is divided by flavor profiles and vibes, such as "light and playful" and "boozy and honest." Many drinks cost between $24 and $26—expensive prices for time-tested techniques and a wide range of unique, hard-to-find spirits. Death & Co., not to be outdone by the drinks, also serves a small food menu for an upscale drinking experience that's big on aesthetics, balance, and flavor. On the other hand, a slightly damp, “old building” smell hangs in the air, and anyone who’s closed their tab will definitely feel pressured by staff to leave.

Location: 810 E. 3rd St.Los Angeles90013
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-1am
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: deathandcompany.com/dcdtla/

The Roger Room ranks 9th on the list of best Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. This innovative cocktail bar from Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson—creators of West Hollywood staples Bar Lubitsch and Jones—is small, but the drinks are potent. While not easy to find (just head to the Largo and look for the neon sign for an old psychic parlor), guests feel right at home inside the dimly lit spot for mind-blowing mixology.

Damian Windsor, a booze hero, has made this a destination with his menu of over 20 classic tipples with a twist, such as a vanilla-charged Spiced Mule and the habanero-infused Thug—all served in chilled glasses with a signature metal straw and the occasional plastic monkey. Bartenders in snazzy black vests are always on hand to shake up a suggested libation or launch an impromptu lesson in Japanese whiskey. Their slogan is "Nothing but the best;" here, it most certainly rings true.

This relaxed lounge is probably your best bet for consistently good swills in the area. After all, they're talking about the former haunts of two of LA's top mixologists, Jason Bran and Damian Windsor (Warwick). They've put together an impressive menu of at least two dozen connoisseur cocktails organized by seven types of liquor, and if that's too much for you, just ask your nearest bartender for help. There is no rush here, and the customer always comes first. Heart-to-hearts occur and typically last well into the evening. Just make sure to get a stool or a booth by 8 p.m., or make a reservation ahead of time.

Location: 370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, 90048
Contact: 310-854-1300
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat 7pm-2am; Sun 8pm-2am
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: therogerroom.com

Consider your grandmother's home: Warm and inviting, with plenty of antique trinkets. Now add a ton of alcohol. Big Bar, despite its name, is actually quite small—about 15 people inside feels snug, but more like a friendly hug than a claustrophobic nightmare. Nonetheless, this utterly vintage nook adjacent to Alcove Cafe & Bakery effortlessly hosts inevitably-packed events, from weekly bartender takeovers to monthly movie-themed drinks coinciding with a screening on the patio.

Everything in the room is at ease: A gentle breeze blows through open doors, golden light shines from tea candles and stained-glass chandeliers, and the dominant scent is a combination of freshly squeezed citrus and truffle fries. Even the bistro stools that line a gleaming marble-topped bar are inviting. With an uncomplicated yet whimsical drink menu from master mixologist Cari Hah (Clifton's, Three Clubs, City Tavern DTLA), you've arrived at neighborhood bar heaven. Relax and sip a handcrafted swill made with fine spirits, house-made syrups, and, most importantly, a lot of love. Grandma would be pleased.

Location: 1927 Hillhurst AveLos Angeles90027
Contact: 323-644-0100
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am-Midnight; Thu, Fri 11am-1am; Sat 9:30am-1am; Sun 9:30am-Midnight

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: alcovecafe.com/bigbar