Los Angeles’s 10 favorite bars

Co-owners Amy Knoll Fraser and Neal Fraser brought new life to the Downtown dining scene in 2014 when they opened Redbird inside the historic Cathedral of St. Vibiana. Much of the church’s interior remains intact with modern details, such as an all-glass ceiling inside the former rectory and wrought-iron gates at the entrance. It’s an ideal setting to enjoy award-winning bar director Tobin Shea’s seasonal cocktails, inspired by LA’s bounty of produce, flowers, and international flavors. Sip on fruit-forward favorites such as the Stonefruit Spritz, made with apricot wine and plum brandy, and a Cardinal Punch with bourbon, cognac, amaro, roasted orange, and clove. Wine director Matt Fosket pours a selection of well-rounded finds from Portland to Irancy, Burgundy.

Superfine Playa is the newest Californian-Italian restaurant by inimitable duo Steve and Dina Samson of Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza fame. The spot is all about exquisite thin-crust pizzas and bright cocktails that complement the sunny Playa Vista weather. A seat at the bar gets you a full view of the kitchen, plus an up-close look at the fresh ingredients sourced from the local farmers market. The current cocktail menu—helmed by Ella Zoller, the force behind cocktails and community pop-up bar Honey House—features variations on classics, such as the Pomelo Paloma, which gets its sun-kissed color from orange and tajin. Bonus points for the zero-proof mocktails with equally delicious ingredients such as cucumbers, Cara Cara oranges, kiwi, and more.

Ella Beverly Hills is a contemporary riff on the Prohibition era inside the posh SIXTY Beverly Hills hotel. It’s a vision carried out by executive chef Brian Min and bar directors Zach Patterson and Doran De Tappan, whose penchant for Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian influences defines much of the menu at this swanky cocktail bar. For those who want to linger past happy hour, there’s an additional Ella Rooftop area. At both locations, you can get artful spins on classics, such as a milk punch sweetened with unfiltered apple juice and pearl jasmine tea, or an old fashioned with applewood and cinnamon-smoked, brown butter-washed bourbon. Ella also invites budding wine sommeliers into its Bottle Shop, which sells natural and biodynamic wines (to enjoy onsite or at home).

Musso & Frank Grill reigns as the century-old steakhouse superstar in Hollywood. The area icon is the oldest operating restaurant in the neighborhood and buzzes with large groups gathered for birthdays, anniversaries, and more. And yet, Musso & Frank’s bar—decked with swiveling chairs, a vintage mirror backsplash, and a fiery open grill—feels like one of Hollywood’s most intimate escapes. Get an old-timey appetizer, such as baked escargot or Roquefort mousse-stuffed celery and the world-famous martini, stirred 12 times in ice, then carefully strained into a vintage glass. The liquor comes with a bucket of crushed ice and a small carafe that holds a refill. Drink in the classic surroundings and make good use of the swiveling bar chair, ideal for people-watching and the occasional celebrity-spotting.

Award-winning Californian mixologist Julian Cox (responsible for masterminding the bar programs at popular LA spots including Las Perlas and the now-shuttered Barrel & Ashes) oversees the drinks program at Fanny’s, a restaurant set in the Academy of Museum of Motion Pictures. Fittingly, cocktails are named for critically acclaimed films and Oscar winners. Case in point: the Parasite—a tribute to the acclaimed South Korean film—made with soju, rye, vermouth, gochujang, and bird’s eye chile. If drinks turn into dinner, choose between elegant New American plates such as whole sea bream with matcha hollandaise and spinach linguine with green asparagus. Fun fact: the bar and restaurant are supported by Wendy Stark Morrissey, granddaughter of comedian Fanny Brice (for whom the restaurant is named).