The 20 Best Kept Secrets in LA’s Restaurant and Bar Scene

 

When planning a trip to Los Angeles, there are a number of must-see places you’ll have to visit. The most popular tourist destinations are usually the first recommendations you hear. However, many travelers appreciate diving in to get a more authentic taste–Where do the locals hang out? What do they order when they get there? Whether it’s unique libations, one-of-a-kind dishes, or Instagram-worthy experiences, many of the hot spots to wine and dine in hidden gems within LA’s restaurant and bar scene.

Believe it or not, Los Angeles is home to not one but two kombucha taprooms serving up hard kombucha in a variety of flavors. Juneshine’s Santa Monica tasting room features airy, desert-inspired furnishings where guests can lounge as they sip kombucha, beer and wine. In Downtown LA, Flying Embers serves up kombucha, seltzer, beer and cocktails in an expansive, brewery-style space.

One of the city’s most alluring venues, La Descarga in East Hollywood is known for its speakeasy theme of a night out in Havana. While live music and dancing is the focus of the main room, smokers can enjoy their back cigar room where you can light up while you lounge.

This hidden gem on the rooftop of the SIXTY Hotel in Beverly Hills offers beautiful sunset views along with a tropical-inspired cocktail menu. Order their Instagram-worthy Extended Stay Pina Colada to sip a strong pineapple cocktail straight out of the flavorful, carved out fruit.

This unassuming mezcal bar in West Hollywood is open seven days a week for drinks, but also boasts a hidden Mexican restaurant tucked away on the back terrace. Delicious options from Moderno Cocina include tacos, taquitos and quesadillas that hit the spot for late night eats.

This Venice staple has been a pillar on the Westside since its legendary prohibition days. The former speakeasy space downstairs is now home to a stage for live performances that range from local bands to burlesque dancers to comedy shows.

This tequila bar in Santa Monica is a neighborhood go-to for tacos and cocktails in an oceanfront location. Snag a unique spot in their boat lounge seat, where you can be the captain of your own voyage and take advantage of the perfect photo op.

It’ll be a one-of-a-kind experience at Black Rabbit Rose, a Hollywood bar known for its connected theater that features magic shows and live jazz. You can also visit their lounge to witness tableside magic tricks done by roving magicians right before your eyes.

This pasta bar in Miracle Mile offers a variety of delicious homemade pastas, Italian-inspired cuisine, and cocktails. Order the Squid Ink Frutti di Mare to enjoy black squid ink pasta that makes for an eye-catching display on your plate.

Make your way to the back of 800 Degrees Pizza in Hollywood and climb the stairs to this vintage speakeasy. Donate a record to their collection in exchange for a free cocktail at this music-inspired locale.

The sister bar to Silver Lake’s The Friend, this Venice outpost is a great place for a dance party but also offers up a surprising variety of mezcals from all over the world, stored within their unassuming closet bar.

Singers and music lovers flock to this Hollywood piano bar, with talented musicians playing all the hits while guests sing along. You’ll even catch the waitresses and bartenders showcasing their talents along with the occasional performance by owner Darren Criss.

This restaurant at the base of the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood is known for its delicious menu and bar program, but also offers a unique bone luge experience for guests ordering the Bucatini bone marrow pasta. Guests receive a shot of Madeira wine poured down the empty bone for a one-of-a-kind taste to kickstart your palate.

This hidden gem is the best place to watch a sunset on the Westside with guests lining the terrace each day to catch the perfect shot of the sun sinking into the ocean. Take the elevator all the way up to enjoy a drink at this local favorite.

After a night out on the town, West Hollywood flocks to Berri’s late night eatery to indulge in their one and only Lobster Pizza. Bring your appetite along and let the upbeat vibe keep you partying far past last call.

Taking in a view of the ocean is always a nice touch at The Bungalow’s renowned Santa Monica location. Order their housemade Sangria and let the fruity refresher take your beachside stay to the next level.

Visit this Downtown saloon that originated the French Dip for an authentic taste of Los Angeles history. Polish off your sandwich with a little Varnish, which can be found behind an unmarked door at the back of the space…

This breakfast-themed spot keeps Venice locals feeling good from morning ‘til night. Order their Vietnamese Iced Coffee cold brew cocktail and never look at your daily pick me up the same way again.

Take the elevator up to the LP rooftop bar for a glamorous view of the Hollywood Hills. During sunny months, you can take in a movie at their open-air Melrose Rooftop Theatre to enjoy popcorn, drinks and a classic film underneath the stars.

You’ll be feeling light as a feather after stopping by this all-vegan WeHo spot for one of their CBD oil cocktails. The Sour T-iesel, Stoney Negroni, or Rolled Fashioned each include a dose of green medicine to end on a high note.