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Local picks

Lively cocktail spots in Downtown LA

You are looking for a cocktail bar where the energy is high and the room feels alive.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Casa Ipanema image 1
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Restaurant

Large space with beautiful decor and a tropical vibe creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Phenomenal DJs and a fire dancer keep energy lively with top-notch house music and captivating performances. Guests enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant setting that blends dining with entertainment seamlessly.

Caipirinhas stand out, especially the passion fruit version. The Leblon cocktail also features prominently with a delicious taste and a great selection overall.

Dim lighting sets a lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning music. An exotic dancer performs with fire sticks, adding an exciting touch to the night. Service stays attentive during this fun, energetic vibe.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The Picanha here is perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender."

"I thought the cocktails were outstanding, especially the caipirinhas."

Good to know

1

Fire dance performances start at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for weekend events.

3

The fire dance show lasts about 15 minutes and is a highlight of the evening.

02
Good Clean Fun image 1

Speakeasy-style wine bar offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with heaters and blankets on the patio. Atmosphere blends intimate warmth with groovy DJ music, creating a unique and exclusive vibe. Natural wine selection stands out alongside exceptional Italian-inspired food.

Offers a solid selection of cocktails alongside chilled red wines and beers. Drinks lean toward a high-end style with a relaxed vibe.

Energy comes from a mix of natural wines and simple Italian food. Music sets a lively, welcoming atmosphere that feels relaxed yet upbeat.

People are saying

"Ian and the staff provided fantastic service and a welcoming environment for wine."

"It's a lively spot with exciting, unique wines."

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and a great choice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The venue hosts monthly wine tastings featuring local winemakers.

3

Parking is available across the street for a small fee.

03
Wolf & Crane Bar image 1

Elegant Japanese whiskey bar offers eclectic decor and multiple seating options including an outdoor patio. Music ranges from 80s and 90s alternative to hip-hop, creating a fun and cool vibe that fills the space as it gets busy at night.

Cocktails show care and knowledge in their crafting with a unique menu. One includes the award-winning Daiyame sweet potato shochu.

Bar features a dance floor and gets very crowded on weekends. Ambience stays consistently lively throughout.

People are saying

"You'll find an impressive, huge selection of Japanese whiskey here."

"The cocktails here are fantastic and well balanced."

"It's a lively spot with great music for everyone."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great prices.

2

Whiskey flights are available only on Wednesdays.

3

Live DJ performances happen every Friday night.

04
Berenjak image 1
Persian restaurant

Modern, elegant Persian restaurant with chic dรฉcor and an open kitchen showcasing grills. Lively, energetic Persian music fills the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor courtyard offers a hidden urban retreat with a relaxed vibe.

Innovative cocktails feature amazing tastes and creative mixes. The grape sour stands out as a memorable choice, especially enjoyed at the garden bar before dinner.

Music includes lively Persian songs with a mix of upbeat and somber tunes. The menu stays limited and simple.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the kebabs."

"These cocktails are creative, well-made, and taste amazing."

"The ambiance here is truly amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinner service.

2

A stick of kobedah costs $36, and a cup of rice is $10.

3

Valet parking is required, even if street parking is available nearby.

05
Camphor image 1
Restaurant

Michelin-starred French restaurant occupies a restored warehouse with high ceilings and all-white decor creating a refined, modern atmosphere. Open kitchen adds lively energy as diners watch chefs at work. Space feels upscale and comfortable, blending style with thoughtful details throughout.

A restored warehouse with high ceilings and stylish decor creates a lively vibe. The cozy, crowded setting makes it great for people watching.

People are saying

"The Dover sole and sea bream at these dinner spots are phenomenal."

"The cocktails were delicious, light, and refreshing."

"The atmosphere here is beautiful and lively."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $20 with a $2.50 convenience charge.

2

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual is preferred.

06
Perch image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop bar with a breathtaking cityscape view and live music that enhances a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The space feels crowded, requiring reservations due to limited capacity. Cocktails stand out as a distinctive feature complementing the setting.

Cocktails here are well balanced and high quality. The rooftop bar adds an elegant vibe while sipping drinks against the city nightscape.

Live music sets a soulful ambiance that keeps the atmosphere lively and upscale. Inside feels energetic while outside offers a quieter vibe with gorgeous views.

People are saying

"The rooftop view here is amazing, especially at night."

"The cocktails here have stunning skyline views."

"The rooftop views here are stunning, especially at night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary due to high demand, especially for brunch and dinner.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Live music occurs from 6-10pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

07
Zaya image 1
Restaurant

Large bar area with plenty of seating and small intimate tables creates a cozy setting. Live music and a vibrant Latino bartender add energy, while the atmosphere stays pleasant but stuffy due to poor air circulation. The venue blends elegant decor with a cosmopolitan vibe for a lively night out.

Well crafted cocktails include a bourbon-based drink and a lemon drop-inspired tequila cocktail. The bartender Oscar makes perfect mixed drinks like Lemon Love and Cinnamon Skin that complement the food well.

Great live music sets a lively night out with a polished downtown vibe. The spot stays bustling throughout the day.

People are saying

"The live music here creates a really polished, downtown vibe."

"The Italian-inspired food here is flavorful and served hot."

"Oscar's energy made the cocktails amazing."

Good to know

1

Salsa and bachata dancing happens every Monday at 8 pm, followed by social dancing.

2

Happy hour runs from Wednesday to Friday, 5-8 pm with discounted drinks.

3

Comedy shows take place every Tuesday night, providing a fun midweek option.

08
Cara Cara image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers beautiful city views with a cool atmosphere enhanced by heated lamps and fire pits. Cocktails stand out as phenomenal, complementing the relaxed yet vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, comfortable setting.

Innovative cocktails include a recommended respasado option. Drinks pair well with city views and small bites, and seating feels comfortable.

A lively rooftop vibe sets the tone with a stunning view of the downtown skyline. The atmosphere balances elegance and energy, making it a vibrant spot for a night out.

People are saying

"The views here are amazing and breathtaking."

"The cocktails here are amazing with a breathtaking view."

"The rooftop vibe here is lively with stunning city skyline views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

09
(abeautifullife) Jamaican Kitchen image 1

Jamaican restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with live DJ weekends and authentic jerk chicken. The space feels welcoming and lively, making it suitable for families and groups. Tables feature attractive decor with candles and glassware, enhancing the dining experience.

Cocktails come with great vibes and top tier quality. The sorrel drink stands out as a unique and refreshing cocktail option.

Warm atmosphere fills the space with lively music that feels like a vacation. Great oxtail pairs well with the vibrant vibe that draws people back weekly.

People are saying

"The oxtail dinners were rich, tender, and full of authentic flavor."

"The cocktails here are top tier."

"The oxtails were tender, flavorful, and the vibe was lively."

Good to know

1

Expect a compulsory 18% gratuity added to your bill for parties of four or more.

2

Prices are generally high for the portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant often runs out of popular items like Peach Cobbler Cheesecake.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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