19 Award-Worthy Cocktail Spots in Los Angeles

‘Tis the season, after all

By Vox Creative Updated Feb 6, 2023, 10:02am EST

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By Vox Creative Updated Feb 6, 2023, 10:02am EST

Courtesy of Grey Goose

This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

Blooming flowers announce the arrival of spring. Summer comes in with the heat. The leaves change in the fall. And “For Your Consideration” billboards announce Los Angeles’ fourth season: Awards.

It’s the time of year when some of the city’s biggest stars round up their glam squads, call fashion designers, and practice their red-carpet answers. Major award shows for film and music fill the calendar, and chatter at bars around Los Angeles is about who got recognized and who got snubbed.

But while there are plenty of behind-the-scenes politicking and catty fashion reviews, what awards season does best is it gives Angelenos a chance to celebrate art in all its forms, whether it’s rushing to catch up with the movies of the last year, trading “best of” playlists, and even gathering to watch the statuettes given out on television. And where there’s a celebration — and a reason to get dressed up — there’s Grey Goose®.

Here are some spots to enjoy the spectacle with drinks, like a classic Grey Goose Martini — the perfect cocktail to sip while watching the show.

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The Bungalow

The Bungalow is as close to the oceanside as you can get without fighting through the throngs of Santa Monica Pier tourists. Watching a sunset over the cliff between Palisades Park and the Pacific while sipping on a cocktail is a calming way to transition into the evening, but if you want to make it to dawn, go with the California Coffee (Grey Goose, spiked cold brew) and find room around the outside deck’s fire pit.

Open in Google Maps

101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Elephante

Dining on this Santa Monica rooftop can easily become an all-day affair, thanks to a hopping brunch scene (with a crowd that comes dressed to impress) and DJs that spin into the evening. The on-draft Northside Mule (Grey Goose Essences, lime, ginger beer, watermelon, and basil) will bring you from day to night, and drinking a Grey Goose martini while staring out over the ocean is an invigorating way to pass the time between dinner and a late-night dance session.

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Belles Beach House

Belles takes advantage of its beachside Venice location with a tiki-style outdoor patio and a breezy indoor configuration that lets the ocean air waft through. The Aloha Spritz (Grey Goose Essences, strawberry, lemongrass, and sparkling grapefruit soda) is an easy sipper, and the house-made ginger beer helps elevate the Moscow Mule. The streetside patio provides a stunning vista of sunset over Venice Beach; grab a seat and a cocktail for the full experience.

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

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Gran Blanco

The intersection of Pacific and Winward Avenues in Venice is hopping with upscale restaurant and bar experiences, and Gran Blanco is a local favorite. Its cozy Mediterranean vibes complement brunch and dinner, with the sun streaming in during the former and the latter feeling like a lavish dinner party. Keep the sunny feeling going with a Cucumber Eastside (Grey Goose, cucumber, mint, green apple, and pepper) and keep your ears open for the rhythms of nearby Venice Beach street musicians.

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

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Also featured in:

BOA Steakhouse

An unofficial gateway to the Sunset Strip (from the famous avenue’s western boundary), Boa has been the dinner that leads to the night out for years, with its club-like lighting and high energy. Behind its flash, though, is a traditional steakhouse, from shrimp cocktails and wedge salads all the way to the dessert tray, with no shortcuts. A Blackberry Smash (Grey Goose Le Citron, crème de cassis, blackberry, mint, and lemon) or a Grey Goose dirty martini will help kick off the night here before diving into the Strip.

9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Also featured in:

Olivetta

“Casual elegance” is both the stated dress code and the spirit of this European-inspired eatery on West Hollywood’s Restaurant Row. Martinis don’t get much dirtier than the Dirty Bleu here, made with Grey Goose, blue cheese-infused vermouth, and Kalamata olives. Enjoy it while seated in a velvet-lined banquette around the bar or watching a show on the cabaret stage.

9010 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Also featured in:

Great White

The three-martini lunch may be dead, but grabbing one Grey Goose Bloody Mary at this West Hollywood café (with other locations in Venice and Larchmont) to pair with a midday salad or pizza is an Awards Season treat. And if you don’t have work to get back to, stay awhile by the stunning patio fireplace with a Grey Goose Autumn Mule made with ginger, lime, apple, and cinnamon.

8917 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Also featured in:

Heart Weho

The West Hollywood space formerly known as Rage got a facelift, a new celebrity investor, and a new name in early 2022. Inside, it’s still massive (Heart bills itself as “the world’s largest gay nightclub”), and it still features theme nights, television watch parties and other community-creating events. It’s also got great taste: Grey Goose is in the well here (and in many feature drinks), making it easy to order that martini before hitting the dance floor or finding a seat at one of the venue’s VIP tables.

Open in Google Maps

8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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E.P. & L.P.

In less than a decade of operation, this split-level West Hollywood restaurant and rooftop bar has become an institution, with both floors as popular today as they were upon opening in 2015. Start upstairs at L.P., with a Kickstart My Heart (Grey Goose, watermelon, agave, lemon, and rhubarb) and a Hollywood Hills view at sunset. Afterward, head inside to E.P. for a sit-down New American meal and a martini.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Katana

A favorite among the stylish Sunset Strip set, Katana’s Japanese tapas-inspired menu, cocktails, and upscale, club-like feel have made it a destination restaurant for years. The elevated terrace has one of the best views down the Strip, perfect for people-watching. The Grey Goose lychee martini is a favorite twist on the classic “dirty” version of the drink that can balance the heat in any of the fish marinades (like the yellowtail with serrano chiles).

8439 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Also featured in:

75 Delightful Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles

Employees Only

The West Hollywood outpost of this famous NYC bar feels hidden, even with its eye-catching vertical sign and psychic neon script. A classic Grey Goose martini with a side of marinated olives feels right in this Art Deco throwback, especially when perusing the menu of new American cuisine. Or, to indulge your sweet tooth, visit for dessert and get the flourless chocolate cake with a Grey Goose espresso martini.

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Visit Website

Courtesy of Grey Goose

Also featured in:

Verse

This music-infused supper club opened just before the pandemic and quickly became a go-to hangout for musicians and nightlife aficionados. A state-of-the-art sound system with noise-cancellation amplifies the performers and quiets the clanking of silverware (and makes it hard for others to eavesdrop on your conversation). It’s the type of cosmopolitan spot that screams Grey Goose martini and oysters.

4212 Lankershim Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Horses

The successor to the famed Ye Coach & Horses, this West Hollywood restaurant features a split personality: One side preserves the upscale British pub vibes of the departed Coach & Horses days, while the other feels more like a sunny California bistro, thanks to skylights and bright colors. It also has a garden space out back, where you can sip on the Vesper: an elegant aperitivo made with fig leaf-infused gin, Grey Goose, and Lillet Blanc.

7617 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Desert 5 Spot

This Vinyl District rooftop lounge brings the California desert to Hollywood. Inspired by Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Pioneertown, the Spot is a standout for live music, including a live house band, DJs on the weekends, and assorted tribute nights. Order a classic Grey Goose martini at the bar and relax in the living room vibes of the bar’s indoor space.

6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Also featured in:

16 Rooftop Bars with Incredible LA Views

Bar Lis

High above Hollywood’s Vinyl District, this French Rivera-inspired rooftop lounge is a luxurious place to catch up with friends, an impressive first date spot, and, thanks to Tuesday night’s jazz performances, a chance to discover your next favorite artist. Grab a Jane Birkin (Grey Goose, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, mint, and lime) and sink into one of the comfortable couches, or order a Grey Goose martini with a twist and the smoked salmon dip and find a table overlooking the expanse of Hollywood.

1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Also featured in:

TAO

At this veteran of Hollywood nightlife, you’re as likely to run into an award nominee as you are to talk about them. The two-level pan-Asian restaurant has long been a spot to see and be seen, and that aspect is magnified during award season. Grab a Bubbles & Berries (Grey Goose, sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries) and then descend the grand staircase, snapping a photo on the way.

6421 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Beauty & Essex

If you can make it past the “pawn shop” foyer without stopping to buy a new guitar or fine jewelry, this Hollywood hot spot is home to delicious drinks and the New American cuisine of chef and TV cooking show judge Chris Santos. The interiors here are beautiful, but this is also the first of the Beauty & Essex restaurants to feature outdoor seating; the al fresco vibe matches well with the Bubbles & Berries (Grey Goose, sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries). Or settle in with a week-ending Gray Goose martini with a twist on Sunday nights, when live jazz floats through the air.

1615 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Grandmaster Recorders

Formerly a recording studio for some of the world’s most famous musicians, Grandmaster Recorders made the switch to Italian food and high-end cocktails in late 2021, but the rock and roll spirit remains — appropriate for a restaurant and bar in Hollywood’s Vinyl District. The rooftop bar makes for an excellent meeting place, and a Grey Goose dirty martini pairs well with a slice of gourmet pizza. Back downstairs, the restaurant’s menu is Italian, with an Australian influence (note the Westholme Wagyu, for instance). And the late-night crowd finds the dance floor at the 71 Studio bar to celebrate music in its own way.

1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cha Cha Chá

One of the best openings of 2021, this rooftop bar and restaurant in the Arts District features a view of the downtown skyline, a menu of Mexican favorites, and an upscale (but not stuffy) vibe. Get ready for the kick of the Spicy Baby Mango (Grey Goose, mango, serrano, and agave), then douse the heat with the chocolate flan.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Also featured in:

This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Bungalow

101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Bungalow is as close to the oceanside as you can get without fighting through the throngs of Santa Monica Pier tourists. Watching a sunset over the cliff between Palisades Park and the Pacific while sipping on a cocktail is a calming way to transition into the evening, but if you want to make it to dawn, go with the California Coffee (Grey Goose, spiked cold brew) and find room around the outside deck’s fire pit.

Open in Google Maps

101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

Elephante

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dining on this Santa Monica rooftop can easily become an all-day affair, thanks to a hopping brunch scene (with a crowd that comes dressed to impress) and DJs that spin into the evening. The on-draft Northside Mule (Grey Goose Essences, lime, ginger beer, watermelon, and basil) will bring you from day to night, and drinking a Grey Goose martini while staring out over the ocean is an invigorating way to pass the time between dinner and a late-night dance session.

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

Belles Beach House

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Belles takes advantage of its beachside Venice location with a tiki-style outdoor patio and a breezy indoor configuration that lets the ocean air waft through. The Aloha Spritz (Grey Goose Essences, strawberry, lemongrass, and sparkling grapefruit soda) is an easy sipper, and the house-made ginger beer helps elevate the Moscow Mule. The streetside patio provides a stunning vista of sunset over Venice Beach; grab a seat and a cocktail for the full experience.

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

Gran Blanco

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

The intersection of Pacific and Winward Avenues in Venice is hopping with upscale restaurant and bar experiences, and Gran Blanco is a local favorite. Its cozy Mediterranean vibes complement brunch and dinner, with the sun streaming in during the former and the latter feeling like a lavish dinner party. Keep the sunny feeling going with a Cucumber Eastside (Grey Goose, cucumber, mint, green apple, and pepper) and keep your ears open for the rhythms of nearby Venice Beach street musicians.

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

BOA Steakhouse

9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

An unofficial gateway to the Sunset Strip (from the famous avenue’s western boundary), Boa has been the dinner that leads to the night out for years, with its club-like lighting and high energy. Behind its flash, though, is a traditional steakhouse, from shrimp cocktails and wedge salads all the way to the dessert tray, with no shortcuts. A Blackberry Smash (Grey Goose Le Citron, crème de cassis, blackberry, mint, and lemon) or a Grey Goose dirty martini will help kick off the night here before diving into the Strip.

9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Olivetta

9010 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

“Casual elegance” is both the stated dress code and the spirit of this European-inspired eatery on West Hollywood’s Restaurant Row. Martinis don’t get much dirtier than the Dirty Bleu here, made with Grey Goose, blue cheese-infused vermouth, and Kalamata olives. Enjoy it while seated in a velvet-lined banquette around the bar or watching a show on the cabaret stage.

9010 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Great White

8917 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The three-martini lunch may be dead, but grabbing one Grey Goose Bloody Mary at this West Hollywood café (with other locations in Venice and Larchmont) to pair with a midday salad or pizza is an Awards Season treat. And if you don’t have work to get back to, stay awhile by the stunning patio fireplace with a Grey Goose Autumn Mule made with ginger, lime, apple, and cinnamon.

8917 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Heart Weho

8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The West Hollywood space formerly known as Rage got a facelift, a new celebrity investor, and a new name in early 2022. Inside, it’s still massive (Heart bills itself as “the world’s largest gay nightclub”), and it still features theme nights, television watch parties and other community-creating events. It’s also got great taste: Grey Goose is in the well here (and in many feature drinks), making it easy to order that martini before hitting the dance floor or finding a seat at one of the venue’s VIP tables.

Open in Google Maps

8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

E.P. & L.P.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

In less than a decade of operation, this split-level West Hollywood restaurant and rooftop bar has become an institution, with both floors as popular today as they were upon opening in 2015. Start upstairs at L.P., with a Kickstart My Heart (Grey Goose, watermelon, agave, lemon, and rhubarb) and a Hollywood Hills view at sunset. Afterward, head inside to E.P. for a sit-down New American meal and a martini.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Katana

8439 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

A favorite among the stylish Sunset Strip set, Katana’s Japanese tapas-inspired menu, cocktails, and upscale, club-like feel have made it a destination restaurant for years. The elevated terrace has one of the best views down the Strip, perfect for people-watching. The Grey Goose lychee martini is a favorite twist on the classic “dirty” version of the drink that can balance the heat in any of the fish marinades (like the yellowtail with serrano chiles).

8439 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Employees Only

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

The West Hollywood outpost of this famous NYC bar feels hidden, even with its eye-catching vertical sign and psychic neon script. A classic Grey Goose martini with a side of marinated olives feels right in this Art Deco throwback, especially when perusing the menu of new American cuisine. Or, to indulge your sweet tooth, visit for dessert and get the flourless chocolate cake with a Grey Goose espresso martini.

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Visit Website

Courtesy of Grey Goose

Verse

4212 Lankershim Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

This music-infused supper club opened just before the pandemic and quickly became a go-to hangout for musicians and nightlife aficionados. A state-of-the-art sound system with noise-cancellation amplifies the performers and quiets the clanking of silverware (and makes it hard for others to eavesdrop on your conversation). It’s the type of cosmopolitan spot that screams Grey Goose martini and oysters.

4212 Lankershim Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Visit Website

Horses

7617 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The successor to the famed Ye Coach & Horses, this West Hollywood restaurant features a split personality: One side preserves the upscale British pub vibes of the departed Coach & Horses days, while the other feels more like a sunny California bistro, thanks to skylights and bright colors. It also has a garden space out back, where you can sip on the Vesper: an elegant aperitivo made with fig leaf-infused gin, Grey Goose, and Lillet Blanc.

7617 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Visit Website

Desert 5 Spot

6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

This Vinyl District rooftop lounge brings the California desert to Hollywood. Inspired by Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Pioneertown, the Spot is a standout for live music, including a live house band, DJs on the weekends, and assorted tribute nights. Order a classic Grey Goose martini at the bar and relax in the living room vibes of the bar’s indoor space.

6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Bar Lis

1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

High above Hollywood’s Vinyl District, this French Rivera-inspired rooftop lounge is a luxurious place to catch up with friends, an impressive first date spot, and, thanks to Tuesday night’s jazz performances, a chance to discover your next favorite artist. Grab a Jane Birkin (Grey Goose, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, mint, and lime) and sink into one of the comfortable couches, or order a Grey Goose martini with a twist and the smoked salmon dip and find a table overlooking the expanse of Hollywood.

1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

TAO

6421 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

At this veteran of Hollywood nightlife, you’re as likely to run into an award nominee as you are to talk about them. The two-level pan-Asian restaurant has long been a spot to see and be seen, and that aspect is magnified during award season. Grab a Bubbles & Berries (Grey Goose, sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries) and then descend the grand staircase, snapping a photo on the way.

6421 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Beauty & Essex

1615 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

If you can make it past the “pawn shop” foyer without stopping to buy a new guitar or fine jewelry, this Hollywood hot spot is home to delicious drinks and the New American cuisine of chef and TV cooking show judge Chris Santos. The interiors here are beautiful, but this is also the first of the Beauty & Essex restaurants to feature outdoor seating; the al fresco vibe matches well with the Bubbles & Berries (Grey Goose, sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh strawberries). Or settle in with a week-ending Gray Goose martini with a twist on Sunday nights, when live jazz floats through the air.

1615 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Grandmaster Recorders

1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Formerly a recording studio for some of the world’s most famous musicians, Grandmaster Recorders made the switch to Italian food and high-end cocktails in late 2021, but the rock and roll spirit remains — appropriate for a restaurant and bar in Hollywood’s Vinyl District. The rooftop bar makes for an excellent meeting place, and a Grey Goose dirty martini pairs well with a slice of gourmet pizza. Back downstairs, the restaurant’s menu is Italian, with an Australian influence (note the Westholme Wagyu, for instance). And the late-night crowd finds the dance floor at the 71 Studio bar to celebrate music in its own way.

1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Cha Cha Chá

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

One of the best openings of 2021, this rooftop bar and restaurant in the Arts District features a view of the downtown skyline, a menu of Mexican favorites, and an upscale (but not stuffy) vibe. Get ready for the kick of the Spicy Baby Mango (Grey Goose, mango, serrano, and agave), then douse the heat with the chocolate flan.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Visit Website