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The 14 Best Places to Order Refreshing Cocktails and Drinks in LA

From spicy margaritas to tea-infused shandies.

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

At the beginning of the pandemic in the U.S., the California Alcoholic Beverage Control eased restrictions on selling cocktails to go, either in-person or by delivery. And while the state is doing everything in its power to move back to “normal,” it’s looking like getting boozy beverages from restaurants and into living rooms may continue to be possible. In fact, there’s a bill in the state legislature that would make the ABC’s changes permanent.

For restaurants, that means an added source of income to try and mitigate the damage done by more than a year of on-again, off-again lockdowns and restrictions. For diners, it means the chance to sample both the food and bar programs of some of L.A.’s most beloved kitchens. Looking for a great cocktail, but unwilling to change out of sweatpants to do so? Have DoorDash bring you a libation from one of these Los Angeles-area restaurants.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Tequila's Bar & Grill

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There are few frills to be found at this Van Nuys Mexican restaurant (save the Beef on the Rocks, served on a hot stone dish and with cactus), but it does the classics well. It’s the same with the drinks: The menu features multiple takes on the margarita (mostly based on tequila preference, a choice that’s often missing in to-go concoctions), along with a tequila sunrise and a piña colada. Or, if it’s felt like a very long week at work, consider the Cazuela, a tropical twist on the Long Island iced tea.

13627 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 928-6899
(818) 928-6899
An icy margarita in a glass Courtesy of Tequila’s Bar & Grill

Joy

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Wines, especially of the natural variety, are the biggest hits at Highland Park’s casual Taiwanese restaurant. But for a different pairing with dan dan noodles or the thousand-layer pancake, there’s the Passion Fruit Shandy, combining passionfruit green tea, Taiwan Gold beer, and, for the adventurous, boba. A well-curated collection of beer and sake is on offer, with both local and international favorites. 

5100 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 999-7642
(323) 999-7642
Hand holding a colorful summer cocktail Courtesy of Joy

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Little Dom's

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Monday’s three-course “supper” and the ambiance are usually the selling points for this Los Feliz bistro, but don’t count out the Italian restaurant’s bar program. Traditional cocktails are the staples here — with negronis, Moscow mules, margaritas, and martinis. But the scotch, lemon, ginger, and honey mix of the Penicillin (a drink that feels classic but was created in New York in 2005) might be the standout.

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-0055
(323) 661-0055
Plate of spaghetti beside glass of red wine Courtesy of Little Dom’s

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Hippo

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This contemporary Italian eatery in Highland Park often features a lively atmosphere alongside its fresh pasta, but the latter can be enjoyed on your couch — and without sacrificing a cocktail. Grab a single drink like the tropical Mariachi on the Beach (with a rum blend and pineapple) or the Negroni-esque Flower Hour. You could even make it “Hippo Hour” with two 16-ounce bottles. The beloved Hippo bread rolls are must-orders, no matter which cocktail you choose.

5916 1/2 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 545-3536
(323) 545-3536
A spread of colorful Italian food and a cocktail being poured Courtesy of Hippo

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Pine and Crane

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There are eight different sakes available for delivery from this Silverlake Taiwanese restaurant (and sibling to Highland Park’s Joy). But without the help of a waiter or bartender, which one do you order? Split the difference with a sake flight, featuring four varieties ranging from mellow to, as the restaurant calls it, “punchy.” Mix and match small plates alongside the rice wines, and it’s an at-home extravaganza. 

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 668-1128
(323) 668-1128
Group of alcoholic beverages Courtesy of Pine and Crane

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Madre

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This Oaxacan favorite is best known for its mole, but what’s a plate of mole Palenquero without mezcal? The Smokey Margarita is a favorite, with its charcoal-infused mezcal and homemade chili liqueur, as is the Chido Wey (nanche-infused mezcal, house tepache, honey, lemon, and spicy bitters for a kick). If the smoke of the Oaxacan spirit is too much, then the Froze, with tequila reposado, makes for a fruit-forward alternative. 

801 N Fairfax Ave #101, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 850-8518
(323) 850-8518
lunchtime table setup of mexican food and cocktails Courtesy of Madre

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Gracias Madre West Hollywood

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Meat is missing from the trendsetting vegetarian and vegan Mexican restaurant, but alcohol is certainly around in its tasty cocktails. Canned mezcal negronis and Oaxacan old-fashioned drinks (featuring mole bitters) are favorites here, along with traditional margaritas and Palomas. You might not be able to get the WeHo brunch-party scene by delivery, but the accouterments still taste great at home.

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 978-2170
(323) 978-2170
A hand with a flowy sleeve holding a cocktail in the light Courtesy of Gracias Madre West Hollywood

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Tilda

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Echo Park’s wine bistro Tilda serves up satisfying Spanish-style tapas (try the octopus, prepared in a paprika sauce, or the mussels in escabeche), but the selection of vino is one of the neighborhood’s best. Even better, that selection extends to vermouth; the Flora, with its rosé base, makes a great addition to a spritz or negroni, while the Massican white vermouth adds depth and flavor to that happy hour martini. Just add gin or vodka (not taking sides here).

1507 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 995-6090
(213) 995-6090
Multiple alcoholic beverages on green table Courtesy of Tilda

Son of a Gun

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The Beverly Grove New England-esque seafood joint focuses on the classics for its to-go bar program, with batched mai tais, Manhattans, and piña coladas on offer. But unlike the states in New England themselves, these drinks arrive in generous portions: the Megarita serves eight to nine with one order, while the Manhattan (accompanied by Luxardo cherries, naturally) is enough for as many as 12 rounds. Invite your friends for a much-needed reunion, and your drink menu is set. 

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9033
(323) 782-9033
Pre-made mai tai cocktail in mason jar Courtesy of Son of a Gun

Also featured in:

Mercado

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This upscale Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica is more than willing to send along margaritas from its “cantina to go.” The spicy cucumber jalapeno margarita uses a pepper puree to spice up the traditional mix of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime. For another option, the house version uses fresh sour to distinguish itself from the mix-made creations of many bars. Those of age can order either style in a 16-ounce container, so choose your flavor wisely.

7910 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 944-0947
(323) 944-0947
Mix of colorful refreshing cocktails in glasses Courtesy of Mercado

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Father's Office

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The godfather of the Los Angeles hamburger renaissance was originally known for its beer selection, but it also delivers classic cocktails, including a specialty Tequila Collins, with housemade ginger syrup. Much like the patty that made the restaurant famous, these drinks need no modifications.

3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 736-2224
(310) 736-2224
Classic cocktail on wooden bar table Courtesy of Father’s Office

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Elephante

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This Santa Monica rooftop spot is a brunch favorite, but the drinks here go beyond mimosas and bloody mary options. There’s a full menu of more traditional concoctions (some, like the Aperol spritz, are even on draft), but the creativity of the bar program is on display in beverages such as the Pisolino and the Social Butterfly. And then there’s the house drink, the Élephante: It’s made with a choice of spirits and a mix of passionfruit, lemon, orgeat, meletti, and Calabrian chili — all of which nicely complement the Italian favorites from the kitchen. 

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 320-2384
(424) 320-2384
Group of friends toasting with different cocktail beverages Courtesy of Elephante

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Tacolicious

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The Manhattan Beach outlet of the San Francisco taqueria has an exceptional location (just two blocks from the ocean), but if you fear trying to find parking along Manhattan Beach Boulevard or Highland Avenue, you can have an assortment of tequila-centric drinks brought to your living room. The Margarita Fresca mixes in fresh watermelon, while the Margarita de la Casa sticks to the classics: fresh-squeezed lime, agave, and tequila. With beach-like temperatures often extending into the fall, the Mucho Gusto (with pineapple and coconut water) makes sense both beachside in July and, say, on your porch in October.

1129 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(415) 649-6077
(415) 649-6077
To-go container of tacos with side of spicy beverage Courtesy of Tacolicious

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La Playita

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Yes, delivery means you don’t get the stunning views from this Hermosa Beach local favorite. But one of the restaurant’s three margaritas makes for a solid consolation prize. Order a classic (one of the most affordable delivery drinks to be found), Cadillac, or skinny marg. Stream a favorite beach-centric film at home, and the feeling of oceanside summer breezes will relax you all year long.

37 14th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-2148
(310) 376-2148
Two colorful cocktails with mini umbrellas and palm trees in the backdrop. Courtesy of La Playita

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Tequila's Bar & Grill

13627 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401

There are few frills to be found at this Van Nuys Mexican restaurant (save the Beef on the Rocks, served on a hot stone dish and with cactus), but it does the classics well. It’s the same with the drinks: The menu features multiple takes on the margarita (mostly based on tequila preference, a choice that’s often missing in to-go concoctions), along with a tequila sunrise and a piña colada. Or, if it’s felt like a very long week at work, consider the Cazuela, a tropical twist on the Long Island iced tea.

13627 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 928-6899
(818) 928-6899
An icy margarita in a glass Courtesy of Tequila’s Bar & Grill

Joy

5100 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Wines, especially of the natural variety, are the biggest hits at Highland Park’s casual Taiwanese restaurant. But for a different pairing with dan dan noodles or the thousand-layer pancake, there’s the Passion Fruit Shandy, combining passionfruit green tea, Taiwan Gold beer, and, for the adventurous, boba. A well-curated collection of beer and sake is on offer, with both local and international favorites. 

5100 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 999-7642
(323) 999-7642
Hand holding a colorful summer cocktail Courtesy of Joy

Little Dom's

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Monday’s three-course “supper” and the ambiance are usually the selling points for this Los Feliz bistro, but don’t count out the Italian restaurant’s bar program. Traditional cocktails are the staples here — with negronis, Moscow mules, margaritas, and martinis. But the scotch, lemon, ginger, and honey mix of the Penicillin (a drink that feels classic but was created in New York in 2005) might be the standout.

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-0055
(323) 661-0055
Plate of spaghetti beside glass of red wine Courtesy of Little Dom’s

Hippo

5916 1/2 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

This contemporary Italian eatery in Highland Park often features a lively atmosphere alongside its fresh pasta, but the latter can be enjoyed on your couch — and without sacrificing a cocktail. Grab a single drink like the tropical Mariachi on the Beach (with a rum blend and pineapple) or the Negroni-esque Flower Hour. You could even make it “Hippo Hour” with two 16-ounce bottles. The beloved Hippo bread rolls are must-orders, no matter which cocktail you choose.

5916 1/2 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 545-3536
(323) 545-3536
A spread of colorful Italian food and a cocktail being poured Courtesy of Hippo

Pine and Crane

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

There are eight different sakes available for delivery from this Silverlake Taiwanese restaurant (and sibling to Highland Park’s Joy). But without the help of a waiter or bartender, which one do you order? Split the difference with a sake flight, featuring four varieties ranging from mellow to, as the restaurant calls it, “punchy.” Mix and match small plates alongside the rice wines, and it’s an at-home extravaganza. 

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 668-1128
(323) 668-1128
Group of alcoholic beverages Courtesy of Pine and Crane

Madre

801 N Fairfax Ave #101, Los Angeles, CA 90046

This Oaxacan favorite is best known for its mole, but what’s a plate of mole Palenquero without mezcal? The Smokey Margarita is a favorite, with its charcoal-infused mezcal and homemade chili liqueur, as is the Chido Wey (nanche-infused mezcal, house tepache, honey, lemon, and spicy bitters for a kick). If the smoke of the Oaxacan spirit is too much, then the Froze, with tequila reposado, makes for a fruit-forward alternative. 

801 N Fairfax Ave #101, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 850-8518
(323) 850-8518
lunchtime table setup of mexican food and cocktails Courtesy of Madre

Gracias Madre West Hollywood

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Meat is missing from the trendsetting vegetarian and vegan Mexican restaurant, but alcohol is certainly around in its tasty cocktails. Canned mezcal negronis and Oaxacan old-fashioned drinks (featuring mole bitters) are favorites here, along with traditional margaritas and Palomas. You might not be able to get the WeHo brunch-party scene by delivery, but the accouterments still taste great at home.

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 978-2170
(323) 978-2170
A hand with a flowy sleeve holding a cocktail in the light Courtesy of Gracias Madre West Hollywood

Tilda

1507 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Echo Park’s wine bistro Tilda serves up satisfying Spanish-style tapas (try the octopus, prepared in a paprika sauce, or the mussels in escabeche), but the selection of vino is one of the neighborhood’s best. Even better, that selection extends to vermouth; the Flora, with its rosé base, makes a great addition to a spritz or negroni, while the Massican white vermouth adds depth and flavor to that happy hour martini. Just add gin or vodka (not taking sides here).

1507 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 995-6090
(213) 995-6090
Multiple alcoholic beverages on green table Courtesy of Tilda

Son of a Gun

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Beverly Grove New England-esque seafood joint focuses on the classics for its to-go bar program, with batched mai tais, Manhattans, and piña coladas on offer. But unlike the states in New England themselves, these drinks arrive in generous portions: the Megarita serves eight to nine with one order, while the Manhattan (accompanied by Luxardo cherries, naturally) is enough for as many as 12 rounds. Invite your friends for a much-needed reunion, and your drink menu is set. 

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9033
(323) 782-9033
Pre-made mai tai cocktail in mason jar Courtesy of Son of a Gun

Mercado

7910 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

This upscale Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica is more than willing to send along margaritas from its “cantina to go.” The spicy cucumber jalapeno margarita uses a pepper puree to spice up the traditional mix of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime. For another option, the house version uses fresh sour to distinguish itself from the mix-made creations of many bars. Those of age can order either style in a 16-ounce container, so choose your flavor wisely.

7910 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 944-0947
(323) 944-0947
Mix of colorful refreshing cocktails in glasses Courtesy of Mercado

Father's Office

3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

The godfather of the Los Angeles hamburger renaissance was originally known for its beer selection, but it also delivers classic cocktails, including a specialty Tequila Collins, with housemade ginger syrup. Much like the patty that made the restaurant famous, these drinks need no modifications.

3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 736-2224
(310) 736-2224
Classic cocktail on wooden bar table Courtesy of Father’s Office

Elephante

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This Santa Monica rooftop spot is a brunch favorite, but the drinks here go beyond mimosas and bloody mary options. There’s a full menu of more traditional concoctions (some, like the Aperol spritz, are even on draft), but the creativity of the bar program is on display in beverages such as the Pisolino and the Social Butterfly. And then there’s the house drink, the Élephante: It’s made with a choice of spirits and a mix of passionfruit, lemon, orgeat, meletti, and Calabrian chili — all of which nicely complement the Italian favorites from the kitchen. 

1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 320-2384
(424) 320-2384
Group of friends toasting with different cocktail beverages Courtesy of Elephante

Tacolicious

1129 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Manhattan Beach outlet of the San Francisco taqueria has an exceptional location (just two blocks from the ocean), but if you fear trying to find parking along Manhattan Beach Boulevard or Highland Avenue, you can have an assortment of tequila-centric drinks brought to your living room. The Margarita Fresca mixes in fresh watermelon, while the Margarita de la Casa sticks to the classics: fresh-squeezed lime, agave, and tequila. With beach-like temperatures often extending into the fall, the Mucho Gusto (with pineapple and coconut water) makes sense both beachside in July and, say, on your porch in October.

1129 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(415) 649-6077
(415) 649-6077
To-go container of tacos with side of spicy beverage Courtesy of Tacolicious

La Playita

37 14th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Yes, delivery means you don’t get the stunning views from this Hermosa Beach local favorite. But one of the restaurant’s three margaritas makes for a solid consolation prize. Order a classic (one of the most affordable delivery drinks to be found), Cadillac, or skinny marg. Stream a favorite beach-centric film at home, and the feeling of oceanside summer breezes will relax you all year long.

37 14th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-2148
(310) 376-2148
Two colorful cocktails with mini umbrellas and palm trees in the backdrop. Courtesy of La Playita

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