These outdoor patios and bars in Los Angeles are beckoning you this summer

While your at-home bartending skills and twinkle-lit balcony may have sufficed throughout the past year, the experience of chasing the best whiskey sours on the block or enjoying some fresh tapas on a rooftop bar will never compare. Now that restrictions are lifting, there are plenty of bars in Los Angeles ready to welcome guests with celebratory cocktails.

Considering updated CDC protocols and with respect to everyone abiding by the mask mandate, the options for a good time out and a sense of normalcy are not out of reach. Whether you’re looking for a cozy outdoor courtyard for some fresh minted mojitos or on the search for some good live music, there are outdoor patios and bars in Los Angeles that can host your evening. If you’re ready to rekindle the love you have for late night drinks in LA or a sunlit patio, we’ve rounded up some bars in Los Angeles to check out this summer.

Pattern Bar

Considered one of Downtown LA’s most lively venues, Pattern Bar is open to anyone in LA’s Fashion District trying to enjoy specialty cocktails and some proper house music. With a solid reputation among locals looking for the best EDM bar, Pattern Bar is now fully open for anyone wanting to groove to live house music while sipping on what they call an El Chamuco; a Milagro Blanco infused with house made ginger beer topped with a crème cassis.

Also known as “The House of Agave,” Pattern Bar is famous for tequila-based drinks that are made fresh with their house agave. Although they’re only open once during the week (until 11 p.m. on Tuesdays), Fridays and Saturdays are livelier since the bar is open until 2 a.m. with an occasional live mixer. House music plus agave-infused drinks? Sign us up.

EightyTwo

One of the best “barcades" is in the heart of Los Angeles and has been fighting through each guided measurement to adhere to CDC safety protocols and guidelines. Although the thought of being in contact with classic arcade games and pinball machines may raise concerns, EightyTwo is committed to continuously cleaning and maintaining each of the machines every day with sanitizer available throughout the arcade floor. Not only do they have more than 50 different arcade games and pinball machines, they also host community tournaments for those looking to stunt their high score on the leader board.

With a rotating selection of over 20 arcade classics like “Mortal Kombat,” “Donkey Kong” and “Metal Slug 3,” the community here is always looking for an authentic gaming experience, with the option of drinks, of course. Providing a retro gaming arena, a streaming hub, live music selections and a full bar, this 21+ arcade is one of the most fun bars in Los Angeles. Entry is free, but bring some cash for arcade coins and brews.

The Roger Room

After a long year, The Roger Room and Roger’s crew are finally welcoming guests back into their dimly lit lounge in West Hollywood for quality-made drinks in an intimate setting. This concealed away pub has a quaint vibe, and customers come here for the characteristic and tasty cocktail menu along with the trustworthy bartenders stirring up drinks.

You’ll find cocktails varying from distinctive rum, vodka, tequila, whiskeys, absinthe and gin. A crowd favorite includes “Japanese Maple,” featuring Suntory Whisky Toki with pure maple syrup, lemon juice and spicy habanero bits. If you’re a purist and prefer the smooth taste of high-quality alcohol simply on the rocks, the selection here is considerably packed with brands you don’t always find at other bars. Ask for the bartender’s choice, and they won’t let you down.

Death & Co.

With different locations across places like New York City, Denver and their third newly installed location on East 3rd street, Los Angeles, Death & Co is an embodiment of refined drinking, classy lounges and great customer service. With their approach for strategically responding to COVID-19, their staff is dedicated to following daily guidelines for dine-in service so that they stay true to their commitment to their community.

This place is the definition of intimate. Outdoor and indoor dining is now accessible, and while the seated-only bars have modern day steel stools for you to sit on, the tables offer a candlelit setting for a warm and cozy ambience. The cocktail menu is organized by subsections like “Boozy & Honest,” or “Bright & Confident,” mirroring your mood and palate accordingly; drinks like “Pirate Radio” or “Kingsland Gimlet” not only sound unique, but taste even better. Come here if you’re wanting to try an assortment of one-of-a-kind Los Angeles cocktails.

The Rooftop at the Wayfarer Downtown LA

Even though the Wayfarer in Downtown LA is a full service hotel known for its colorful wave of décor and contemporary indoor lounge area, the rooftop bar they offer takes it up a notch. With the view of the city skylights surrounding you, the seating arrangements are spacious with a retro aesthetic. Long cushioned pillows for lounging and modern stainless steel patio heaters makes sipping a whiskey on the rocks on a rooftop all that better. Be sure to book your reservations online in advance.

Executive  chef Jennifer Jones has prepared an all-new 10-course brunch on the weekends that highlights her passion for blending creative, upscale small bites and plates. Their brunch cocktail menu includes favorites like “My My’s Famous Frozen Coffee,” a blend of Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Two Fold whiskey, coconut, oat milk and cacao, or you can sip on a simple Espresso Martini. Coffee, liquor and a view of the city is the perfect excuse for venturing out this weekend.

The Front Yard

Taking appropriate measures for protecting the health and safety of their guests, The Front Yard offers a socially distanced dining experience that showcases the best of LA’s food scene. The outside seating area is decorated with bohemian vibes –  a variety of plush booths, couches and small edgy tables by the fire pit – that warmly welcome guests looking for a cozy outdoor patio in Los Angeles.

Executive chef Larry Greenwood began his passion for cooking in Calgary, Alberta. He soon found himself in Los Angeles, where he has cooked for some of the top restaurants in the city. With locally sourced ingredients and Greenwood’s innovative menu, the flavors in dishes like the Pan Roasted Branzino or the 28 Oz. Dry Aged Ribeye will leave you wanting to come back for more.

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