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Valerie Chen
Valerie ChenContributing Writer

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Los Angeles' Best New Rooftop Bars and Restaurants

Aug 17, 2017
LARooftops_feature
See the Hollywood Sign from the new 22nd-floor Filifera. // © 2017 Proper Hospitality

Los Angeles County is made up of multiple cities, dotted with palm trees and intersected by highways. Its enormity is difficult to truly grasp on-ground, which is why some folks prefer a bird’s-eye view of L.A.’s sundry landscape.

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Locals and visitors alike are in luck — there are plenty of excellent establishments positioned high enough to provide a lofty vantage point. Add year-round alfresco weather, drinks and food to the equation, and a good time is certain. 

Besides regular rooftop standbys such as Perch in downtown Los Angeles and High Rooftop Lounge in Venice, there have been a wave of newcomers breaking into Los Angeles’ rooftop bar scene. Here are five of my favorites.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles from the destination’s newest rooftop bars and restaurants, including the stunning Catch LA in West Hollywood. // © 2017 Catch LA
1/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Get a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles from the destination’s newest rooftop bars and restaurants, including the stunning Catch LA in West Hollywood. // © 2017 Catch LA

Open since October 2016, the sky-high restaurant and bar covers a sprawling 12,000 square feet. // © 2017 Catch LA
2/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Open since October 2016, the sky-high restaurant and bar covers a sprawling 12,000 square feet. // © 2017 Catch LA

Catch LA specializes in seafood; be sure to order the ceviche featuring Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, shrimp, scallop, mango and blood-orange ponzu. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
3/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Catch LA specializes in seafood; be sure to order the ceviche featuring Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, shrimp, scallop, mango and blood-orange ponzu. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

The Detox Retox cocktail is made with tequila, matcha tea, fresh cucumber, mint and lime. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
4/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

The Detox Retox cocktail is made with tequila, matcha tea, fresh cucumber, mint and lime. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

LARooftops_Filifera 1
5/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Open since May 2017, Filifera is located on the 22nd floor of Hollywood Proper Residences. // © 2017 Proper Hospitality

Reservations are required at the chic space, which was designed by Kelly Wearstler. // © 2017 Grey Crawford
6/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Reservations are required at the chic space, which was designed by Kelly Wearstler. // © 2017 Grey Crawford

Filifera’s menu consists of cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. // © 2017 Aurelia
7/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Filifera’s menu consists of cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. // © 2017 Aurelia

Thanks to its easygoing vibe and fun decor, Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar (opened in April 2016) is a popular weekend locale in Hollywood. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles
8/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Thanks to its easygoing vibe and fun decor, Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar (opened in April 2016) is a popular weekend locale in Hollywood. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles

See lovely views of the neighborhood and beyond at this rooftop establishment. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles
9/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

See lovely views of the neighborhood and beyond at this rooftop establishment. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Games also provide entertainment. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles
10/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Games also provide entertainment. // © 2017 Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Spire 73 opened in June 2017 as “the tallest rooftop bar in the Western Hemisphere.” // © 2017 Spire 73
11/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Spire 73 opened in June 2017 as “the tallest rooftop bar in the Western Hemisphere.” // © 2017 Spire 73

The elevated lounge towers over downtown Los Angeles. // © 2017 Spire 73
12/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

The elevated lounge towers over downtown Los Angeles. // © 2017 Spire 73

Among Spire 73’s popular cocktails are The Name of the Rose and Julep 73 2017.  // © 2017 Valerie Chen
13/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Among Spire 73’s popular cocktails are The Name of the Rose and Julep 73 2017. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

Its food options are delicious, including the Hot Rock Kobe with shishito peppers, Shimeji mushrooms, red pearl onions and ponzu sauce. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
14/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Its food options are delicious, including the Hot Rock Kobe with shishito peppers, Shimeji mushrooms, red pearl onions and ponzu sauce. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

LARooftops_Spire73_scallops2
15/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Served in its shell, the Diver Scallop is presented beautifully. © 2017 Valerie Chen

Spire 73’s Roasted Bone Marrow pairs excellently with crusty bread and pickled vegetables. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
16/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Spire 73’s Roasted Bone Marrow pairs excellently with crusty bread and pickled vegetables. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

The Rooftop by JG at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills began welcoming patrons to its jaw-dropping space in June 2017. // © 2017 Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
17/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

The Rooftop by JG at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills began welcoming patrons to its jaw-dropping space in June 2017. // © 2017 Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Enjoy gorgeous decor and views, as well as five-star service. // © 2017 Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
18/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Enjoy gorgeous decor and views, as well as five-star service. // © 2017 Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The Rooftop by JG’s Kumquat Mojito is a concoction of Ron Matusalem Platino Rum, mint, Fever-Tree soda water and kumquat. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
19/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

The Rooftop by JG’s Kumquat Mojito is a concoction of Ron Matusalem Platino Rum, mint, Fever-Tree soda water and kumquat. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

Dishes are fresh and satisfying, including popular items such as watermelon with goat cheese; spring pea guacamole; and tuna tartare. // © 2017 Valerie Chen
20/20L.A.'s Best New Rooftops

Dishes are fresh and satisfying, including popular items such as watermelon with goat cheese; spring pea guacamole; and tuna tartare. // © 2017 Valerie Chen

Catch LA (West Hollywood)
Following its September 2016 opening, Catch LA has become a darling especially among West Hollywood’s (WeHo) in-crowd, and for good reason. Located in the neighborhood’s design district, the upscale Catch is seriously stunning: After an elevator ride up, guests walk through a lush, open-air corridor thickly adorned with greenery, flowers and twinkle lights before being seated. The grandeur extends throughout the sprawling 12,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor restaurant, with plush rugs, hanging flora, exposed brick walls and even a retractable roof. 

Expect a variety of seating options, from communal tables and bar seating to more intimate options. My recommendation is to snag an alfresco patio spot situated along the restaurant’s edge. Here, striking views of WeHo are guaranteed. (Tip: Try to locate the Los Angeles Basin.) 

A post shared by Catch Restaurants (@catch) on Apr 17, 2018 at 7:39pm PDT

What to Order: Catch is, above all, a restaurant, and a fantastic one at that. But before diving into the seafood-heavy menu, indulge in an expertly fashioned cocktail (or two). I’ll admit that my first Detox Retox cocktail was so good that I requested another — it features the odd-but-totally-works combo of tequila with matcha tea, as well as fresh cucumber, mint and lime. My friend still voices her support of the Meatpacking Manhattan (Bulleit Rye whiskey, Santa Teresa 1796 rum, dry curacao, Cynars bitter liqueur, cherry and Lillet Blanc aperitif wine). 

And since seafood is Catch’s specialty, don’t skimp on ordering fishy treats such as the MRC Roll with seared tuna, shrimp and ponzu butter; the Catch ceviche (Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, shrimp, scallop, mango and blood-orange ponzu); and crispy shrimp with spicy mayo. 

Note: Vegans, rejoice — there’s a special plant-based menu that touts dishes such as crispy cauliflower with a spicy vegan mayo and a fish-free roll with king oyster mushrooms, cashew and spicy miso. 

Ambiance: Attire is smart casual, though patrons are often dressed to the nines. (Just try not to be conspicuous when scoping the vicinity for Hollywood stars.) 

Hours: Open for brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; for dinner, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., daily

Takes Reservations: Yes, by phone or online (highly recommended)

www.catchrestaurants.com

Filifera (Hollywood)
The crown of Hollywood Proper Residences is new rooftop bar Filifera. Tucked into the building’s 22nd floor — making it the highest rooftop bar in Hollywood — the sophisticated indoor-outdoor bar and lounge just hit the scene in May and is already wowing guests with its California-cool style and panoramic views of Hollywood, including the Capitol Records Building, Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign. 

There’s also a pool and private cabanas exclusive to Hollywood Proper Residences guests or attendees at private events, though they surely add to Filifera’s elegant aesthetic — one carefully crafted by interior design expert Kelly Wearstler.

A post shared by Filifera (@filiferahollywood) on Apr 19, 2018 at 3:08pm PDT

What to Order: Cocktails, wines, beer and snacks are on offer at Filifera. You can’t go wrong with the Passion Fruit Fizz, a house specialty consisting of Maker’s Mark bourbon, passion fruit, lemon, pastis (anise-flavored aperitif), wild fennel flower and aquafaba; or the Hibiscus Gin & Tonic, which has an ingredient list of Beefeater Gin, tonic water and hibiscus flowers, served “a la Espana” over ice. 

To soak up all that booze, opt for a charcuterie board — served with charcoal crackers — or house pickles (cucumber, celery, baby squash, cauliflower, fennel and carrots). 

Ambiance: Since Filifera is still relatively new, people here are in-the-know types and, unsurprisingly, quite chic. Dress code is smart casual. 

Hours: Open for drinks and snacks, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays

Takes Reservations: Required, by email (entry is guest list only)

www.livehollywoodproper.com

Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar (Hollywood)
French-based boutique hotel chain Mama Shelter is known for its playful and ridiculously hip style. Open since April 2016, the rooftop deck atop its Los Angeles location — smack-dab in the heart of Hollywood — is no different, with decor that embraces loud, bright colors and clashing patterns. 

The trendy locale gets packed early as it’s a popular spot for weekend brunch and day drinking. During peak hours, food and drink service may be slow, but guests can kick back on comfy, oversize day beds while they wait. (Be aware that there’s little to no shade provided.) And if enjoying another’s company isn’t enough, there are games such as foosball to play and sweeping views of Hollywood, including the famous Hollywood Sign, to admire. 

A post shared by Mama Shelter Los Angeles (@mamashelterla) on Mar 1, 2018 at 6:58pm PST

What to Order: It’s better to go here for the drinks. Rose Wine Sangria — a blend of rhubarb, vodka, mint, strawberries and lemon — hits the spot on a sunny day in L.A. Or, pick your poison from the Mama’s Mule Bar selection, which ranges from a Mexican Mule made with tequila to a bourbon-spiked Kentucky Mule. 

Ambiance: Lots of 20-somethings frequent this Hollywood hot spot; it’s a place to see and be seen. Dress is casual. Although the overall vibes are laid-back, Mama Shelter can get loud when it’s busy. 

Hours: Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; for drinks, 11 a.m. to midnight, daily

Takes Reservations: No 

www.mamashelter.com

Spire 73 (Downtown Los Angeles)
With its June grand opening, Spire 73 is still new to the downtown L.A. circuit but has already made an impression. Set on the 73rd floor of the also-new InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown (within the Wilshire Grand building), the modern rooftop lounge flaunts the designation of “tallest open-air bar in the Western hemisphere.” Indeed, views here are spectacular — patrons can even see the helipads atop some of downtown L.A.’s highest buildings. 

Wraparound glass at Spire 73 protects patrons from wind, though it still can get chilly. There are plenty of seats on benches, within “caged” cabanas, at two-top and four-top tables and below quirkily shaped umbrellas. Fridays and Saturdays are extra-busy at this sleek hideaway, so arrive early to beat the inevitable line downstairs. 

Enter through the hotel to take an elevator to the 71st floor — where the sights of downtown are arguably even better than those of the rooftop lounge — before boarding a second elevator to Spire 73. 

A post shared by InterContinental L.A. Downtown (@intercontinentaldtla) on Jan 30, 2018 at 4:57pm PST

What to Order: Spire 73 offers small plates only, and each dish is presented beautifully with intricate details. The Diver Scallop, for example, arrives in its shell dressed with yuzu marmalade, daikon sprouts and iced and crystalized ginger. Be prepared for an eye-catching smoke show upon its delivery. Also superb are the Hot Rock Kobe — served with shishito peppers, Shimeji mushrooms, red pearl onions and ponzu sauce, all set in a small cast-iron dish — and the Roasted Bone Marrow, which pairs deliciously with crusty bread, roasted garlic and pickled vegetables. 

Called The Name of the Rose, my drink of choice was a potent but appetizing mixture of Bombay Sapphire gin, Lillet Rose aperitif wine, Campari liqueur, lemon, sparkling rose and grapefruit twist, topped with an orchid flower. Two other popular cocktails include the Julep 73 2017 (Maker’s Mark bourbon, espresso, honey and mint) and the 1100 Feet (Glenmorangie scotch, Benedictine liqueur, Lillet Blanc aperitif wine, creole bitters and dried apricot). 

Ambiance: Patrons eat and drink among InterContinental DLTA hotel guests in addition to outside visitors. Dress code is smart casual, and the dining/drinking experience feels relaxed yet intimate. 

Hours: Open 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., daily

Takes Reservations: Yes, by phone or online 

dtla.intercontinental.com

The Rooftop by JG at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills)
At the new Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten heads up The Rooftop by JG in addition to the more formal Jean-Georges Beverly Hills downstairs. But the latter doesn’t come with the rooftop restaurant’s jaw-dropping 360-degree views, which are a definite plus. 

Along with the hotel, the rooftop lounge only opened in June, and it’s already a favored locale for sky-high visibility. As expected with any Waldorf Astoria-branded establishment, The Rooftop by JG is elegant and charms onlookers with its expertly curated color palette of green hues, tropical print accents and live foliage. 

A post shared by Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (@waldorfbevhills) on Jan 20, 2018 at 12:07pm PST

What to Order: Hands down, get the Kumquat Mojito, which is a yummy concoction of Ron Matusalem Platino Rum, mint, Fever-Tree soda water and, of course, kumquat. Plus, all these ingredients make for an attractive drink that — when placed against a background of the surrounding city — is worthy of an Instagram snap.  

The food menu features a medley of flavors and ingredients, from Latin America and Southeast Asia to New York and California, and everything comes out of the kitchen light, fresh and delectable. 

My group decided go with The Rooftop by JG’s most popular items, including the watermelon and goat cheese with olive oil and cracked white pepper; the spring pea guacamole with warm tortilla chips; and the tuna tartare with avocado, radish and ginger marinade. (We agreed in unison that it was a decision well-made.) For a main dish, the lobster burger (dressed with a green chili sauce, yuzu pickles and Gruyere cheese) is a showstopper.

Ambiance: Expect an elevated ambiance and corresponding crowd, due in part to the five-star hotel as well as the Beverly Hills location. Dress code is smart casual.

Hours: Open for food and drinks, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily

Takes Reservations: Yes, by phone or online 

www.waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com

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