The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
The Sunset Strip: the back story
From the Whisky a Go Go to the Rainbow and the Roxy: how a stretch of Sunset Boulevard became the home of LA rock.
21 of the best · Los Angeles, California
Bars, Rooftops and Live Music in Los Angeles
The Sunset Strip’s legendary clubs and bars, Hollywood cocktail dens, rooftop bars from downtown to Venice, and live jazz.
Our 21 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Los Angeles
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Los Angeles.
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Old-Hollywood glamour
Tower Bar
The elegant bar and dining room of the Sunset Tower Hotel, with views over the city.
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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A Sunset Strip legend
Whisky a Go Go
The legendary rock club on the Sunset Strip, still booking bands most nights.
8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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Rock and roll on the Strip
Rainbow Bar & Grill
A rock-and-roll bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip.
9015 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
The full list: Bars & Music, A–Z
Show all 21 places on a map
Neighbourhood
Iconic bars 3
Hollywood and Sunset Strip legends.
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Rock and roll on the Strip
Rainbow Bar & Grill
A rock-and-roll bar and restaurant on the Sunset Strip.
9015 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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At The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Polo Lounge
The famous dining room and bar of The Beverly Hills Hotel.
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210Explore View on map
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Old-Hollywood glamour
Tower Bar
The elegant bar and dining room of the Sunset Tower Hotel, with views over the city.
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
Cocktail bars 5
Where to drink well.
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A WeHo lounge
Bar Lubitsch
A cocktail lounge on Santa Monica Boulevard.
7702 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046Explore View on map
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Retro cocktails
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
A retro-themed cocktail bar in Hollywood.
1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028Explore View on map
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Industrial cocktails with music
Harvard & Stone
A cocktail bar on Hollywood Boulevard with an industrial look and live music.
5221 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027Explore View on map
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A Los Feliz classic
The Dresden
A classic restaurant and lounge on Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz.
1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027Explore View on map
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Koreatown cocktails
The Normandie Club
A cocktail bar on West 6th Street in Koreatown.
3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020Explore View on map
Rooftop bars 6
Drinks with a view.
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Ocean views from the roof
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper
The rooftop pool-deck restaurant and bar at Santa Monica Proper, with ocean views.
700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401Explore View on map
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At Downtown LA Proper
Cara Cara Rooftop
The rooftop restaurant and bar at Downtown LA Proper, by the pool.
1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015Explore View on map
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At 1 Hotel West Hollywood
Harriet’s Rooftop
The rooftop bar of 1 Hotel West Hollywood, with views of the skyline and the hills.
8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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Above the Venice boardwalk
High Rooftop Lounge
The rooftop lounge of Hotel Erwin, looking over the Venice Beach boardwalk and the ocean.
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291Explore View on map
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French-style rooftop downtown
Perch
A French-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant high above Pershing Square.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013Explore View on map
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Near the top of the Wilshire Grand
Spire 73
An open-air bar near the top of the Wilshire Grand Center, run by the InterContinental.
900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017Explore View on map
Live music clubs 6
The Strip and beyond.
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Jazz on Sunset Boulevard
Catalina Jazz Club
A jazz supper club on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
6725 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028Explore View on map
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Indie bands in Echo Park
The Echo
An indie music club on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park.
1822 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026Explore View on map
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An intimate West Hollywood club
The Troubadour
An intimate music club on Santa Monica Boulevard, a short walk from the Sunset Strip.
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A small Strip club
The Viper Room
A small, dark live-music club on the Sunset Strip.
8852 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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A Sunset Strip legend
Whisky a Go Go
The legendary rock club on the Sunset Strip, still booking bands most nights.
8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069Explore View on map
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