The Best Bars to Hit if You're Single in LA
Know where to go, or better yet, where to drink.
Dating in Los Angeles is an adventure—and sometimes, a tragedy. Despite its massive size and ever-growing population, finding like-minded singles can feel impossible. However, knowing where to go, or better yet, where to drink, gives you a leg up in the competition. Whether you’re hoping to find love while hitting the dance floor in Hollywood or want to impress a first date with your knowledge of natural wines in Echo Park, these are the 10 best bars for singles in LA.
Venice
Located along a busy drag of Venice, The Lincoln is a low-key neighborhood bar that serves surprisingly great drinks. On the weekends, the dimly lit interior flips into a hotspot for DJs and dancing. Rather than having to settle for a standard vodka soda or well margarita, The Lincoln offers creative craft cocktails. The Hot Route is a smokey, but not too heavy, mezcal-based beverage, while the effervescent Danger Zone is topped with a bubbly Champagne float. If it's too loud to talk inside, head outside to snag a table on the covered patio. There is also a huge communal table in the center of the patio, and if you play your cards right, you might wind up sitting next to Mr. or Mrs. Right (or Right Now).
Venice
Located in the heart of the Venice Boardwalk, The Waterfront boasts a surf-centric and beachy vibe that is perfect for Westsiders seeking a hip and happening watering hole. This bar is packed with patrons sporting mustaches and leather jackets Thursday through Sunday, and it’s just as fun during the day as it is at night. If you visit during the more low-key hours, take some time to explore the food menu—nothing beats sipping its Coastal Margarita alongside fresh oysters, yellowtail ceviche, and guacamole.
Culver City & Highland Park
The Blind Barber is a New York City original that brings a taste of East Coast bar life to Los Angeles. With two locations in Culver City and Highland Park, both Westsiders and East LA locals can enjoy the vibey speakeasies, both of which act as barbershops by day. The patrons at each location reflect the respective scenes—expect a more laid-back hipster vibe in Highland Park and a more surfer, beachy crowd in Culver City. Dim lights, retro decor, and stiff drinks ensure that The Blind Barber is a solid place to break the ice on a first date, but it can also be a great spot to meet some new neighbors.
Echo Park
Bar Flores is the perfect place to bond with a stranger over a shared love of margaritas. Casual cantina vibes meet modern mixology at this adorable Echo Park establishment, which is open until 2 am every night of the week. Swap your vino for tequila on Margarita Wednesday and or visit during Sunday Funday for sunshine and live music. The charming brick courtyard boasts bougainvillea-lined walls and quaint bistro tables, while the interior has a more mid-century modern vibe. The signature Flores Margarita, which can be made with tequila or mezcal, is available by the pitcher (perfect if you want to share with your latest prospect).
Echo Park
El Prado is a Euro-esque wine bar on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. Vinyl tunes and dim lighting set the mood while attentive bartenders sling craft beer and natural vino in stumpy glasses. Weekends get pretty packed, and once the clock strikes 11 pm, you’ll find plenty of patrons standing outside smoking cigarettes, giving you the perfect excuse to strike up a conversation while bumming a lighter. On weekdays, El Prado also acts as a cool yet casual date spot, and if you manage to snag one of the tiny, candlelit high-top tables, you can easily spend a couple of hours chatting while exploring the bar’s unique list of natural wines.
Studio City
Laurel Tavern is a locally-loved gastropub located in the heart of Ventura Boulevard. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink and chat up a fellow valley-dweller or sit down for dinner, this industrial space has a total vibe with exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and a lengthy communal hightop in the center of the room. From grilled chicken wings to the famous Laurel Burger, the food menu focuses on classic pub fare with a modern twist. For drinks, spend some time schmoozing over the signature cocktails (the tavern serves the self-proclaimed best Old Fashioned), or try one of the many beers on tap.
Hollywood
Dancing and drinking at Davey Wayne’s might as well be an LA right of passage. This not-so-secret speakeasy is famous for its backyard party vibes, '70s decor, and spiked snow cones. Upon walking through a refrigerator, guests are greeted by the interior of a house decked out in carpeting and 1970s patterns, with a busy bar inside and an Airstream bar outside. Most nights host local bands for live music or DJ sets, and though it can be pretty difficult to find the space to dance on a Saturday, don’t let that stop you. Once you need a breather, head to the patio out back and give your legs a break in one of the hanging swing seats.
Hollywood
Mama Shelter is a lively and vibrant rooftop bar that offers some of the best views in Hollywood. The colorful furniture and spacious lounge seating makes mingling with strangers easy and comfortable. Whether you’re visiting with a large group or sipping at the bar solo, there is a friendly and warm energy that encourages patrons to get out of their comfort zone and start a convo over a game of foosball. For drinks, expect cocktail options that feel like summer year-round. The Mama Shelter rooftop also serves a variety of bites like twice-fried potato skins, crispy Brussels sprouts, and tacos.
Hollywood
Inspired by Joshua Tree’s historic Pioneer Town, Desert 5 Spot has become Hollywood’s hippest rooftop for good reason. From the iconic cowboy boot disco ball to the weekly shindigs that keep singles coming back for more, there is always something to do at this country-esque bar. Find love during line dancing lessons while sporting your favorite cowboy hat or get cozy in one of the plush booths while sipping its mezcal-based Walk The Line cocktails, served in a glass cowboy boot. Admire the cacti-lined walls as you watch the sunset upon the Hollywood Hills before scouting the dance floor for your desired rodeo partner.
West Hollywood
Bar Lubitsch is a quintessential watering hole for West Hollywood locals. The smoke-friendly patio out front is a great place to chat up a fellow patron, and once you’ve made a connection, grab a drink at the bar before heading to the back room for a dance. The music changes nightly but ranges from hip-hop to EDM to live acoustic sets. Some nights even host comedy acts, setting the scene for a lighthearted first date complete with stiff drinks and dim lighting.
North Hollywood
Shaped like a massive whiskey barrel, North Hollywood’s Idle Hour is hard to miss. After more than 80 years open, this historic bar is a popular spot for Valley locals hoping to meet fellow singles in a laid-back and casual setting. The interior is rustic and woodsy, and there is also a charming back patio where you can get cozy by an outdoor fire pit. Enjoy rock n’ roll tunes as you sip craft beers and Old Fashioneds. If hungry, Idle Hour also serves small bar bites like pretzels with cheese and buffalo chicken bites.
DTLA
Tucked behind a concrete building in the Arts District is Everson Royce Bar, a low-key cocktail hotspot that has one of the best patios in LA. Whether looking for a day drink on a Saturday or a famous frozen espresso martini before a night out on the town, Everson Royce Bar is all about socializing. The large picnic tables out back cater to larger groups, while the overhead string lights create a cozy and romantic ambiance. Need a little liquid courage to make a move? The freezer martini with lemongrass gin is spirit-forward yet elegant and pairs nicely with an order of the hamachi crudo.