Unfortunately one of the below restaurants – Preux & Proper has closed – Check back after the pandemic for a final update – Los Angeles is home to some amazing bars. Whether you prefer casual, upscale, or a legendary dive bar…LA has it all.  Preux & Proper in DTLA has two bars…(upstairs & downstairs). The triangular shaped restaurant/bar has a casual homey feel. It’s a great place to grab a drink after work. It also has tasty food, and a great happy hour.

Preux & Proper’s the Punk Evans. Tito’s Vodka, House Lemongrass Ginger Syrup, lime juice, Cointreau and frozen watermelon ice; photo courtesy  of Preux & Proper.

Beverage Director Kassady Wiggins has created a special cocktail dubbed the Punk Evans. Composed of Tito’s Vodka, house lemongrass ginger syrup, lime juice, Cointreau and frozen watermelon ice. Save water and savor the Punk Evans at the newly Michelin 2019 Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. Preux & Proper, 840 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.896.0090;

Also downtown…The Rooftop at the Standard Downtown offers magnificent views of Los Angeles and tasty cocktails. Arrive early to grab a water bed pod, by the pool. Cozy up with a loved one, next to a fireplace. The Rooftop at the Standard, 550 S Flower St., LA, 90071;

If you are into dive bars – head to the Frolic Room. It began as a speakeasy in the 30s during the prohibition, then officially became a legal bar when prohibition ended.

The Frolic Room; photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG;

Located in Hollywood, right next to the Pantages Theatre, it’s the perfect place to meet for a drink before heading to the theater. Frolic Room, 6245 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028-5310; (323) 462-5890; FB Page

Another classic bar that started as a speakeasy and still continues its legacy is the Townhouse in Venice – they continue to have live performances (unlike the Frolic Room). Townhouse, 52 Windward Ave., Venice 90291;

Los Angeles has some fabulous bars to meet up with friends. Just remember to pick a designated drinker or take a car share ride, if you want to partake in more than one cocktail. Life is short – drink responsibly.