Photo Credit: HALCHYNSKA KSENIIA/Shutterstock.com

Our handy neighborhood guide to the best beach bars (and beaches) in Los Angeles.

SOUTH BAY

Photo Credit: The Strand House

Manhattan Beach

The Strand House: A sophisticated yet comfortable place to dine and drink with 180° sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, steps away from the beach and Manhattan Beach pier with award-winning coastal California cusine courtesy of Chef Greg Hozinsky. Drink: Sunset Over Manhattan Beach—Svedka Clementine vodka fresh tangerine juice, and blood orange cordial Website
Manhattan Beach Post: An always-packed eatery courtesy of chef and owner David Lefevre, which was crafted to reflect the beach community’s relaxed and vibrant ocean–front culture and pay homage to the space’s 1960’s postal office origins. The exposed rafters, cement floors, sun–bleached reclaimed wood, communal tables, and a color scheme borrowing from the local lifeguard stands, anchor whimsical embellishments like volleyball posts repurposed as shelving, and a vintage post office desk. Drink: Blood & Smoke, MB Post’s take on a Bloody Mary made with bacon-washed Stillhouse and siracha salt. Website
Simmzy’s: Where the beautiful people hang out (including regular Maria Sharapova), a fun pub with a line out the door on any given Sunday. Drink: Something from the extensive beer list such as Towns Ciderhouse Prickle Me Pink. Website

Photo Credit: Tower 12/Facebook

Hermosa Beach

Abigaile: A hip brewery with an urban vibe in the heart of downtown Hermosa Beach courtesy of culinary masterminds Tin Vuong and Jed Sanford. Drink: A house-brewed craft beer such as the Vienna Lager, Batch #1 with toasted buckwheat and caramel, dry-roasted peanut and toasted bread flavors. Website
Dia de Campo: This modern surfhouse remains true to its roots with tasseled rugs, exposed wood and a Mexican flair. Drink: Passion Over Function—serrabañero infused vodka with passion fruit and acai. Make sure not to miss the awesome drink specials during its weekday ‘Bandito Power Hour.’ Website
Tower 12: This South Bay newcomer is a hit with locals and tourists alike thanks to its vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that rep the laidback surf, music and beach scene. Located on a second story deck with interconnected rooms that overlook the ocean and pier, Tower 12 is the ultimate beachside spot for sunset sessions, après surf and always-welcome vibes. Its target is the laidback surfer, and the eatery has definitely succeeded in its mission. Drink: Gleaming the Cube—Dewars 12, St. Germain, honey syrup, mint and lemon juice. Website

Redondo Beach

Hudson House: Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson and husband Nick Roberts have created a cool hangout in this dimly lit gastropub known for pretzel-bun burgers and an extensive beer selection. Drink: Beer, or in keeping true to its beachy roots, a tiki drink. Our recommendation is the Liliko’i punch, Reyka vodka, passionfruit, lime, agave and ancho chile liqueur. Website
The Standing Room: A fun, vibrant spot to kick back and indulge in Korean food with a rock ‘n roll heart. Drink: The refreshing Standing Buck, made with 1792 Bourbon, Fever Tree ginger beer, lime and mint. Website
R/10 Social House: R/10 is a neighborhood gastropub offering farm-to-table food, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of intriguing, affordable artisan beers and wines. Named after the closest deep sea buoy (R10) known amongst local boaters, paddlers and seafarers of all kinds as a meeting spot, R/10 Social House is the ideal meeting spot on land. In a spacious 2-floor setting of reclaimed chic with nautical nods, you’ll find water views, epic sunsets and all kinds of comfiness in the oversized leather sofas in a space dotted with surfboards and surf paraphernalia. Drink: The Blackbeard, made with Tito’s Vodka, blackberries, ginger, lemon juice and egg white. Website

WESTSIDE

Photo Credit: The Bungalow

Santa Monica

The Bungalow: Brent Bolthouse creates the party at his Santa Monica hot spot, which has everything you could possibly hope for in a bar/lounge, including firepits, ping pong, pool and the hottest people anywhere in L.A. Moroccan tile work, Mexican blankets, multiple fireplaces, whitewashed walls, French doors and custom brickwork complete the Baja feel. Drink: A skinny margarita—the models that frequent this spot might make you feel guilty about ordering anything else! Website
Tallula’s: This restaurant courtesy of the Rustic Canyon team of Jeremy Fox, Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb is the best new hangout in Santa Monica. It’s a Mexican restaurant located in Santa Monica Canyon just a few hundred feet from the beach, with locally sourced items from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market and a great bar focused on Agave-based spirits and fresh market produce and well-curated wine and beer lists. Drink: The Uplifter—Angelisco resposado tequila, housemade, cinnamon syrup, orange bitters and orange peel. Website
Bodega Wine Bar: An intimate spot to sip your favorite varietals by the beach. Drink: Whatever your tastebuds desire. Ours frequently ask for the Reckless Love from Rebel Coast Winery. Website

Photo Credit: High Rooftop Lounge/Facebook

Venice Beach

High Rooftop Lounge: Located at the Hotel Erwin, this gem is literally the best spot in town to watch the sun set and check out the shenanigans that inevitably take place on Venice Beach. Drink: The Roughgarden, a refreshing libation made with Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, Honey Bubbles moscato and grapefruit. Website
Townhouse: This long-time Venice Beach haunt is still going strong (it’s over 100 years old!) thanks to its speakeasy vibe (it once WAS a speakeasy), craft cocktails and live entertainment at The Del Monte in its basement, where you’ll find live music, DJs comedy and burlesque. Drink: The Spring Gin & Tonic—Gin, lemongrass, elderflower, cucumber, grapefruit, lemon lime, coriander and Chinchona Bark. Website
Venice Ale House: Given that its located literally ON the beach, this beer-drinking spot is a prime pick to immerse yourself in all that is Venice Beach. Drink: A beachy beer to fit with the location, such as Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave. Website

Photo Credit: Ryan Tanaka

Playa del Rey

Playa Provisions: Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts’ Playa del Rey hot spot has not one but FOUR restaurants. In the main dining room, you’ll find fire pits that gel with the beachy feel of reclaimed wood and open windows (plus a great view and the best chicken you’ll have in L.A.), while you can sate your cravings for harder stuff at its whiskey bar, Grain. Drink: Hibiki 12 year, our favorite. Website
The Tripel: Brooke and Nick make our list yet again for this intimate eatery that serves up craft beer and burgers. Tip: go early to even think about getting a seat! Drink: One of the rotating brews such as Smog City, Ballast Point or Strand Brewing. Website
Bacari PDR: A simple spot serving up small dishes and craft cocktails in a breezy, beachside setting. Perfect for summer nights thanks to its outdoor patio. Drink: The Rose Gimlet—gin, lime, rose reduction and cucumber. Facebook

MALIBU

Photo Credit: Nobu

Carbon Beach & Beyond

Nobu Malibu: You’ll find celebrities, billionaires and beautiful people at Nobu Matsuhisa’s Malibu hot spot, as well as the brand’s high-end Asian fare and sushi. Drink: Sake, of course! Our pick is the Hokusetsu YK. Website
Cafe Habana: Rande Gerber’s Mexican-themed eatery brings the fun AND the funk. Kick back and relax here with a Casamigos cocktail (the brand he and George Clooney just sold for a billion dollars) and get ready to do some star-spotting. In addition to being Clooney’s BFF, Gerber is married to supermodel Cindy Crawford. Their karaoke nights always bring a star-studded crowd. Drink: Casamigos, or a Michelada Corona—fresh lime juice, tapatio hot sauce and Corona with a salt rim. Website
Paradise Cove: This cafe is actually on the beach and provides loungers so that you can sip your cocktails in style. Drink: Get your vacation vibe on with the sugary sweet Ice Cream Cocolada, made with two different varieties of rum, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez and ice cream. Website

Photo Credit: The Sunset/Facebook

Zuma Beach

The Sunset: A classy eatery and drinking den located on a beautiful stretch of Zuma Beach, The Sunset is housed in a historical beach bungalow overlooking the Pacific Ocean where views of the ocean are available to every table. It’s magical. Drink: The Champs Elysses, Hennesy cognac, Green Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, demerara syrup and angostura bitters. Website
Ollie’s Duck & Dive: This pub is a chilled out place for locals to grab a beer or craft cocktail and some California-specific gastropub fare. Drink: Happy hour is daily from 3-6; You can drink a speciality cocktail like the Malibu Buck—vodka, lime and ginger beer—for $7. Website
Kristy’s Village Cafe: A chic spot decorated simply with white and wood, where you’ll find seasonal soups, salads, fresh fish and an awesome brunch menu. Drink: A glass of rose on a hot summer day. Website