In this post, I want to let you in on my not so little secret – My Favorite Outdoor Dining Spots with Views in LA. One of them has spectacular 360 degrees of breathtaking – nothing less than amazing – ocean and skyline views, it is High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin in the heart of Venice. This is one, if not the only place along the Westside that you can view the sunset from an open roof restaurant/lounge. Take the elevator to the rooftop, walk along a deck in the middle of the roof and you get to the seaview side of the rooftop. The Coca-Cola pulled pork sandwich and the Parisian street sandwich are mouth-watering. so are all their drinks. High Rooftop Lounge was gratious in comping our whole meal. What a treat. This is a great place for romantic dates or a girl’s night out.

Another treat is the sunset views you get from being on the rooftop. Here’s a secret about this place – just between us – after sunset many of the tourists leave. Say what?! This is when this place gets better. Better night atmosphere, the music, the ambience, the landscape sparkles with dots and shimmering lights all over; and if you’re particularly lucky – like me – you will get to experience local Venice bohemians do what they do at night. Yes, fireworks on both sides of the hotel! Not legal, I believe, but I don’t mind. And as you sit there in the dark, and want something else to drink or eat, you open up the menu and wham – it lights up! No need to struggle with your iphone’s light (see below). To experience the best of what High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin has to offer I recommend making reservations for a table. One of the best sitting areas is the first table on the right side corner as you are looking at the ocean. Although, you can always just stand and walk around from viewing area to viewing area. For parking, go valet, get it validated and it’s less than $20. I enjoy coming here again and again.

High Rooftop Lounge

1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, CA, 90291
Tel. (800) 786-7789

“Located on the top floor of the Hotel Erwin, High Rooftop Lounge is a unique event and lounge space with ocean breezes, a relaxed atmosphere and 360 degree views of the water and the urban landscape of Los Angeles where the nightly sunset is the main event. Newly remodeled in 2014, High features a street food menu and craft cocktails and is the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach. Perfect for social gatherings, corporate retreats, meetings and weekend outings, High’s comfortable seating provides a relaxed setting for the casual guest, or a more upbeat vibe at night with sounds from the resident DJ and music director.”

My other got to go place, is a not-so-hidden spot in the middle of Hollywood. it’s the Tropicana Bar and Pool at Roosevelt Hotel, now part of Thompson Hotels. It’s a beautiful, old Hollywood style watering place filled with palm trees and a deep blue sparkling pool, smack in the middle of it all. You glance at the sunset as it gleems off of the palm trees and tall buildings, nearby.

This is a place where you come to chill, relax, meet others and mingle. Because of its location at Hollywood & Highland, you may be seated next to celebrities or other Hollywood hotness types. Reservations are recommended as many PR and large companies book events here. Thompson Hotels went out of their way to comp our appetizers – scrumptious fish tacos, chicken strips and delightful Cosmos.

Tropicana Bar
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel. (323) 466-7000

And, then there is in Malibu, by the ocean, a small and quaint restaurant sitting atop the bluffs with spectacular views of the ocean. This is Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Geoffrey’s Malibu is an awesome place to go for brunch or watch the sunset. When friends and family visit, this is one of the places we take them – and they are always amazed by the gorgeous ocean views. Some of my fav appetizers are the tuna tartare and the seafood ceviche, but this time I opted to try the paella. Geoffrey’s Malibu was gratious in comping our two Cosmos. Geoffrey’s also has a selection for vegetarians, but no kid meals!

I highly suggest making reservations for “preferred seating” tables by the edge with an ocean view. Best are those to the far northwest of the entrance, or the ones just to the left as you come in. Parking is valet only and it’s automatically added to your bill; although there is parking along the highway, I would not recommend it, valet is less than $10!

Geoffrey’s Malibu
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
Tel. (310) 457-1519