Perch

Perch sits at the top of a historic building on South Hill Street, overlooking Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles, and it is one of the best-known rooftop bars in the city. The main bar and outdoor patios occupy the upper floors, and a further rooftop level on the 16th floor adds even wider views across the Downtown towers.

The style is French-inspired, with small plates designed for sharing and a list of handcrafted cocktails, and the outdoor terraces make it comfortable to linger after dark. The draw for most visitors is the view: the skyline is lit up around you, and the setting feels quite different from the street below.

Opening hours are generous. The main bar and patios open at 4pm from Monday to Thursday, at 11.30am on Friday for lunch, and at 10am at weekends for brunch, which runs until 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They stay open until 1am or 1.30am, depending on the day. The 16th-floor rooftop opens later, at 5pm on weekdays, 4pm on Friday and noon at weekends, and stays open until close.

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm from Monday to Thursday and from 3pm to 6pm on Friday, a good way to enjoy the view at lower cost. Sunset is the most popular time, so arrive early or book if you want a table outdoors, especially at weekends. Smart casual dress is appropriate; check the website for any current dress policies.

Perch suits couples, groups of friends and visitors who want a classic rooftop experience without leaving Downtown. It can be busy and loud later in the evening, when music plays, so come earlier if you want a quieter drink. Its sister restaurant, Mrs Fish, is in the same building, fifteen floors below. The views change through the evening, from the golden light of late afternoon to the glow of office towers and neon signs after dark, so it is worth staying for more than one drink if you can. The cocktail list changes from time to time, and the bartenders can suggest something based on your preferred spirits. If the rooftop is full, the lower bar and patios still offer good views.

The Pershing Square station on the Metro B and D Lines is directly beside the building, which makes it easy to get to and from without a car. Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building and the Broadway theatres are within a few minutes' walk, so Perch is a natural place to end an evening exploring the Historic Core.