View From the Top: Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles

1697 Pacific Ave, Venice Beach, CA 90291 (map)

A mere 200 feet from the sand and overlooking Venice's famous boardwalk, the old Marina Pacific Hotel has transformed into something new (and much cooler). The never-before-used rooftop, now known as High, is an open-air lounge where guests and locals alike can indulge in some serious cocktails and people-watching. It's like being on top of the world. With tattooed muscle men at your feet.

9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

Who wouldn't want to sip a frozen guava margarita alongside a Swarovski-lined pool? Now part of the same hotel family as the Roosevelt, this rooftop hot spot is bringing in the same trendoids and exclusive 'tude of the Tropicana Bar. Word of advice: The eye-candy is bangin', but if you really want to get the most bang-for-your-buck, order the $7 beer instead of a fancy cocktail ($13-$17). After all, in these economic times, cheap is the new chic.

6608 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Leaving Las Vegas in the dust, this over-the-top, red-hued Hollywood landmark is luring high-rolling diners and sceney club crawlers for a taste of Asia and a strong dash of flash. Just remember--having dinner here doesn't mean you've been automatically granted access to the rooftop bar. Check ahead of time for private events or guest list policy. And in case you forgot that you're in L.A, bottle service usually secures a smooth entrance.

8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

And they said it wouldn't last: Practically older than the Hollywood Hills it overlooks, the Mondrian's famed rooftop bar has been revamped and it's still the Strip's reigning velvet-rope institution. How to get in: Call ahead to reserve a table and/or bottle service; book a room at the hotel, which includes four spots on the list; eat at Asia de Cuba and migrate; or show up before the doorman--he doesn't appear until 8pm.

170 N Church Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (map)

Traffic be damned. Located at the top level of the Hotel Angeleno (it's that hard-to-miss edifice that looks just like the Capitol Records Building), this stylish spot is where Sunset meets the 405. Only here, you can trade in car exhaust, bad radio and sour attitudes for a glass of fine wine, live jazz and a tasty bar menu with a weekly happy hour from 4pm to 7pm. Oh, and one of the most incredible views around.

6126 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Overwhelmed by the sky-high 'tude of so many rooftop bars? Then check out this old-school Hollywood venue that's got that edgy Eastside thing on lock. The upstairs rooftop garden patio is a prime spot in between sets to down your brew, overlook all the little people on Hollywood Boulevard and light up that American Spirit that's been burning a hole in your pocket (so to speak).

598 East Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 (map)

Located atop a 1920s bank building in downtown Ventura's historic district, this newcomer dishes haute American cuisine to local professionals, but it's the pre-Botox crowd that heads straight to W2O--the glowing sea-themed rooftop lounge where fancy cocktails like Elderflower margaritas and small plates like Kobe beef sliders and Pacific oysters are on offer--along with Ventura's prettiest people.

1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

This much-ballyhooed WeHo hotel has finally opened its 10th floor rooftop pool bar--replete with English garden landscaping and cabanas--where folks can sip a cocktail and order from the restaurant menu. Just be warned: For the time being, only hotel guests have access to the pool. Be prepared to book a room ... or know someone who already has a key.

811 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (map)

Like a scene out of "Bladerunner," Downtown L.A.'s glittering skyscrapers create a wild panorama from this 21st floor penthouse. The sprawling indoor/outdoor space--with 150 feet of sliding glass doors surrounding the lounge--maintains a fairly chill scene despite the hot dance floor action. Weekends usually mean waiting in line, but what better time to get to know your neighbor?

9882 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map)

Forget the 4-figure cost of staying overnight at this haven for the rich and famous. Instead, get a little outdoor action up on the roof, where breakfast, booze, lunch or dinner can be yours for a lot less. (We like the prix-fixe, three-course $55 BBQ every weekend.) So what if a dip in the pool requires a room key? The gorgeous $4 million-dollar facelift spans the entire space, which is cleverly divided by a living wall of palm trees, jasmine and wisteria ... think of it as a sky-high Wisteria Lane (cougars included).

1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Hello, gorgeous: Okay, so it's not outdoors, but this glassed-in oceanside stunner offers 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. Sitting atop the Huntley Hotel's 18th floor, this restaurant and bar heats up weekend nights with a see-and-be seen crowd that's dressed to thrill. Grab a spot at the wraparound bar, the fireplace lounge or one of the cozy curtained cabanas that line the windows--you can reserve bottle service, but those who know better can just show up a little early and snag a coveted space.