The days might be getting slightly shorter, but summer is far from over. One thing that makes the hottest days even slightly more tolerable is a frozen cocktail from one of DTLA’s best bars.
Whether on a rooftop or a parklet, cool and refreshing slushies with booze are the way to spend these last dog days of summer around 1133 Hope. Check out where to go below!
Rooftop at the Wayfarer
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the 12th floor open-air bar at the new(ish) Wayfarer in the Financial District, this is the time. There’s no better way to enjoy warm days and nights than sitting back in a lounger, near a fire pit, with something cool and slushy in hand. Like frosé made with vodka, pink wine, Lillet rose, and berry syrup. That’s right: Frosé all day, baby.
The Mermaid
The little dive bar that could in Little Tokyo still is, even through the pandemic. With tables outside in a parklet, you can still find fun cocktails, Hawaiian rolls, hot dogs and other bites, along with things like the Summer Slushie, a frozen blend of rums, strawberry, pineapple, banana and lime.
Upstairs at The Ace
Packed since its opening in 2014, the rooftop lounge at the uber hip Downtown hotel is perfect for drinks during the day and night. The crowd is as hipster as any Ace, with music to match. Watch the sun set as the “Jesus Saves” sign, which was left on the historic United Artists building, blazes up at night. The all-day menu still kicks, and there’s an ever-rotating selection of frozen drinks to sip when things heat up.
The Escondite
Once you find the Escondite — it’s tucked behind a parking lot between Little Tokyo and Skid Row — you’ll wonder how you ever lived in DTLA without it. The quintessential dive bar, neighborhood bar, locals joint that welcomes everyone from everywhere, it has everything you could ask for: Mega burgers, lots of beer, and a slushy machine that can combine two frozen cocktail flavors into one “tornado.” Think: Mango margarita and something purple. While there is indoor dining now, the parking lot is full of hi-tops, barrel tables, picnic tables and even rocking chairs.
El Cholo
About a block away from 1133 is one L.A.’s classic Mexican restaurants, an offshoot of the original that opened in the 1920s. Among the many great things on offer here is a large margarita selection, but you’ll want to try the blended coconut version which comes in an old-fashioned margarita glass rimmed with toasted coconut.
Dama
Who knew that a former banana warehouse would become one of the best spots for tropical libations and pan-Latin fare? Known for its gorgeous and expansive outdoor patio and perfect menu — empanadas, ceviche and more — this Fashion District spot has excellent cocktails made by some of the city’s best bartenders. You can’t go wrong with a piña colada that’s better than any version you’ve ever had. Not too sweet, it’s made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. That’s it.
Featured photo by Jordan Nix/Unsplash