We hold those clear days close to our hearts -- days when you can see the Downtown skyline, Hollywood sign and ocean in one fell swoop. There are plenty of open-air rooftops, restaurants and bars from which to enjoy them while grabbing a drink or a bite. Check out our slideshow of where to go and when, and let us know if we missed your favorite.
All images courtesy of Facebook.
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High at Hotel Erwin
<strong>High at <a href="https://plus.google.com/100635912444741091497/about">Hotel Erwin</a></strong><br>
Watching the Venice boardwalk from High -- pun intended -- is a glorious thing. The only downfall: there is no happy hour. But the drinks are stellar, the vibe good and the view completely unobstructed. Go on the earlier side to get a good couch.<em>1697 Pacific Ave., Venice; 310-452-1111</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/10-most-controversial-restaurant.html" target="_blank">The 10 Most Controversial Restaurant Policies: The Final Word</a>]</strong>
Hotel Shangri-La
<strong>Suite 700 at <a href="https://plus.google.com/112510598582598197900/about">Hotel Shangri-La</a></strong><br>
You get some of the best sunsets from Santa Monica's only open-air rooftop bar. The art deco-like lounge has a wraparound patio for breezes, and a bonus happy hour Monday through Friday (5 p.m.-7 p.m.).<em>1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; 310-394-2791</em>
<strong>[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/5-new-brunches-around-la.html" target="_blank">5 Great New Brunches Around LA</a>]</strong>
ION Rooftop Bar
<strong>ION Rooftop Bar and Lounge at <a href="https://plus.google.com/103548760096190957353/about">JW Marriot LA Live</a></strong><br>
It's not on the roof, per se, but ION's fourth-floor poolside lounge is good for tacos and margaritas (Tuesdays 5 p.m. - 8 p.m), blues and BBQ (Sundays 12 p.m. -4 p.m.) and crowded dance parties (most weekend nights).<em>900 W. Olympic Blvd.; 213-765-8600</em>
<strong>[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/las-10-best-hot-dog-spots.html" target="_blank">LA's 10 Must-Try Hot Dog Spots</a>]</strong>
Perch
<strong><a href="https://plus.google.com/114103972176387454627/about">Perch</a></strong><br>
This French-themed boite overlooking Pershing Square and Downtown L.A. is a lovely spot for snacks, dinner or brunch. Wednesday nights features an oyster bar and live jazz, and there's live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. If you don't want to fight the crowds and lines -- and everyone trying to get to the top via two different elevator rides -- try happy hour (Monday-Friday 4 p.m. -6 p.m.), which has some nice deals on drinks and food.<em>448 S. Hill St.; 213-802-1770</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/05/5-hidden-bbq-gems-in-la.html" target="_blank">5 Hidden BBQ Gems in LA</a>]</strong>
Biergarten at the Standard
<strong><a href="https://plus.google.com/110875000449997754161/about">Biergarten at the Standard</a></strong><br>
If you've always loved the waterbed pods and views from the rooftop at The Standard Hotel Downtown, then you'll appreciate the authentic German menu (pretzels, sausages, strudel) and beers. Wacky loves wacky, no? A great place to while away a sunny, breezy afternoon.<em>550 S. Flower St., 213-892-8080</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/la-chef-casey-lane-on-process-of.html" target="_blank">LA Chef Casey Lane on the Process of Perfection, Food TV and More</a>]</strong>
The Roof on Wilshire
<strong><a href="https://plus.google.com/108769150335746109116/about">The Roof on Wilshire</a></strong><br>
Lunch in a poolside cabana, or dinner under the stars? This Eric Greenspan-driven restaurant has both and everything in between. The space has few walls, just a lot of flow with a small pool in the middle. We're partial to the blackberry smash on the Sunset Menu (3 p.m. -6 p.m.).<em>6317 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; 323-852-6002</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/discussion-truck-food-truck-of-week.html" target="_blank">Discussion Truck: Food Truck of the Week</a>]</strong>
The Roof Garden at The Peninsula
<strong>The Roof Garden at <a href="https://plus.google.com/107511620971461327327/about">The Peninsula</a></strong><br>
Every summer, the swank Beverly Hills Hotel goes a little down-home with its weekend BBQ dinners. From 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., sit near the pool surrounded by lush foliage and blue skies, and nibble on just-off-the-grill chicken with mint chimichurri, bone-in, dry-aged rib-eye steaks, swordfish or ribs (plus two sides with any entree).<em>9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-975-2855</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/open-call-worst-meal-ever.html" target="_blank">Open Call: Worst Meal Ever</a>]</strong>
Altitude at SLS Hotel
<strong>Altitude at <a href="https://plus.google.com/115141372446403894653/about">SLS Hotel</a></strong><br>
This is how to do a power breakfast: from the sixth floor of the SLS Hotel. Chef Jose Andres created the menu, which spans the Mediterranean and California. It's not as experimental as The Bazaar, but The Bazaar doesn't have this view. Breakfast starts at 9 a.m., and lunch goes until 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.<em>465 S. La Cienega Blvd.; 310-246-5552</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/06/week-in-gordon-ramsay-mollusk.html" target="_blank">The Week in Gordon Ramsay: Mollusk Milkshakes on <em>Hell's Kitchen</em> and More</a>]</strong>
Asia de Cuba
<strong><a href="https://plus.google.com/116862697192777261680/about">Asia de Cuba</a></strong><br>
Just in time for summer, the long-standing Mondrian restaurant has added a ceviche menu and raw bar for the warmer months, plus created a new cocktail program (punch bowls!). Sipping atop West Hollywood never tasted so good.<em>8440 W. Sunset Blvd.; 323-848-6000</em><strong>
[Also see: <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/05/10-high-end-bbq-spots-around-us.html" target="_blank">10 High-End BBQ Spots Around the U.S.</a>]</strong>
[Also see: 8 Crazy Restaurant Stunts From Around the U.S.]
