With a handful of bars that open at approximately the same time the sun rises, Los Angeles happily accommodates those craving an early morning cocktail. Here are places to drink before noon, sans judge-ey looks from the bartender.
First Cabin: If you kick it in Arcadia, (or simply ended there after a particularly rowdy night out), drag your hung-over, (possibly still drunk), self to First Cabin. This friendly dive will welcome you in with open arms and rail mixers that will set you back $3. (Yes, that’s right, $3). “Our prices are so low that we don’t have to do happy hour,” says a First Cabin bartender. That’s a first rate business model, especially first thing in the morning.Boozing begins: 6am46 East Huntington Drive, Arcadia, (626-446-2575)
Cozy Inn: You won’t find happy hour at this Culver City neighborhood bar, but you will find a solid serving of the hair of the dog that bit you. “We do a strong pour,” says a Cozy staff member. When you’re drinking through morning rush hour, a stiff beverage is likely what you’re after. If you’re also looking for darts, pool, shuffleboard and a jukebox stacked with oldies, you are in luck. Remember, cash only at Cozy. Boozing begins: 6am11155 Washington Place at Bentley Avenue, Culver City, (310-838-3826)Barney’s Beanery: This famed WeHo spot opens at 9am on the weekends and at 10am Monday through Friday. Post up at the bar -- just like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin used to do -- choose from one of Barney’s 32 tap beers, and get your before-noon buzz on -- just like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin used to do.Boozing begins: 9am8447 Santa Monica Boulevard, at North Croft Avenue, West Hollywood, (323-654-2287 or barneysbeanery.com)
The Abbey: There’s a reason The Abbey, (which was recently voted “best gay bar in the world”), has been an LA legend for nearly two decades, and it’s not just the incredible people watching. Grab a spot on The Abbey’s always bustling patio and don your chicest shades to discreetly check out the crowd. If you’re in morning after rehab mode, order a glass of Green Superfood with a shot of tequila on the side. And remember, it’s never too early for a piece of Italian Wedding Rum Cake. Boozing begins: 9am692 North Robertson Boulevard, at Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, (310-289-8410 or abbeyfoodandbar.com)
The Roost: Not only does this Atwater Village dive start serving alcohol while “Morning Becomes Eclectic” is still on the air, they also serve a free breakfast in the form of salty bar popcorn of the limitless serving variety. The drinks here are strong, the booths are comfortable and while some may find the red lighting scheme disorienting, it beats the sun when you’re trying to forget what time of day it is. Boozing begins: 10am3100 Los Feliz Boulevard, at Edenhurst Avenue, Atwater Village (323-664-7272)