3 rooftop bars in Santa Monica our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Santa Monica nightlife.
Elephante ★ 4.3
downtown · 1332 2nd Street, Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Elephante stacks a coastal Italian kitchen onto a 2nd Street rooftop in Santa Monica, whipped eggplant, pizzas and pasta with the ocean over the rail.
Tip: Go before sunset for the light and stay for the DJ; weekend mornings it runs ricotta pancakes from 09:00.
Calabra ★ 4.3
downtown · 700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Calabra spreads Mediterranean-Californian plates across the Santa Monica Proper Hotel rooftop, a circular bar and garden terrace with Pacific views.
Tip: Proper Hour runs 16:00-17:00 weekdays and 15:00-17:00 weekends; the poolside alcoves take groups up to twelve.
The Penthouse ★ 4.1
downtown · 1111 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Penthouse floats on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, white banquettes and coastline views from breakfast through late cocktails.
Tip: Happy hour runs 16:00-18:00 on weekdays; sunset window tables go to whoever books earliest on OpenTable.